
The Executive Director Leadership Launchpad (EDL Launchpad)
Formerly known as the Nonprofit Academy, the EDL Launchpad is a supportive learning cohort designed to help new Executive Directors build confidence, strengthen their leadership, and better serve their communities.
About the Nonprofit Academy
About the EDL Launchpad
The EDL Leadership Launchpad is a facilitated learning experience for nonprofit leaders who want to strengthen their management, leadership, strategy, and community impact.
The cohort is facilitated by Jeff Bryant and Emily Allen of the Center for Nonprofit Business, who bring practical tools, real-world examples, and community-focused leadership insights.
Who is Eligible?
The EDL Launchpad is designed for:
Executive Directors and CEOs with under three years of experience in their current role
Leaders with more than three years in their role who feel they would benefit from structured learning and a peer cohort (reviewed case-by-case)
To ensure a meaningful, connected learning environment, only one participant per organization is accepted each year.
What is the Cost?
There is no cost to participate.
This program is fully funded by the Northern Nevada Endowment Fund, whose donors are investing in strong local leadership and a more resilient nonprofit sector.
The estimated value of this program is $1,500 per participant.
Program Schedule
The 2026 cohort will meet nine times between January and October (no July session).
When: Last Wednesday of each month
Time: 2:00–5:00 PM
Where: In person at TMCC Meadowood Campus or the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada
First session begins January 28, 2026.
Application Deadline
Applications Due: Monday, January 5, 2026 at 5:00 PM (PST)
Notification Date: Accepted participants will be notified by Friday, January 9, 2026
Applications for the 2026 Executive Director Leadership Launchpad are now open!
Applications due: Monday, January 05, 2026 by 5:00 PM (PST)
Notification date: Accepted participants will be notified by Friday, January 09, 2026

Contact Maricela Gutierrez Rodriguez, Director of Community Engagement
Email MaricelaCall 775-333-5499 Ext. 200