"As Executive Directors, we have a unique set of conflicts and I believe that together not only can we learn from each other and share best practices, but we can also grow and figure out how to combat our unique issues in better ways. That is something that I found at EDLI and I am incredibly grateful for it."
Executive Directors Leadership Institute (EDLI)
About The Program
EDLI is designed exclusively for nonprofit Executive Directors, combining long-term coaching and facilitated cohort learning sessions in a program that has been supporting nonprofit leaders for over 20 years.
Join EDLI and grow your network by building relationships with other nonprofit leaders, as you learn ways to think more strategically and develop solutions to the extraordinary challenges you face. With reinforcement through in-depth training and personalized coaching, the dynamic EDLI program responds to the emerging needs of nonprofit leaders of today.
What You'll Get
- One-on-One Coaching: Be matched with an ESC consultant who will serve as your personal coach for nine months. Together, you’ll design a customized plan to support your goals and gain a trusted thought-partner to help navigate your challenges.
- Peer Community: Join a close-knit cohort of nonprofit leaders in a confidential, supportive space. Learn from peers and EDLI alumni, share experiences, and build lasting connections that extend beyond the program.
- Practical Curriculum: Explore essential leadership topics including organizational culture, fiscal accountability, and board management. Sessions are interactive, with real-world applications tailored to each cohort.
- Beyond the Program: Gain access to alumni gatherings and discounted coaching opportunities after program completion.
What You'll Learn
EDLI will give you practical tools and strategies to build critical leadership skills and transform the effectiveness and impact of your organization.
Topics for EDLI 2027 include:
- Shaping and sustaining your organization’s culture
- Managing your board strategically
- Exploring effective nonprofit leadership
- Leading fiscal oversight and responsibility
- Building a stronger development team comprised of both your board and staff
-
How to stay resilient in a very challenging job
Additional discussion topics may be customized based on the input of the cohort and based on its evolving needs over the course of the year
Coaching
You will be matched with one of our consultants who will serve as your leadership coach for 9-months. As your thought partner, your ESC consultant will listen to your specific organizational needs, help you identify opportunities and solutions, and support you as you complete monthly commitments within a supportive and accountable environment.
Past participants who have taken advantage of more than 40 hours (approximately 2 sessions per month) of coaching throughout the year often report the biggest transformation in their leadership approach.
Community
You will join a cohort of fellow nonprofit leaders to build a supportive and confidential forum in which to share knowledge and personal experience, develop peer coaching skills and explore new strategies for dealing with challenging situations.
Together, you will learn how to leverage your learnings and network to lead your organization and staff to better fulfill your mission. Intentional social pods are created for you to build closer connections to colleagues.
Curriculum
You will explore comprehensive leadership topics and strengthen your nonprofit management skills through a series of workshops that will cover the topics listed above.
Through presentations, facilitated discussions, and interactive exercises with real world applications, instructors from diverse backgrounds, with subject matter expertise and nonprofit experience, create a dynamic learning environment.
How It Works
Our Program Fees
Organizations with annual budgets under $1 million:
$3,250/participant
Organizations with annual budgets of $1 – $4.9 million:
$3,750/participant
Organizations with annual budgets of $5 million or more:
$4,500/participant
- Payment due on February 10, 2027
Application Process
Program Begins February 2027
Apply now through our online form below or contact staff with any questions:
Meghan Maloney, Director of Volunteers and Cohort Programs, at [email protected] or (213) 613-9103 x119
Upon receipt of the application, you will be contacted to schedule a virtual interview.
Please ask about additional financial assistance that may be available for eligible organizations to further reduce your program fees.
Training Sessions
In-person sessions take place at The California Endowment building in downtown Los Angeles from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with breakfast and lunch provided.
Sessions alternate between in-person and virtual meetings.
One-hour virtual sessions from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. introduce each month’s topic and core practices, while the following in-person sessions focus on practical application of those principles, tailored to each participant.
- Wednesday, February 10, 2027 (in-person)
- Wednesday, February 24, 2027 (virtual)
- Wednesday, March 10, 2027 (in-person)
- Wednesday, March 24, 2027 (virtual)
- Wednesday, April 14, 2027 (in-person)
- Wednesday, April 28, 2027 (virtual)
- Wednesday, May 12, 2027 (in-person)
- Wednesday, May 26, 2027 (virtual)
- Wednesday, June 9, 2027 (in-person)
- Wednesday, June 23, 2027 (virtual)
- Wednesday, July 14, 2027 (in-person)
- Wednesday, July 28, 2027 (virtual)
- Wednesday, August 11, 2027 (in-person)
Want to Know More?
For more information, please contact Meghan Maloney, Director, Volunteers and Cohort Programs, at [email protected]
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