MNA Nonprofit Mentorship Program

October 29, 2025 • By: MNA, Montana Nonprofit Association

MNA is excited to launch a brand-new pilot Nonprofit Mentorship Program in 2026. This program stems directly from member feedback that there is a need for increased peer networks and mentorship opportunities within our sector. By creating this program, we hope to not only grow the skills of individual leaders but to foster a culture of reciprocity and support that impacts the entire sector and the communities we serve. Community is at the core of our work, and we believe this program will be an incredible addition to supporting nonprofit leaders across the state.

Apply by December 12th to be a mentor, mentee, or both!

Mentee Application Mentor Application

For Mentees: What You’ll Gain

Strengthen skills, resources, and support in your priority areas

Trusted feedback and accountability from an experienced leader

An increased network and sense of community within the nonprofit sector

Eligibility: Entry to mid-level (and beyond!) nonprofit professionals committed to growth

For Mentors: Why Participate

Share expertise and support the sector

Strengthen your mentorship skills

Expand your network

Pay it forward – no one becomes a leader in a vacuum, honor those who invested in you by supporting emerging leaders

Who Mentors: Experienced nonprofit leaders and subject-matter experts

Duration

12 Months

Time Commitment

6 hours (1 hour-long meeting every other month+)

Objective

Skill- and relationship-building through intentional mentoring for nonprofit leaders

Expertise, experience, excellence, and excitement exist within the Montana nonprofit sector. There are countless seasoned leaders across the state who have been doing the dang thing – and doing it really well – for years. We want to connect emerging leaders with these skilled professionals to share knowledge, build bridges, promote collaboration, and strengthen community.

Program Details:

Program Outline:

This program will match nonprofit mentees with mentors who have experience in 1-3 specific areas, based on information provided in the program application. Mentee/mentor pairs are expected to meet at least six times over the course of 2026 (for a total of 6 hours), with the option to meet more frequently if they choose. Mentees will determine a specific goal in each area when applying for the program to help facilitate matches and frame ideal outcomes of the mentor relationship. Mentors and mentees will be solicited for feedback quarterly throughout the year to help improve the program, and all participants will fill out a brief year-end report on program outcomes and experience. MNA will provide resources for mentors and mentees to support their participation in the program and encourage beneficial outcomes. MNA intends to provide an optional opportunity for program participants to gather in-person as a cohort (through discounted attendance to our annual conference or other event) – more details on this aspect of the program will be announced after pairs are matched.

Program Goals:

Strengthen skills of individual leaders, and foster connection, peer learning, community, and knowledge sharing among nonprofit leaders in Montana.

Mentee Expectations:

Mentees will choose 1-3 areas they are looking for mentor support, and they will determine one concrete goal for each area to help guide conversations and outcomes. Mentees will work with mentors to determine one-hour meeting times, at least six over the course of 2026. Pairs may decide to meet more often, but mentees are expected to respect mentor capacity and not overwhelm mentors outside of set meeting times. Mentees are responsible for providing an agenda ahead of each meeting to guide conversations and allow mentors to prepare resources ahead of time. Mentors and mentees will be solicited for feedback quarterly to help improve the program, and all participants will fill out a brief year-end report on program outcomes and experience. Mentees are expected to communicate with mentor and MNA if their capacity to participate changes. MNA will provide mentees with resources and templates on things like creating an agenda, and how to drive mentor relationships.

Mentor Expectations:

Mentors will choose 1-3 areas they can provide mentorship. Mentors will work with mentees to determine one-hour meeting times, at least six over the course of 2026. Mentors are not expected to be “on-call” for mentee questions outside of regular meetings, and are expected to be as clear as possible about their capacity and interest to engage beyond program expectations. Mentors are expected to review meeting agendas (provided by mentee) ahead of time and prepare relevant resources and provide ongoing feedback. Mentors are expected to let mentees and MNA know if their capacity to participate in the program changes. MNA will provide mentors with resources on things like providing feedback to grow mentorship skills.

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This program will be run as a pilot in 2026, with a smaller initial cohort who will be consistently asked for feedback to help us improve the program as we move forward. We do not believe that longevity is the only indicator for expertise or leadership, so we encourage younger leaders to apply to be mentors if they have knowledge and experience to share. We welcome folks to apply to be both a mentor and mentee if they have both expertise to share and to gain! We know that community makes us stronger, and we hope by providing this program, nonprofit leaders at all stages of their careers will feel more connected to each other.

Please reach out to Tylyn (tnewcomb@mtnonprofit.org) if you have any questions about the program.

By participating in this voluntary program, you acknowledge that MNA does not endorse any advice or feedback provided by mentors. MNA will not be held liable for any mentor/mentee interpersonal dynamics or guidance, and you agree to reach out to MNA immediately if you feel uncomfortable with your match at any point in the program.

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