Do you want to take your agency to the next level?

EXCEL is a nine-month leadership development and skills training program designed for nonprofit ceo’s, executive directors, their direct reports on the the executive leadership team, and those on track to senior leadership within the next few years. In addition to the intensive skills-building curriculum, each participant receives a personal coach to help them achieve their unique growth goals.

Key topics to be covered are:

  • Leading with Emotional Intelligence
  • Strength Based Leadership: Improving Management and Relationships with CliftonStrengths (a.k.a. StrengthFinders)
  • Strategic Thinking and Planning
  • Leading with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • Building Diverse High Functioning Teams
  • Change Management
  • Organizational Development, Fundraising and Board Development
  • Financial Management

EXCEL 2024-25 Program Schedule

The 2024-25 cohort will meet approximately once a month starting in October 2024 and culminating with graduation in June 2025.

Session One – Tuesday, October 1, 2024 (Camp Joy)
Session Two – Friday, October 18
Session Three – Friday, November 15
Session Four – Friday, December 6
Session Five – Friday, January 17, 2025
Session Six – Friday, February 14
Session Seven – Friday, March 14
Session Eight – Friday, April 11
Session Nine – Friday, May 16
Session Ten – Friday, June 13 (Graduation)

The first session is planned to be held at Camp Joy from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
All other sessions will at the United Way of Greater Cincinnati from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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.

Selection Criteria

All candidates for EXCEL must submit an application and have the full support and commitment of their organization to participate in the nine-month program.  Applicants will participate in a confidential face-to-face meeting with program instructors as part of the admission process, and to assist in matching each participant with a compatible coach.

To ensure the best opportunity for interactive learning and discussion, no more than one applicant from the same organization will be accepted for each cohort.

The selection process seeks to ensure a diverse group in personal background, organizations represented, and functional area of responsibility.

Program Cost

The total cost for participating in the EXCEL program, including all course materials, catered lunches (when appropriate), and individualized coaching, is $1,700.

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.

Some scholarship money may be available.

Payment Policy

To help ensure a full cohort, tuition will be collected in full prior to 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. ​