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.
Past Learning Cohorts
Learning Cohort for Small and Grassroots Nonprofits
The Learning Cohort for Small and Grassroots Nonprofits connected staff, board and volunteers from six organizations to essential resources and networking opportunities. The Cohort met throughout the fall of 2024 and was designed to help build sustainability within organizations with no paid staff or fewer than five employees.
Thrive Cohort 2024
Throughout 2024, the Thrive Cohort brought together eleven Black, Brown and Biracial professionals who serve local nonprofits. The group met monthly to network and learn from local leaders, and each member’s organization received a $2,000 unrestricted grant. Learn more about the Thrive Cohort here.
LAP-AID Inclusion Team & Cohort 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.
Thrive Cohort 2023
The second iteration of Thrive ran throughout 2023 thanks to support from the Alliant Energy Foundation. Participation was opened to include any person of color who works for or invests significant time and resources into a local nonprofit. The 2023 Thrive Cohort included 20 participants who serve in a variety of roles for local nonprofit organizations. The group met regularly to hear from local leaders and subject matter experts, and each participant’s organization received a $2,500 grant to support their professional development. Learn more about the Thrive Cohort here.
Learning Cohort: Engaging in the DEI Journey – 2022, 2023 and 2024
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.
Thrive Cohort 2021-22
In January 2021, the Thrive Cohort launched to bring together Black, Brown and Biracial leaders of local nonprofit organizations. Thrive sought to develop relationships, create and expand nonprofit connections, and provide learning, as part of advancing the Community Foundation’s work in racial equity in our community.
Five emerging leaders, along with Foundation staff, participated in group learning activities over two years to strengthen nonprofit leadership skills and explore organizational best practices. In addition to monthly meetings and individual conversations, each organization also received a $2,500 grant quarterly. Participants shared their experiences during a 2022 Community Learning Series event, which you can view here.