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 communities. Held in monthly sessions over nine months, IGNITE is the signature program of the Golub Capital Social Impact Lab at the Rustandy Center. Through the generous contribution of Golub Capital, this program is offered at no cost to participating organizations.
Applications for the 2027 cohort are open. Apply by October 2.
Want to learn more? Join our information session on Wednesday, September 30.
Nonprofit organizations that meet the following criteria are eligible to apply:
Annual operating budget of $500K to $25M
Established leadership team
Serve communities in Chicago through social, economic, cultural, or structural support
The leadership teams of the Chicago nonprofits that participated in the 2026 cohort of IGNITE.
Kyra Marcano (Executive Director), Sara Victoria Lopez Zuniga, Juli Cannon
Chicago Run
Katharine Booton Wilson (CEO), Isaias Gonzalez, Lakeithia Butler
Deborah's Place
Taal Hasak-Lowy (Executive Director), Soroyan Hill, Phalon Carpenter, Kianna Snow
Friends of the Children
Selma Sims (CEO and Head Grower), Sigourney Boyd-Starks, Stephanie Westbrook
Gardeneers
Anton Seals Jr. (Lead Steward), Cynthia Williams, Jennifer Stewart, Harold N. Chapman III
Grow Greater Englewood
Andre Daniels (Regional Director), Mark Anderson, Alysha McElroy-Hodges, Dominic Pettis
Guitars Over Guns
Michael Joesph Manson (Executive Director), Tanqueray Hart, Sabrina Townsend
Musical Arts Institute
Phasha Spencer (Executive Director), Averill Price, Kevin Schoenfeld
Playworks Illinois
The leadership teams of the Chicago nonprofits that participated in the 2025 cohort of IGNITE.
LaKreshia Kindred (Executive Director), Caryl West, Cilvia Osborne, Michael Goggins
Bright Star Community Outreach
Stacy Jackson (Executive Director), Alex Cornwell, Armedia Houston
Chicago Lights
Kwesi Smith (Executive Director), Ashley Okonta-Mathews, Virgil Jones, Erich Kirr
Greenwood Project
Jamila Trimuel (Executive Director), Ashley Jones, Brittany Taylor
Ladies of Virtue
Jamie Frazier (Executive Director), Allen Thomas, Hannah Pewee
Lighthouse Foundation of Chicagoland
Carol Sharp (Executive Director), Kristin Schneider, Raeann Olsen-Jackson, Allison McCann Stevenson
The Night Ministry
Reesheda Nicole Berry (Executive Director)
Kehrein Center for the Arts FoundationThe leadership teams of the seven Chicago nonprofits that participated in the 2024 cohort of IGNITE.
Valencia Koker (SVP and Executive Director), Jaya Miller, Carlena Rice
City Year Chicago
Karl Kemp (Executive Director), Kaira Peyton, Bianca Thompson
Common Ground Foundation
Paris Thomas (Executive Director), Jiana Calixto, John McIlwain
Equal Hope
Yani Mason (CEO), Lona Slaughter, Tiara Goodwin
Girls Inc of Chicago
Toinette Gunn (President and CEO), Janine Franklin, Camielle Taylor
Link Unlimited Scholars
B.J.Stewart (Executive Director), Laura Lane Taylor, Ryan Pederson
Sunshine Enterprises
Shenita Muse (Executive Director), Ezra Johnson, Rev. James T. Meeks
The Hope Center FoundationThe leadership teams of the eight Chicago nonprofits that participated in the inaugural cohort of IGNITE.
Aisha Edwards (Executive Director), Khanh Huynh, Cynthia Cornelius
Cabrini Green Legal Aid
Sarah Spunt (Executive Director), Rachel Ray, Jen Lambert
LIFT Chicago
Dr. Linda Upshaw, Cosette Nazon-Wilburn (Executive Director), Norris Smith
Love, Unity & Values Institute
Jacquelyn Lemon (CEO), Rosa Zamora, Ryan Nishimoto
NewRoot Learning Institute
Roxanna Montecillo, Rebekah Kikama (Executive Director), Franklin Ballenger
One On One
Raymond Ward, Vershawn Sanders-Ward (CEO), Jailen Ellis
Red Clay Dance Company
Eunice Smith, DeAnna McLeary Sherman (Executive Director), Na-Tae' Thompson
True Star Foundation Inc.
Ayesha Jaco (Executive Director), Patrick Hendricks, Eve Shapiro
West Side UnitedBy leadership team, we are referring to thought partners of the Executive Director or CEO. This team might include titles like Director or Chief of Finance, Operations, Development, Programs etc. Each organization can bring three members of their leadership team including the Executive Director/CEO. If you have a larger team, we will work with your organization individually to determine the best path forward.
Yes. Although we are not asking organizations for financial commitments, we are asking for a substantial time commitment. It is important for your organization and Board of Directors to have a conversation about whether you are able to devote the resources to fully engage in this program.
We understand that the needs of your organization may change during the course of the program. If you are unable to fulfill the attendance requirements, we would move your organization to the following year.
We anticipate individuals will spend anywhere from 4-6 hours per month outside of in person sessions. This includes time for pre-work for sessions, organization meetings, and coaching.
No, thanks to the generous contribution by Golub Capital, there is no cost to the organization
Organizations that provide social, economic, cultural, and structural support that helps people and communities in Chicago thrive. Eligibility is determined by the National Taxonomy of Exempt Entities (NTEE) used by the IRS. Please click here to see if your organization qualifies.
Yes, Golub Capital has made a generous gift and we do have funding for five years. If your organization is not selected this year, you may apply again.
Through a significant five-year commitment from Golub Capital, the Golub Capital Social Impact Lab provides training and professional development to amplify the impact of leaders of high-potential nonprofits serving Chicago communities.
The Golub Capital Lab provides access to individualized resources, funding for internal capacity building projects, connections to unlock social capital, opportunities to advance knowledge, and practical technical assistance.
Faculty director, Golub Capital Social Impact Lab
John P. and Lillian A. Gould Professor of Behavioral Science
George Wu studies the psychology of individual, managerial, and organizational decision-making; decision analysis; and cognitive biases in bargaining and negotiation. He is also the faculty co-director of Chicago Booth’s Civic Scholars Program.
Director, Golub Capital Social Impact Lab
Tyeise Huntley leads the Golub Capital Social Impact Lab, which provides training and professional development to amplify the impact of leaders of high-potential nonprofits serving communities in Chicago.
