MNA Catalyst paves the way for a robust and resilient nonprofit sector in Montana through leadership development. With a combination of dynamic and skilled content experts, thoughtful curriculum design, and opportunities to connect with peers and facilitators, MNA Catalyst bolsters the skill sets, deepens the confidence, and broadens the perspective of both experienced and emerging leaders in the nonprofit sector.

We launched our first Catalyst Cohort in early 2020, planning on an in-person immersion followed by six months of virtual peer meetings, culminating in-person at our 2020 Conference. Of course, by March we knew we had to pivot, and were faced with the hard choice of telling our would-be participants we were going to postpone for a year, or totally redesigning the program. 

Understanding the opportunity that connection could provide in the time of COVID-19, we decided to leap into an all-virtual program, and every one of our 12 leaders was brave enough to take the leap with us.  In the midst of crisis and uncertainty, we met monthly from June 2020 – April 2021 via video, exploring everything from personal leadership styles to managing in a crisis, working with the board to sharing vulnerable moments. Without ever once meeting in person, we created a little more stability for ourselves and each other, and we were surprised to find space to build new and lasting relationships.  

I loved this program and it doesn’t end just because a new cohort is starting. I have made lifelong connections and I plan to keep in contact with them consistently. 

This group allowed for the creation of an incredible program, and we couldn’t have kicked it off with any other set of individuals. We are immensely proud of our 2020 Cohort, and feel privileged to be part of the growth of these inspiring Montana leaders. We can’t wait to see what they do next! 

Catalyst 2020 Cohort Members