Who should apply to Board Academy?
- Service-oriented community members curious about serving on a nonprofit board
- Community leaders interested in board service
- New/less-experienced board members
- Experienced board members
Board Academy is open both to those new to board service as well as more experienced board members. We strongly encourage younger emerging leaders and those from historically underrepresented communities to apply.
Why should you apply to Board Academy?
Participants become more effective board members by:
- Gaining a strong understanding of board governance in the nonprofit sector,
- Honing their collaborative skills, and
- Preparing them to address the systemic inequities ingrained in nonprofit organizations and institutions.
When should you apply to Board Academy?
Applications are now open! The priority deadline for scholarships is December 1, 2025. Be sure to apply by this date if you plan to request a scholarship.
Curriculum
Through a series of interactive workshops, Board Academy will take you beyond the basics of board roles and responsibilities to give you an in-depth understanding of the board’s role in:
- Strategy
- Finance
- Philanthropy
- Collaboration
- Community Engagement & Advocacy
- Board Recruitment & Onboarding
The structure of the program emphasizes:
- Current trends in governance and the nonprofit sector
- The application of concepts through practical examples and case studies
- Individualized, independent projects
- Creating a community of peers
As a Board Academy graduate, you’ll be given opportunities to further your learning through mentorships, group coaching, fellowships, and access to our community of over 200 Board Academy alumni.
Photos by Eze Amos
Program Schedule for 2026
Board Academy 2026 will run from late January to late May, featuring three immersive full-day in-person workshops and four half-day in-person workshops held at our Charlottesville office. See full calendar here. Active participation requires a significant commitment to both learning and engagement, and we ask that applicants be prepared to attend all scheduled sessions.
Successful completion of Board Academy involves a time investment of 35 hours across a 15-week period. This includes seven dynamic in-person workshops in Charlottesville. Between meetings, participants will complete assigned readings and activities and engage in individual self-reflection.
Tuition and Financial Support
The cost for participation is $1,600 for CNE members and $2,500 for nonmembers.
CNE offers substantial need-based scholarships. Scholarship applications are evaluated on an individual basis after participants have been selected. Scholarship applicants can also apply for an additional childcare subsidy.
We strongly believe that diversity of experience contributes to strong board leadership. We actively encourage anyone interested in serving their community to consider applying for Board Academy.
American Sign Language interpreters or other communication access accommodations are available upon request. Please submit any accommodations requests to CNE at staff@thecne.org or 434-244-3330.
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Do you know someone else who would benefit from this program? Submit a nomination!