Class Project Host Application

Apply to Be a Host of a NELP Class Project

Issue Date: July 15, 2025

Proposal Due Date: August 25, 2025

Project Start Date: October 3, 2025

Project Completion Date: April 30, 2026

“Working with the NELP Class XV has been a truly rewarding experience, both for myself and for support for young people in the Sacramento Region. Leveraging the collective knowledge and influence of these emerging leaders, the Class, through their project to solidify the sustainability of the Sacramento Regional Transit’s RydeFreeRT program, has provided me hope for the next generation of individuals dedicating themselves to public service. Collaborating with NELP Class XV has been a true win-win – successfully moving an initiative forward while doing the work for the reward of knowing you are leaving the community better off than when you began.”

        – Jay Schenirer, RydeFreeRT Founder, former Sacramento City Council Member

1. Introduction

The Nehemiah Leaders Programs, the nonprofit organization running the Nehemiah Emerging Leaders Program (NELP), is seeking proposals from Sacramento-area organizations to serve as a project partner for the upcoming NELP class project. This unique opportunity offers organizations the chance to leverage the skills and expertise of a diverse cohort of 15-20 emerging business, nonprofit, government and entrepreneurial leaders who will act as consultants to address a specific organizational need or implement a meaningful initiative.  The NELP Class members could spend an estimated 500 person-hours of consulting time over a 6-month period working on the selected project.

2. About the Nehemiah Emerging Leaders Program (NELP)

NELP is dedicated to cultivating and empowering leaders from diverse communities who are committed to community impact. A key component of the NELP experience is the class project, designed to put into practice the skills Fellows learn in the program. Fellows are challenged to practice these skills in a semi-controlled environment, alongside peers, to produce something meaningful for a community organization.

3. Project Overview

The NELP class project is modeled as a consulting engagement. The NELP Class will offer its skills and knowledge, gained from their Logic Study (see Section 5) and other program components, to a client needing assistance to improve or implement something meaningful.

The class’s responsibility is to negotiate and create clear objectives and deliverables with the selected client. At project completion, the class will design and present a report to client leadership, NELP alumni, and community leadership regarding the process and outcome of their work. While some class time is allocated for project planning, most work will be done outside of the classroom. The NELP Management Team will serve as an adviser and receive periodic updates, but the class is intended to be the primary driver of the initiative and work directly with the host organization.

4. Project Timeline

Between the Class’s Logic Study and implementation of project work, the NELP class will have approximately 6-8 weeks to negotiate with the selected client to create and agree to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining the tasks and deliverable that the class will undertake and complete.

Key Dates:

    • Proposal Submission Deadline: Monday, August 25, 2025
    • Logic Study Assignment (see section 5): Friday, October 3, 2025
    • Class Project Reveal/Initial Meeting with Class: Saturday, October 4, 2025
    • MOU Signed (by Class Project Representative, Client, and NELP Management Team): Tuesday, December 2, 2025
    • All Project Tasks Completed to Client Satisfaction: April 30, 2026
    • Project Presentation to the Client and Community: Tuesday, May 5, 2026

5. The NELP “Logic Study” Assignment and Host Organization Commitments

As part of their foundational training, NELP Fellows undertake a one day “Logic Study” assignment to closely examine an organization and determine its “logic,” or special configuration and character. This exercise helps Fellows develop critical analytical and observational skills that they will apply to the class project.

The Logic Study provides the host institution with new insights, recommendations for effectiveness, and the satisfaction of contributing to the leadership development of promising individuals. The information gathered during the Logic Study may inform ideas for the class project to strengthen the host organization.

As the subject of the Logic Study, the host organization commits to the following on the date indicated above in Section 4:

    • Having six members of its key staff, board members and external stakeholders serve as formal interview guests. These interviews typically last 30-45 minutes and occur between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM.
    • Providing coffee/refreshments in the morning, a simple working lunch, a conference/work room for the Class’s use for the day, and presentation space large enough for 15-20 NELP class members and 10-20 guests.
    • Providing a primary point of contact throughout the day so that the Class may access additional resources (documents, additional interview subjects, site visits) that they may request as they do research through lunch and the early afternoon.

6. Criteria for Project Partner Selection

NELP will evaluate proposals based on the following criteria:

6.1. Project Purpose & Impact:

Meaningful Community Impact: The proposed project must clearly demonstrate how it will produce something meaningful for your organization and provide a tangible social benefit.

Clear Need & Purpose: The project should address a well-defined need or opportunity within your organization, allowing NELP Fellows to apply skills to improve or implement a specific initiative.

