Leadership Institute
Funding Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Grant Type
foundation
Overview
Leadership Institute
Organization: Center for American Progress Action Fund
Goal: Increase the participation of progressive people of color among the thinkers, shapers, and planners of policy at every level of government, nonprofit organizations, and groups that influence public policy.
Program Duration: October 13, 2016 – May 19, 2017 (historical dates; program recurs annually)
Geographic Scope: Washington, D.C. area preferred; participants should be capable of commuting for monthly meetings
Focus Areas:
Participant Profile
Applicants should be:
Employment requirement: If currently employed, applicants must secure written support from a supervisor affirming participation in program activities.
Program Components
- Seminars
- Policy organization observation
- Visits to policy and media hubs
- Networking events
- Dinner discussions
- Monthly sessions throughout the program period
Compensation
No monetary compensation or stipend is associated with this institute.
Attendance Requirement
All chosen participants must be able to attend all Leadership Institute sessions.
How to Apply
Application Process
Required Materials:
1. Membership Application Form (PDF)
2. Personal Statement (no more than two pages)
- Reasons for applying
- What you hope to gain from the experience
- Your background in the policy arena
- Your goals related to working in policy planning
3. Resume
4. Two (2) Current Recommendation Letters
- Should speak to your relevant background and skills
Deadline: The application deadline has been extended to September 14, 2016.
Interview: Information about interviews not specified in materials.
Selection Criteria: Demonstrated interest in filling gaps between traditional public policies and communities of color; early-career status with promise in developing progressive public policies.
What Center for American Progress Action Fund actually gave
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, 2024
- Grants in 2024
- 2
- Total given
- $4.5M
- Median grant
- $2.25M
- Range
- $1M–$3.5M
- By dollars: New York 78%, California 22%. Top recipient cities: New York, NY; San Francisco, CA.
Example grants
NRDC Action Fund Inc · New York, NY
Education
$3.5M
Nextgen Climate Action · San Francisco, CA
Education
$1M
Focus Areas & Funding Uses
Fields of Work
Categories
Browse similar grants by category
Related Grants
Open grants from this funder and similar programs
Youth Council Grants
Vermont Afterschool Inc
Amount
$5,000
Deadline
October 13, 2026
Barry Community Foundation - Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Grants
Barry Community Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
October 15, 2026
Youth Tour Essay Contest
A & N Electric Cooperative
Amount
Varies
Deadline
October 24, 2026
Youth and Philanthropy (YAP) - High School Grant Program
United Way of Tompkins County Inc
Amount
$25,000 total distributed annually
Deadline
October 27, 2026
United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) Scholarship
Vermont Principals Association Inc
Amount
$10,000 per scholar
Deadline
October 31, 2026
Dennis Watson Spirit of TEAM Grant
Olympic Peninsula Young Mens Christian Assn
Amount
$800 - $1,500
Deadline
October 31, 2026
Ready to apply for Leadership Institute?
Grantable helps you assess fit, draft narratives, and track deadlines — so you can submit stronger applications, faster.