To have a durable 50-state Network, both now and in the long term, we need best-in-class leaders who have a vision for what can be done in their state and a strategy to lead their organizations to success. SPN offers a suite of services to our Network to cultivate talent, build capacities, and ensure leaders are connecting to strengthen each other in the process.
Each of our leadership programs include custom peer groups that meet regularly and foster collaboration between Network leaders, in specialties including communications, development, operations, executive leaders, executive vice presidents, and government affairs.
Board Development
A well-engaged board is one of the greatest assets a nonprofit can have.
State Policy Network is committed to ensuring that board members in the SPN Network have the resources and support needed to help their organizations succeed.
Programs
Board Consulting/Advising
Through one-on-one engagement with your leadership team, SPN can help support your organization to define and build a board that moves the vision and mission of the organization.
Interested? Click Here
Our Program Team
Strategy Development
Focused strategic planning meetings and guidance to enhance your influence and impact
Strategic clarity helps organizations stay focused on what matters most. State Policy Network partners with think tank leaders and boards to evaluate their landscape, navigate key decisions, and design strategies that drive mission success.
Programs
Organization Accelerator
Affiliates can apply for this two-year program designed to help think tanks achieve greater strategic influence and impact. The program features a strategic planning meeting, a development assessment, communications strategy, a culture assessment, and the option of executive coaching.
Applications for Organization Accelerator 2026 close on February 27, 2026. Apply Now.
Building Durable Freedom Infrastructure
Our team stands ready to assist leaders who are building Durable Freedom Infrastructure. Let us help with strategy, fundraising, communications, connections, and lessons learned from the Network.
New Leaders and New Think Tank Support
If you’re starting a new think tank or your organization is undergoing a leadership transition, our team is ready to assist. We facilitate on-site meetings with new leaders and Board members to develop a strategy and plan for success in the first year.
Our Program Team
Development Strategy
SPN can help you take your development skills to the next level
Philanthropy is the engine keeping our nonprofit missions moving forward. But fundraising is more than just asking for money. Success requires a compelling vision that excites donors not just to give – but to partner with you to change the world.
Whether you are new to nonprofit fundraising or a seasoned development professional, SPN offers curated programs to help you achieve your goals and accelerate your impact. We will work with you and your team to assess the programs and services that fit with your organization’s current fundraising needs.
Programs
Strategic Development Planning
Every ambitious fundraising goal needs a plan. We’ll work with you to determine the strategies and resources you need to reach your team’s intended goals.
Fundraising Assessments
Sometimes it helps to have an external perspective look under the hood of your fundraising shop and assess strengths, gaps, and actionable solutions.
Development Bootcamp
Our in-person Bootcamp is not for the faint-hearted. Participants should be prepared to roll up their sleeves for an immersive week learning and applying core fundraising competencies. Bootcamp is open to Application is required and will reopen in Spring 2024.
Skill-Up Fundraising Series
Virtual fundraising trainings are offered throughout the year around critical development skills and topics. The Skill-Up Series is open to SPN members and requires advance registration.
Talent and Staffing Support
Exceptional fundraising talent can be some of the most challenging roles to hire at a nonprofit. From department heads, grant writers, major gift officers, and more – we can help you brainstorm the right role for your current needs, maximize your outreach efforts, and introduce you to potential talent.
Pitch Coaching and Feedback
The art of communicating your organization’s mission and impact to donors is a journey. SPN can help you create and refine your pitch to current and prospective donors.
CEO Executive Leadership Program
Helping CEOs strengthen leadership capacity, improve decision-making, build durable freedom infrastructure, and drive lasting organizational impact.
