ONEplace Emerging Leader Academy Application 2026

ONEplace Emerging Leader Academy Vision

ONEplace is a trusted source that envisions leaders who can show up fully in the organizations where they work. Committed to ongoing learning and practice, they facilitate space for imagination and create containers for collective thinking.

ONEplace leaders are reflective, courageous, empowered, and anti-racist. They are critical lovers of institutions in need of transformation. These leaders can organize people and resources to make needed change happen regardless of their positions.

We believe these leaders will anchor and support organizations that are rooted in anti-racist, human-centered values.

This leadership in organizations will animate a thriving nonprofit sector in Kalamazoo.

Important Dates:

• December 9, 2025 & January 7, 2026: Information sessions (attend one)
• January 8, 2026 by 5:00 PM: Application deadline
• January 15, 2026: Acceptance notifications sent
• January 15-16, 2026: Commitment forms sent to organizational leadership
• January 22, 2026: Commitment forms due

The ONEplace Emerging Leader Academy (ELA) historically endeavors to prepare a diverse group of leaders for executive leadership positions. The academy focuses on a range of personal and functional competencies needed to succeed when an individual engages in the nonprofit sector. Major topic areas will include equity; personal leadership development; and collective impact. Participants will have access to electives that will cover topics such as governance; fundraising; strategic direction & operation; cultural competencies and more!

Our sessions will be held in a retreat-like setting, and it is expected and highly encouraged that participants will be present for the entirety of every session. We understand this may need to change in response to COVID.

A required information session will be held virtually December 9th and January 7th to gain additional information about the experience. This session will be recorded and can be requested if you are unable to attend.

Applications are to be completed and uploaded no later than 5:00 p.m. January 8th. Candidates will be notified of their approval/denial status by January 15th. Commitment forms must be completed by January 22nd. ONEPlace will connect with admitted candidates on accommodations.

A virtual orientation session will be held February 5th where you will meet other Academy participants and finalize participation details. Each participant will also have an opportunity to establish a mentoring relationship with nonprofit leaders from our community. Additional ONEplace workshops (electives) and resources will be recommended to supplement the content.

This program is designed for individuals who:

• Seek to be or currently are leaders in Kalamazoo nonprofits
• Have the desire and capacity for an intensive year-long leadership development program
• Are familiar with ONEplace programming and engage in equity work
• Envision a more equitable, anti-racist Kalamazoo
• Have organizational support to attend all sessions
• Two to three years of experience in Kalamazoo nonprofit experience

Active participation is vital to your success in this cohort-based program. We ask that you commit to attending 100% of sessions and activities. While we understand unexpected situations may arise, consistent attendance and engaged participation are essential program requirements.

Participation in Emerging Leader Academy requires your organization’s support. If accepted, your supervisor and executive leadership will receive a commitment form on mid-January via DocuSign. Please discuss this opportunity with your leadership before applying to ensure they can approve your participation if you are selected.

A complete application includes:

• Completed application form
• Current resume (including community involvement)
• Commitment to attend all Academy sessions and core workshops:
  • Virtual Orientation Feb 5 (11am – 12 pm)
  • Feb 18–19 (9:30 am – 3:30 pm) (required)
  • Mar 10 (9:30 am – 3:30 pm)
  • Mar 19 (9:30 am – 3:30 pm)
  • Apr 23 (9:30 am – 3:30 pm)
  • Apr 28 (9:30 am – 3:30 pm)
  • May 21(9:30 am – 3:30 pm)
  • Jun 2 (9:30 am – 3:30 pm)
  • Jun 18 (9:30 am – 3:30 pm) (required)
  • Virtual Office Hours (optional)
    • Mar 3 (9 am – 10:30 am)
    • Apr 10 (10 am – 11:30 am)
    • May 7 (1:30 pm – 3 pm)
    • June 10 (9 am – 10:30 am)