Become Part of the Next Mission Elevation Cohort

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Applications for Cohort 8 Are Now Open

Cohort 8 is limited to just eight organizations.

Mission Elevation brings together a select group of nonprofit organizations committed to strengthening their organizations, investing in their leaders, and creating greater community impact.

Each year, just eight organizations are selected to participate in this year-long experience, creating an intentional learning community where leadership teams receive individualized coaching, build lasting peer relationships, and make measurable progress on the organizational challenge that matters most.

Before you apply, we encourage you to schedule a conversation with the Mission Elevation team.

This informal conversation is an opportunity to learn more about the program, discuss your organization's goals and challenges, ask questions, and determine whether Mission Elevation is the right fit. It also allows us to help you prepare the strongest possible application.

Important Application Dates

Early Decision Deadline: August 15, 2026

Organizations that apply by the Early Decision deadline receive priority review and an admission decision within approximately three weeks, giving additional time for planning, budgeting, and preparing for the program.

Final Application Deadline: September 15, 2026

Organizations applying by the final deadline will receive an admission decision within approximately three weeks of submission.

Is Mission Elevation Right for Your Organization?

Mission Elevation is designed for organizations that are ready to invest in organizational growth, not simply professional development.

Successful participants are organizations that:

• Have an important organizational opportunity or challenge they are ready to address.

• Want to strengthen leadership while improving organizational effectiveness.

• Value collaboration and learning alongside peer organizations.

• Can commit two senior leaders to fully participate throughout the year.

• Are ready to implement meaningful organizational change between program sessions.

If your organization is ready to move from good to great, Mission Elevation provides the structure, accountability, coaching, and peer support to help you get there.

What to Expect

Throughout the year, participating leadership teams will engage in:

• Four immersive, multi-day retreats

• Individual executive coaching

• Virtual cohort learning sessions

• Peer learning and facilitated discussion

• Practical organizational tools and implementation frameworks

• Guided support focused on your organization's strategic initiative

Between sessions, participants work within their organizations to apply what they are learning, ensuring the program creates measurable organizational progress rather than simply providing new ideas.

Cohort 8 Schedule

Mission Elevation combines in-person retreats, executive coaching, virtual learning, and implementation support throughout the year. Attendance is required for all retreats and key program events.

Key Dates:

• November 2026
  Program Kickoff (Virtual)

• January 24-26, 2027
  Gathering One | Richmond, Virginia

• April 4-6, 2027
  Gathering Two | Location to be Announced

• June 27-29, 2027
  Gathering Three | Location to be Announced

• November 7-9, 2027
  Gathering Four & Graduation | Location to be Announced

Tuition & Investment

Mission Elevation represents an investment in your organization's long-term effectiveness.

Program Investment: $3,000 per organization

Tuition includes participation for two senior leaders, executive coaching, retreats, curriculum, learning materials, and program facilitation.

Participants are responsible for travel expenses associated with in-person retreats.

Thanks to the generous support of VCDC's funding partners, the true cost of the program is significantly subsidized, making this nationally competitive leadership experience accessible to nonprofit organizations across Virginia.

What We're Looking For

Mission Elevation is a competitive application process designed to create a cohort of organizations that are ready to learn, collaborate, and grow together.

Applications are reviewed based on:

• Organizational readiness

• Leadership commitment

• The significance of the proposed organizational initiative

• Potential organizational impact

• Commitment to full participation throughout the program

We are looking for organizations that demonstrate readiness, curiosity, and a commitment to growth, not perfection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about eligibility, attendance, executive coaching, tuition, or the application process?

Click here to view our FAQ

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Every Mission Elevation cohort begins with a conversation.

Whether you're ready to apply or simply exploring whether the program is the right fit, we'd love to learn more about your organization, answer your questions, and help you determine if Mission Elevation is the right next step.