Who is SustainED for?

SustainED is designed for individuals, particularly those who hold identities that have historically been underrepresented in leadership, and who have stepped into a top leadership position in a nonprofit since 2020. Many newer leaders report systemic obstacles to their leadership as they feel the weight of unrealistic expectations from staff, board, and other stakeholders. SustainED aims to address these organizational barriers. SustainED is not a technical assistance or “training” program. It is a transformative leadership experience that strengthens structures and relationships, provides tools and connections, and activates allies in dismantling obstacles to successful leadership.

This opportunity is open to all US-based BUILD grantees by application. La Piana will invite 15 leaders to participate following all Alignment conversations.

What does SustainED provide?

• Sustained engagement – the program will provide support over an extended 18-month period
  • Kickoff event – the program will launch at an event hosted at the Ford Foundation in NYC on January 28 – 30, 2025 (travel expenses covered)
  • Governance and peer support for board chairs – board chairs will meet virtually with peers, sharing tips for their key roles with the support of consultants
• Communities of Practice (CoP) – ongoing monthly facilitated virtual peer-to-peer learning with other executive directors facing similar challenges
  • Mutual Mentors – Each leader will join a small group of three peers who they will meet with regularly throughout the program for partnership in accountability, support, and mutual mentorship
• Individualized organizational support – consulting that may include assessments, facilitation, training, and more that engages board leaders, staff, and executive directors to address specific organizational challenges and develop action plans

Who Will I Meet?

SustainED engages nonprofit Executive Directors, their leadership teams, staff, and board of directors. While it centers on the experience of the ED, successful leadership requires involvement from all these stakeholders. In this program, you will connect with Executive Directors, board members, and staff of participating organizations.

The breakdown of time commitment is as follows:

• Executive Director (2 – 5 hours per month) including activities such as: Participation in 1:1 calls, an in-person kickoff event in NYC in January, monthly CoP engagement, check-ins with your mutual mentors, and 1-1 consulting focused on what you need the most support with.
• Board Chair/Board Member: Participation in at least one one-hour call before the end of 2024, remote engagement in one session of the January 2025 NYC gathering, and support as decided in consultation with each ED (e.g. participation in a training or meeting, etc.).
• Organizational Leadership and Key Staff: Participation in at least one one-hour call in early 2025, and support as decided in consultation with the ED (e.g. possible participation in a staff survey, leadership team meetings, etc.)

Is SustainED right for me?

SustainED is designed for newer-tenured EDs, particularly those who hold identities that have historically been underrepresented in leadership. Our research has identified key factors contributing to high turnover among these Executive Directors. SustainED is designed to directly tackle these challenges, offering support to EDs who may have experienced any of the following since entering into their ED role:

• Faced with unrealistic expectations
• Experienced a poorly planned transition
• Lack of sufficient mentorship/outside support
• Challenged with racism, sexism, or microaggressions
• Feel at risk for burnout
• Experience isolation and/or tokenism
• Have difficulty managing staff expectations
• Challenged by having to mobilize/energize/relate to the board

Who is behind SustainED?

SustainED is the latest offering coming from La Piana Consulting supported by the Ford Foundation. La Piana has, for over 26 years, observed critical challenges, researched their underlying dynamics, and developed effective responses that have been widely embraced across the sector. La Piana’s recent work with Ford’s BUILD grantees helped over 60 social justice organizations manage rapid growth.

La Piana’s mission is to help nonprofit leaders and their organizations achieve their greatest social impact. SustainED was designed as a response to mounting and compounding pressures leading to high leadership turnover. Our team is from and for the sector, having held top leadership positions in a wide variety of nonprofit organizations. We get it.

SustainED is led by a team of leadership development specialists at La Piana, all of whom have held positions of leadership in nonprofits and who hold identities that have been historically underrepresented in leadership. Senior Consultant Ali Carella, Ph.D., who served as Director of the Ford BUILDing for Growth initiative, will lead the effort, working closely with Senior Consultants Humberto Camarena and Christine Chen. Founder David La Piana will support the effort by providing strategic guidance and applying his extensive experience working with nonprofit organizations.