Spur Leaders Network
Formerly known as the Emerging Leaders Community (ELC).
Now Accepting Applications for the Fall 2025 Cohort!
The Spur Leaders Network, formerly known as the Emerging Leaders Community (ELC) program, is back this fall with a brand-new cohort! Over the course of 6 weeks, participants will take part in 6 engaging sessions designed to prepare emerging professionals for meaningful nonprofit board service. Whether you're looking to grow your leadership skills, expand your network, or give back in a more strategic way, Spur Leaders Network offers the tools and connections to help you lead with impact.
September 16th - October 21st | Every Tuesday from 11:30am-12:45pm | Virtual
Cost to participate in the program is $500 and CEUs pending.
Spur Leaders Network Purpose:
In alignment with Spur Impact’s pillars of professional development, community impact, and organizational development, we aim to build a board matching program to provide nonprofits with a pipeline of talent to join their board of directors. We also work with nonprofits to help with the onboarding and/or refresher courses for their current board members. This program is built by a Delaware nonprofit, for Delaware nonprofits!
Our Goals:
Grow the talent pool and create matching opportunities with interested individuals and nonprofits
Create opportunities for communities to become more involved in supporting nonprofits
Train emerging leaders on how to be on a board of directors
Level-up and refresh the skills of current nonprofit board members
The Plan:
Provide training to a small group of approximately 12-20 individuals, culminating in placement on a nonprofit board of directors that matches both the nonprofit and individual needs, interests, and expertise
The participants will meet in a lecture-like environment with subject matter experts to develop the skills needed to successfully join and enhance a board of directors
Recruit from Spur Impact’s established network of nonprofits and emerging leaders
Program Breakdown:
Participants go through coursework focused on building the foundational skills and knowledge needed to join and enhance a board of directors. Sessions include:
Nonprofit 101
Board roles and responsibilities
Leadership skill development
Strategic planning & program evaluation
Financial management
Fundraising
Timeline:
The Fall 2025 Cohort will take place over the course of 6 weeks for 6 sessions, starting on September 16th until October 21st
Each session will be held on every Tuesday for those 6 weeks from 11:30am - 12:45pm, held virtually on zoom
6 sessions. 6 weeks. Countless opportunities to make a difference.
Apply today and take your first step toward community leadership:
Program Benefits:
Emerging Leaders
Professional development
Service to the community
Networking
Current Board Members
Refresh and level-up your current board members skills
Nonprofits
Access to trained leaders
Influx of new talent
For additional questions and information, please email: leadership@spurimpact.org
FAQs
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Emerging leaders and individuals who are looking to join a nonprofit board
Current board members who would like a refresher or level-up their skills
Nonprofits who are looking for trained board members
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Nonprofit 101
Being on a board
Strategic Planning
Fundraising
Financial Management
Data, reporting, evaluation
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Yes, the cost per person is $500.
On a case by case basis we are offering partial scholarships to help cover costs to those that are in need.
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Our goal is to find sustainable connections for our nonprofit and emerging leader pairs. We want to match interests and skills to build longstanding relationships.
During the cohort we will connect you with the nonprofit and partner with you and the nonprofit to find a match. The matching timeline will vary based on the internal timelines of the nonprofit and leader. Our ultimate goal is to get emerging leaders placed on a nonprofit board of directors and create a sustainable partnership.
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A typical cohort has about 12-20 emerging leaders, who may or may not currently serve on a board of directors. Each leader will be expected to participate in 6 sessions over the course of 6 weeks (Sept. 16th-Oct. 21st), every Tuesday from 11:30am-12:45pm virtually.
During the cohort, if an individual is not currently on a board or would like to join an additional board, we will begin working to identify sustainable matches based on passions and skill set.
If an individual is already matched on a board, we will work with the nonprofit to ensure milestones are met.
Each session is focused on various aspect that a typical board member may encounter while serving.
Is your nonprofit looking for board members?
You can post board member openings on the Delaware Difference Makers website and we can help you connect with individuals who may be interested in serving!
