Information Sessions
Potential applicants are encouraged to attend an Information Session to learn more about the program and application process.
Program Overview
Six months of practical tools, peer learning, & expert guidance for growing nonprofits
DYCD Leadership Academy equips nonprofit leaders with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to cultivate healthy, high-performing organizations.
Upon completing the Academy, members will have a clear understanding of the components of a healthy organization, strengthened leadership skills, and a broadened professional network of supportive peers.
Program Outcomes
The Leadership Academy will give you practical tools to help you:
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Manage cash flow & financial health
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Hire & retain staff
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Build infrastructure to strengthen and grow
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Measure what matters
And, access to a supportive community of peers, coaches, & experts as you apply these to your organization's goals.
Eligibility
This program is designed for growing nonprofits with an eagerness to improve, and who have full-time organizational leaders who can commit to the program.
Organizations submitting applications must meet the following requirements:
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Are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
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Are registered with the Charities Bureau of the New York State Office of the Attorney General.
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Are based in New York City and primarily serve NYC residents (at least 75%).
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Have a full-time organizational executive leader that can commit to fully participating in the program.
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Have 1-2 additional organizational leader(s)—board or staff—who can commit to attending relevant sessions.
Required
Advantageous
Preferred considerations in participant selection (not required):
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Have organizational revenue of at least $600,000 and up to $3 million.
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Have a demonstrated commitment to alleviate the effects of poverty and to provide opportunities for New Yorkers and communities to flourish.
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Demonstrates a commitment to diversity and inclusion, including the makeup of its leadership.
Organizations that do not meet all the preferred criteria are still encouraged to apply.
Cost
The program is funded by DYCD so is free for participants and their organizations.
Program Components
Opening Retreat
The program will begin with a two-day retreat, organized to build relationships between participants, help them reflect on strengths and weaknesses in their organization, and set achievement goals.
Day 1
Academy Kick-off
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Cohort introductions
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Telling the story of your nonprofit
9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Thursday, November 12
Day 2
Opening Session
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Aspects of a healthy nonprofit
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Setting organizational goals
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Accessing peer & expert support
9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Peer Connection Hour
4:00 – 5:00 pm
Friday, November 13
Core Learning Sessions
These sessions are structured to include time to learn a strategy, framework, or tool that will make your nonprofit run better, as well as dedicated time to collaborate with peers on how to apply the lessons within your organizations.
Each session is in-person and focuses on an area that is key to nonprofit operations. Participants are encouraged to invite a staff or board member to join them to jumpstart implementation within their organization.
Session Topics & Dates
01
Measuring What Matters: Monitoring & Evaluation Frameworks for Nonprofits
December 4
02
Strategic Planning for Leaders
January 8
03
Nonprofit Fundraising: Winning and Managing Grants
January 29
04
Essentials of Finance for Government Funding
February 26
05
Building Strong Foundations: HR Essentials for Nonprofit Excellence
March 19
06
Board Best Practices: Meetings, Committees, and Accountability
April 2
Focus Area Improvement Project
The second half of the program is designed to move theory into practice. Participants will identify organizational changes they’d like to make within one content area and complete a focus-area improvement project that aligns with their goal setting.
Work during this phase will be supported by coaching and peer support. Two half-day working sessions are planned to allow easy access to peers and TA providers.
A half-day closing session will allow each organization to highlight their accomplishments and get final support from the TA providers and each other.
Session Dates
All sessions will be 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Working Session 1
April 16
Working Session 2
May 4
Closing Session
May 7
Office Hours
Industry experts will be available for office hours by appointment for one-on-one support and during the program.
How to Apply
Applicants will need to complete the DYCD Leadership Academy application to be considered. Applications will be evaluated by a selection committee.
Prospective participants can apply either:
(1) Apply online at this link
(2) Email a completed PDF application to rebecca@8RES.org.
Applications are due: Monday, October 19, 2026.
If you have any questions, please email rebecca@8RES.org
Timeline
September 21, 2026
Applications Open
October 19, 2026
Applications Due
October 26, 2026
Acceptances Issued
November 12, 2026
Program Begins
The Team
Program sessions will be led by nonprofit experts including:
8RES is a certified Minority Women’s Business Enterprise (MWBE) that works to strengthen and empower nonprofit leaders through services that build on their organization’s existing expertise and context. We blend academic rigor and practical experience to enhance organizational capacity and drive mission advancement. Our services include Organizational Development; Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning; Board Development; Fundraising; Strategic Planning; Leadership Building; Program Design and Development; Change Management; and Innovation.
BDO aims to help nonprofits build fiscal strength. Their work with nonprofits and foundations is focused on providing the tailored assistance organizations need to develop capacity to fulfill their mission more effectively and efficiently. Their dedicated team of professionals serves nonprofit organizations, wherever they are on the organization development continuum, from start-up to legacy.
Sentient Shift by L White is a certified NYC and NYS MWBE who provides consulting services to foster successful workplaces. They provide capacity-building services to individuals and agencies using a human-centered and inclusive framework to enhance workspaces and support staff. They specialize in talent development, employee engagement, leadership development, and workplace wellness.