Organizational Development

Transformational Leadership Cohort

photo of a group of sixteen people sitting at two long tables pushed together while a woman speaks in front of a large window with a city view in the backgroundLaunched in 2019, LZF’s Transformational Leadership Cohort (TLC) Program is an intensive, year-long, capacity-building program specifically designed for small, grassroots organizations and primarily led by people from historically excluded populations. Throughout the TLC program, a cohort of up to 20 leaders representing current and former LZF grantee partners receive individual executive coaching and participate in high-quality, workshop-based, skills-focused trainings designed to build their knowledge and confidence while also expanding their network of trusted peer leaders.

Catalytic Consulting Program

One of LZF’s core values is Bridge Building. We believe that our collective potential for change is greatest when grassroots organizations are in trusting relationships with one another, and with funder allies. The better we know one another, the more we can uplift one another’s work and foster thriving communities.

We also know that real relationships require trust. We trust our grantee partners to utilize the resources we offer to effectively continue the impactful work you’re doing. We also strive to be trustworthy of our grantee partners, not only in terms of what we offer, but also how we show up in community.

This is the foundation of our approach to partnering with and supporting our grantee partners. Catalytic Community Building supports grantees to build relationships with one another, the LZF team, and additional potential supporters, and to access a breadth of resources designed for small-budget, community-based organizations (SBCBs). We hope this work serves our grantees now, and contributes to build sustainable infrastructure for SBCBs in Eastern Massachusetts long term.

Through interviews and feedback from grantee partners, LZF has identified five main categories where SBCBs consistently report that they need tools and resources specifically designed for their size. These categories serve as a guide for how we structure our resources and offerings for grantee partners. The five categories are:

  • Planning and Decision Making
  • Fundraising
  • Financial Management
  • Human Resources
  • Operations

 

We have designed flexible offerings that we hope will be useful, whether your organization is newly established and finding its footing, or has been around for a while and is exploring avenues for sustainability and/or growth (in depth or in breadth).

More details on utilizing this resource can be found in our Catalytic Consulting 1-pager.

Additional Support

LZF strengthens its grantee partners by providing an array of support such as capacity-building educational seminars and workshops, pro bono legal services, and access to experts.

Institutes


Annual day-long conference held in June for current and former grantee partners, covering important organizational development topics facilitated by experts experienced in small-budget, community-based organizations and their needs.

Seminars


Virtual, interactive seminars are facilitated by experts, covering foundational information relating to LZF’s five Focus Areas. Available to current and former grantee partners.

Networking


The opportunity to meet and learn from other like-minded community leaders is one of the most valuable parts of the LZF grantee experience. The exchange of ideas, resources, and support creates lasting relationships and strong community ties.

Pro Bono Legal Assistance


Legal assistance is often necessary and always expensive. Through our partners, DLA Piper and The Lawyers Clearinghouse, LZF can provide all current and former grantee partners with free or low-cost legal guidance.

Leadership Counseling


Whether seeking advice on management, board development, or donor stewardship, LZF staff members are always available to help grant recipients resolve problems and build confidence.

Access to Experts


Board members, donors, and other supporters are eager to share their expertise with grant recipients.