Roaring Fork Leadership is now accepting proposals for Civic Impact Projects – transformational, community-centered initiatives that will serve as the capstone experience for the RFL Academy 2026 class.

Each year, roughly 40 Academy participants are divided into teams of 6 to 8 emerging leaders from diverse professional backgrounds and sectors. Over the course of ten months (September through May), these teams partner with local organizations to address a real community challenge or advance a timely opportunity. The result: measurable, visible, and lasting impact – while helping develop the next generation of civic-minded leaders.

Since launching the initiative, RFL has completed more than 90 Civic Impact Projects, working with nonprofits, community groups, and public agencies on issues ranging from accessibility and inclusion to economic development, mental health, and cultural engagement. Past partners include Aspen Camp of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Mountain Family Health Centers, and Headquarters, among many others.

Why submit a project?
Selected project sponsors receive:

  • A dedicated team of 6–8 emerging leaders focused on your initiative.
  • Diverse expertise and fresh perspectives from across the valley.
  • Strategic leadership support (not labor) to move your project forward.
  • Increased visibility for your organization and mission.
  • A final deliverable or action plan with a 95% historic success rate.

What makes a strong project?

  • Addresses a timely and important community challenge or opportunity.
  • Fits within a 6 to 8 month timeline.
  • Offers opportunities for sustainable solutions.
  • Requires leadership – not just extra hands.
  • Has a significant “acceptance” component – building support is as important as the idea itself.
  • Can be advanced with data and information that is already available or easily gathered.

Important dates:

  • Project submission deadline: Friday, August 22, 2025, by 5:00 PM.
  • Notification if your project meets criteria: August 29, 2025.
  • If selected by a team: Announcement by October 6, 2025, followed by project kickoff in October.

How to submit:
Visit rfleadership.org/civic-project-criteria to review the criteria and submit your idea online.

We encourage nonprofits, public agencies, and community groups to apply. Our goal is to offer the Academy 2026 class a diverse range of impactful projects to choose from – so the more submissions, the better. Let’s work together to create solutions, build leadership capacity, and strengthen our communities.

If you have any questions, please reach out to our Executive Director, Andrea Palm-Porter at andrea@rfleadership.org.