Strengthening Cleveland’s Neighborhoods, One Leader at a Time
NLDP continues to build grassroots and community leaders who are committed to creating change in Cleveland's neighborhoods. We seek to uniquely develop the diverse leadership abilities of engaged Clevelanders who are committed to creating a city and region that works for everyone.
Dameyonna Willis, Cohort XII
WE ARE ACTIVELY RECRUITING COMMUNITY LEADERS TO APPLY FOR COHORT XIX
The application period for NLDP's Cohort XIX is now open through Friday, July 31st. We invite engaged community leaders serving Cleveland's neighborhoods to review our session schedule and to apply below.
Contact info@nldpcleveland.com if you have any questions about NLDP.
NLDP Application Form - Cohort XIX
The Neighborhood Leadership Development Program (NLDP) is an eleven-month, sixteen-session leadership training program for engaged community leaders. The program is designed for residents of Cleveland or its Inner Ring Suburbs who are actively involved in improving the neighborhoods of Cleveland. Since 2006, NLDP has worked to enhance the leadership abilities of engaged community leaders. The NLDP is a program of the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation and will have 353 graduates as of June 2026.
Eligibility:
NLDP Participants:
- Are passionate and committed leaders currently engaged in neighborhood improvement, compelled to action, and have already dedicated their time and efforts toward the betterment of their community and/or city.
- Commit to participate actively and fully in every NLDP program session, including the sharing of pertinent information. NLDP has a 100% attendance policy. Please review the curriculum schedule dates thoroughly to confirm your availability.
- Commit to meeting with their assigned Program Coach in between NLDP program sessions.
- Commit to exploring new solutions for making neighborhood progress and accept NLDP’s invitation and opportunity for self-reflection through the leadership coaching services offered to all NLDP participants.
- Are ready to move forward with an existing project or idea that improves their neighborhood and recognizes the potential benefits of NLDP to them and their work.
Application Process:
Applications are due no later than 5pm on Friday, July 31, 2026.
Selected applicants will be invited to attend in-person interviews from August 4th through August 7th to further discuss their interest in becoming a participant in Cohort XIX. All applicants must attend an interview to be eligible for selection.
If you have questions about NLDP, visit www.nldpcleveland.com or call 216-776-6170.
Evaluation Criteria:
Applications will be evaluated based upon an applicant’s demonstrated degree of dedication to improving Cleveland neighborhoods, a clear indication of their passion for an existing community improvement project or idea, and whether they show a willingness to learn and have an openness to further developing their leadership skills. Applications must be complete and accurate to the best of the applicant’s knowledge.
NLDP strongly recommends that all applicants review both the curriculum dates and topics before applying. The curriculum can be found here.
Cohort XIX Application Period: May 6th – July 31st
NLDP IN ACTION
Review our curriculum schedule
Our sixteen sessions take place on Saturdays from 8:30am-4:30pm every two to three weeks at Trinity Commons, located at 2230 Euclid Avenue in downtown Cleveland.
