AFP Leadership Institute

Applications are now open for AFP's new week-long intensive leadership learning experience.

As baby boomers retire, nonprofits are having trouble finding qualified individuals to fill key leadership roles. AFP Global, in partnership with the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy, is addressing this gap with a new leadership development program, designed to provide the next generation with the skills they need to claim a seat at the leadership table.

This program is focused on four key leadership skill sets: self-awareness, culture building, communication, and learning agility.

The application process will open on July 17, 2023.

What is the AFP Leadership Institute?

AFP’s Leadership Institute is a week-long in-person learning experience, the second cohort will take place Sunday, November 5 – Friday, November 10, 2023 in Arlington, VA.

This deeply reflective, action-oriented program teaches both the theory, as well as practical applications, of key leadership concepts, with a focus specifically on applying these leadership skills to the fundraising profession.

Who is the Leadership Institute built for?

This program is designed by fundraisers, for fundraisers who aspire to the next level of leadership in the nonprofit industry.

Selected participants will have both fundraising and staff management experience, and, crucially, will represent the diversity of our field (geographically, demographically, and representing different organization sizes and career trajectories).

Participants will be change agents, open to self-reflection, generous and willing colleagues, and ready to work.

What will I learn?

AFP's Leadership Institute focuses on key areas of leadership, essential to building a growth mindset, including learning agility, adaptability, communication, team development and motivation, decision-making, and strategic thinking.

Case studies, deliverables, discussion prompts, and guest speakers will all directly tie into fundraising and the experience of fundraisers.

You will develop self-awareness and a practice of reflection to help you become an authentic leader, rooted in your own core values and strengths.

The leadership skills learned are highly transferable across job positions, organizations, and hierarchies, and can be applied to management responsibilities like talent management, strategic planning, and board management.

How can Leadership Institute benefit me?

We are not building cookie cutter leaders. We’re giving you tools and helping you build key competencies to support YOUR leadership trajectory in fundraising and beyond.

Come away with an individualized career growth plan, reflective of your leadership goals, skills, and growth areas.
Connect with other aspiring leaders for ongoing conversations beyond the program.
Participate in 1:1 coaching sessions to develop skills specific to your needs.
Learn effective culture-building strategies that focus on inclusivity, diversity, equity, and access.

Key Application Information

Cohorts will be limited to no more than twenty-five participants.

Program Cost:

AFP Member discounted rate: $4,900 USD
Nonmember rate: $5,900 USD
Once accepted into the program participants will make a nonrefundable $500 USD payment to hold their spot.
Scholarships are available. Applicants accepted into the program will have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship at that time.

To apply applicants should:

Have between 5 -15 years of fundraising or relevant nonprofit work experience.
Have some supervisory experience. (Have managed at least one full time staff member)
Be willing to engage with the leadership development cohort community following the week-long experience.
Aspire for career advancement!

What’s included with The AFP Leadership Institute:

5 full days of immersive leadership development training.
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) from Sunday evening through Friday afternoon except for dinner on your own two nights during the program week.
Executive coaching sessions following the program week.
Networking and professional development opportunities in person, online, and virtual with all cohorts.

Participant Expectations:

Participants in the program will be expected to complete prework readings and take the CliftonStrengths Assessment.
Be fully engaged throughout the week and present.

What’s not included:

Travel and hotel expenses
- Program hotel: Hilton Arlington | $235.00 USD plus tax per night