Program Overview

Monthly full-day gatherings (in-person, with some virtual sessions in winter months) where EDs learn, connect, and apply tools together in community.

The full-day sessions are often where the magic happens at the ED Academy. The training is tailored to the real challenges of leading a not-for-profit. Together we explore practical tools on a range of leadership and organizational topics, and take time to reflect on their work. 

Perhaps most importantly, they learn from one another’s experiences and discover they are not alone. Relatively quickly, these sessions build a trusted community of leaders who share successes, missteps, tough decisions, and small wins. Many participants say this community is one of the most valuable parts of the program.

“This [one] session alone is more professional development than we would get in six seminars. It gets us out of the day-to-day and gives me a boost when I’m losing steam.” - EDA Participant

For flexible, self-paced learning with videos, assessments, and 100+ tools and templates tailored specifically for not-for-profit management.

The online training is hosted on a learning platform that allows participants to progress at their own pace. It includes short training videos, assessments, and over 100+ tools, templates, and resources tailored for not-for-profit organizations. The range covers all areas of strategy, planning, and operations, such as policy manuals and budget templates.

The self-directed learning modules are accessible from program start, meaning that participants can access specific topics that are most pressing for them. For example, a participant can use an audit checklist to prepare for their first audit instead of following a set training pathway.

“I also have been LOVING the templates! As a first-time ED, it was such a relief to have a template offered, and often highlighting pieces I didn’t know I might need to consider!” - EDA Participant

Monthly expert-led virtual trainings on key topics for nonprofit Executive Directors.

Leadership Lens is a monthly 60-minute training session designed specifically for Executive Directors. Led by sector experts, these focused sessions introduce practical frameworks and perspectives that support participants in navigating complex leadership challenges and real-world situations.

Monthly opportunity for individualized support or small-group coaching sessions with the facilitator.

During monthly Office Hours, participants can join a virtual meeting space to access their facilitator directly, ask questions, discuss challenges, and receive personalized coaching in a supportive, interactive setting.

“The connection within this time together has been transformative!!! How reassuring to know that other folks in varying fields experience some of the same challenges you do!” - ED Academy Participant

Structured time set aside each month for EDs to work on learning materials or higher-level thinking and planning for their organizations.

These sessions provide a dedicated space for EDs to work alongside peers, either collaboratively or independently. This reinforces the importance of prioritizing planning and professional development, which are often overlooked amid the competing demands of an ED role.

The Community Hub is a private online platform customized for the ED Academy, offering a place for participants and facilitators to connect, ask questions, and stay engaged between live sessions.

As the primary communication space for the ED Academy, it’s a one-stop place for announcements, resources, and conversations between participants and facilitators.

Here, Executive Directors can connect with peers, continue discussions from training sessions, share resources, and reach out for support when questions arise. Over time, it becomes another layer of connection that strengthens the community built through the program.

“Sharing something good was a timely pick me up and a reminder to look at the bigger picture and not sweat the small stuff.” - EDA Participant

Each participant is supported to create or refine four foundational blueprint documents that are often missing in small non-profits.

In many organizations, critical knowledge lives in people’s heads. When leadership changes, that experience and context can easily walk out the door. By developing these core documents together, Executive Directors create clarity for themselves today while strengthening the long-term stability of their organizations.

The documents we work on together are:

• Annual Operating Plan

• Annual Budget

• Board Calendar

• ED Manual
  

Together, they help leaders organize their work, strengthen communication with their boards, and build systems that support the organization well into the future.

“I feel like I’m honing in on what to start with in terms of stabilizing my organization.” - EDA Participant