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Applications open: September 15, 2026 | Application deadline: November 2, 2026 |
What is the Best Practices NGO Leadership Academy?
The Best Practices NGO Leadership Academy is a leadership development program for nonprofit professionals in Türkiye, presented in partnership by Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF) and Arizona State University’s Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation, with support from the Haldun Tashman Fund at TPF.
The Academy combines nonprofit management education, peer learning, practical application, and leadership development to help participants strengthen both their individual leadership capacity and the organizations they serve.
Who should apply?
The Academy is designed for nonprofit professionals in Türkiye who are currently in leadership roles and are ready to deepen their management and leadership capabilities. Strong candidates will typically have:
- Approximately 7–10 years of experience in the nonprofit or civil society sector
- Current responsibility for managing a team, program, budget, or organizational function
- A demonstrated commitment to the nonprofit sector
- The ability to participate fully throughout the program
- Support from their organization’s Executive Director, Board Chair, or other senior leadership
- Sufficient English proficiency to participate in program activities
Do I need to be an Executive Director to apply?
No. Applicants do not need to hold the title of Executive Director. The Academy is intended for professionals who have meaningful leadership responsibility within their organizations and demonstrate the potential to take on greater leadership roles in the future.
Is the program only for participants based in Türkiye?
Yes. The inaugural cohort of the Academy is focused on nonprofit and civil society leaders working in Türkiye.
When do applications open and close?
Applications open on September 15, 2026 and the application deadline is November 2, 2026.
When does the program begin and end?
The Academy begins with a kickoff session on January 13, 2027 and concludes with capstone presentations and closing on June 2, 2027.
How many sessions are included?
The Academy includes 12 regular learning sessions followed by one capstone session. The capstone gives participants an opportunity to present their work, share what they have learned, and demonstrate how they plan to apply that learning within their organizations.
When are sessions held?
Sessions are held on Wednesdays and are generally scheduled from 7:00–9:00 PM Türkiye time.
What is the 2027 program schedule?
The current program calendar is below. Participants should plan to attend all 12 regular sessions and the capstone session.
Informational Webinar Session: September 22, 2026
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Session |
Date |
Time |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Jan. 13 |
7:00–9:00 PM |
|
2 |
Jan. 27 |
7:00–9:00 PM |
|
3 |
Feb. 3 |
7:00–9:00 PM |
|
4 |
Feb. 10 |
7:30–9:30 PM |
|
5 |
Feb. 24 |
7:30–9:30 PM |
|
6 |
Mar. 17 |
7:00–9:00 PM |
|
7 |
Mar. 31 |
7:00–9:00 PM |
|
8 |
Apr. 14 |
7:00–9:00 PM |
|
9 |
Apr. 28 |
7:00–9:00 PM |
|
10 |
May 5 |
7:00–9:00 PM |
|
11 |
May 12 |
7:00–9:00 PM |
|
12 |
May 26 |
7:00–9:00 PM |
|
Capstone |
Jun. 2 |
7:00–9:00 PM |
What will participants learn?
Participants will explore core areas of nonprofit leadership and management through ASU Lodestar Center’s nonprofit education curriculum and additional leadership development experiences. The program is designed to strengthen practical capabilities in areas such as organizational leadership, strategy, governance, financial management, fundraising, communications, and organizational sustainability.
Just as importantly, participants will learn from one another and apply what they are learning to real challenges facing their organizations.
What makes the Academy different from a traditional training program?
The Academy is designed as a cohort-based learning experience rather than a series of stand-alone courses. Participants will move through the program together, creating opportunities for sustained peer learning, reflection, collaboration, and practical application.
The goal is not simply to introduce new tools and practices, but to help participants determine how those approaches can be adapted and applied within the realities of their own organizations and communities.
What is the time commitment?
Participants are expected to attend the full series of scheduled sessions from January through June, participate actively in discussions and peer learning, and complete assignments and applied work associated with the program. Because the Academy is cohort-based, consistent participation throughout the program is an important part of the experience.
Is the program conducted in English?
Program instruction will primarily be conducted in English. Applicants should have sufficient English proficiency to participate actively in sessions, discussions, and program assignments.
How are participants selected?
Applications will be reviewed through a structured selection process. Reviewers will consider factors including:
- Relevant professional and leadership experience
- Current level of leadership responsibility
- Leadership potential
- The applicant’s ability to contribute to and learn from the cohort
- The clarity and relevance of the organizational challenge the applicant hopes to address
- Commitment to completing the full Academy experience
The selection process will also consider cohort complementarity, with the goal of bringing together participants whose experiences and perspectives can strengthen one another’s learning.
Will I need support from my organization?
Yes. Applicants will be asked to demonstrate support from their organization’s leadership and provide two references as part of the application process. Because participants will be applying their learning within their organizations, organizational support for the participant’s involvement is an important part of the program.
Is there a participation fee?
Yes. The Academy uses a cost-sharing model tied to the participating organization’s annual budget so that organizations contribute at a level appropriate to their size and resources. Detailed contribution levels will be provided as part of the application information.
Is financial assistance available?
The Academy is designed to remain accessible to qualified leaders from organizations with different levels of resources. Financial assistance may be available based on organizational need and program guidelines.
How many participants will be selected?
The inaugural cohort is expected to include approximately 20 nonprofit leaders from Türkiye. Keeping the cohort intentionally small will support meaningful interaction among participants, faculty, and nonprofit experts.
Will participants receive a certificate?
Yes. Participants who successfully complete the program requirements will receive a certificate recognizing their completion of the Best Practices NGO Leadership Academy. Additional information about completion requirements and certificate distribution will be shared during onboarding.
What happens after the Academy?
The Academy is intended to build a community of nonprofit leaders who continue learning from one another beyond the formal program. Participants will leave with practical leadership and management tools, a stronger professional network, and approaches they can apply within their organizations and across Türkiye’s civil society ecosystem.
Who created the Academy?
The Best Practices NGO Leadership Academy is presented in partnership by Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF) and Arizona State University’s Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation, with support from the Haldun Tashman Fund at TPF.
The Academy reflects a shared belief that strengthening civil society requires investing not only in organizations and programs, but also in the people who lead them.
Where can I learn more or apply?
Applications open September 15, 2026 and close November 2, 2026. An Informational Webinar Session will be held on September 22, 2026. Additional information about eligibility, program expectations, and the application process will be available on the program website.