Sep 11, 2024
Groundworks NM’s Pilot Nonprofit Leadership Cohort launched in July to create a statewide blueprint model for nonprofit professional leadership development with the aim of improving organizational outcomes and deepening collective impact. The pilot cohort brings together fifteen accomplished leaders working across New Mexico in the education field. Sub-focus areas include early childhood development, youth programming, and K-12 education.
Each participant completed a specialized capacity assessment developed by Northwestern University. The research-backed tool rates organizational health based on nonprofit management and leadership criteria. The combined results provide Cohort data trends which inform the emergent curriculum. This curriculum focuses on nonprofit management and leadership skills, alongside peer-to-peer learning and one-on-one technical assistance. Cohort participants will present at the Annual Social Sector Conference taking place April 23 and 24, 2025 at Isleta Resort & Casino in Albuquerque, NM.
Ongoing evaluation is supported by the UNM Evaluation Lab. When the cohort concludes, its findings will inform the design of a professional development blueprint model to provide nonprofit management and leadership skills training in a statewide community of practice around various issue area. Groundworks aspires to launch 10-15 cohorts in 2025 – 2026 organized around issues such as housing, health, water, agriculture, food systems, clean energy, early childhood development, youth programming, and K-12 education. If you are interested in learning how you can support Groundworks NM’s Nonprofit Leadership Cohort, please reach out to Faith Kelly, GNM’s Senior Manager of Learning & Education at [email protected] or 505-226-9272.
We extend our deep gratitude to the W.K. Kellogg Foundation for making the Pilot Nonprofit Leadership Cohort possible. A huge “thank you” to the 15 Pilot Cohort participants and their organizations for putting their time and energy into this Pilot, and for their deep commitment to improving the lives of New Mexico’s youth and families.