“If our pluralistic system is to regain any measure of cohesion, leaders from various segments are going to have to come together in what I have called networks of responsibility to appraise and seek to resolve the larger problems of their community, region, nation or world.” – John Gardner

The Initiative for Nonprofit Talent and Leadership aims to prioritize leadership as one of the most effective means to catalyze transformational results for thriving communities. The Initiative is a collaborative effort of cross-sector leaders including American Express, Annie E. Casey Foundation, Aspen Institute Program on Philanthropy and Social Innovation, Center for Creative Leadership, Commongood Careers, Corporation for National and Community Service, Public Allies, and Rudin Family Foundations, among others.  Diverse, effective and innovative leadership is essential for the nonprofit sector to deliver high-quality programs and services to communities in need. A new generation of leadership must understand how to operate and thrive in a dynamic and interconnected environment.

Where We Started
Over 200 cross-sector leaders participated in the White House Forum on Nonprofit Leadership, held November 15, 2011 to develop a blueprint of actionable goals and strategies to strengthen leadership in the nonprofit sector.  This event launched the Initiative for Nonprofit Talent and Leadership to elevate this issue and mobilize cross-sector attention, resources and expertise.

How We Got Here
Following the White House Forum, nearly 200 additional stakeholders further refined the goals and strategies through a series of webinars and an online forum. Independent Sector then led a team to synthesize and prioritize what we heard. What can this Initiative do right now to catalyze long-term change?

Where We Are Now:
This document is a proposal for the Initiative’s vision, theory of change, and goals based on the input of participants so far.  In 2012 we aim to forge broad agreement on our priorities and develop critical strategies for implementation over the next three years.

• Our Vision: Communities to be thriving, healthy, sustainable, and fueled by a diverse network of inspired and innovative leaders. 
• Our Theory of Change is that valuing nonprofit talent and leadership through focused investment of time, attention and resources is one of the most effective ways to catalyze transformational results for thriving communities.