About
The Community Leadership Institute (CLI) is a highly selective, 12-month leadership development program that cultivates innovative, impactful, and philanthropic volunteer leaders across Los Angeles’ Jewish community and nonprofit sector.
Designed for passionate Jewish individuals eager to explore their leadership potential in a community setting, CLI offers a foundation for meaningful engagement in the Jewish community and nonprofit world. Through this program, participants build the skills and confidence to become lay leaders, community members who volunteer their time, skills, and resources to help guide and support nonprofit organizations. Lay leaders are essential in nonprofit spaces, ensuring Jewish institutions reflect the needs and values of the community itself. Through CLI, participants build the skills and confidence to partner with nonprofit staff, serve on boards and committees, and support the causes they care about.
Participants engage in a dynamic blend of facilitated learning, mentorship, experiential leadership opportunities, nonprofit board and committee observation, high-access networking, and a cohort trip to Israel. Graduates emerge with the knowledge, skills, and relationships needed to drive meaningful change through philanthropy and Jewish communal leadership.
Applications for the 2026-2027 Cohort are closed. To be added to our interest list for future cohorts, please email CLI@Jewishla.org. Applications for the next cohort will launch mid-2027.
The CLI program had a big impact on me. I had been searching for ways to get involved philanthropically in the Los Angeles Jewish community, and CLI was the perfect way to begin what I hope is a lifetime of giving back. JFEDLA’s depth and reach are incredible, but can be overwhelming and opaque for those not already intimately involved. CLI pulled back the curtain to give me and the others in my cohort insights into how we can become involved. We learned about the numerous ways each of us could contribute our unique skill sets and draw on our diverse professional backgrounds. I anticipate looking back fondly on the experience and hope that it is just the first stepping stone on my journey of community engagement and philanthropy.
-Zack, CLI Class of 2025
Program components include:
- Opening Retreat: A weekend-long getaway that serves as an opportunity to start cohort bonding and take in the program’s roadmap.
- Sessions: Our monthly sessions, led by inspiring facilitators, will dive into core areas such as:
- Jewish Journey and Literacy: No matter how Jewish or Jew-ish you are, how do you exhibit your leadership through a Jewish lens?
- Personal Development: How do you develop your personal leadership style to actualize your vision as a leader in the community?
- Leadership Skills: Can you inspire others to take action to address community challenges? Can you work collaboratively to make decisions and resolve conflicts?
- Philanthropy: How do your Jewish values influence the philanthropic impact you want to make?
- Lay Leader/Professional Staff Relationship: What does it really look like to sit on a board or committee?
- Mentorship: Participants are paired with a mentor — a seasoned member of a Jewish nonprofit board or committee — to help them shape their ideas; grapple with hard questions; and learn how to align their personal, professional and volunteer goals.
- Board/Committee Observation: Participants have the opportunity to observe JFEDLA committees and board meetings to experience what it feels like to serve the community in this way.
- Mission to Israel: Participants travel to Israel for nine days of immersive learning, connection, and reflection. Through encounters with Israeli leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members, they explore themes of resilience, innovation, Jewish identity, and collective responsibility. The experience deepens participants’ understanding of Israel’s evolving story and strengthens their connection to the global Jewish community.
- Community: During the CLI journey, participants learn, experience, and grow together, cultivating deep friendships and community.
Joining the JFEDLA’s CLI program has been an incredible opportunity to deepen my Jewish identity and explore my role in shaping the future of our community as an emerging philanthropist. One of the most impactful experiences was our trip to Israel, where I saw firsthand how JFEDLA’s support is making a real difference, visiting local communities, and organizations that have been transformed and made possible by the Federation’s work. Being a part of CLI feels like receiving the torch and carrying the promise of securing the Jewish future. It is an empowering call to action for this generation and those to come.
