Tennessee Nonprofit Network, in partnership with East Tennessee Foundation, is launching a three-month Building Stronger Nonprofits Learning Cohort. This collaborative program is designed to support 20 nonprofit leaders in East Tennessee, specifically in the Greater Knoxville area, by strengthening their operational capacity.
Program Components
The cohort includes several key components to help strengthen your organization’s capacity:
- Online Curriculum: Participants will complete a self-directed online curriculum. The modules provide an evidence-based understanding of nonprofit governance, including board responsibilities and best practices.
- Nonprofit Academy: Based on the nationally accredited Standards for Excellence® curriculum, Nonprofit Academy provides a structured approach to building capacity, accountability, and sustainability. It teaches best practices for nonprofit management, governance, and legal compliance.
- Peer Learning: Tennessee Nonprofit Network facilitates virtual sessions to create a peer learning environment. This interactive approach allows leaders to share challenges, exchange solutions, and build a supportive professional network.
- Capacity Assessment: Staff from Tennessee Nonprofit Network will conduct three group sessions using the 501 Commons Five Elements of a Healthy Nonprofit assessment. This facilitated process helps enhance your organization’s internal and external operations by evaluating its strengths, weaknesses, and challenges. The assessment leads to an action plan with recommendations and resources for future growth.
Who Should Apply?
The ideal candidate is a nonprofit leader who:
- Currently works in East Tennessee (Greater Knoxville area).
- Is willing to commit to the three-month program.
- Is able to attend all in-person and virtual sessions.
- Is willing to complete assignments between sessions.
Apply here! (Beginning November 1)
Program Details & Dates
Thanks to the generous support of the East Tennessee Foundation, the participant fee is just $50.
Important Dates
- Application Opens: November 1, 2025
- Application Closes: December 12, 2025
Information Sessions
- In-person: November 5, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
- Location: East Tennessee Foundation (520 W. Summit Hill Drive, Suite 1101, Knoxville, TN 37902)
- Virtual: November 19, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Orientation
- Virtual: January 8, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Capacity Assessments (In-person)
- Participants only need to attend one of the three capacity assessment sessions.
- Location: American Museum of Science & Energy Foundation (115 E Main St, Oak Ridge, TN 37830)
- February 12, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
- February 13, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Peer Learning Session
- Virtual: March 4, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
If you are interested in participating, please apply by December 12, 2025. For questions, contact the Training Team at training@tnnonprofits.org.