Nonprofit Leadership and Advocacy Seminar
Turn your passion into action – expand your skills, build connections and grow your nonprofit career in the heart of D.C.
At The Washington Center’s inaugural Nonprofit Leadership and Advocacy Seminar, November 11 – 16, 2025, you'll gain hands-on experience and learn how to complement your passion for change with the critical skills of management, funding, compliance and advocacy that are central to a successful nonprofit organization.
A dream to support others, strengthen communities and shape our collective future can take you a long way. However, successful careers in nonprofit leadership require skills that go beyond the dream. In this immersive and hands-on four-day program, you’ll build knowledge and connections that complement your passions, such as:
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Effectively communicate your passion to gain partners, donors and advocates.
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Understanding the complexities of compliance, governance, tax codes and more.
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Exploring strategies for effective and sustainable fundraising and revenue sources.
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Establishing a team to deliver on the mission, and the best practices for effective leadership.
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Building networks with established leaders and potential future champions in your work.
Washington, D.C. is home to an estimated 13,600 registered nonprofit organizations, creating an impact throughout the country and around the globe. With proximity to policy makers, donors and potential partners, the D.C. region is the place to build connections, collaborations and turn passion into action.
Apply today to the Nonprofit Leadership and Advocacy Seminar, November 11 – 16, 2025 and take the next big step into a rewarding nonprofit future.
The Power of TWC’s Short-Term Programs
The Washington Center’s short-term programs take learners beyond the classroom and put them front-and-center with individuals and institutions of influence. In less than one week, learners build skills and professional networks that can fuel career growth, connect with individuals like elected officials, policy leaders and other experts, and explore the wide variety of jobs and professional roles available in the nonprofit space.
Our innovative programs have supported hundreds of learners with an easily accessible and valuable way to shape their futures, with 77% of participants rating their experience in the program as “excellent.”
This program prepared us for life after graduation! Along with all that I learned professionally, I also made lifelong connections."
Zoe Agunbiade
TWC Short-Term Program Participant
The program's immersive curriculum and networking opportunities exposed me to invaluable skills and insights crucial for success in today's dynamic landscape."
Felicia Ilori
TWC Short-Term Program Participant
Scholarship Opportunities Available
Full and partial scholarships may be available for eligible students, particularly those demonstrating financial need.
Housing and Living
During the Nonprofit Leadership and Advocacy Seminar, you’ll stay in TWC’s furnished intern housing in the NoMa neighborhood of Washington, D.C. You’ll be within walking distance of the Capitol Building, National Mall and the best that D.C. has to offer (not to mention essentials like grocery stores and the Metro).
TWC’s housing is accessible via public transportation, including Amtrak/MARC/VRE/Bus via Union Station. Parking is NOT available on site; however, nearby options (additional cost) are available.
Housing
Most participants share a 2-bedroom/2-bath apartment with three other participants in our modern academic and residential building. We'll provide everything you need, most of what you'll want and even some perks you might not have expected.
Each apartment is fully furnished and includes:
- a full dining set (pots, pans, dishes, silverware, coffee maker and toaster)
- refrigerator
- microwave
- dishwasher
- iron and ironing board
- vacuum cleaner
- mop and broom
- washer and dryer
- wi-fi
What to Pack
Please be prepared to pack the following:
- bed linens (twin XL sheets)
- bath towels
- blanket
- pillow
- personal toiletries
- government-issued ID card
- small folding umbrella
- business casual or smart casual attire for academic sessions and site visits
- casual attire for evenings and weekends
- notebook and pens
- clothes hangers
Housing Services
Our housing is managed by a dedicated housing services team to ensure you have everything you need to live comfortably.
We want every student to be able to maximize their experience, so we offer reasonable accommodations to students with documented disabilities. TWC's housing is ADA accessible, and wheelchair accessible apartments are available to participants who need them. We also allow documented service animals and emotional support animals.
Eligibility
To be eligible to participate in this program, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- If accepted, commit to attending and fully participating in the Nonprofit Leadership and Advocacy Seminar in Washington, D.C. from November 11 – 16, 2025.
- If accepted, commit to upholding TWC’s Seminar and Short-Term Policies (including the Student Code of Conduct) before and during their program experience.
Dates and Deadlines
- Application Deadline: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
- Check-In: Tuesday, November 11, 2025
- Check-Out: Sunday, November 16, 2025
Program Cost
The cost of this program will be announced soon. Scholarship opportunities will be available for eligible students and non-housing pricing for commuters is available on a case-by-case basis.
How to Apply
Applications for the Nonprofit Leadership and Advocacy Seminar are being accepted now! You’re a simple form away from connecting into a strong future.
When you're ready to get started, click below to create an account (or log in to your existing account) in the application portal. Select Nonprofit Leadership and Advocacy Seminar from the list of available programs in the portal.
Application Documents
Below are the documents you’ll need to submit with your application. Please note that your documents must be saved as PDFs in order to upload them.
- Statement of Interest: In 100-250 words, tell us what makes you an ideal fit for this program, share your goals for the experience, and tell us why receiving a scholarship to fund your participation would make a difference for you.
- One-page Resumé: Share a current copy of your resume. If you're creating one for the first time, include your educational background and other experiences (internships, volunteer work, on-campus leadership positions, honors, or awards). See our resume guide and sample resumes for more details.
- Transcript: Upload your transcript from your current college/university directly into the application. We accept both unofficial and official transcripts! If you have attended multiple institutions, send transcripts for additional schools to info@twc.edu. Please ensure your transcript is organized by semester and includes your name, cumulative GPA and the name of your school. If your social security number is included on your transcript, please conceal it prior to upload.
Policies
To review policies regarding admissions, billing and refunds, visit the Seminar and Short-Term Policies page.