United Way of Rhode Island is recruiting participants for the next cohort of its popular Executive Director Learning Circle from the state’s nonprofit community.

Space in the innovative, annual capacity-building series has been increased to accommodate up to 15 individuals. Applications are currently open online and will be accepted through Dec. 17.

Launched in 2017 with an inaugural class of 11, the Executive Director Learning Circle was designed specifically for leaders of Rhode Island-based nonprofits with annual budgets less than $1 million. Its curriculum was developed to help organizations improve the delivery of services.

The series convenes monthly for 11 sessions, at which nonprofit leaders focus on strategic planning, fund development, board engagement, risk management, marketing and communications, and more. Participants engage in practical scenario sharing, group activities, and benefit from coaching in a range of competency topics. Additionally, graduates of the program may apply their experience toward credits for a BA or MA at Roger Williams University’s School of Studies Community Development program.

Following the selection of participants, sessions begin on Friday, Jan. 17, 2020, and continue monthly on the third Friday of each month through November. Each session will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and will be held at UWRI’s headquarters at 50 Valley St. in Providence. Those interested in applying may do so online in advance of the Dec. 17 deadline.

The series is led by facilitator Michael Fournier, a retired nonprofit executive with decades of experience in senior leadership positions and a focus on executive coaching and capacity building.

UWRI’s Executive Director Learning Circle has been well received over the past three years, engaging and graduating more than three-dozen leaders of Rhode Island nonprofits. The series is part of United Way’s deep commitment to supporting the state’s nonprofits through opportunities that focus on education, philanthropy and community volunteerism connections.

For more information, visit liveunitedri.org.