Board Leadership Program

Prepare to lead positive change within the greater Iowa City area.

Board Leadership Program 2025 - Greater Iowa City

The Board Leadership Program (BLP) is a 6-month education series for individuals with professional or volunteer experience, preparing them to
serve as confident and effective board members for local nonprofit organizations. Participants receive training, broaden their professional networks, and learn about opportunities in the greater Iowa City area. For questions regarding BLP, contact Michael Chen at michael@greateriowacity.com

Applications for the 2025-2026 BLP cohort are open!

Application Deadline: August 24, 2025 at 4:30pm

Tuition cost: $250

BLP was created by Greater Iowa City, Inc., The Community Foundation of Johnson County, and United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties.

2024-2025 Schedule

Orientation

Wednesday: September 24, 2025

4:00 – 5:30pm

Board Basics & Governance

Wednesday: October 8, 2025

7:30 – 9:30am

Nonprofit Finance 101

Wednesday: November 12, 2025

7:30 – 9:30am

Speakers: David Little, CPA (Clifton, Larson, Allen LLP) & Shelly Maharry (CFJC)

Fundraising

Wednesday: December 10, 2025

7:30 – 9:30am

Speaker: Kathryn Wittneben (CFJC)

Happy Hour Social

Wednesday: January 7, 2026

4:00 – 5:00pm

Advocacy

Wednesday: February 11, 2026

7:30 – 9:30am

Strategic Planning

Wednesday: March 11, 2026

7:30 – 9:30am

Speaker: Jennifer Horn-Frasier (Bluebird Sky, LLC)

Graduation

Wednesday: April 8, 2026

4:00 – 5:30pm

Nonprofit Board Fair

Wednesday: April 22, 2026

TBD

The purpose of BLP