LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. WHO SHOULD APPLY?
YNPN members currently working in the nonprofit/social sector who have 5-7 years of professional experience. This program best fits individuals who have had experience managing projects and other people and who are looking to advance in the near future. To be successful, participants should have the support of their current employers, which includes having time off to attend monthly sessions and having the opportunity to apply new skills in the workplace.
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See our letter of recommendation template.
2. WHAT BENEFITS DOES THIS PROGRAM BRING TO THE APPLICANT?
Applicants are not only introduced to a curriculum that focuses on building leadership skills but also matched to a mentor who will provide one-on-one guidance. Furthermore, the Leadership Institute uses a cohort model that allows meaningful relationships to develop among participants, facilitators, and the YNPN Chicago network. These networks remain in place long after the sessions have concluded.
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Need to request funding from your employer? Use our email template!
3. WHAT BENEFITS WOULD THIS PROGRAM BRING TO AN APPLICANT’S EMPLOYER?
Whereas some leadership programs teach skills meant to be employed once individuals become part of the leadership team, YNPN’s leadership program focuses on teaching skills and creating awareness that can be used now (at mid-level career) and in the future. We anticipate participants gaining insight and skills that will immediately impact their work performance. Additionally, participants are often introduced to new tools and ideas that they take back to share with their teams.
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Need to request funding from your employer? Use our email template!
4. HOW MUCH OF A TIME COMMITMENT IS THIS PROGRAM?
The program meets for seven three-hour sessions monthly from January through July. Some additional time is required outside of monthly sessions to complete assignments such as reading articles and keeping a journal. In addition, participants are expected to meet with their mentor monthly. However, the time and duration of those meetings are up to the discretion of the mentor and mentee.
5. WHAT ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS PROGRAM?
The LI’s curriculum is both internally and externally focused. Content focuses on self-awareness, which enables one to build upon one's leadership style and develop skills crucial to communication, management, and strategic planning. Participants will also gain access to tools that enable them to better understand the sector as a whole and key facets of successful organizational operating strategies.
6. HOW BIG ARE THE COHORTS?
The cohorts will have between 12 and 15 participants.
7. WHERE AND WHEN WILL THE SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?
The first and last dates will be held in person, and three sessions will be hosted on Zoom from 9 am to 12 pm on a Friday of each month. Two other dates will be in person, dates to be determined. Location for in-person sessions will be provided with advanced notice.
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2025 Dates:
Jan 31 (in person), Feb 21 (virtual), March 21 (TBD), April 25 (virtual), May 16 (TBD), June 27 (virtual), July 18 (in person).
8. HOW MUCH DOES THE PROGRAM COST?
The cost for participants is $400. As part of our core mission, we can keep the cost of Leadership Institute low compared to other leadership programs. We do this through the generosity of community partners and grant support.
We encourage participants to seek employer funding for participation in this program on the following sliding scale:
- Organizational budget under $2 million: $400
- Organizational budget between $2 and 5 million: $525
- Organizational budget between $5 and 10 million: $775
- Organizational budget over $10 million: $950
We never want cost to be a barrier to someone applying. If finance is a barrier to participating, please continue with your application, and we are happy to discuss potential solutions including a discounted rate, monthly payment plans, etc. Any requests for financial assistance will influence the selection process.
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Need to request funding from your employer? Use our email template!
9. WHAT IS THE APPLICATION PROCESS?
All applicants are required to submit an application, resume, and letter of reference/support. Not sure how to request a letter of reference? Use our email template!
After the application deadline, applications are reviewed in a blind selection process by a committee composed of YNPN Chicago board members. There is no interview process. All applicants will be notified of final decisions by mid-December.
10. WHEN DO I NEED TO APPLY BY?
The deadline has been extended! Applications for the 2025 cohort are due Friday, November 22 by 11:59pm CST! Apply here
11. WHAT IF I CANNOT COMPLETE THE FULL DURATION OF THE PROGRAM?
One of the criteria selection committee members take into account when selecting the cohort is an expressed commitment to completing the full seven months of the program. However, we understand when and if conflicts arise that make it impossible for a cohort member to complete the program. However, YNPN Chicago is unable to offer refunds unless a program is canceled. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes. As a volunteer-run nonprofit organization, all event fees help support our work of providing programs and resources to young professionals.
Thank you for understanding!
12. STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Attend our live Q&A session on Wednesday, November 13 at 1pm. You can register here.
Please send any questions to leadershipinstitute@ynpnchicago.org.