Cohorts
Facilitated peer cohorts that foster learning, collaboration, and leadership development across the nonprofit sector.
A community built for you
The Nonprofit Partnership recognizes the unique challenges nonprofit professionals face — from limited resources to the pressure of addressing complex community needs. Too often, this work happens in isolation, leading to burnout, loneliness, and decision fatigue.
Our cohort programs are designed to change that. Through intentional peer communities, facilitated learning, and shared problem-solving, cohorts bring nonprofit professionals together to grow, connect, and lead with confidence—strengthening both the sector and the communities we serve.
Current Cohort Offerings:
501(c)(3) Communities
In-person peer cohorts for nonprofit leaders, fundraisers and more
The 501(c)(3) Communities program brings nonprofit professionals together in small, trusted groups built around collaboration, learning, and connection. These cohorts create space for honest dialogue, shared challenges, and collective problem-solving — without distractions.
Participants commit to showing up fully for one another, building relationships that extend well beyond the cohort experience.
Program Details
- Cohorts meet up to 8 times per year (based on start date)
- Each gathering is four hours and technology-free
- Participants commit to attending all sessions
- Cohorts are limited to 12 participants
- Applicants must be affiliated with a current NPP member organization
- Confidentiality and discretion are required
Sample Session Flow
- Networking & connection
- Sector and community updates
- Learning content
- Group discussion
- Interactive activity
- Food (always)
Pricing
$450 total for the cohort year
- Includes 32 hours of connection, learning, and growth
- Covers food, beverages, materials, and associated costs
- Invoice provided following the first session
Anchor & Ascend
A virtual leadership cohort for nonprofit professionals.
Two tracks. One mission. Ongoing growth.
Anchor & Ascend is a year-long virtual leadership cohort designed to meet nonprofit leaders where they are — whether emerging or established — and support them through shared learning, peer connection, and reflective practice.
The program is designed to recognize that strong leadership evolves over time and is strengthened through learning, reflection, and community.
Program Overview & Experience
Anchor & Ascend is designed to support nonprofit leaders through shared learning, peer connection, and ongoing growth—no matter where they are in their leadership journey.
Who Should Join
- Emerging Nonprofit Leaders looking to build confidence and strengthen their leadership foundation
- Established Nonprofit Leaders seeking to refine strategy, deepen impact, and continue growing
What You’ll Experience
- Monthly virtual sessions accessible from anywhere
- Shared learning across both leadership tracks
- Track-specific breakout discussions
- Open enrollment with a one-year commitment
- A supportive peer community to share challenges and celebrate wins
How the Program Works
- Shared Topic Sessions: Both tracks come together to explore universal leadership themes
- Track-Specific Breakouts: Deeper conversations tailored to leadership stage
- Virtual & Ongoing: Zoom sessions with optional readings, recordings, and discussion spaces
Leadership Topics & Learning Areas
Anchor & Ascend covers practical, real-world leadership topics relevant to nonprofit professionals at every stage.
Sample Session Topics Include
- Career development & mentorship
- Managing people with purpose
- Program impact & evaluation
- Navigating conflict & communication
- Advocacy and systems change
- Innovation and change leadership
- Time and energy management
- Partnerships and collaboration
And more, shaped by participant needs and interests
Pricing
Strengthen your leadership with a full year of learning, connection, and growth.
- $240 for NPP Members
- $350 for Nonmembers
Registration includes access to all virtual sessions, materials, and the opportunity to learn alongside nonprofit leaders across Pennsylvania and beyond.
Ready to Connect?
Whether you’re looking to grow as a leader, build meaningful peer relationships, or strengthen your nonprofit practice, our cohort programs offer space to learn, reflect, and lead — together.
Sign up for the Nonprofit Insider eNewsletter for the latest updates on cohort offerings.
Questions either cohort? Email Info@YourNPP.org.
Cohort Alumni
Individuals listed below participated in 501(c)(3) Communities Cohort, where nonprofit leaders gained practical insights, strengthened peer relationships, and exchanged strategies to support their organizations. Many of these cohort connections proved so valuable that several groups continue to meet and collaborate today.
