ADVANCE is the ideal leadership development program for those new to supervisory roles or looking to enhance their skills. This is a twelve-week journey combining proven principles, tools, tactics, personal assessments, and peer learning to help new leaders achieve strong results.

Key learnings include:

  • Understanding the principles of leadership and team building, including managing up, down and laterally.
  • Understanding and application of Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Social Intelligence (SI) concepts
  • Becoming familiar with your dominant leadership style(s) and your style when you are in conflict. Exploring and practicing alternative styles and techniques to improve effectiveness in leadership and conflict management.
  • Understanding the basics of managing others, including setting goals, conducting effective meetings, giving feedback, holding crucial conversations and communicating effectively.

The ADVANCE program includes  professional presentations, interactive discussions, experiential learning, role playing, small group interactions, individual assessments, and a participant project.  Lasting peer network connections happen here.

ADVANCE Program Schedule

The training consists of six 3-hour sessions, one session every other week. All sessions are from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. Dates for 2024-25 are:

Winter/Spring 2026:  Wednesdays on March 11, March 25, April 8, April 22, May 6, May 20

We expect candidates will have full support of their agency and leadership to participate and that each will dedicate the time to attend the full series of classes. Fall and Spring 2025 class location is at United Way of Greater Cincinnati

Participant Expectations

Participation in this program is both a privilege and a responsibility. As a legacy-driven, career-building leadership development initiative, this program is designed to empower and elevate nonprofit leaders to their fullest potential. It is an honor to be selected, and with that honor comes the expectation of full commitment. 

We expect all participants to attend every session in person, as the interactive nature of this program relies heavily on your presence, input, and engagement. 

We understand that emergencies can happen, but attendance is non-negotiable except under extraordinary circumstances. Should an unavoidable situation arise, it is your responsibility to notify the facilitators in advance. 

Your dedication to this program reflects not only your commitment to your own growth but also your respect for the cohort and facilitators who invest deeply in this experience. By adhering to these expectations, you honor the spirit of this program and set the tone for the lasting impact you aim to make in your career and community.

Your supervisor and organization are investing in your growth as a manager and leader. Therefore, if the program is not completed due to excessive absences, your supervisor will be informed.

Selection Guidelines

The ADVANCE program is most relevant for first-time managers of people within their initial one to three years as a people leader. Candidates are eligible who have from six months to four years of management experience. Managers with shorter or longer periods of service, or those about to be promoted to supervisory roles, will be considered as circumstances warrant. To ensure the best opportunity for interactive learning and discussion, only two applicants from the same organization will be accepted in any one session and they must not be in a supervisor/direct report relationship.

Program Cost

The total cost for the program is $500 through June 30. The price for the fall 2025 session increases to $600 on July 1. Your application locks in the price; invoices will be sent in August. Keeping the cost of leadership training affordable for nonprofits would not be possible without the participation of volunteer instructors and speakers and generous grant support from Interact for Health and United Way of Greater Cincinnati.

Become a OneSource Member to qualify for member benefits including NLI program fee discounts!

Payment Policy

Invoices will be issued prior to the start of the program, payable in 30 days, unless a payment program is agreed upon before the start of the program. If you or your organization cannot pay in full prior to the deadline, we can create a payment plan based on your organization’s need. Please note, this payment plan must be created prior to the start of the program.

If you are officially accepted into the program and then you choose not to complete the program or course, your tuition will not be refunded. Course of action for these situations will be handled on an individual basis. ​