2026 LEAD Institute - Apply

Applications for the 2026 LEAD Institute are now open and due by Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

We recommend you discuss your goals and the commitment required to attend LEAD with your direct supervisor and/or affiliated community organizations. Nonprofits based in Santa Cruz, Monterey or San Benito Counties are eligible. LEAD Institute will accept one applicant per organization.

Application and Selection Criteria

Successful candidates demonstrate:

Integrity, critical thinking, and a commitment to life-long learning
Interest in taking on greater leadership in the next 18 months
Support from their organization or community group
Experience supervising others or the desire to gain management skills
Investment in community

Tuition and Partial Scholarships

We are committed to working with all accepted applicants and their organizations to coordinate tuition funding.


Organization Budget Size	LEAD Tuition
All-volunteer organizations	$1,000
< $500,000	$1,500
$500-999,999	$1,800
$1M-$5M	$2,100
>$5M	$2,400

The Community Foundation for Monterey County understands the unique financial circumstances of each LEAD participant and nonprofit organization. We encourage all who could benefit from LEAD Institute to apply. Tuition is sliding-scale and need-based scholarships are available. LEAD Institute will accept one applicant per organization.