NONPROFIT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TRAINING
Pasadena, CA
Social Impact Leadership Training
The Social Impact Leadership Training is a nonprofit executive leadership course held in Pasadena for leaders across the San Gabriel Valley. This 4-session, in-person program equips current and emerging Executive Directors with tools to grow revenue, build teams, and lead through uncertainty.
Fall 2025 Cohort – SOLD OUT
Lead With Strength, Even in Uncertain Times
Thanks to a very generous grant by Pasadena Community Foundation, tuition for the Fall 2025 cohort is $200 total.
⚠️ Our September program is sold out. Join the interest list for future sessions
What Nonprofit Leaders Are Saying:
“This class boosted my confidence, expanded my knowledge, and helped me connect to other emerging leaders in the community.”
— Julie Miller, Executive Director, PCDA
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. Right now, that role feels heavier than ever.
In the wake of devastating fires that displaced thousands and disrupted nearly every organization in our region, nonprofit leaders are being stretched to do more with fewer resources, all while continuing to support communities still deep in recovery. Add shrinking public funding and national instability, and it’s clear: 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 4-session cohort program 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.
This training builds the essential skill set every nonprofit leader needs to succeed.
Nonprofit Leadership Training Program Details
Duration: Four Fridays in September 2025, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Format: In-person with lunch included
Instructor: Zoot Velasco, Interim Executive Director at Pasadena Heritage
Materials: Includes nonprofit leadership templates and Zoot’s latest 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—especially in the aftermath of the devastating fires.
At the same time, traditional funding streams are shrinking. Nonprofit leaders must be more strategic, more resourceful, and more resilient than ever before.
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.
This is one of the only nonprofit executive training programs in the Pasadena area designed specifically for real-world community leadership.
Key Takeaways:
This course provides nonprofit leaders with the tools, insight, and support they need, but rarely receive.
You’ll walk away with:
- 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
- A deeper understanding of how to lead effectively through change, grounded in the Social Impact Leadership Training experience
Whether you’re new to the role or preparing to step in, this training sets you up to lead with clarity and impact.
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
“The Social Impact Leadership training provided me with a paradigm shift in my approach to fundraising. Additionally, 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
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.
“This is a great training for CEO’s or potential CEO’s. The information is invaluable.”
— Lanita Tademy, Executive Director, Family Promise of San Gabriel Valley
How Much Does the Program Cost?
Thanks to Pasadena Community Foundation’s support, the Fall 2025 cohort was offered at a subsidized rate of $200 per participant.
Future session pricing will be announced when new cohorts are scheduled. To be notified as soon as details are available, join our interest list.
What Makes This Leadership Training Different?
This is not 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.
What also makes this program different is its commitment 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.
You will leave this training with:
- A deeper understanding of how to lead through challenges with clarity and purpose
- A clear and actionable plan for leading your organization
- Practical tools and templates you can put to use right away
- A strong peer network for support and collaboration
“This training was very worthwhile and gave me so many useful tools for working with Boards and for running a social profit organization. Also, it was a wonderful way to connect with important social profit organizations in the area.”
— Alexandria Levitt, Program Manager, Together California
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.
The Fall 2025 cohort is full. Join our interest list to be notified about future sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this training only for current Executive Directors?
- No — it’s open to aspiring leaders, senior staff, founders, and anyone preparing to take on a nonprofit executive role.
- Do I need to be from Pasadena to attend?
- No — the training is based in Pasadena, but participants from across Los Angeles County and beyond are welcome.
About Our Pricing Philosophy
We believe in making leadership training accessible for nonprofit professionals, especially during times of uncertainty. Thanks to Pasadena Community Foundation’s support, the Fall 2025 cohort was offered at a subsidized rate of $200. Future session pricing will be announced when new cohorts are scheduled.
Still Deciding?
Future sessions will be announced soon. Join our interest list to receive updates as soon as registration opens.