Excellence In Leadership for Non-Profits

Applications for our current cohort are now closed. Join our interest list to be notified when registration opens in Omaha or Sioux Falls.

Stay Connected
Hands stacked together

Time To Lead

*Participants must represent a verified 501(c)(3) organization. 

Excellence in Leadership (EIL) for Non-Profits is a leadership program geared toward non-profit leaders who desire to build and/or enhance their leadership skills. We invite you to learn from our team in a small group setting as our way of giving back to the communities that we serve.

We share openly from our teams' experiences as the strategies, resources, and tools we have developed over the years have made a significant impact on the growth of our people, both as leaders and individuals. Here are some of the topics we cover: 

Leadership Essentials

Start with skills that make a difference.

Individual Growth

Dedicated time for personal goal-setting and reflecting on how your personality impacts your leadership style.

Communication

Focus on giving and receiving feedback and leaning into tough conversations.

Session Topics

Learn about yourself, how you respond to conflict, what motivates you, what causes you stress, and how you solve problems.  This session will focus on how you can leverage the information from your personal DISC assessment to develop stronger relationships.

Participants will be invited to complete a DISC assessment prior to the event. Results from your assessment will be shared with you during the DISC Download session. Information and invitations to complete the assessment will follow closer to the event.

Feedback is a key component to great leadership. Learn how to develop trusting feedback relationships to assist, support, confront, and encourage team members.

Some topics can be hard to navigate as a team. Learn about different issue processing models to get yourself traction in conversation and move in the right direction.

In Leadership Essentials, we dig into Leadership vs. Management. Both are important, but understanding when each is necessary is key to being an outstanding leader.

Using the SMART goal format, set goals for yourself to apply the topics discussed in Session One.

Psychological safety is a belief that one will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes. We'll discuss this key component to leading your team well and encouraging idea generation.

Learn what the conversation ‘sweet spot’ is and how to get there when confronted with a tough conversation. Delivering corrective feedback is very different than giving/receiving general feedback. We’ll discuss how to navigate these difficult conversations while respecting the working relationship.

Program Participation

We keep cohorts intentionally small to encourage meaningful interaction and idea exchange among participants. While multiple leaders from the same organization may apply, participation is typically limited to 1–2 individuals per organization per cohort to maintain a strong group dynamic.

Upcoming Cohorts:

  • Sioux Falls – Fall 2026 (Applications open July 2026)
  • Omaha – Spring 2027

Interested in joining an upcoming session? Add your name to the interest list, and we’ll notify you when registration opens.

Aerial view of people collaborating with laptops.

What People Are Saying

“This whole program has been such a huge help to me as a leader. The content is tangible, and the opportunity for questions and answers really provided a safe space to ask the hard questions.”

Jessie Haffner, Family Crisis Center, 2025 Fall Cohort Member

“Motivating and refreshing. Being able to leave with the knowledge to grow myself and bring things back to my coworkers is so exciting.”

Shayla Kruse, George McGovern Middle School, 2025 Fall Cohort Member

“I’ve served in the nonprofit world for my entire working career, and I’m grateful for and encouraged by a company like Interstates who intentionally equips and encourages nonprofits. ”

Chuck Jesperson, Lifeline Children’s Services, 2024 Cohort Member

“Sometimes we don't invest enough in ourselves. This was a great two days of investing in myself as a leader. Many great takeaways.”

Amy Benda, Sioux Falls Hope Coalition, 2024 Cohort Member

“I feel like another one of the strongest things I took away from Interstates was the importance of positive feedback. Every person who spoke during the conference shared with us how when a team member shares positive feedback it boosts motivation and confidence, reminding employees that their efforts are valued and impactful. You all showed how Interstates is a positive environment that is uplifting and inspires the employees to feel as though they are working in an appreciative community.”

Sandy Lown, Teddy Bear Den, 2024 Cohort Member

Interested in a Future Session?

While applications are closed at this time, we’re continuing to plan upcoming cohorts in Sioux Falls (Fall 2026) and Omaha (Spring 2027). Fill out the form below to join the interest list, and we’ll notify you when applications reopen for your preferred location.

Sioux Falls applications will open in July 2026.

Name
Are you interested in our Sioux Falls or Omaha location? 
Consent