Are you an experienced nonprofit or community leader ready to take the next step in your professional journey? Have you considered turning your skills, knowledge, and passion for social change into an independent consulting practice?
The Emerging Consultants of Color Training (ECCT) Program, offered by TSNE, is designed to support emerging consultants as they build the skills, relationships, and business knowledge needed to develop sustainable consulting practices that serve the nonprofit and social impact sectors.
Applications are now open for the 2027 cohort, offering an opportunity to deepen your consulting expertise, learn alongside peers, and receive guidance from experienced professionals in the field.
About the Program
Launched in 2015, TSNE's Emerging Consultants of Color Training Program was developed in response to the limited accessible pathways into consulting for leaders of color. The program seeks to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion within the consulting field while supporting skilled professionals who want to contribute their expertise to nonprofit and community-based organizations.
Through a collaborative, cohort-based learning experience, participants explore what it takes to build and sustain an independent consulting practice. The program combines practical business development skills, peer learning, professional coaching, and opportunities to connect with experienced consultants.
Whether your expertise is in organizational development, communications, leadership development, facilitation, strategic planning, or another area of nonprofit work, this program can help you translate your experience into a consulting practice with purpose and impact.
What Participants Can Expect
The fully virtual program is structured around three core learning areas:
The Art of Consulting
Explore the skills and approaches needed to become an effective advisor, facilitator, and thought partner. Participants will strengthen their ability to support organizations through meaningful conversations, problem-solving, and organizational change.
The Practice of Consulting
Learn how to apply your knowledge and expertise in real-world consulting engagements. Participants will explore frameworks, approaches, and strategies for delivering meaningful results for nonprofit and community-based organizations.
The Business of Consulting
Develop the business skills necessary to establish and sustain an independent consulting practice, including business planning, marketing, communications, and professional development.
The program includes:
Nine virtual group learning sessions.
Two peer-led workshopping sessions.
One small-group coaching session.
Two individual consulting sessions with field experts.
Weekly independent assignments and learning activities.
Opportunities to connect with TSNE's extensive nonprofit network.
Upon completion, participants will leave with a stronger understanding of their consulting vision, leadership values, and impact goals, along with practical resources to support their next steps. Participants will also develop a draft consulting business plan and marketing and communications plan, expand their professional networks, and receive a certificate of completion.
Who Should Apply?
The program is intended for professionals who are beginning to establish themselves in the consulting field and are interested in growing an independent practice.
Ideal applicants include individuals who:
Have at least five years of experience in the nonprofit sector or social change space, particularly within grassroots and community-based organizations.
Have one to two years of consulting experience, including at least one or two previous consulting engagements or contracts.
Are committed to collaborative learning and actively contributing to a peer learning community.
Are interested in growing an independent consulting practice and advancing positive change across the nonprofit sector.
While the program centers on expanding opportunities for consultants of color, it is open to individuals of all racial and ethnic backgrounds who meet the program criteria.
Program Schedule and Tuition
The 2027 cohort will take place virtually from April through July 2027.
Participants will meet on Thursday evenings from 5:30–8:30 p.m. Eastern Time through Zoom.
To make participation more accessible, TSNE offers a sliding-scale tuition structure based on individual annual income:
Individual annual incomeProgram tuition$151,000 and above$3,000$101,000–$150,000$2,500$76,000–$100,000$1,250Below $75,000$750
The program's sliding-scale model is supported in part by the TJX Foundation, helping reduce financial barriers to participation and encourage a diverse learning community.
Take the Next Step in Your Consulting Journey
Your professional experience, community knowledge, and commitment to social change are valuable resources. Building a consulting practice can create new opportunities to share that expertise, support organizations doing transformative work, and contribute to a more equitable nonprofit sector.
If you're ready to turn your experience into a sustainable consulting practice, consider applying to TSNE's Emerging Consultants of Color Training Program.
Application Deadline: November 30, 2026
Program Dates: April–July 2027
Format: Fully Virtual
Have questions about the program? Contact TSNE's Cohort Learning team at trainings@tsne.org.
LeaderSpring Center is pleased to share professional development and learning opportunities that support leaders, consultants, and changemakers across the social impact sector.
