Project LEAD—Leadership, Effectiveness, and Diversity—is a four-week training program that qualifies people to serve on the boards of local nonprofits. Applications opened on Oct. 28, 2024.

The goal is to empower skilled, passionate, and equity-centered Black, Indigenous, and other people of color to take the first step toward board leadership.

“Project Lead was a profound experience for me,” said graduate Shanell Powell . “This experience shaped my viewpoint on how Seattle leads in Philanthropic efforts from various perspectives and highlighted that although new, I was already a necessary and powerful voice in the space.

“I gained practical skills that I’ve been able to integrate as I serve on the board of a non-profit, started my own, and continue to actively engage and support causes that I deeply believe in,” Powell continued.

During this month-long intensive training, participants show up ready to listen, learn and participate. The program concludes with a graduation ceremony and board networking event, where graduates can meet representatives of nonprofit organizations that are seeking new members for their boards. Training sessions are held on nights and weekends and cover topics, including issues facing nonprofit organizations, board operations and protocol, collaboration and conflict resolution, fiscal management, and more.

Check the class schedule and apply here today!

Applications close on December 3, 2024.