-Shaida, CLI Class of 2025
Outcomes of the program include:
- Identify leadership strengths and areas for improvement
- Integrate key Jewish values that inspire you as a leader
- Clarify motivations that drive your philanthropy and engagement
- Demonstrate strategic thinking in your giving
- Understand the roles and responsibilities of serving on a nonprofit board/committee
- Understand the Los Angeles Jewish ecosystem
- Understand the role JFEDLA plays locally, in Israel, and globally
- Leverage meaningful relationships to deepen connection to community
Other highlights of participation:
- During your time in the program, you will be a part of JFEDLA’s Ben Gurion Society (BGS), JFEDLA’s community for emerging philanthropists giving $1,000 or more to the Annual Campaign. Being part of BGS means access to inspiring speakers and prominent community leaders. There are numerous opportunities to meet, network, and connect with high-level people in an exclusive environment — all through the lens of the work of JFEDLA.
- You will gain exclusive access to JFEDLA’s six professional networks. JFEDLA brings together the city’s most successful industry professionals and emerging leaders for networking, dynamic idea exchanges, events featuring prominent speakers, and participation in specialized trips. In addition to industry-specific events, JFEDLA also creates cross-network opportunities that allow professionals to connect across the diverse business landscape of Jewish L.A.
CLI has been a fantastic experience, enabling me to understand the landscape of Jewish Los Angeles while connecting with thoughtful, motivated people and building community. I received a great education on the Federation’s work locally and in Israel. One of the many exceptional aspects of the program is board and committee observation. There were several opportunities to experience meetings firsthand, which provided insight into how JFEDLA operates and helped me find where I can contribute meaningfully to our community.
-Laura, CLI Class of 2025
Who is a CLI participant?
CLI is for passionate individuals who:
- Demonstrated leadership experience (professional, volunteer, or academic)
- Are committed to learning about all facets of being a Jewish community leader (philanthropy, board/committee involvement, Jewish learning, etc.)
- Want to deepen their understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the Los Angeles Jewish community
- Want to expand their networks
- Are between the ages of 30-42
- Live in Los Angeles
- Are able to meet in person for all program components (see below for dates)
- We welcome applicants from diverse Jewish backgrounds. JFEDLA is committed to creating a diverse cohort of individuals who bring varied life experiences to the program.
My experience being a part of CLI was nothing short of transformational. Through our monthly learning sessions, one on one mentorship, and experience visiting Israel, I learned what it meant to be a leader in the Jewish community and how to be able to make real change. I look forward to using these newfound skills and relationships to grow as a person and help create a better Jewish future!
-Ryan, CLI Class of 2025
What is the cost?
Accepted candidates will be required to submit a $500 program fee at the start of CLI. In addition, participants will be expected to make a $1,000 tax-deductible charitable donation per calendar year of the program ($1,000 in 2026 and $1,000 in 2027) to JFEDLA. The program fee and donation serve as your contribution toward participation and include access to monthly sessions, high-profile speakers, special events, meals, and most aspects of the Israel trip. Monthly payment plans for the donation are available.
Program timeline
Applications open: October 20, 2025
Applications close: December 12, 2025
Decisions released by January 30, 2026
Opening retreat: February 20 – 22, 2026
March 18, 2026 – Session 1
April 15, 2026 – Session 2
May 13, 2026 – Mentor/Mentee Dinner
June 10, 2026 – Session 3
July 15, 2026 – Session 4
August 12, 2026 – Session 5
September 16, 2026 – Session 6
October 14, 2026 – Session 7
November, 2026 November 11 – 20, 2026 – Israel Mission Trip
December, 2026 – Emerging Philanthropist Chanukah Party, Post Israel optional Zoom check-in
January 13, 2027 – Session 8
February 10, 2027 – Session 9 – Power in Partnership: Connecting CLI & Nonprofits
March 17, 2027 – Session 10 – Final Session
Questions? Email CLI@JewishLA.org
Applications for the 2026-2027 Cohort are closed. To be added to our interest list for future cohorts, please email CLI@Jewishla.org. Applications for the next cohort will launch in the summer of 2027.