6.2. Scope & Deliverables:

Defined Project Parameters: The project must have clearly articulated parameters and a scope that is realistic and achievable within the NELP project timeline (MOU negotiation within 6-8 weeks; project completion by April 30).

Negotiable Objectives & Deliverables: The proposed project should allow flexibility for the NELP class to negotiate and collaboratively define clear objectives and deliverables.

Report-Oriented Outcome: The project’s outcome should lend itself to a final report designed for presentation to client leadership, NELP alumni, and community leadership.

6.3. Engagement & Support for Fellows:

Appropriately Challenging Role: The proposed project must offer a challenging role for the Fellows that respects their capabilities, providing opportunities for stretching, learning, and potential “failure” as a learning experience.

Utilization of Skills: The project should provide a strong opportunity for Fellows to utilize their existing skills and experience, as well as the knowledge gained during their NELP training, including their Logic Study.

Commitment to Collaborative Leadership: The host organization must be committed to fostering an environment that embodies the principles of collaborative leadership, particularly during the project kick-off phase.

6.4. Organizational Structure & Communication:

Clear Chain of Command & Key Contact: The host organization must designate a clear chain of command and a single, primary contact person for the NELP Fellows.

Defined Communication Protocols: The primary contact must provide instruction to Fellows regarding when they may speak with other stakeholders and when prior permission is required.

Open Communication Channels: There must be a commitment to clear lines of communication, responsibility, and authority between the Fellows, NELP, and the host organization.

Problem-Solving Support: The host organization must be prepared to engage actively with the Fellows and/or the NELP management team to resolve any issues or concerns that arise during the project that require external input or action.

6.5. Confidentiality & Reputation:

Confidentiality Awareness: The host organization must understand and agree to the confidentiality ground rules, ensuring that sensitive organizational information shared with Fellows will be handled with care and not shared outside the host organization and NELP. Proprietary intellectual property or business strategies should not be shared outside the host organization and NELP.

Brand and Reputation: The host organization should recognize that Fellows represent the reputations of NELP, Nehemiah, and, through this project, the host organization itself.

6.6. Operational Alignment:

Availability for Collaboration: The host organization must commit to regular, pre-determined status reports with the NELP class to ensure clear expectations and project progress.

MOU Commitment: The host organization must be willing to review and sign the MOU by the deadline listed under Section 4’s “Key Dates.”

Commitment to Satisfaction: The host organization must commit to working collaboratively with the Fellows to ensure all tasks are completed to the satisfaction of the client by the April 30 deadline.

7. Program Fee

The Nehemiah Emerging Leaders Program provides a high-value consulting service to selected partner organizations, with each class contributing 500 or more hours of dedicated work to the project, which represents a total value of $50,000-$100,000 or more in potential consulting fees. To partially offset NLP administrative costs and ensure the continued sustainability of the NELP program, a one-time project investment fee will be collected from the host organization. The host organization will indicate in its proposal the fee it is willing to invest for this service, with a minimum of $10,000 (small scholarships are available). If smaller organizations cannot reach this minimum, NLP encourages applicants to explore funding partnerships with existing sponsors.

8. Submission Instructions

Proposals must be submitted electronically via the online application by the deadline indicated in “Key Dates” of Section 4. Late submissions will not be considered.

9. Selection Process

Proposals will be reviewed by the NELP Management Team. Shortlisted organizations may be invited for an interview or further discussion to clarify aspects of their proposal. The final selection will be made based on the strength of the proposal’s alignment with the stated criteria and the potential for a mutually beneficial partnership.

10. For More Information

We look forward to partnering with a community organization dedicated to making a meaningful impact in Sacramento.

NELP Class Project Partner Proposal

Please disclose the details of a proposed project you would like a NELP Class to take on as their class project.

Contact Name(Required)
Contact Email(Required)
Describe the broader context of the issue or challenge the proposed project would address. How will the project address a need and produce something meaningful for your organization and/or provide a tangible social benefit?
Describe 1) clear parameters and scope of the project, 2) the desired deliverables (subject to negotiation with the class), and 3) how project work adheres to a timeline for completion by the end of April.
How does the proposed project offer a challenging role for the Fellows that respects their capabilities and provides a learning experience?
Describe the chain of command for the organization, indicate who will be the key contact for working with the Class and describe their availability and responsiveness as the key contact. How will potential barriers to project completion be handled?
Please explain why organization feels that the NELP Class is the right partner for this project.
Valued between $50,000 - $100,000, the minimum investment for this service is $10,000 with some partial scholarships available. Indicate the amount the organization will contribute to Nehemiah Leaders Programs to support the work of this project, and, if asking for a scholarship, why you believe one should be awarded.
Agreements(Required)