Explore the cohorts
See where your work might fit.
Apply during the early bird period to receive a 5% reduction in cohort funding if accepted.
You do not need to have everything figured out before applying. If you are interested in either cohort, share a little about yourself and your work. We will follow up if you have questions or want to talk through where your work might fit
Early bird applications are NOW OPEN!
OCTOBER 6th–27th, 2026
Inside each cohort
ELEVATE offers two connected cohort experiences for funders of place-based evaluation and learning.
Blueprint Cohort
Clarify and strengthen how your organization approaches place-based evaluation and learning.
The Blueprint Cohort combines structured peer learning with hands-on consulting support from ELEVATE. Participants learn alongside other foundation leaders who are shaping their organizations’ approaches to PBEL, with regular opportunities to compare approaches, share challenges, and learn from peers navigating similar organizational contexts.
who it's for
People who are positioned to shape how their foundation approaches place-based evaluation and learning. Interested? View pricing here.
Inside each cohort
Practice Cohort
Build your place-based evaluation and learning knowledge and strengthen your practice.
Practice begins with eight-months of learning and rapid cycle application designed to deepen your grounding in PBEL. This will take place through facilitated sessions, external speakers, panels, practical resources, and coaching tied to the PBEL competencies participants want to strengthen. Then, you will select a longer-term practicum and work alongside a smaller group of peers as you strengthen that work over time.
who it's for
People who manage or support place-based evaluation and learning projects, initiatives, partnerships, or other PBEL work. Interested? View pricing here.
Engagement Across Both Cohorts
Both cohorts are designed as sustained learning experiences, with the mix of peer learning and individualized support shaped by the work participants are doing. While the rhythm will vary by cohort and phase, participants can expect several shared elements throughout the experience.
22-month experience
Intentionally small cohorts
Multiple ways to engage
Direct support from ELEVATE
Access to ELEVATE Commons
In-person connection
22-month experience
Both cohorts run from February 2027 through November 2028, creating time to build relationships and strengthen work over time.
22-month experience
Intentionally small cohorts
Multiple ways to engage
Direct support from ELEVATE
Access to ELEVATE Commons
In-person connection
Intentionally small cohorts
Practice will include up to 15 participants and Blueprint up to 10 organizations so the experience can stay personal and responsive.
22-month experience
Intentionally small cohorts
Multiple ways to engage
Direct support from ELEVATE
Access to ELEVATE Commons
In-person connection
Multiple ways to engage
Participants will learn through a mix of full-cohort experiences, smaller peer groups, and individualized support from ELEVATE.
22-month experience
Intentionally small cohorts
Multiple ways to engage
Direct support from ELEVATE
Access to ELEVATE Commons
In-person connection
Direct support from ELEVATE
Participants will have periodic one-on-one or organization-specific support from ELEVATE to work through questions, refine materials, and apply the learning within their own context.
22-month experience
Intentionally small cohorts
Multiple ways to engage
Direct support from ELEVATE
Access to ELEVATE Commons
In-person connection
Participants will have ongoing access to curated place-based evaluation and learning research, tools, templates, examples, and other resources.
22-month experience
Intentionally small cohorts
Multiple ways to engage
Direct support from ELEVATE
Access to ELEVATE Commons
In-person connection
Each cohort will begin with an in-person kickoff and culminate in an in-person gathering, with additional optional opportunities to connect at conferences and informal ELEVATE meet-ups throughout the experience.
Cohort Overview
What does the cohort experience look like?
Our cohort overview provides a closer look at who each cohort is for, what participants will work toward, and how the experience unfolds over time. Use it to learn more on your own or share ELEVATE with colleagues and leadership.
FUNDING OVERVIEW
What does it cost to participate?
Review cohort funding levels, learn how funding is structured across the two program years, and explore broader ways organizations can support ELEVATE.
plan for engagement
Let’s talk about where your work might fit.
You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Complete our short interest form and tell us which cohort you are considering and what questions you still have. We’ll follow up to schedule a conversation and help you think through what you need to move forward.