2026 United Way Young Leaders Board Readiness Program
Now Accepting Applications
The application deadline is Friday, December 12, 2025, and the 2026 cohort will be announced by December 31, 2025.
Purpose of the Program: To prepare participants to become active, effective, and knowledgeable board members for our local nonprofit organizations. Graduates are able to connect with nonprofits seeking new leaders for their board of directors.
The program, run by United Way Young Leaders, is open to the public and consists of 10 sessions, including networking opportunities.
The sessions cover:
• Board 101
• Board’s Role in Fundraising
• Ethics: Fiscal and Legal Responsibilities
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Strategic Planning
• Board-Staff Relationship
• Advocacy & Ambassadorship
• Taking the Next Steps to Board Membership
2025-2026 Program Dates:
• January 8, 2026: Evening Orientation, 6-7:00pm (In-person)
• January 15, 2026
• January 29, 2026
• February 12, 2026
• February 26, 2026
• March 5, 2026: BRP Program Mixer, 6-7:00 pm (Location TBD)
• March 12, 2026
• March 26, 2026
• April 9, 2026
• April 23, 2026
• May 7, 2026: Evening Graduation 5:30-7pm (JA Colonial Group Discovery Center)
All sessions are from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm via Zoom, unless otherwise noted.
Commitment: Admission to the program requires a $365 contribution to United Way's Community Fund or 14 tracked volunteer hours between July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
United Way Young Leaders connects young professionals passionate about philanthropy and improving lives in the Coastal Empire.