NONPROFIT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TRAINING
Pasadena, CA
Social Impact Leadership Training
A four session, in-person leadership course for current and emerging Executive Directors across the San Gabriel Valley and Greater Los Angeles County. Build the skills to grow revenue, build teams, and lead with confidence.
Four Fridays in September 2026.
Applications open now, apply by August 14.
Schedule: 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Pasadena
What Nonprofit Leaders Are Saying:
“The Social Impact Leadership training provided me with a paradigm shift in my approach to fundraising. Zoot’s expertise and entertaining speaking style, coupled with his interactive exercises, kept the training engaging and made great use of the workshop time.” – John Williams, Executive Director, The Center
Ready to Lead? The Skills You Need Are Here.
This in-person leadership course is designed for current or aspiring nonprofit leaders preparing to step into top level roles or grow within them.
Being an Executive Director or CEO is one of the most rewarding and isolating roles in the nonprofit world. Shrinking public funding, rising community need, and leaner teams mean strong, steady leadership has never been more urgent.
That’s why we’re partnering with seasoned nonprofit leader Zoot Velasco to offer the Social Impact ED Training, a four session cohort for new and emerging Executive Directors. Participants gain practical tools, peer support, and strategies to lead with clarity and confidence, including how to strengthen financial resilience through earned income.
Nonprofit Leadership Training Program Details
Duration: Four Fridays in September 2026, 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Format: In-person with lunch included
Instructor: Zoot Velasco, Social Impact Consultant, Leadership Coach, and Professor
Materials: Includes nonprofit leadership templates and Zoot’s book on managing mission-driven organizations
Why Now:
Our region is in a moment of deep transition. New nonprofits are rising to meet urgent needs, while established organizations are being pushed to do more with fewer resources. Traditional funding streams are shrinking, and nonprofit leaders must be more strategic, more resourceful, and more resilient than ever. This training gives new and aspiring Executive Directors the tools to:
- Raise revenue through earned income, partnerships, and fundraising
- Build and manage high performing teams and boards
- Design sustainable programs that meet real community needs
- Lead through crisis, growth, and uncertainty with clarity and strategy
Created and led by Zoot Velasco, this program is grounded in research on what helped nonprofits succeed during the Great Recession, and what it takes to thrive now. It’s one of the only nonprofit executive training programs in the Pasadena area designed specifically for real world community leadership.
Key Takeaways:
You’ll walk away with
- A deeper understanding of how to lead effectively through change
- A clear plan to stabilize and grow your organization, even in challenging times
- Tools to increase revenue through earned income, grants, and partnerships
- Strategies for building stronger boards, managing staff, and leading with confidence
- A new cohort of peers who understand the pressures and possibilities of nonprofit leadership
Weekly Curriculum:
- Week 1: Foundation & Assessment
- Leadership in times of uncertainty
- Comprehensive needs assessment and competitive analysis
- Mission refinement for maximum impact
- Week 2: Resource Development & Partnerships
- Alternative funding strategies beyond grants
- Strategic partnership development
- Stakeholder engagement and board development
- Week 3: Strategic Planning & Program Design
- Crisis-responsive strategic planning
- Grant writing and program design
- Pitch development and presentation skills
- Week 4: Marketing, Growth & Sustainability
- Authentic marketing that cuts through nonprofit noise
- Scaling strategies for sustainable growth
- Succession planning for organizational longevity
“This group experience came at the right time and in a very comfortable format for me. I encourage any emerging social impact leader who is new to the role, or trying to overcome imposter syndrome, to register and engage with the high quality instruction and excellent networking opportunities.” – Jennifer Caballero, Executive Director, California Association of Museums
Who Should Enroll in This Nonprofit Leadership Training?
This training is designed for current or aspiring Executive Directors, CEOs, senior staff, founders, or board members preparing to lead a nonprofit organization.
You’re a great fit if you are:
- A current or future Executive Director or nonprofit CEO ready to grow your leadership capacity.
- A senior staff member preparing to transition into a top leadership role.
- A founder, board member, or emerging leader launching a new initiative.
- Passionate about social impact and ready to lead with strategy, confidence, and clarity.
You should have a working understanding of nonprofit operations, including budgeting, fundraising, and program development. A formal title isn’t required—just a strong commitment to leadership.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect coming into this class, but I am grateful for being given the opportunity to learn new things about building a social profit. After taking this class I was able to obtain a full run-down, start to finish, that made sense. I have a lot more confidence to speak on certain topics, as well as being able to manage our logistics and finances better.” – Karimah Clipps, Co-Founder, Dena Rebuild & Restore
How Much Does the Program Cost?
The September 2026 cohort costs $300 per participant. This subsidized rate is made possible by support from the Pasadena Community Foundation, part of our commitment to keeping leadership training accessible for nonprofit professionals.
What Makes This Leadership Training Different?
This isn’t a typical leadership course. It was created by Zoot Velasco, based on his research into what helped nonprofits succeed during times of crisis like the Great Recession. The content focuses on real strategies used by organizations that learned how to grow, adapt, and lead under pressure.
This program is also committed to equity and access in nonprofit leadership. People of color remain underrepresented in executive roles across the sector. This training supports emerging leaders from all backgrounds and creates a learning environment that reflects the communities we serve.
“This class boosted my confidence, expanded my knowledge, and helped me connect to other emerging leaders in the community.” – Julie Miller, Executive Director, PCDA
In Their Own Words: Reflections from Past Participants
Hear what last year’s participants had to say at the end of the program. These are real reflections, recorded on the final day of training.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it’s open to aspiring leaders, senior staff, founders, and anyone preparing to take on a nonprofit executive role.
No, the training is based in Pasadena, but participants from across Los Angeles County and beyond are welcome.
$300 per participant, subsidized by the Pasadena Community Foundation.
Friday, August 14, for the September 2026 cohort.
Yes. Reach out to Kim at execdirector@jrpasadena.org to set one up.