Criteria
Women, women identifying, or gender non-binary person:
- Emerging leadership position in a nonprofit organization in greater Chicago, this can include the following positions: new executive directors, program directors, organizing directors, policy directors, lead organizers, etc.
- Currently funded by a programmatic grant from a Cultivate participating foundation
- Minimum 2 years experience in the non-profit sector
- Can commit to attending the Cultivate orientation and six (6) sessions
- Can commit to participating in ten (10) hours individual coaching with an Executive Coach
- Working in the field of community organizing, policy and advocacy (not direct service).
Foundation Partners
Other Supporting Foundations
Application
Application Deadline:
Opens in Fall 2027
Complete Application Online
Complete and submit your application online and upload your résumé
Questions
If you have any questions about Cultivate or the applications process, please contact your foundation representative:
– Chicago Foundation for Women
Christina Armstrong – carmstrong@cfw.org
– Chicago Community Trust
– Crossroads Fund:
Nouha Boundaoui – nouha@crossroadsfund.org
Lizette Garza, lizette@crossroadsfund.org
– Woods Fund Chicago:
Bahati Aimee – bahati@woodsfund.org
Application for the Cultivate Leadership Program 2025 – 2026 cohort is now open. If you are a woman or nonbinary leader working in the social, economic, and/or racial justice movements and are interested in leadership development and receiving Executive Coaching, please consider applying!
This opportunity is limited to current or grantees of Crossroads Fund, Chicago Foundation for Women, Chicago Community Trust, and Woods Fund Chicago.
Apply before October 27, 2025 at: bit.ly/applycultivate