SCHOLARSHIPS
INVEST IN LEADERS

Scholarship for
Emerging Leaders

Cornerstone is committed to democratizing access to strategic guidance. We offer scholarships to emerging nonprofit leaders, social entrepreneurs, and grassroots organizers building community impact.

Breaking Barriers to Capacity

Not every mission-driven organization has the budget for strategic consulting. We believe strong operational foundations shouldn't be limited to well-funded nonprofits. That's why we created our scholarship programβ€”to ensure emerging leaders and grassroots organizations have access to the guidance they need to scale their impact.

🎯

For Early-Stage Leaders

Building strong foundations as you grow your organization from startup to scale

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For Grassroots Organizations

Strengthening operations while staying true to your community roots

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For Social Entrepreneurs

Launching sustainable ventures with operational excellence from day one

SCHOLARSHIP TRACKS

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Strategic Leadership Development

For executive directors, founders, and emerging leaders ready to level up their strategic vision and leadership impact.

Includes:

  • βœ“ 6-month strategic coaching engagement
  • βœ“ Strategic planning facilitation
  • βœ“ Leadership development resources
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Organizational Systems & Scaling

For organizations ready to build sustainable systems, streamline operations, and prepare for significant growth.

Includes:

  • βœ“ Organizational structure assessment
  • βœ“ Systems design & implementation
  • βœ“ Scaling roadmap development
πŸ’°

Grant Readiness & Fundraising

For organizations seeking to secure grants and build sustainable funding strategies to fuel growth and impact.

Includes:

  • βœ“ Grant readiness assessment
  • βœ“ Fundraising strategy development
  • βœ“ Grant writing support
🀝

Board Governance Excellence

For boards ready to strengthen governance, clarify roles, and become strategic partners in organizational growth.

Includes:

  • βœ“ Board development assessment
  • βœ“ Governance framework creation
  • βœ“ Board retreat facilitation

WHO CAN APPLY

Eligibility Criteria

  • βœ“

    Mission-Driven Organization

    Nonprofit, startup, faith-based, or grassroots organization

  • βœ“

    Active Leadership

    Executive director, founder, or senior leader role

  • βœ“

    Demonstrated Impact

    Clear mission and community impact (regardless of stage)

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    Growth-Oriented

    Ready to invest in systems and leadership development

What We're Looking For

  • 🎯

    Clear Mission

    You have a compelling vision for community change

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    Commitment to Learning

    You're open to feedback and committed to growth

  • 🌱

    Sustainability Focus

    You understand the importance of strong foundations

  • 🀝

    Community Commitment

    You're actively serving and engaged with your community

Selection Process

Scholarships are awarded twice annually (Spring and Fall cycles). We review applications based on mission alignment, demonstrated impact, growth potential, and commitment to organizational development. Selected scholars receive personalized guidance and ongoing support throughout their engagement.

Application Deadline

Rolling applications accepted. Next cohort begins: Summer 2026

APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP

Ready to strengthen your organization and advance your mission? Apply for our scholarship program. We look forward to learning about your work.

What is your organization's mission? How are you creating community impact?

What operational or strategic challenges are you facing?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is there a cost to apply?

No, there is absolutely no cost to apply for a scholarship. Our application is completely free.

How long is each scholarship engagement?

Most scholarship engagements are 6 months, though some tracks may include shorter assessments or longer ongoing support depending on your needs and the track you select.

Do I need to be an established nonprofit to apply?

No, we accept applications from startups, early-stage nonprofits, grassroots organizations, and established organizations. What matters is your mission, your commitment to growth, and your willingness to invest in building strong foundations.

Can I apply for multiple scholarship tracks?

You can express interest in multiple tracks, but we typically focus each engagement on one primary track to ensure depth and impact. We'll work with you to determine the best fit for your organization's current needs.

What if I'm outside the United States?

We primarily serve organizations in the United States at this time, though we encourage international organizations to reach out to discuss possible arrangements.

What happens after I'm selected for a scholarship?

You'll meet with our team to discuss your needs, confirm the scholarship track, and establish a customized engagement plan. Throughout the period, you'll have regular touchpoints, resources, and guided support to achieve your goals.

Support Our Mission

Support Organizations That Need Structure But Lack Resources

Cornerstone Strategy Group believes access to organizational development, capacity building, and funding readiness support should not be limited by financial barriers.

Through sponsorships, partnerships, and scholarship support, we work to assist emerging nonprofits, grassroots organizations, women-led initiatives, ministries, and community leaders who need support building sustainable structures and systems.

Ways to Support

  • β€’ Sponsor a nonprofit startup package
  • β€’ Sponsor capacity-building sessions
  • β€’ Fund leadership development workshops
  • β€’ Support grant readiness training
  • β€’ Sponsor community-based organizations
  • β€’ Partner on workforce or youth initiatives
  • β€’ Donate toward organizational development scholarships

Your Impact

Strengthen Communities

Every sponsorship directly supports emerging leaders and grassroots organizations building stronger foundations for sustainable impact.

Build Systems, Not Just Programs

Your contribution helps organizations move beyond vision to build the infrastructure, strategy, and systems they need for long-term success.

Remove Financial Barriers

Many passionate leaders are held back not by lack of commitment, but by lack of resources. Your support changes that.

Interested in Sponsoring or Partnering?

Interested in sponsoring an organization or partnering with Cornerstone Strategy Group to support community impact initiatives? Contact us to learn more about sponsorship and partnership opportunities that align with your vision.

Get Involved

Let's Partner Together

Share your interest in supporting our mission to strengthen organizations and communities. We'll follow up to discuss partnership and sponsorship opportunities.

Share your vision for how you'd like to support emerging organizations and community leaders.

READY TO BUILD
YOUR FOUNDATION?

Apply for our scholarship program and let's work together to strengthen your organization, develop your leadership, and scale your impact.

Apply Now