Aspiring Executive Directors Program
Preparing the next generation of nonprofits leaders in Findlay and Hancock County.
A two-year leadership development experience designed to equip rising nonprofit professionals with the knowledge, skills, and real-world experience needed to confidently step into executive director roles.
With many nonprofit leaders nearing retirement, our region faces a leadership gap. This program builds a pipeline of prepared, confident, and mission-driven executive directors to ensure continuity, impact, and sustainability for our local nonprofits.
Who It's For
- Rising Nonprofit Leaders: Mid-level professionals ready to grow into executive roles.
- Career Transitioners: Experienced professionals entering the nonprofit sector.
- Board Members: Those exploring a shift from governance to staff leadership.
Program Structure
Year One: Education & Foundations
Participants complete the Nonprofit Management Certificate through the Center for Nonprofit Resources, including hybrid cohort learning and à la carte online modules such as:
- Principles of Marketing for Nonprofits
- Introduction to Nonprofit Management
- Board & Volunteer Development
Year Two: Application & Leadership Practice
Participants apply their learning through:
- A Capstone Project co-created with a local nonprofit in one of eight focus areas (e.g., Strategy, Fundraising, HR, Communications).
- Quarterly in-person cohort sessions for peer learning and project development.
- Mentorship & Shadowing with a local executive director.
- One-on-one coaching with a nonprofit leadership coach.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates will:
- Demonstrate readiness for executive leadership.
- Present a high-impact capstone project.
- Apply strategic, ethical, and mission-driven leadership.
- Engage in reflective and peer-based learning.
Program Highlights
- Cohort-based learning and networking.
- Personalized mentorship and coaching.
- Real-world leadership experience.
- Certificate of completion and graduation celebration.
Location and Schedule
- Year One: Online and hybrid learning via the Center for Nonprofit Resources
- Year Two: Quarterly in-person sessions at The Community Foundation
Expectations
- Participate fully for the duration of the program.
- Successfully complete the Nonprofit Management Course.
- Attend all four quarterly sessions in Year 2.
- Complete the capstone project and present it at the end of Year 2.
- Participate in mentoring and shadowing at another nonprofit.
- Participate in individual coaching sessions.
- Selected cohort members will receive a 100% scholarship for the program. The sponsoring nonprofit agrees to reimburse The Community Foundation if the participant does not complete the program.
Apply or Nominate
Up to 10 participants will be chosen through a competitive application process. Applications will be reviewed by a committee comprising TCF staff, board members and partnering consultants.
Multiple staff from a single organization may apply; however, only one person from that organization will be selected. The sponsoring organization’s executive director agrees to serve as a mentor for a participant in the program.
Contact Cassie Turner for information on how to apply. Applications are due by noon on Friday, December 5, 2025. Those selected to be in the cohort will be notified by December 12, 2025.
About the Program
The Aspiring Executive Directors Program is conducted by TCF in partnership with Kessel Strategies.
Kessel Strategies helps growth-minded nonprofit leaders gain courage and confidence in their leadership through one-on-one executive coaching, peer group learning sessions, and team leadership development. Each member of the Kessel Strategies team brings a curious philosophy and a genuine approach to the Aspiring Executive Directors program, challenging leaders to discover new possibilities, expand their thinking, and uncover new insights that lead to improving their leadership, decision-making, and overall confidence.