Applications for the 2026 – 2027 program year will open on June 1, 2026.

Thank you for your interest in the Women’s Leadership Council. Our upcoming program year will run from September 2026 through June 2027.

To indicate your interest in the 2026–27 cohort, please complete our interest form . Those who submit the form will receive updates and application details as they become available.

WLC Eligibility Requirements

Our membership process is rooted in values of equity and accessibility. Potential members must complete a simple application and meet the following basic criteria:

  1. Currently in an ongoing (v. interim) role as an Executive Director/Co-Executive Director/CEO/President of a social impact organization based in NYC (leaders of the regional chapters of national organizations are eligible to join);

  2. Identify as female—trans women, cisgender women, and nonbinary people who are interested in a female-identified space are welcome; and

  3. Be willing and able to commit to participating in the WLC community for an entire program year (typically September – June), including:

WLC Membership Requirements

  • Attending (to the extent possible) 4 – 5 meetings/year. These meetings are the primary venue for members to provide and receive peer support; learn and share information and resources; build relationships; and hear guest speakers. Meetings are generally 1.5 hours; scheduled at the beginning of the year; a rotation of days and times to account for different schedules. The 2026-2027 meetings are tentatively scheduled for:

    • Wednesday, September 23, 9:00 am – 10:45 am (in person)

    • Thursday, December 10, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm (via Zoom)

    • February date TBD, 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm (in person)

    • April date TBD, 9:00 am – 10:45 am (in person)

    • Wednesday, June 9, 12:30 – 5:00 pm (in-person retreat)

  • Actively participating in the WLC listserv (which is dynamic and resource-rich with information on funding, best practices, training opportunities, leadership development opportunities—in short, anything members find useful);

  • Sharing ideas, resources, thought-partnership with fellow members; and

  • If interested, participating in one or more of the WLC’s topic-specific groups (e.g., Board leadership; Leadership Transitions). These smaller, topic-based groups are organized by members each program year, based on interest.

WLC Membership Fees

The WLC has kept fees unchanged for two years, acknowledging the financial strain on member organizations. Membership fees are used to cover operating expenses, including our administrative support, technology, space rental, food and beverages for in-person meetings, honoraria, scholarships, etc.

2026 – 2027 Program Year Membership Fees
Please note: These fees may change in future program years.

  • $100 for a budget less than $250K, or for leaders currently unaffiliated with an organization

  • $315 for a budget of $250K up to $1.5M

  • $525 for a budget of $1.5M up to $3M

  • $575 for a budget of $3M up to $5M

  • $735 for a budget of $5M up to $10M

  • $850 for a budget of $10M or more