(York, PA, February 25, 2026) — York County Community Foundation (YCCF), in partnership with Leadership York (LY), is proud to announce the launch of Board Forward, a new cohort-based leadership development initiative designed to strengthen the partnership between nonprofit Executive Directors and Board Chairs.
Developed in collaboration with the York County Nonprofit Collaborative, to which YCCF serves as the backbone organization, Board Forward will convene up to eight nonprofit leadership teams for a six-month, in-person experience from May through October. The program is geared toward organizations that are ready to enhance governance practices and invest in long-term strategies that will help build a more resilient nonprofit sector across York County.
Unlike a traditional workshop series, Board Forward is structured as an applied learning experience. Participants will engage in facilitated sessions, collaborative peer dialogue, and dedicated work time to implement improvements within their organizations. The focus is on practical outcomes, measurable progress, and sustained leadership alignment.
Each participating organization must enroll as a leadership pair, with both the Executive Director and Board Chair committed to attending the program. Eligible Board Chairs include those who are incoming, newly appointed, or who have at least two years remaining in their term.
Through the program, leadership teams will:
- Develop a shared action roadmap for governance and leadership alignment
- Strengthen and modernize board policies and practices
- Establish clear frameworks for succession planning and onboarding
- Improve board meeting effectiveness and strategic focus
- Earn a certification that signals strong governance to funders and stakeholders
- Be committed to structured follow-up reporting to support their continued growth
“Healthy nonprofits depend on strong, aligned leadership at the top,” said Wilda Reahm, Executive Director of Leadership York. “Board Forward creates the space and structure for leadership pairs to grow together and build the governance foundation their organizations need. We’re excited to collaborate with the York County Community Foundation and the York County Nonprofit Collaborative to invest in the long-term strength of York County’s nonprofit community.”
Natalee Gunderson, President & CEO of York County Community Foundation, added, “By investing in the Executive Director–Board Chair relationship, we are strengthening the entire nonprofit ecosystem. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to ensuring York County’s nonprofits are equipped for the future. Leadership York is the ideal partner to facilitate this cohort learning model as it aligns perfectly with their mission.”
Tuition for Board Forward is $1,000 per leadership team. Financial assistance is available upon request. Organizations selected for the cohort should be prepared to dedicate meaningful time and be focused on advancing governance excellence and organizational resilience.
Applications are now open for nonprofit leaders ready to deepen their leadership partnership and contribute to a collaborative learning community.
For additional details or to apply, visit https://www.leadershipyork.org/
York County Community Foundation creates a vibrant York County by engaging donors, providing community leadership, and investing in high-impact initiatives while building endowments for future generations. The Community Foundation holds over 700 endowed funds and assists donors and nonprofits in reaching their charitable goals. York County Community Foundation granted $12 million in 2025 throughout York County and beyond, and stewards approximately $254 million in assets. For more information, please visit www.yccf.org.
Leadership York’s mission is to train, connect, and inspire individuals to serve the York community in leadership positions. The organization was founded in 1978 and boasts over 4,600 graduates from its seven programs. Those graduates provide leadership to more than 250 nonprofit organizations and serve thousands of constituents in state and local government. Leadership York is the primary resource for developing inspired leadership for our changing community. For more information, visit leadershipyork.org.
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