Thrive Cohort
In 2020, the Community Foundation was looking for new ways to support emerging nonprofit organizations and advance racial equity in Linn County. As grassroots groups responded to the pandemic and derecho, an opportunity emerged to make progress on both goals simultaneously. In early 2021, the Thrive Cohort was launched to bring together BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) nonprofit leaders for relationship-building, networking, and learning. The goal is to help nonprofit organizations close the racial leadership gap and diversify staff and managerial teams.
Since its inception, nearly 50 people have participated in the Thrive Cohort. Participants have engage in discussions and learning activities on a range of topics and have connected with other local leaders and guest facilitators. Many have described their experience as transformational.
2026 Thrive Cohort
The 2026 Thrive Cohort experience will provide professional leadership development opportunities for BIPOC individuals employed by or providing significant grassroots support for nonprofit organizations. The cohort experience includes professional leadership training by consultants, valuable workshops and self-discovery, complimentary networking lunches, and impactful social networking with peers. This update reflects our commitment to developing a pipeline of diverse leaders within area nonprofits. Thrive will continue to be offered at no cost to participants or their organizations. Due to the investment in the leadership training, grants will not be awarded to participants’ organizations this year.