Urban Philanthropy Forum℠
Our Initiatives
Urban Enterprise organizes its work through eight key community-driven verticals:
The Urban Philanthropy Network is committed to strengthening the nonprofit sector by cultivating mission-driven leaders and equipping them with the tools to build impactful, sustainable organizations. Focused on elevating philanthropic and nonprofit leadership within urban communities, we provide immersive, cohort-based learning experiences that foster innovation, resilience, and long-term impact.
Program Overview
- Experiential, year-long training program focused on nonprofit formation, fundraising, leadership, and compliance
- Designed for emerging founders, executive directors, and community leaders building mission-based organizations
- Blends strategy, mentorship, legal education, and real-time implementation for measurable progress
Flagship Program: Launch & Lead
- 12-month cohort experience for emerging nonprofit leaders
- Provides step-by-step support to form and structure 501(c)(3) organizations
- Helps participants develop fundraising strategies, operational plans, and community engagement approaches
- Includes workshops, mentorship, compliance clinics, and visibility opportunities
Core Curriculum Areas
- Nonprofit Formation: Articles of incorporation, bylaws, 501(c)(3) application, board development
- Fundraising and Development: Grant readiness, donor engagement, Giving Tuesday campaigns, annual giving plans
- Program Design and Storytelling: Mission clarity, program outcomes, impact messaging
- Legal and Financial Compliance: IRS, state filings, governance practices, financial reporting
- Leadership and Sustainability: Strategic planning, succession, partnership cultivation
Participant Benefits
- Hands-on Support for launching and structuring a legally compliant nonprofit organization
- Mentorship and Coaching from seasoned nonprofit executives and sector leaders
- Access to Funders and Resource Partners through curated connections and introductions
- Peer Learning Community that fosters collaboration, encouragement, and shared expertise
- Visibility Opportunities including community showcases and promotional spotlights
Our Mission
To empower purpose-driven leaders to:
- Launch legally sound and fundable nonprofit organizations
- Build programs that solve real community challenges
- Lead with vision, integrity, and sustainability
- Drive long-term transformation in urban and underserved communities
Who We Serve
- New and aspiring nonprofit founders
- Grassroots community leaders ready to formalize and fund their work
- Faith-based and civic changemakers launching outreach initiatives
- First-time social entrepreneurs entering the philanthropic space
Distinctive Approach
- Culturally Grounded Training that reflects the values and challenges of urban leadership
- Legal and Regulatory Guidance integrated into every phase of development
- Practical and Action-Oriented with checklists, templates, and milestone tracking
- Commitment to Equity and Access for founders often overlooked by mainstream philanthropy
A Launchpad for Community Transformation
The Urban Philanthropy Network provides more than education—it creates a pipeline of community leaders who:
- Build trust through transparency and accountability
- Mobilize resources to meet urgent needs
- Create programs that uplift, empower, and transform
- Lead resilient, high-impact organizations for the long haul
Urban Business Academy℠
The Urban Business Academy equips entrepreneurs and small business owners with strategic training, mentorship, and access to essential business networks. Through a comprehensive 12-week curriculum, participants gain skills in business development, finance, marketing, and leadership. Our mission is to foster sustainable businesses that strengthen economic mobility and community prosperity.
Urban Excellence Institute℠
Urban Excellence Institute delivers world-class personal growth, leadership development, and coaching through an experiential, cohort-based learning model. Built on today’s most powerful personal development strategies and technologies, our programs are culturally relevant to the unique strengths and experiences of urban communities.
The Institute also houses the International Coach Federation (ICF)-accredited Urban Excellence Coach Academy, equipping individuals to lead, coach, and create transformational impact.
Urban Leadership Forums℠
Urban Leadership Forum champions excellence in civic engagement, public policy leadership, and political participation within urban communities. Through experiential learning, cohort-based training, and mentorship, we prepare emerging and established leaders to shape policy, drive advocacy, and build equitable systems of change. Our programs are culturally responsive, equipping leaders with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to create lasting impact in public life.
Urban Philanthropy Network℠
Urban Philanthropy Network cultivates nonprofit and philanthropic leadership within urban communities through experiential, cohort-based programs. Our flagship initiative, Launch & Lead, is a year-long program that equips emerging founders to launch 501(c)(3) organizations, promote their work, raise sustainable funding, and maintain legal and regulatory compliance. We prepare changemakers to lead impactful, resilient organizations that drive lasting community transformation.
Urban Health Initiative℠
Urban Health Initiative is a community-based Health Accelerator designed to elevate wellness outcomes in urban communities. Participants engage in interactive wellness labs built on the 8 Foundational Habits of High-Performance Health, including sleep and recovery, nutrition, mobility, brain performance, fitness, emotional resilience, and holistic self-care. We equip individuals to optimize energy, resilience, and well-being for leadership, business, and everyday life.
Urban Housing Solutions℠
Urban Housing Solutions develops innovative strategies to help housing-insecure individuals and families, including the fastest-growing affected population—Black women over 60—secure and sustain stable homes. We advance affordable housing projects, co-living and co-housing models, and themed housing with supportive curriculum. Our mission is to reimagine housing through collaboration, creativity, and empowerment, fostering long-term stability, dignity, and thriving urban communities.
Urban Youth
Leadership Academy℠
Urban Youth Leadership Development Academy equips young leaders with the skills, mindset, and tools to thrive in today’s world. Through a culturally responsive, cohort-based program, youth engage in leadership training, resiliency building, life skills development, educational enrichment, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and positive self-expression. We prepare the next generation to lead with confidence, creativity, and purpose in their communities and beyond.
Urban Church &
Community Alliance℠
Urban Church & Community Alliance℠ trains and equips church and faith-based leaders to expand their impact within their congregations and across the broader community. Through culturally responsive, cohort-based leadership development, we provide practical tools, strategies, and support to drive ministry growth, community engagement, and social transformation. The Alliance also houses the Christian Coaching Academy, which trains leaders in coaching techniques designed to strengthen Christian growth, leadership, witness, and influence both inside and outside the church. We believe the local church is not just a place of worship—it is a catalyst for lasting change in urban communities.
