The Delaware County Foundation presents LEAD2026, an exclusive cohort designed to empower and strengthen executive leaders of local nonprofit organizations. Best of all, this program is offered at no cost to those selected.

LEAD2026 seeks ten (10) outstanding Delaware County nonprofit executive leaders. The program kicks off with a preliminary survey and culminates in September, concluding with a final session and celebratory reception. Over six sessions, which will take place from March to September 2026, participants will engage in enriching discussions and learning. July will be a session-free month. Additionally, individual meetings will be arranged with each participant to provide personalized support throughout the program.

Non-profit organizations are often hindered by capacity issues such as board development, financial stability, staffing shortages, and consistency in fundraising. LEAD2026 will provide the structure and networking for nonprofit leaders to share and engage with other leaders. Intended outcomes include information sharing, problem solving and solution identification, collaborations, and personal and professional development.

Each participant will be asked to identify one project they want to complete as a result of this program. Types of projects could include financial review and sustainability plan, employment strategy, updating staff and volunteer management policies, fundraising program enhancement, board development plan and/or other plans that enhance the organization’s viability.

Potential Topics Include

• Boards-Role, Responsibilities, Recruitment, Orientation
• Volunteer Management
• People-Human Resources Trends and Policies
• DEI Initiatives
• Translating Data into Storytelling-Measuring Outcomes
• Linking Money to Mission
• Fundraising
• Transformative Growth-Capital Campaigns, Strategic Partnerships, Program Expansion & Funding
• Leadership
• Grant Writing

*Topics may be adjusted based on assessment results.

The Delaware County Foundation presents LEAD2026, an exclusive cohort designed to empower and strengthen executive leaders of local nonprofit organizations. Best of all, this program is offered at no cost to those selected.

LEAD2026 seeks ten (10) outstanding Delaware County nonprofit executive leaders. The program kicks off with a preliminary survey and culminates in September, concluding with a final session and celebratory reception. Over six sessions, which will take place from March to September 2026, participants will engage in enriching discussions and learning. July will be a session-free month. Additionally, individual meetings will be arranged with each participant to provide personalized support throughout the program.

Non-profit organizations are often hindered by capacity issues such as board development, financial stability, staffing shortages, and consistency in fundraising. LEAD2026 will provide the structure and networking for nonprofit leaders to share and engage with other leaders. Intended outcomes include information sharing, problem solving and solution identification, collaborations, and personal and professional development.

Each participant will be asked to identify one project they want to complete as a result of this program. Types of projects could include financial review and sustainability plan, employment strategy, updating staff and volunteer management policies, fundraising program enhancement, board development plan and/or other plans that enhance the organization’s viability.

Potential Topics Include

• Boards-Role, Responsibilities, Recruitment, Orientation
• Volunteer Management
• People-Human Resources Trends and Policies
• DEI Initiatives
• Translating Data into Storytelling-Measuring Outcomes
• Linking Money to Mission
• Fundraising
• Transformative Growth-Capital Campaigns, Strategic Partnerships, Program Expansion & Funding
• Leadership
• Grant Writing

*Topics may be adjusted based on assessment results.