Today’s leaders,
tomorrow’s visionaries.
It is critically important that future nonprofit executive directors and managers in New York have the necessary knowledge and skills to guide their organizations in successfully addressing the challenges and opportunities facing New Yorkers and the nation. We believe that these competencies are developed holistically, through a combination of formal instruction, lived experiences, and workplace learning.
Leadership Fellows New York is the premier professional development opportunity for mid-career nonprofit practitioners in the metropolitan New York City region. The fellowship program represents a diverse, inclusive, and talented community of nonprofit leaders who are advancing social justice missions in New York and beyond.
Upon completion of the program, Leadership Fellows receive an executive certificate from the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs at Baruch College and have access to a community of lifelong learners.
Spring 2023 nominations are currently open.
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“Gleaning from such a diverse assemblage of distinct leadership was rewarding in and of itself, however, having the opportunity to spend my Fridays with a fantastic group of colleagues made it that much more special.”
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“Taking part in the fellowship was one of the best things I could have done. From building networks with individuals with a similar passion to developing my managerial abilities, the fellowship gave me the push I needed.”
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“The New York Community Trust Leadership Fellows was inspiring and changed my perspective on leadership. I look forward to applying the significant skills I gained through the fellowship program.”
Program Overview
Fellows will participate in at least 10 class sessions on Fridays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. They will also be expected to attend all of our Leadership Conversations, which are scheduled roughly once every two months on a Monday from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
All of the costs associated with the fellowship are underwritten by foundations. The program is effectively free for applicants and their organizations.
It features:
- A curriculum taught through the lens of real-world issues and trends
- Small group exercises using tools and strategies to address the particular challenges and/or opportunities faced by the nonprofit sector
- Leadership Conversations where fellows connect with nonprofit sector, social justice practitioners and government leaders
- The opportunity to have a minimum of four 1-hour meetings with a carefully selected mentor
We aim to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for communities of color and immigrants, and we encourage executive directors to consider nominating talented people of color from their staff.
Eligibility
- You must be a mid-career professional with a minimum of five years of overall nonprofit experience and at least three years of managerial experience — managing people, projects, and budgets.
- You must be nominated by your executive director or CEO.
- Your organization must have received a grant from The New York Community Trust, The Westchester Community Foundation, or The Long Island Community Foundation within the last three years. Donor-advised funds are not eligible.
- To find the list of organizations that are eligible for the Spring 2023 cohort, please click here.
Class Schedule
The tentative schedule for the Spring 2023 cohort is listed below. All of these dates are on Fridays. These dates are subject to change.
- April 14, 2023
- No session on April 21, 2023 in observance of Eid.
- April 28, 2023
- May 5, 2023
- May 12, 2023
- May 19, 2023
- No session on May 26 in observance of Memorial Day.
- June 2, 2023
- June 9, 2023
- No session on June 16 in observance of Juneteenth.
- June 23, 2023
- June 30, 2023
- July 7, 2023
How Nominations Are Assessed
Nominations are scored on a 20-point scale. Candidates are awarded a maximum of 5 points for each of the following categories:
- Analytical Thinking: Does the candidate describe a challenge or issue that gives context to his/her proposed project?
- Written Communication Skills: Is the writing clear and convincing?
- Leadership Experience: Has the candidate held leadership roles with internal and external stakeholders at his/her organization? Does the candidate have leadership experience prior to his/her current organization?
- Proposed Change Project: Is the proposed change project of front-burner importance to the organization?
Change Project
The change project is an initiative of front-burner importance for the organization, developed in consultation with the executive director or CEO of the organization. The projects must address a leadership or management issue, challenge, and/or opportunity facing their organizations. Fellows use the skills gained through the curriculum to develop a strategic plan to bring the change project to fruition. For more information, please visit our FAQs page.
Join Us
Spring 2023 nominations are currently open.
Please submit your nomination by end of day Friday, March 31, 2023.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible.
If you have any questions, please contact us at info@trustleadership.org.