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Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy (ELP)
Founded by Communities Foundation of Texas and now led by Philanthropy Southwest, ELP is a cohort-based program for rising leaders in grantmaking with 3–10 years of experience in philanthropy.
ELP graduates emerge prepared to step into senior leadership roles, equipped with the knowledge, resilience, and perspective to lead high-performing teams and drive lasting, transformative change.
Program details
If you are interested in participating in the ELP program, please read the following Information.
The ELP Program is designed for those with 3-10 years of professional experience in philanthropy, who are employed at a foundation or grantmaking organization serving the PSW service region (Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, or Utah).
- Visit the online application portal
- Apply now through December 19, 2025.
- 2026 ELP participants will be notified about the status of their application on or before January 7, 2026.
- Attendance is mandatory at all program sessions. (One excused absence is permissible in order to graduate from the ELP program.)
- Virtual attendance is not an option at the in-person sessions.
- The program tuition fee is $4,500 for PSW members $5,000 for non-members.
- Travel is required for 4 of the sessions.
Dates for the 2026 program are below.
Travel Required
- February 5-6, 2026 (Dallas, TX)
- OPTIONAL: March 9-11, 2026 (Washington, DC)
- May 4-6, 2026 (Leakey, TX)
- August 4-6, 2026 (Denver, CO)
- October 25-29, 2026 (Tucson, AZ)
No Travel Required
- March 6, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. CT
- April 10, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. CT
- June 5, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. CT
- July 10, 2026 | 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. CT
- September 11, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. CT
Stay in touch.
Please email Brittany Huber, Senior Director of Learning at Philanthropy Southwest, if you have any questions about the ELP program, application, or program sponsorship opportunities.