Catalysts - The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region

Catalysts for Change Leadership Program

The Catalysts for Change Leadership Program is an initiative of the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region.

Based on the Nourishing Tomorrow’s Leaders program at The Gifford Foundation, the Catalysts for Change Leadership Program is a 10-week board development series that teaches participants how to become effective nonprofit board members while aiming to increase diverse representation on nonprofit boards in the Capital Region.

The program is designed for up to 15 community members currently looking to join a local nonprofit board or new to serving on a board. After completing the program, participants will be connected to local nonprofits in the area looking for new board members and will join a network of leaders looking to change the state of diversity and inclusion on nonprofit boards.

The Catalysts for Change Leadership Program is open to all community members interested in learning and serving on a nonprofit board that is committed to representing the communities they serve.

The program will focus on recruiting and welcoming a diverse cohort.

Program Goals

Increase diversity on nonprofit boards and build inclusive cultures.
Create a pipeline of trained board members.
Strengthen the skills and knowledge of new leaders in the community.
Build and strengthen a supportive network to help board members survive and thrive.
Increasing awareness of equitable issues in our community.

For more information and questions, please contact Dylan Hall.

APPLY TODAY

Program Benefits, Expectations, and Application Process

Ideal Candidates will Have

Passion for serving the Capital Region and striving for equitable and just communities.
Motivation for personal leadership development and growth.
Current community involvement and the desire to join a nonprofit board or new to board service.
Interest in expanding their network and initiative to make connections.
Commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and action.

Benefits of Participating

Network with nonprofit board leaders and local community experts.
Develop a supportive network of peers from diverse identities and communities in the Capital Region.
Gain key leadership skills, resources, and knowledge that will aid in your nonprofit board service.
Build connections with local nonprofits looking to expand their board and increase their board diversity and inclusiveness.
Contribute to strengthening and advancing equity in the region.

Participant Expectations

Attend all sessions. Participants must attend 7 out of 8 sessions to complete the program and graduate.
Be open to growth and connecting with people from different identities and cultural backgrounds.
Take initiative to build connections within your cohort.
Willingness to provide critical feedback to help the program improve and expand in the future.
Stay connected after completing the program to build a strong network of leaders in the region.

2026 Program Timeline

Application Open: July 20 - August 14
Program Participants Notified: Week of August 25
Participant Meet and Greet: September 10 (5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.)
September 15: How Boards Add Value with Shaleena
September 22: The Evolution of Nonprofits
September 29: Nonprofit Life Cycles
October 6: Board Roles and Responsibilities
October 13: Financial Readiness for Board Service: Personal & Nonprofit Essentials
October 20: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
October 27: Collaboration & Conflict Management
November 4: Your Leadership in Action
November 18: Catalyst Graduation

APPLY TODAY

CATALYSTS ALUMNI

Please email Dylan Hall for more information.

NONPROFIT BOARD OPPORTUNITIES

To highlight board service opportunities for our Catalysts graduates and other community leaders, the Foundation conducted a survey; inviting nonprofit organizations to share their information to be included on a list of IDEA-committed organizations seeking to increase diversity on their boards.

The Community Foundation received over 100 submissions and this resource is now available. The listing is a user-friendly and up-to-date Google spreadsheet that can be downloaded and sorted to suit the user’s needs.

If you represent a nonprofit organization and are interested in adding your organization to the list, please complete the survey below. Your response will be automatically added to the current listing.

If you have any questions, please email us at info@cfgcr.org.

Community Foundation Submissions

Add your Organization - FIll out this survey