The Governance & Board Leadership Cohort is a selective five-month experience designed to prepare professionals for effective nonprofit board service.
Governance & Board Leadership Cohort
Led by United Way of Anderson County, the cohort focuses on building the knowledge, confidence, and judgment required to serve nonprofit boards with integrity and impact.
Participants learn alongside a small group of community leaders through in-person sessions focused on real nonprofit governance, fiduciary responsibility, and leadership.
Applications for the 2026 class are now being accepted!
How It Works
The cohort brings together a small group of committed community leaders for in-person, cohort-based learning grounded in real nonprofit and community contexts.
The cohort meets once per month from May through September 2026, with each session running from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. – totaling 20 hours of focused learning and discussion across five sessions.
Coffee and lunch are provided at each session to support a professional, distraction-free experience.
This program is designed for professionals who want to serve on nonprofit boards – or strengthen their effectiveness as current or future board members. Ideal participants include:
- Emerging or mid-career leaders
- Current board members seeking deeper skills
- Professionals committed to community impact
- Those ready for active, cohort-based learning
Participants move beyond basic board orientation to develop skills they can apply immediately in boardrooms across Anderson County:
- Practical nonprofit governance & fiduciary knowledge
- Confidence to contribute meaningfully at the board level
- Understanding of nonprofit finance, legal responsibilities, and community systems
- Valuable peer connections & curated board placement support
Participation is limited to 10 inaugural cohort members. Applications will close and selected participants will be notified on April 15, 2026.
What Makes This Program Different
The Governance & Board Leadership Cohort is intentionally small and community-led. Learning is facilitated by experienced local leaders and practitioners – not a generic curriculum delivered at scale.
The cohort model emphasizes real-world application, peer learning, and direct connection to actual board service opportunities in Anderson County.
Community-Led Facilitation
Sessions are led by experienced local nonprofit leaders and practitioners who know Anderson County.
Real-World Application
Grounded in actual governance scenarios – not abstract theory.
Curated Board Placement
Completers receive support connecting with nonprofit boards that match their skills and interests.
Ready to Lead at the Board Level?
Join the inaugural Governance & Board Leadership Cohort and build the skills to serve your community with confidence and purpose.
Applications close April 15, 2026