Sarah Ford | June 25, 2012

How Successful Nonprofits Develop Future Leaders

While resource constraints are one challenge most nonprofits face, the biggest obstacle to improved leadership development may be the behavior of leaders. Many nonprofit leaders (including nonprofit boards) confront the question of leadership development only when faced with a succession crisis. And by then it may be too late.

A change of thinking is needed to overcome this obstacle. Bridgespan has created Plan A: How Successful Nonprofits Develop Their Future Leaders as a guide to help nonprofits think differently about leadership development.

The process laid out in this guide is intended to help nonprofits:

  • Define leadership needs
  • Identify future leaders
  • Detail activities to strengthen their leadership muscle

Click here to download Bridgespan’s guide.

Get Resources and Insights Straight To Your Inbox

Explore More Articles

Emergency Assistance Fund Compliance: How to Stay IRS-Compliant While Maximizing Employee Impact

June 17, 2026

Why Emergency Assistance Funds Matter More Than Ever Financial insecurity remains a critical challenge for today’s workforce. Approximately 37% of Americans cannot afford an unexpected…

Open Position – Director of Marketing

June 16, 2026

Position: Director of Marketing  Department: Business Development  Reporting Structure: VP, Business Development   Exemption Status: Exempt  Location: Remote  Overview of the Role:  Reporting to, and partnering with, the VP,…

Celebrating Juneteenth and Continuing to Work in Solidarity for Racial Justice, Equality, and Equity

June 9, 2026

June 19 — also known as Juneteenth, or the nation’s second Independence Day — commemorates the end of slavery in Texas, and therefore the nation,…

Get Resources and Insights Straight To Your Inbox

Receive our monthly/bi-monthly newsletter filled with information about causes, nonprofit impact, and topics important for corporate social responsibility and employee engagement professionals, including disaster response, workplace giving, matching gifts, employee assistance funds, volunteering, scholarship award program management, grantmaking, and other philanthropic initiatives.

newsletter-mock