The American Express Leadership Academy is now accepting applications for its 2026 cohort, offering a fully funded, world-class leadership development programme designed specifically for senior leaders in the non-profit sector.
For more than a decade, the Academy has empowered changemakers around the world to strengthen their leadership capacity, build resilience, and confidently navigate complex organisational challenges. If you are a non-profit leader seeking growth, renewal, and greater impact, this programme offers a rare and transformative opportunity.
What Is the American Express Leadership Academy?
The American Express Leadership Academy is a six-month leadership development programme created to support experienced non-profit leaders in a rapidly evolving global environment. The programme blends hands-on learning, strategic reflection, and peer collaboration, equipping participants with practical tools they can immediately apply within their organisations.
Participants take part in:
- Five interactive online workshops
- One four-day in-person residential programme
- A 360-degree leadership assessment
- Personalised leadership coaching
All components are designed to address real-world leadership challenges, with a strong emphasis on resilience, adaptability, and sustainable impact.
In-Person Programme Dates (2026)
Participants will attend a four-day residential programme in their respective regions:
- Americas: 17–20 March 2026
- EMEA & UK: 23–26 June 2026
- Asia Pacific: 10–13 November 2026
Cost: Fully Funded
The American Express Leadership Academy is fully funded, and participation is completely free of charge. This includes access to all learning sessions, assessments, coaching, and in-person programming.
Who Should Apply?
This programme is designed for senior non-profit leaders who are committed to personal growth and organisational impact. Ideal candidates are leaders who:
- Value continuous learning and professional development
- Demonstrate grit, adaptability, and perseverance
- See challenges as opportunities for innovation
- Maintain a positive mindset during uncertainty
- Lead proactively, creatively, and with purpose
- Seek to amplify the long-term impact of their organisation
Applicants should already hold leadership responsibility and be positioned to apply learning directly within their organisations.
What the Programme Offers
1. Transformational, Experiential Learning
The Academy uses a highly interactive, learning-by-doing approach, encouraging participants to practice new leadership behaviours, reflect deeply, and develop practical skills they can use immediately.
2. Real-World Relevance
Programme content is shaped by current challenges in the non-profit sector and informed by insights from civil society, government, and business leaders worldwide.
3. Leadership Tools That Matter
Key focus areas include:
- Resilient and adaptive leadership
- Leading through complexity and uncertainty
- Purposeful storytelling and influence
- Leading beyond authority
- Strengthening organisational culture and impact
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online through the official American Express Leadership Academy platform.
👉 Apply here (via the official programme page)
Application Deadlines
Deadlines vary by region:
- Americas: 8 December 2025
- EMEA & UK: 23 February 2026
- Asia Pacific: 13 July 2026
Early application is strongly encouraged due to the programme’s competitive nature.
Why This Opportunity Matters
The American Express Leadership Academy is more than a training programme—it is an investment in the future of global non-profit leadership. Over the past ten years, it has supported hundreds of changemakers to lead with confidence, clarity, and resilience, even in the face of uncertainty.
If you are a senior non-profit leader ready to grow, adapt, and expand your impact, this fully funded programme could be the next defining step in your leadership journey.
📢 Share this opportunity with nonprofit leaders, executives, and changemakers in your network who would benefit from this experience.