NGen participants enjoy sharing experiences and forming new partnerships through the NGen program.

Developing the next generation of nonprofit leaders is critical to the ability of charities and foundations to improve lives around the world. The NGen: Moving Nonprofit Leaders from Next to Now program helps expand and improve the nonprofit talent pool by developing the leadership skills and networks of emerging leaders under 40.

The NGen program defines “emerging leaders” as talented and committed nonprofit professionals under the age of 40, including newly appointed executive directors and those who have recently transitioned from government or the private sector. The diversity of the NGen cohort enhances the interaction among program participants and enriches the experience of the entire conference. The NGen program contributes to the cultivation of new talent, empowers NGen to contribute to their organizations, and emphasizes the role of younger leaders in the development of the broader nonprofit community.

Introduced at the 2008 Independent Sector Annual Conference, NGen offered its participants special sessions addressing issues they face as emerging leaders as well as opportunities to connect with leaders of all ages both at the conference and throughout the year.  NGen at the 2010 IS Annual Conference in Atlanta will include additional targeted pre-conference programming and networking opportunities in order to connect emerging leaders to each other and to vital conversations about the future of our sector.  Email NGen@independentsector.org with any questions.

NGen has also expanded to include the American Express NGen Fellows Program, a selective fellowship opportunity designed to honor 12 under-40 leaders at IS member organizations, and the American Express NGen Leadership Award, which honors an under-40 nonprofit leader who has already made significant impact in addressing society’s critical needs.