A New Leadership Initiative

UBUNTU LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

EXPANDING LEADERSHIP FOR ALL

The Evanston Community Foundation has been a hub for community listening, local leadership development training, and hands-on learning for nearly 40 years. Marked by the launch of Leadership Evanston in 1993, the community foundation created a commitment to harness the brilliance and experience of our community to strengthen Evanston. Now, 30 years later, we are proud to have expanded our programmatic offerings to support emerging and established leaders through leadership programming that embraces the knowledge and skills of all Evanstonians.

Leadership Evanston

Open to all Evanstonians, Signature Leadership Evanston (LE) is a 10-month cohort learning program that brings together community leaders from a wide range of backgrounds, and experiences, to brainstorm solutions to hyper-local issues.

Board Leadership Training

Learn the ins and outs of board service, connect with local leaders, and increase your impact in Evanston.

Leadership Circles

At the Evanston Community Foundation, we believe every leader deserves a space to grow, connect, and thrive. We work with community members to create opportunities for dialogue, collaboration, and support in navigating leadership challenges.

Legacy Leaders Network

Are you an LE Alum looking for more opportunities to connect with the Evanston community? Check out our new LE Alum portal.

ULI: A NEW LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE

Rooted in the 31 year legacy of our Signature Leadership Evanston program, and guided by community voice and choice, we are proud to embark on a new journey of expansion. Ubuntu Leadership Institute is designed to embrace the knowledge and skills of all Evanstonians through inclusive and culturally responsive leadership training and support. Watch now to learn more.

Program Offerings:

Open to all Evanstonians, Signature Leadership Evanston (LE) is a 10-month cohort learning program that brings together community leaders from a wide range of backgrounds, and experiences, to brainstorm solutions to hyper-local issues, and make the necessary connections to continue their work in Evanston. This is a non-certificate program that runs from September through June. During that time participants:
- Learn about the history of Evanston to understand how we became the city we are today.
- Build relationships with each other and other community leaders.
- Collaborate to problem-solve around our biggest challenges.
Click here to learn more.
Learn the ins and outs of board service, connect with local leaders, and increase your impact in Evanston. For more information click here.

Note: In our continued efforts to execute our board- approved racial equity strategic plan: Ubuntu in Action, this inaugural cohort will prioritize BIPOC Evanston residents with no board experience.
At the Evanston Community Foundation, we believe every leader deserves a space to grow, connect, and thrive. We work with community members to create opportunities for dialogue, collaboration, and support in navigating leadership challenges.

Our current Leadership Circles include:

-Executive Director Roundtable: A space for local nonprofit executive leaders to connect, share strategies, and find solutions to common challenges.

-Latine Leaders in Social Services Affinity Group: A supportive community for Latine leaders in social services to discuss shared experiences and foster collaboration.

-Black Leaders Affinity Group: A space for black leaders to exchange ideas, build networks, and enhance their impact.

Note: Community listening is the cornerstone of our programming at ECF. If you don't see what you're looking for, or you're interested in starting a leadership affinity space, we'd love to chat!
Are you an LE Alum looking for more opportunities to connect with the Evanston community? Check out our new LE Alum portal here for more!

"Community made this happen. This institute is a culmination of every conversation, suggestion, and frustration shared with the ECF team. Our hope is that every LE alum who advocated for more programming and points of engagement feel a sense of pride and ownership when thinking of the Ubuntu Leadership Institute. We did this with you, for you, and because of you."

-Karli Butler, VP of Community Leadership & Investment

Contact Us

Please reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns and an Ubuntu Leadership Institute Program Officer will get back to you as soon as possible.

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