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Leadership Fort Wayne Program Application

Leadership Fort Wayne
Program Application

Ready to impact our community? Designed to cultivate the next generation of civic and business professionals and strengthen existing & seasoned leaders, the program invites individuals of all ages to apply. Successful candidates participate in immersive sessions, engage with experts, and build lasting networks while helping to shape the future of Allen County.

Application Criteria

Leadership Fort Wayne welcomes emerging and seasoned leaders at any stage of their careers. Applicants must live or work in Allen County, have support from their employer or sponsoring organization, and be ready to commit the time and resources needed for program days, Community Action Project work, and, if applicable, a nonprofit board internship. Participants should also bring a drive to achieve their professional, personal, and program goals.

  • Participant Expectations

    Participants are expected to make a commitment to the program, including:

    • Attending the mandatory two-day orientation in January.
    • Attending at least 75% of the remaining eight monthly, full-day sessions (February-September).
    • In addition to completing pre-work class assignments, class members will work on a team to complete a Community Action Project and, if applicable, serve as an intern on a local nonprofit board.
  • Program Fees

    The 2026 Leadership Fort Wayne program fees are:

    • $2,500 for employees of GFW Inc. investor companies.
    • $3,000 for employees of non-investor companies and individuals.

    Program fees may be paid by a participant, employer/organization, or sponsoring individual(s). A limited number of Designated Seat Sponsorships are available to GFW Inc. investors only on a first-come, first-served basis. Community and alumni support also make it possible to offer limited financial assistance to those in need, removing barriers to participation and encouraging greater diversity and inclusion for individuals of all abilities.

    Payment is due in full before the program Orientation on January 16, 2025. Email Meghan Short at mshort@gfwinc.com to learn more.

    Program Dates

    Key dates for the Leadership Fort Wayne Class of 2026 include (subject to change):

    • Applications Open: September 8, 2025
    • Informational Webinar: September 16, 2025
    • Application Deadline: October 6, 2025
    • Selection Day – Cohort Members Notified: Mid/Late November 2025
    • Virtual Meet & Greet with Cohort:  January 8, 2026
    • Mandatory Two-Day Orientation: January 15 & 16, 2026 from 8:00-5:00 PM Both Days
    • Welcome Reception with LFW Alumni: January 15, 2026 from 4:00-6:00 PM

    Monthly Program Days

    *Note: Program days typically occur on the Third Thursday of every month. Any dates off this pattern will accommodate for holidays and/or GFW Inc. conferences.

    • Orientation

      January 15 & 16, 2026 | 8:00 – 5:00 PM

    • Community History

      February 19, 2026 | 8:00 – 5:00 PM

    • Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility

      March 19, 2026 | 8:00 – 5:00 PM

    • Government and Economic Development

      April 16, 2026 | 8:00 – 5:00 PM

    • Health Services

      May 21, 2026 | 8:00 – 5:00 PM

    • Education

      June 18, 2026 | 8:00 – 5:00 PM

    • Community Agencies

      July 16, 2026 | 8:00 – 5:00 PM

    • Public Safety

      August 20, 2026 | 8:00 – 5:00 PM

    • Arts and Recreation

      September 17, 2026 | 8:00 – 5:00 PM

    • Class of 2026 Graduation & LFW Alumni Reunion

      October 7, 2026 | 5:00 – 7:30 PM

      Ready to get started?

      Applications will open on Monday, September 8, 2025 at 9:00AM and are due by Monday, October 6, 2025 at 11:59 PM. Submit your application via the link below!