Rustandy Ignite Class

IGNITE

A leadership program for high-impact nonprofit organizations serving ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ communities

IGNITE combines world-class business education, coaching, peer mentorship, networking, and consulting assistance to equip the executive leadership teams of organizations with tools to expand their impact on ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ communities. Held in monthly sessions over nine months, IGNITE is the signature program of the Golub Capital Social Impact Lab at the Rustandy Center. Through the generous contribution of Golub Capital, this program is offered at no cost to participating organizations.

Applications for the 2026 cohort are now closed and will reopen next year for the 2027 cohort.

About the Program

IGNITE participant standing at the front of the room

Who Should Apply

Nonprofit organizations that meet the following criteria are eligible to apply:

  • Annual operating budget of $500K to $25M

  • Established leadership team

  • Serve communities in ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ through social, economic, cultural, or structural support

Who Should Apply
Participant speaking at an IGNITE session

2026 Program Timeline

  • Kick-off: Jan 23–24
  • Sessions 1–3: Feb 20, March 27, April 24
  • ED/CEO Only Day: May 8
  • Sessions 4–5 and Graduation: May 15, June 12
  • Closing Retreat: Sept 17–18
2026 Program Timeline

Meet the IGNITE Cohorts

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Golub Capital Social Impact Lab

Through a significant five-year commitment from Golub Capital, the Golub Capital Social Impact Lab provides training and professional development to amplify the impact of leaders of high-potential nonprofits serving ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ communities.

The Golub Capital Lab provides access to individualized resources, funding for internal capacity building projects, connections to unlock social capital, opportunities to advance knowledge, and practical technical assistance.

Golub Capital Social Impact Lab Leadership

George Wu

George Wu

Faculty director, Golub Capital Social Impact Lab
John P. and Lillian A. Gould Professor of Behavioral Science

George Wu studies the psychology of individual, managerial, and organizational decision-making; decision analysis; and cognitive biases in bargaining and negotiation. He is also the faculty co-director of ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ Booth’s Civic Scholars Program.

View Wu’s Full Profile

George Wu
Tyeise Huntley

Tyeise Huntley

Director, Golub Capital Social Impact Lab
Tyeise Huntley leads the Golub Capital Social Impact Lab, which provides training and professional development to amplify the impact of leaders of high-potential nonprofits serving communities in ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ.

Tyeise Huntley

IGNITE Partners

 

ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ Booth Rustandy Center Golub Capital Social Impact Lab ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ Urban League

Stories About IGNITE