Leadership Development Institute Grant
NFLS is pleased to offer one grant for WLA’s Leadership Development Institute which will run from November 2025 - June 2026, virtually and in-person.
The Wisconsin Library Association (WLA) aims to develop goal-oriented and agile library leaders who are creative problem solvers able to navigate uncertainty, rapidly changing technology, and shrinking resources. The 2025-2026 Leadership Development Institute is a highly immersive training program designed specifically for our profession. Based on several overarching leadership competencies, participants will interact in cohort groups throughout the six-month program. Each module includes the introduction of problem-solving skills and real-life applications. Instructors represent a wide range of disciplines both within the library community as well as outside of our profession.
Based on feedback from past Institute participants and our current membership and including recommendations from UW-Madison Extension instructors, the 2025-2026 LDI program curriculum has been refreshed with updated content and a new format designed to make the program more inclusive. We strive to have a mix of emerging and experienced leaders representing a variety of roles and library types participate in the program.
Who is encouraged to apply?
LDI 2025-2026 has three in-person meetings, starting with a one-day, in-person kick off in Madison on November 13, 2025, a mid-term in-person meeting on March 18, 2026 in Platteville, and wrapping up in-person at Portage County Library on June 3, 2026. Participants will also attend 8 virtual sessions December 2025 through June 2026.
Tuition: $545 for WLA members, $620 for non-WLA members
WLA Institute applications deadline is on Monday, July 28, 2025. Applicants will be notified of their status by Monday, August 18. Once you have been accepted into the program, please complete the NFLS grant application, which is due to NFLS by Friday, August 29, 2025. The NFLS Grant Committee will review applications and select one grant recipient in October.
To access the application link and more details on the Institute, such as expectations for participants, resources for Making the Case to Apply, an FAQ, and a sample application are available on the LDI webpage. We strongly recommend potential applicants review the information on the webpage before submitting an application.
Questions regarding the Institute: contact Cindy Foley, Interim Director, at [email protected].
Questions regarding the NFLS Grant: contact Hannah Good Zima, NFLS Office Manager, at [email protected].
The Wisconsin Library Association (WLA) aims to develop goal-oriented and agile library leaders who are creative problem solvers able to navigate uncertainty, rapidly changing technology, and shrinking resources. The 2025-2026 Leadership Development Institute is a highly immersive training program designed specifically for our profession. Based on several overarching leadership competencies, participants will interact in cohort groups throughout the six-month program. Each module includes the introduction of problem-solving skills and real-life applications. Instructors represent a wide range of disciplines both within the library community as well as outside of our profession.
Based on feedback from past Institute participants and our current membership and including recommendations from UW-Madison Extension instructors, the 2025-2026 LDI program curriculum has been refreshed with updated content and a new format designed to make the program more inclusive. We strive to have a mix of emerging and experienced leaders representing a variety of roles and library types participate in the program.
Who is encouraged to apply?
- People from various departments in library organizations, including youth services, outreach, adult services, marketing, technical services, etc.
- People across the organizational hierarchy: frontline staff, administration, directors, emerging and incumbent leaders, etc.
- People from all backgrounds and identities, including those who identify as BIPOC, neurodivergent, disabled, or LGBTQ+.
LDI 2025-2026 has three in-person meetings, starting with a one-day, in-person kick off in Madison on November 13, 2025, a mid-term in-person meeting on March 18, 2026 in Platteville, and wrapping up in-person at Portage County Library on June 3, 2026. Participants will also attend 8 virtual sessions December 2025 through June 2026.
Tuition: $545 for WLA members, $620 for non-WLA members
WLA Institute applications deadline is on Monday, July 28, 2025. Applicants will be notified of their status by Monday, August 18. Once you have been accepted into the program, please complete the NFLS grant application, which is due to NFLS by Friday, August 29, 2025. The NFLS Grant Committee will review applications and select one grant recipient in October.
To access the application link and more details on the Institute, such as expectations for participants, resources for Making the Case to Apply, an FAQ, and a sample application are available on the LDI webpage. We strongly recommend potential applicants review the information on the webpage before submitting an application.
Questions regarding the Institute: contact Cindy Foley, Interim Director, at [email protected].
Questions regarding the NFLS Grant: contact Hannah Good Zima, NFLS Office Manager, at [email protected].
