By Sandra Kluk

Neighborhood Leadership Development Program & Community Development Corporation Leadership Program Seek 2025 Applicants

Two no-cost leadership development programs are now accepting applications for their 2025 cohorts. If you’re passionate about improving your community and ready to take an active role, the Neighborhood Leadership Development Program (NLDP) and the Community Development Corporation Leadership Program (CDCLP)  both supported by the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Foundation may be the right fit for you.

For 18 years, the Neighborhood Leadership Development Program (NLDP)  has equipped Cleveland residents and those in the city’s inner-ring suburbs with the tools to lead community-driven change. The program is designed for individuals actively working on projects within the City of Cleveland and committed to making a lasting impact in their neighborhoods.

The Community Development Corporation Leadership Program (CDCLP) , now entering its fifth year, recently graduated its fourth cohort. It remains the region’s only leadership program specifically tailored for executive-level leaders of Community Development Corporations.

NLDP and CDCLP are designed to help emerging neighborhood leaders reach their full potential through a combination of education, one-on-one coaching, and peer-to-peer engagement. Each participant—and every graduate—has ongoing access to a dedicated Program Coach who offers personalized support tailored to their unique goals and challenges.

Program sessions cover a wide range of topics, including organizational and program planning, marketing and communications, fundraising, board governance, and conflict resolution. Participants in both programs come from diverse backgrounds and work on a variety of issues that strengthen Cleveland’s neighborhoods.

Sessions for both programs are held in person at Trinity Commons, 2230 Euclid Ave. NLDP meets on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., while CDCLP sessions are held on Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The application period is now open.

The deadline to apply for NLDP is Aug. 14. To learn more, review the curriculum, or complete the online application, visit www.nldpcleveland.com or call 216-776-6167.

The deadline to apply for CDCLP is July 31. For details and to access the application, visit www.cdclp.org or call 216-776-6172.

Think you have what it takes? Apply now—and be the change your community needs.