Who Should Apply
Nonprofit organizations that meet the following criteria are eligible to apply:
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Annual operating budget of $500K+
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Established leadership team
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Predominantly serve historically disinvested communities in Chicago
IGNITE
A leadership program for high-impact nonprofit organizations serving Chicago communities
IGNITE combines world-class business education, coaching, peer mentorship, networking, and consulting assistance to equip the executive leadership teams of organizations with tools to expand their impact on Chicago鈥檚 historically disinvested communities. Held in monthly sessions over nine months, IGNITE is the signature program of the Golub Capital Social Impact Lab at the Rustandy Center. Through the generous contribution of Golub Capital, this program is offered at no cost to participating organizations.
Applications for the 2025 IGNITE cohort are now closed.
About the Program
2025 Program Timeline
- Kickoff: Jan 24–25
- Sessions 1–3: Feb 21, Mar 21, Apr 25
- ED/CEO Only Day: May 9
- Session 4 & Graduation: May 30, June 13
- Closing Retreat: Sep 18–19
- Classroom sessions led by Chicago Booth faculty and nonprofit practitioners, including sessions on strategy, decision-making, and securing and managing resources
- Networking with prominent philanthropists and nonprofit leaders in Chicago
- Monthly executive coaching exclusively for executive directors/CEOs
- Organizational coaching
- Leadership circles that bring together participants in facilitated discussion groups
- Closing retreat (New York City) to reflect on experience, build connections with nonprofits in a new market, and celebrate
- Financial stipends of up to $10K per organization to support capacity-building work
- $13K credit for Booth Executive Education programs taught by Booth faculty
Meet the IGNITE Cohorts
2025 Cohort
The leadership teams of the Chicago nonprofits that are participating in the 2025 cohort of IGNITE.
2024 Cohort
The leadership teams of the seven Chicago nonprofits that participated in the 2024 cohort of IGNITE.
2023 Cohort
The leadership teams of the eight Chicago nonprofits that participated in the inaugural cohort of IGNITE.
Frequently Asked Questions
By leadership team, we are referring to thought partners of the Executive Director or CEO. This team might include titles like Director or Chief of Finance, Operations, Development, Programs etc. Each organization can bring three members of their leadership team including the Executive Director/CEO. If you have a larger team, we will work with your organization individually to determine the best path forward.
Yes. Although we are not asking organizations for financial commitments, we are asking for a substantial time commitment. It is important for your organization and Board of Directors to have a conversation about whether you are able to devote the resources to fully engage in this program.
We understand that the needs of your organization may change during the course of the program. If you are unable to fulfill the attendance requirements, we would move your organization to the following year.
We anticipate individuals will spend anywhere from 4-6 hours per month outside of in person sessions. This includes time for pre-work for sessions, organization meetings, and coaching.
No, thanks to the generous contribution by Golub Capital, there is no cost to the organization
We are limiting participation to nonprofit organizations that serve historically disinvested communities within Chicago city limits.
Yes, Golub Capital has made a generous gift and we do have funding for five years. If your organization is not selected this year, you may apply again.
About the Golub Capital Social Impact Lab
Through a significant five-year commitment from Golub Capital, the Golub Capital Social Impact Lab provides training and professional development to amplify the impact of leaders of high-potential nonprofits serving historically disinvested communities.
The Golub Capital Lab provides access to individualized resources, funding for internal capacity building projects, connections to unlock social capital, opportunities to advance knowledge, and practical technical assistance.
Golub Capital Social Impact Lab Leadership
George Wu
Faculty director, Golub Capital Social Impact Lab
John P. and Lillian A. Gould Professor of Behavioral Science
George Wu studies the psychology of individual, managerial, and organizational decision-making; decision analysis; and cognitive biases in bargaining and negotiation. He is also the faculty co-director of Chicago Booth鈥檚 Civic Scholars Program.
Tyeise Huntley
Director, Golub Capital Social Impact Lab
Tyeise Huntley leads the Golub Capital Social Impact Lab, which provides training and professional development to amplify the impact of leaders of high-potential nonprofits serving historically disinvested communities in Chicago.
IGNITE Partners
Stories About IGNITE
Golub Capital Social Impact Lab Welcomes 2025 IGNITE Cohort
Eight Chicago Nonprofits Join IGNITE’s Third Cohort to Amplify Community Impact
Golub Capital Social Impact Lab Welcomes 2025 IGNITE Cohort
Igniting Positive Change in the Community
Half a year after IGNITE鈥檚 first cohort completed the program, participants share key lessons.
Igniting Positive Change in the CommunityIGNITE supports leaders of nonprofits serving Chicago鈥檚 Black community through business classes, networking, consulting assistance, and peer mentorship.