Coronavirus Updates

IGNITE combines world-class business education, coaching, peer mentorship, networking, and consulting assistance to equip the executive leadership teams of organizations with tools to expand their impact on Chicago’s Black community. Held in monthly sessions over nine months, IGNITE is the signature program of the Golub Capital Social Impact Lab at the Rustandy Center.

Program Timeline

Program Kick Off: January 19-20, 2024

Monthly sessions: February 16, March 15, April 26, May 31, and June 21

Executive Director/CEO Only Date: May 10

Closing retreat: September 26-27 

Applications for the IGNITE 2024 cohort are now closed. Thank you to all who applied. 

Watch a short video to get a glimpse of the many ways in which IGNITE supported participants with the tools, network, and space to grow professionally and personally.


About the Program

Program Elements

  • Classroom sessions led by Chicago Booth faculty and nonprofit practitioners, including sessions on strategy, decision-making, and securing and managing resources
  • Networking with prominent philanthropists and Black leaders in Chicago
  • Monthly executive coaching exclusively for executive directors/CEOs
  • Organizational coaching
  • Leadership circles that bring together participants in facilitated discussion groups
  • Closing retreat (New York City) to reflect on experience, build connections with nonprofits in a new market, and celebrate
  • Financial stipends of up to $10K per organization to support capacity-building work
  • $13K Credit for Booth Executive Education programs taught by Booth Faculty

Who Should Apply

Nonprofit organizations who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply:

  • Annual Operating Budget of $500K+
  • Established leadership team
  • Predominantly serve the Black community in Chicago

Download the IGNITE brochure

IGNITE Partners

To develop, market, and grow IGNITE, the Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation at the Chicago Booth School of Business is partnering with Golub Capital and the Chicago Urban League. Partnering with the Chicago Urban League will offer a connection to its network of accomplished nonprofit leaders, as well as an opportunity to scale the program to other National Urban League affiliates throughout the country.INGITE Program partners: Rustandy Center, Golub Capital, Chicago Urban League

Meet the IGNITE Cohorts

Frequently Asked Questions