PHOTO BY JULIA FERRA

May 2026; Participants in the Neighborhood Leadership Development Program pose outside of a tour bus that took them on a tour of Cleveland neighborhoods.

(Plain Press July 2026) If you are passionate, committed and dedicated to taking an active role in improving your community, you may be excited by, and ready for, one of two valuable leadership development programs. The Neighborhood Leadership Development Program (NLDP) and Community Development Corporation Leadership Program (CDCLP) are programs of the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation. Both programs are available at no cost to participants.

   The Neighborhood Leadership Development Program (NLDP), for 19 years, has offered community engagement leadership training for residents of Cleveland, and its inner ring suburbs, who are working on projects in the City of Cleveland and who are determined to make a positive impact on their communities.

   The Community Development Corporation Leadership Program (CDCLP) just graduated its fifth cohort. CDCLP is the Cleveland area’s only leadership program specifically designed for Community Development Corporation Executive level leadership.

   Both programs are currently seeking applicants for their 2026 cohorts. One recent NLDP graduate spoke about what the program meant for her.

   “The leadership program gave me the confidence, tools, and network to turn an idea into action. We took our program from a podcast and social media presence to a non-profit actively engaged in programming and partnering with other non-profits and neighborhood leaders. What I thought would be an investment for my community became a true investment in myself. The tools I gained through NLDP are used in every room I sit in, my classroom, committee meetings, and board meetings. I began to see how intentional community-building can create meaningful change and deeper connection. The program reinforced my belief that leadership isn’t about holding a position—it’s about creating opportunities for people to belong, contribute, and build stronger communities together.”

   NLDP and CDCLP are designed to help emerging neighborhood leaders reach their potential by expanding their knowledge base and personal development through education, one on one coaching and ongoing interaction with their peers and other leaders. Participants and graduates of both programs have ongoing access to the services of a Program Coach who will give advice and support tailored to the needs of the participant.

   The programs cover topics such as organizational and program planning, marketing and communications, program fundraising, board governance, conflict resolution and more. NLDP and CDCLP participants and graduates are a diverse group with many interests who are working on a wide variety of issues that positively impact Cleveland’s neighborhoods.

   Both programs hold their in-person sessions at Trinity Commons at 2230 Euclid Avenue. 

   NLDP sessions take place from 8:30am to 4:30pm on Saturdays, CDCLP sessions take place from 8:30am to 5pm on Thursdays. 

   The application period is now open! The deadline for NLDP and CDCLP applications is July 31, 2026.

   For additional information on NLDP and to view the curriculum and online application, visit www.nldpcleveland.com or call 216-776-6167.

For additional information on CDCLP and to view the curriculum and online application, visit www.cdclp.org or call 216-776-6172.

Think you have what it takes? Apply to make a difference!