CEOs of Network member organizations operate in a demanding environment that requires strategic clarity, adaptive leadership, and the ability to navigate complex organizational, political, and external dynamics. SPN’s Executive Leadership Program is designed specifically to meet these demands through a tailored suite of services that support CEOs at every stage of their leadership journey. Through peer connection, individualized coaching, strategic counsel, and small-group learning opportunities, SPN helps strengthen the network’s leadership and impact. To join our community of Network CEOs and embark on a transformative journey of leadership growth and collective impact, please contact Heather Pfitzenmaier at heatherp@SPN.org.
Programs
CEO Executive Peer Groups
State Policy Network’s CEO peer groups provide a confidential, facilitated environment where Network CEOs can engage in candid conversations about the challenges and opportunities unique to executive leadership. These groups are designed to foster trust, shared learning, and mutual accountability, allowing CEOs to explore complex organizational issues, test ideas, and learn from the lived experiences of their peers. By participating in a peer group, CEOs gain perspective, reduce isolation, and build lasting relationships with leaders who understand the realities of the role.
Interested? Click Here
Executive Coaching for CEOs
SPN offers individualized executive coaching tailored to the specific needs, goals, and leadership contexts of the individual CEO. Coaching engagements focus on strengthening leadership effectiveness, improving strategic thinking, and supporting personal growth while addressing real-time organizational challenges. Through structured reflection and targeted guidance, CEOs develop greater self-awareness, confidence, and clarity, enabling them to lead more effectively and align their leadership approach with their organization’s mission and objectives.
Interested? Click Here
Individualized Strategic Counsel
Individualized strategic counsel provides CEOs with direct access to trusted advisors who can support high-level thinking and decision-making. This service is designed for CEOs navigating significant organizational transitions, governance challenges, growth opportunities, or complex strategic issues. Through confidential, responsive engagement, SPN partners with CEOs to think through strategy, anticipate risks, and identify pathways forward, offering practical insight and seasoned perspective when it matters most.
Our Program Team
Marketing/Communication Strategy
Create organizational clarity and purpose through powerful communication
Strong communications and marketing amplify your credibility, shape public opinion, and build your think tank’s reputation as a trusted, go-to source for insight and innovation. SPN helps you to strengthen your communication to ensure your research and ideas effectively reach and influence key audiences in your state.
Programs
Peer Groups
Designed for communication professionals, SPN’s peer groups provide connection, inspiration, and accountability as you grow your communications strategy.
Interested? Click Here
Communications Coaching
SPN provides communication coaching for professionals in the network who are looking to expand or grow their communication strategy within their organization.
Interested? Click Here
Organizational Consulting
Consulting is available to help decision-makers within an organization better structure and grow their organization to leverage communications, market strategically, and grow their organizational brand to a position of influence.
Interested? Click Here
Online Webinars & Trainings
Each quarter, SPN hosts online trainings with industry leaders covering the latest in nonprofit communications and marketing.
Join our email list to get regular updates on upcoming communication webinars and trainings.
Our Program Team
Executive Coaching
Develop the leadership capacity of CEOs, EVPs, and rising leaders to navigate complexity and scale impact.
Executive coaching is a confidential, one-on-one partnership that helps senior leaders sharpen strategic thinking, strengthen leadership effectiveness, and lead with clarity amid constant external pressure. For state think tank leaders, coaching supports principled leadership, sound decision-making, and organizational resilience—ensuring the institution remains durable, credible, and mission-aligned for the long term.
Programs
Executive Leadership Assessment
The SPN Executive Leadership Assessment measures core leadership competencies associated with high-performing think tank executives. The results offer practical insight and a clear starting point for targeted growth, forming the foundation of SPN’s executive coaching engagement.
Executive Coaching
Executive coaching is a six-to-twelve-month engagement with an SPN-sponsored executive coach, including monthly one-on-one sessions focused on the leader’s goals and development priorities. Together, the leader and coach set clear objectives, identify factors that may be limiting effectiveness or growth, and work through practical strategies to achieve the next level of success. The coaching relationship is confidential and designed to provide trusted, candid support tailored to the unique challenges of leading a state think tank.
Our Program Team