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The Allstate Foundation Nonprofit Leadership Center’s Emerging Leaders Program
Developing nonprofit leaders for the future
The Allstate Foundation is excited to support emerging nonprofit leaders with the newly developed Emerging Leaders Program launched in collaboration with the Kellogg School Center for Nonprofit Management at Northwestern University.
The new Emerging Leaders Program helps nonprofit professionals take the next step in their leadership journey and prepare for broader organizational leadership. Through leadership development, practical management training and nonprofit-specific learning, participants strengthen the skills needed to lead people, manage resources, influence across their organizations, and think strategically about mission impact.
Participants benefit from learning alongside a national cohort of nonprofit professionals who bring different perspectives, experiences and organizational challenges. Through discussion, collaboration and shared problem-solving, participants gain fresh ideas, expand their professional networks and develop lasting relationships that continue well beyond the program.
Together, these experiences prepare participants to lead with greater confidence, strengthen their organizations and create lasting impact in the communities they serve.
The application period will be open on November 9, 2026, and will close on January 15, 2027.
Virtual Information Sessions
Thursday, December 3, 2027, 11:00am-12:00pm CT
(registration closes at 11:00am CT on December 2)
Wednesday, December 9, 1:00-2:00pm CT
(registration closes at 1:00pm CT on December 8)
Program Objectives
The Kellogg School of Management is consistently ranked as a top five global business school. Their research and teaching help organizations tackle some of the most pressing challenges in today’s market. At the Kellogg School Center for Nonprofit Management, programs focus on developing the capacity of emerging and senior leaders of nonprofit organizations. During the course of the Emerging Leaders Program, participants will:
- Strengthen leadership effectiveness by developing greater self-awareness, communication skills and the ability to lead and develop others.
- Build core nonprofit management capabilities in areas such as team leadership, financial management, stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration.
- Enhance strategic thinking and decision-making to better align day-to-day leadership with organizational priorities and long-term mission impact.
- Apply new knowledge immediately by addressing real leadership challenges and identifying opportunities to strengthen team and organizational performance.
- Expand professional networks through a collaborative cohort experience that encourages peer learning, diverse perspectives and lasting professional connections.
Who Should Apply
This newly developed Emerging Leaders Program is for nonprofit professionals who are preparing for broader leadership responsibilities within their organizations.
Ideal Participants
The Emerging Leaders Program is designed for nonprofit professionals who are preparing for broader leadership responsibilities within their organizations. Competitive applicants will typically have:
- Three to ten years of experience in the nonprofit sector
- One to three years of demonstrated leadership experience, which may include managing people, leading projects, coordinating cross-functional initiatives, supervising volunteers, or influencing organizational decisions.
- A current role that reflects growing leadership responsibility, such as Associate Director, Senior Manager, Assistant Director, Deputy Director, Regional Manager, Site Director, Department Manager, Development Manager, Development Director, Team Lead, Supervisor, or a comparable position.
- A strong desire to continue growing as a leader and apply new knowledge to strengthen their organization and advance its mission.
Commitment of Resources and Time
The Emerging Leaders Program includes a virtual program orientation, three in-person sessions in Chicago, and 1:1 executive coaching sessions. Each in-person session in Chicago is three days long. Full program attendance is mandatory, and program and travel expenses are fully covered by The Allstate Foundation.
Program Dates:
- Program Orientation: March 18, 2027, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. CT on Zoom
- Session 1: April 13–15, 2027, onsite in Chicago
- Session 2: July 13–15, 2027, onsite in Chicago
- Session 3: October 5–7, 2027, onsite in Chicago
Application Process
The application will open on November 9, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until January 15, 2027.
The application will ask you about your current role and organization, as well as your professional leadership experience and eligibility criteria. The Kellogg School Center for Nonprofit Management and The Allstate Foundation will review candidates and select 35 participants in March 2027 in advance of the program starting in April 2027.
If this program is not a fit for you at this time, we encourage you to leverage the free Nonprofit Management Essentials online resources.
Application
FAQs
View the FAQs document