501(c)(3) Communities Fundraisers Track
2026
- Anita Kuchcinski - United Way of Erie
- Caelin McDaniel - Erie ClaySpace
- Christina Katen - Erie Day School
- Curtis Taylor - Authentic Wellness & Empowerment
- Erin Carey - Groundwork Erie
- Jude Shingle - Erie Center for Arts & Technology
- Katelyn Kruszewski - Erie Cancer Wellness Center
- Sarah Bennett - Asbury Woods
- Sarah Moody - 1020 Collective
- Steve Piotrowicz - Family Services of NWPA
2024
- Kelly Philson - Therapy Dogs United
- Jackie Wassel - Erie Cancer Wellness Center
- Fontaine Glenn - Community Shelter Services
- Sara Little - Erie Art Museum (formerly PACA)
- Danielle Szklenski - Erie United Methodist Alliance (formerly Family Services of NW PA)
- Steve Krivonak - JAM Team Foundation
- Sharon Vollmer - Alliance for Nonprofit Resources
- Allison Mosier - Diocese of Erie (formerly Cathedral Preparatory School)
2023
- Amy Richardson - L'Arche Erie (formerly)
- Maureen Rizzo - Brevillier Village
- Carolyn Dunn - Erie County Community College (formerly Erie DAWN)
- Katie Confer - Mercy Center for Women (formerly Community Shelter Services)
- Joe Lang - Erie Humane Society (formerly Lakeshore Community Services)
- Stephanie Bojc - Sarah A. Reed Children's Center
- Christian Porter - Child Development Centers
501(c)(3) Communities Leaders Track
2025
- Gretchen Kerr - Our West Bayfront
- Curtis Taylor - Authentic Wellness and Empowerment
- Laura Domencic - Erie Art Museum
- Tracy Robison-Chandler - KaleidoScope
- Jackie Wassell - Erie Cancer Wellness Center
2024
- Patricia Christianson - Therapy Dogs United
- Steven Dunn - French Creek Council - BSA
- Katie Kretz - MCRC
- Ainslie Brosig - expERIEnce Children's Museum
- Jim McEldowney - YMCA
- Dr. Rochelle Von Hof - L'Arche Erie
- Matthew Platz - Corry Higher Education Council
- Mark Tanenbaum - PACA
- Jason Nesbitt - Center for Family Services
- Roo Kojancie - Erie Zoo
- Mabel Howard - Bethany Outreach Center
- Emily Fetcko - Erie Downtown Partnership
2023
- Mary Machuga - White Pine Center for Healing
- Jill Hrinda-Patten - Mission Empower (formerly)
- Dr. Tyler Titus - Compton's Table
- Dr. Susanne Kuligowski - Erie DAWN
- Jennifer Hoffman - Meals on Wheels Erie
- Robyn Young - SafeNet
- Kyra Taylor - Erie's Black Wall Street
August 13, 2025
The Rise of Gen Z in Nonprofits: Purpose-Driven Careers and Fresh Perspectives
by Regan Ganoe, Operations & Events Assistant - The Nonprofit Partnership
Gen Z is reshaping the nonprofit sector with fresh ideas, social justice passion, and a drive to lead meaningful change.
Read More ⇢
May 12, 2025
The ROI of Nonprofit Assessment: It’s More Than Just Numbers
by Adam Bratton, Executive Director - The Nonprofit Partnership
Organizational assessments often get a bad rap—but when done right, they cut through the noise, refocus your team on the mission, and turn reflection into real, strategic growth.
Read More ⇢
March 3, 2025
Hitting a Home Run With Your Annual Fundraising Plan
by Jeff Bagel, CFRE - eAdvancement Consulting
A strong annual fundraising plan (AFP) helps nonprofits work smarter and stay mission-focused. Join Jeff Bagel on May 14 to refine your AFP and boost your impact!
Read More ⇢
What Our Client Say
The Nonprofit Partnership is the premier resource for nonprofits in our area. Their staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and accessible. The online resources & educational sessions are informative and provide help conveniently. Whether you're starting out in the nonprofit sector, or have been working for decades, the NPP helps keep you up to date & relevant.
LEEANN KRAHE, CTRS
Director of Activities & Volunteer Services
Pleasant Ridge Manor & The Friends Forever Volunteers
With so many non-profits in Erie County, it is great to have resources and collaboration available through the Erie Non-Profit Partnership. I have attended several of the Nonprofit Partnership Day Seminars and I look forward to the content each year. With changes in policy and technology trends, it is also nice to have access to learning opportunities throughout the year. It is really nice to have a centralized organization to assist with our varying needs. Thank you!
MAUREEN RIZZO
Director of Development – Brevillier Village
Each of the (many) trainings that I have attended through The Nonprofit Partnership over the past… years has provided a valuable resource for professional development opportunity for staff and Board Members to the overall benefit of our organization [the Foundation for Sustainable Forests]. NPP trainings are focused, relevant and on-point for the needs of a small non-profit organization such as ours.
ANNIE SOCCI, PhD
Executive Director – The Foundation for Sustainable Forests
What Our Client Say
The Nonprofit Partnership is the premier resource for nonprofits in our area. Their staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and accessible. The online resources & educational sessions are informative and provide help conveniently. Whether you're starting out in the nonprofit sector, or have been working for decades, the NPP helps keep you up to date & relevant.
LEEANN KRAHE, CTRS
Director of Activities & Volunteer Services
Pleasant Ridge Manor & The Friends Forever Volunteers
With so many non-profits in Erie County, it is great to have resources and collaboration available through the Erie Non-Profit Partnership. I have attended several of the Nonprofit Partnership Day Seminars and I look forward to the content each year. With changes in policy and technology trends, it is also nice to have access to learning opportunities throughout the year. It is really nice to have a centralized organization to assist with our varying needs. Thank you!
MAUREEN RIZZO
Director of Development – Brevillier Village
Each of the (many) trainings that I have attended through The Nonprofit Partnership over the past… years has provided a valuable resource for professional development opportunity for staff and Board Members to the overall benefit of our organization [the Foundation for Sustainable Forests]. NPP trainings are focused, relevant and on-point for the needs of a small non-profit organization such as ours.
ANNIE SOCCI, PhD
Executive Director – The Foundation for Sustainable Forests