Equity in Action: Fueling black women’s leadership for nonprofit transformation
The inaugural Chief Executive Leaders Ascend Program (CELAP), Black Women Cohort, sponsored by JPMorgan Chase, is a comprehensive initiative designed to empower and support Black women nonprofit leaders in District of Columbia Wards 7 & 8. The program is dedicated to grantmaking, enhancing individual and organizational capabilities, and promoting overall wellness.
The CELAP program will continue until December 2023, providing various opportunities and resources. It aims to involve all Black women who are leading nonprofits in Wards 7 & 8, including fundraising activities, training sessions, and other offerings at the Center.
The Program
The program selected eight outstanding women nonprofit leaders to participate in a tailored capacity-building program. These selected participants also received a $25,000 (totaling $200,000) general operating support grant to strengthen their organizations further.
Our Partner: JPMorgan Chase
The Center for Nonprofit Advancement collaborated with the Mid-Atlantic Region Director and Corporate Responsibility team to ensure crucial funding and capacity-building support for program participants.
The announcement and inaugural celebration of the program took place at JP Morgan Chase & Company’s recently established Skyland Town Center location in Ward 8, symbolizing a significant milestone in the partnership.
Our Approach
Grantmaking: The program offers a $25,000 general operating support grant to selected participants, providing financial assistance to strengthen their organizations and advance their missions.
Strengthening Individual & Organizational Capacity: Participants engage in customized capacity-building activities and gain access to training sessions and offerings at the Center, enhancing their leadership skills and fostering organizational growth. Each organization also completed an organizational assessment and received a customized capacity-building plan.
Overall Wellness: The program prioritizes the well-being of Black women nonprofit leaders through dedicated sessions focused on wellness and health, promoting self-care, rest, and a healthy work-life balance.