Applications for Nourishing Tomorrow's Leaders will open on June 23 and close on August 6.

What is NTL?

Nourishing Tomorrow's Leaders (NTL) is a nine week course that teaches participants how to become effective nonprofit board members while aiming to increase diverse representation on nonprofit boards in Worcester County. The goal is to give participants the tools, connections, and confidence needed to be on nonprofit boards.

NTL is an initiative started by The Gifford Foundation over a decade ago with a focus on leadership development through board service. Currently, there are over 250 graduates, and the program will continue to grow. We are looking forward to bringing this successful program to Worcester County!

The goal of NTL is to increase diverse representation on nonprofit boards, which means having board members that represent the populations the organization serves. This may include diverse representations of race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, age, gender, geography, sexuality, education, physical and cognitive ability, religious beliefs, etc. 

Who is NTL for?

NTL is for those who...

• Want to join a nonprofit board or are new to board service.
• Have lived experiences relevant to nonprofit missions.
• Are interested in their personal leadership development and growth.
• Are early to mid career professionals, particularly with skills relating to marketing, communications, HR, legal, financial, IT, etc.
• Believe that diverse representation and inclusiveness are important.
• Are interested in expanding their network.

What does NTL include?

NTL is a nine week program, taking place between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at a location downtown Worcester. More details to come - see below for timeline.

Each week participants learn collaboratively through workshops led by a variety of Worcester County community experts and leaders. There will be a new topic and two different presenters every session.

Topics include:

• Understanding the roles of a board member.
• Assess roles as it relates to group dynamics.
• Identify different cultural sensitivities and the importance of diversity of thought.
• Understand the benefits of examining a board through lifecycle stages.
• Build active listening tools and understanding conflict resolution.
• Practice skills needed to network.

Participants will leave with...

• A professional headshot.
• Assistance with creating or enhancing their LinkedIn profile.
• Networking opportunities with local nonprofits.

Timeline