Since ELP’s start, program participants have benefited from the expertise of our staff, local nonprofit leaders, and corporate/foundation leaders as they honed their grantmaking skills and built like-hearted connections with one another.
After six successful cohorts, a total of 400 graduates, and a strong alumni network, ELP is expanding in a big way. The program is formally transitioning to being part of Philanthropy Southwest (PSW), an organization that CFT has been a long-time member of and partner with. The new iteration will focus on the rising professional talent within foundations and grantmaking organizations serving the southwestern U.S.
Founded in 1949, Philanthropy Southwest is a premier philanthropy serving organization in the Southwestern United States, with hundreds of member organizations across the region. PSW works to foster meaningful philanthropy and trusted relationships that impact the southwest region’s people, communities, and most pressing issues.
While PSW serves the entire Southwestern U.S., its team is headquartered in Dallas at the Water Cooler at Pegasus Park. This close connection, coupled with PSW’s strong leadership team, expertise, and ability to convene and scale programming, positions PSW to take ELP to the next level, expanding the program’s impact. Additionally, the program will be led by Brittany Huber, senior director of learning at PSW, who is alumna of the program.
“ELP aligns perfectly with the PSW Impact Engine framework pillars of Meaningful Relationships, Ideas & Innovation, and Sector & Professional Growth,” said Tony Fundaro, President & CEO at Philanthropy Southwest. “ELP graduates will 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.”
“CFT wanted a partner who could take what we’ve built and expand it, and we certainly found that in Philanthropy Southwest. This network of interconnected leaders is the perfect home for the next iteration of this proven program, and we look forward to seeing how it impacts leaders across the Southwest,” said Calvert Collins-Bratton, CFT’s chief relationship officer, who shared the announcement at Philanthropy Southwest’s annual conference in October.
The next cohort of the program, led by Philanthropy Southwest and powered by CFT, will launch in 2026. Learn more about Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy at Philanthropy Southwest on their website here.
Please email Brittany Huber, Senior Director of Learning, at bhuber@philanthropysouthwest.org if you have any questions on the program, application, or program sponsorship opportunities.
2025’s Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy celebrating nonprofit grantees, Housing Forward, LBU Community Clinic, and HHM Health.
