Exploring New Ideas Together
Learning Cohorts are a Nonprofit Network initiative to help Linn County nonprofits explore and implement best practices and build connections. Occasionally, Learning Cohorts take place alongside or in lieu of Peer Groups, providing opportunities for local nonprofit professionals to learn from experts and one another.
Current Learning Cohorts
Learning Cohort for Small and Grassroots Nonprofits
The Learning Cohort for Small and Grassroots Nonprofits is held annually during the fall. The content is intended for a small nonprofit that employs five or fewer people or is volunteer-driven without paid staff. There is no cost to participate and lunch is included. Registration is required.
This Learning Cohort is a small group setting facilitated by Community Foundation staff to encourage learning and connection. Up to two representatives per organization are invited to participate. Small and grassroots nonprofit organizations have unique learning experiences and challenges, and this Cohort is designed to offer both essential information and nonprofit connections critical to building a sustainable nonprofit organization.
Thrive Cohort
The Community Foundation is committed to supporting BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) leaders in the nonprofit sector through the Thrive Cohort. Thrive offers relationship building, networking, and learning for nonprofit professionals to foster career development within the sector. This initiative is part of the Community Foundation’s efforts to advance racial equity by helping nonprofit organizations close the racial leadership gap and diversify nonprofit staff and managerial teams.
Past Learning Cohorts
Learning Cohort for Small and Grassroots Nonprofits
Beginning in 2023, the Learning Cohort for Small and Grassroots Nonprofits has connected nonprofit staff, board members, and volunteers each fall to essential resources and networking opportunities. It is designed to strengthen the sustainability of organizations with no paid staff or fewer than five employees. View more about the Learning Cohort for Small and Grassroots Nonprofits here.
Thrive Cohort
Launched in 2021, the Thrive Cohort brings together BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) professionals who serve local nonprofits. The group meets monthly to network and learn. View more about the Thrive Cohort here.
LAP-AID Inclusion Team & Cohort
In 2023, the LAP-AID Inclusion Team & Cohort was formed to convene community organizers from traditionally excluded communities through a cohort model to create an environment of collective learning and connection to community and resources. Project support was provided by the Philanthropic Preparedness, Resiliency, and Emergency Partnership (PPREP), a project of The Funders Network. Learn more here.
Learning Cohort: Engaging in the DEI Journey
In 2022, the Nonprofit Network brought this DEI learning opportunity to nonprofit Executive Directors and CEO’s through a partnership with Top RANK, a Cedar Rapids-based diversity facilitation, consulting, and talent acquisition firm. The three-part series was designed to offer nonprofit leaders tools and concepts to help guide implementation of equitable practices and policies in Linn County nonprofits, with a focus on racial equity. This Learning Opportunity was provided through support from the Iowa Council of Foundations.
Because of the interest for this DEI learning opportunity, the three-part series was brought back in the Fall of 2023 and the Spring of 2024 for nonprofit leaders and staff members. A total of almost 70 Linn County nonprofit staff members participated in the Cohort from December 2022 to June 2024.