Leading Nonprofit Resiliency
About the Program
The Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership is excited to launch the new Leading Nonprofit Resiliency Program, a 3-day curriculum designed for Executive Directors, CEOs, and senior nonprofit leaders. This program will equip participants with practical tools and strategies across a series of interrelated topics, including Leading in Uncertain Times, Financial Health Assessment, Building Fundraising Resilience, Scenario Planning, Strategic and Crisis Communications, and Caring for Yourself and Your Staff. The first cohort will take place October 15–17, 2025, with a second cohort scheduled for December 8–10, 2025. The cohorts will be limited to 25 participants, accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to invite a board member to join select sessions. The cost to attend is $1,500, with scholarships available based on financial need. Breakfast and lunch will be provided each day.
Schedule and Deadlines
Application Deadline: Rolling registration process
In-Person Program
First cohort: October 15-17, 2025 at 111 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Second cohort: December 8-10, 2025 at 111 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Registration Process
Scholarship application questions are included in the application form.
Curriculum
The following session topics are included in the Leading Nonprofit Resiliency Program:
Leading in Uncertain Times
2025 has brought unprecedented challenges for nonprofit leaders. The current context can be described as a VUCA world marked by Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity. Leading teams through VUCA requires new approaches. This session will focus on the following learning questions: (1) What is the impact of the current environment on individuals and organizations? (2) How can we assess our most effective roles in the current moment? (3) How do you support yourself and staff through this challenging time? Instructors: Deepa Iyer and Monisha Kapila
Financial Sustainability and Assessment Strategies and Tactics (optional board member participation)
Predicting the unpredictable has become more of a mandatory task for nonprofit organizations. Adapting to changing conditions requires nonprofits to focus more of their tactical planning on future expectations and less on current budgets, history, and past performance. Learn how to use and integrate funding pipeline reports and multi-year budget planning to help plan for current and potential future changes in grants, contributions, fees for service, and other forms of funding and the related potential impact on operating reserves. The session will also include a detailed discussion covering operating reserves and conclude with working through a financial health assessment exercise and template you can take with you to use at your organization. Instructor: Michael Gellman
Building Organizational Resilience Through Scenario Planning in Uncertain Times (optional board member participation)
In this interactive workshop designed for nonprofit leaders, you’ll learn to transform uncertainty into a strategic advantage through hands-on scenario planning. Using proven frameworks and collaborative exercises, you’ll identify key uncertainties, explore multiple future scenarios, and develop adaptive plans to build resilience and make informed decisions in times of change. Instructors: Nisha Sachdev and Gretchen Van der Veer
Building Fundraising Resilience in Today’s Climate (optional board member participation)
In today’s rapidly shifting philanthropic landscape—marked by economic volatility, evolving donor expectations, and increased competition for funding—nonprofit executive leaders must adopt bold, adaptive strategies to ensure sustainable revenue. This interactive workshop equips leaders with the mindset, tools, and approaches necessary to build long-term fundraising resilience. Participants will explore current giving trends, engage common organizational mindsets that limit fundraising potential, and learn how to cultivate a culture of philanthropy across teams and boards. Through case examples, peer dialogue, and strategic frameworks, leaders will leave with actionable insights to strengthen donor relationships and lead with clarity in times of uncertainty. Instructor: Valeria Lassiter
Strategic and Crisis Communications
As we navigate times of uncertainty, communities rely on nonprofits to be a pillar of direction and information. While we can’t always predict what’s ahead, we can prepare to communicate effectively—both during a crisis and in calmer moments that require strategic clarity. This session will cover best practices for clear, timely communication during crises, as well as how to build a strong strategic communications foundation that supports trust, transparency, and organizational resilience over time. Instructors: Matt Gayer and Amanda Liaw
Caring for Yourself and Your Staff: Sustainable Leadership in Challenging Times
This session addresses the critical balance between dedication to your cause and sustainable leadership practices in today’s volatile environment. Participants will explore practical strategies for preventing burnout when external pressures make the work feel more urgent and endless than ever, learn to recognize and address compassion fatigue that intensifies as communities face mounting challenges, and consider how to practice healthy work-life integration without guilt while managing organizational survival concerns. Instructor: Monisha Kapila
Tuition
Tuition for the Certificate Program is $1,500. Scholarships are available.
Contact Information
To find out more, or if you have further questions, please contact us at npmcert@georgetown.edu.