CLI provides young adults (ages 30-42) with robust leadership and philanthropic skill-building opportunities, where they can learn to leverage their motivation and passion to lead the future of our Jewish community.
The program consists of young adults from diverse backgrounds who are all passionate about bringing their own unique gifts and thinking to serve the L.A. Jewish community and beyond.
CLI is an immersive leadership development experience that supports personal growth, leadership skills, and a deeper understanding of the Los Angeles Jewish community, Jewish life in Israel, and philanthropy. Participants build meaningful connections with peers and are matched with experienced mentors in the Jewish community. Along the way, they gain insight into what it means to be a lay leader on a nonprofit board or committee and receive personalized support in finding opportunities that align with their values after the program. Upon completing the program, you will automatically join CLI+, an alumni group of over 300 individuals. CLI+ also hosts events throughout the year dedicated to philanthropy, leadership, and Jewish expression to keep the momentum going and explore opportunities for continued learning, personal growth, philanthropy, networking, and collaboration.
CLI’s proven model for Jewish community leadership development sets it apart. At the core of CLI’s programming is the belief that meaningful impact comes from collaboration across organizations with shared interests and dedication to the Jewish community. Participants gain exclusive insight and access to JFEDLA’s wealth of knowledge and experience building meaningful community and are connected to the work of thousands of partners across Los Angeles.
CLI teaches participants about themselves and others; about the opportunities and challenges facing the Los Angeles Jewish community and Israel; and how they can individually, collectively as a network, and through organizations impact and improve communities.
To learn about lay leadership and philanthropy, each participant will be matched with a mentor who has exemplified leadership in the Jewish nonprofit space. While these mentor connections can lead to career advancement, that is not the goal of the relationship. Career advancement is a possible benefit of having a mentor, but should not be an expectation.
CLI is highly competitive. Applications are reviewed by a selection committee made up of JFEDLA staff and community lay leaders. Decisions are based on a range of factors — including diversity of background and experience, leadership potential, industry representation, and demonstrated passion for community involvement — with an eye toward creating a dynamic and well-rounded cohort. While we’re often unable to accept all qualified applicants due to limited space, we strongly encourage everyone to apply.
Applications for the 2026-2027 Cohort are closed. To be added to our interest list for future cohorts, please email CLI@Jewishla.org. Applications for the next cohort will launch mid-2027.
Applications are completed online. The application includes basic background information, free-response questions, and a resume. Select applicants will be invited to a virtual interview, and final decisions on accepted and waitlisted applicants will be announced later.
Applications for the 2026-2027 Cohort are closed. To be added to our interest list for future cohorts, please email CLI@Jewishla.org. Applications for the next cohort will launch mid-2027.
Applications are completed online. The application includes basic background information, free-response questions, and a resume. Select applicants will be invited to a virtual interview, and final decisions on accepted and waitlisted applicants will be announced later.
CLI is designed specifically for volunteer lay leaders — young Jewish professionals who work outside of the Jewish nonprofit sector and are seeking to explore leadership, philanthropy, and impact through a communal lens. The program curriculum is tailored for those who want to learn how to engage meaningfully as volunteers, board members, or donors and is not a fit for professionals already working in the Jewish communal field.
Participants are expected to attend all components of the program, including monthly sessions, the opening retreat, observance of one board meeting and one committee meeting, and the nine-day Israel trip. We understand that unavoidable conflicts do arise and can be flexible. However, attendance for the opening retreat and the Israel Mission Trip are mandatory. Participants are required to attend 90% of the sessions.
If you turn 30 sometime during the 12 months of the program, you are eligible to apply.
Otherwise, we’d love to connect you with other great opportunities at JFEDLA! E-mail us at CLI@JewishLA.org. We’d be more than happy to make some introductions and point you in the right direction.