Board Leapfrog is a foundational governance training program of Cosgrove & Co.
Tell us if this sounds familiar: You joined the board to make a difference, but now you're a bit unsure. Anxious. Intimidated. Or maybe a bit confused by what's happening in meetings, and the documents you receive.
This is exactly what Board Leapfrog was designed for: to help early stage directors find their way quickly. From "I feel unsure in this role" to "I can contribute with clarity and confidence."
One day. No experience required. Bring your passion.
Format
Virtual pre-work, then one full day in person. On-demand webinars are also offered.
Who it's for
First-year directors, committee members, chairs and aspiring board members of non-profit organizations. Senior leaders too!
Group SIZE
Capped at a small number to keep the room working.
Your passion. Our mission.
The program
Our Approach
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Many board training programs assuea certain level of business acumen or professional experience.
We don't. We use an inclusive approach to make sure everyone is on the same page. Our programs start the same way, every time: with the basics.
Start with basics
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Use adult learning
This isn't a classroom. It's a facilitated discussion, and you're a respected volunteer participant.
We use adult learning principles, and encourage sharing of experiences to ensure learning sticks.
You'll practice and model what a high-performing board actually looks like.
You care about the mission, that's why you joined the board.
But it's not clear what the board is actually discussing, and why. You got a dog-eared binder, which didn't help much. You realize you haven't actually seen what a good board and strong director looks like (or at least you don't know if you have).
Board Leapfrog takes a different approach to director training, and believes governance is teachable. But participants need to see it in action. Three ways that we do it differently:
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Some directors worry they need all the answers.
We disagree. Good directors need the right questions, and we'll show you how to find them.
It's about the questions
Two ways to learn
Two ways in. Pick the one that fits your calendar.
The Curriculum
One Program, Two Parts: Key agenda items
Virtual, Self-paced Learning
(3.5 hours optional pre-work)
Introduction to Governance
Why governance matters, typical governance structures, understanding the governing document cascade
Legal Essentials (3H)
Key legal concepts, fiduciary duties of a director, directot liability, common legal risks, etc.
Finance Essentials (1H30)
Finance best practices for non-profits, reading financial statemetns, working with the external Auditor, overseeing financial controls.
Next dates
OTTAWA · October 15, 2026
Halifax · TBC
Interested in this training? Contact us to be notified as soon as a date is confirmed.
Group of four or more? Contact us for options. A private cohort maybe the best option for you. See for organizations.
In-Person Group Learning
(one day)
What Does great governance look like?
Your role as a director, the role of the board chair, the relationship with the Executive Director creating an healthy environment for making decisions.
Getting Board culture right
Dealing with conflict, managing & measuring effectiveness, key board policies, executive director performance review.
Role play activity
Modelling great board skills
The on-demand library
One subject at a time, whenever you have the time.
For organizations
Bring the whole board.
Or we'll customize Board Leapfrog just for you.
Private session
We deliver our standard curriculum, to your board privately, on a date you prefer. Available anywhere in Canada. No customization is available with this option.
Best for community-based organizations, charities in start-up mode, and operating boards.
Tailored to your context
We work with you to tailor the Board Leapfrog program to your sector, context, governance environment, and focus on your specific interests.
Best for member-driven organizations, regulators, professional associations, and mutuals who work on behalf of a defined stakeholder group.
Fully custom program
We deep dive into your unique governance context: enabling legislation, by-laws, nominating/appointing structures, and more. Then create a custom program just for you.
Best for organizations with greater governance complexity and compliance needs: registered charities, in leadership transition or difficult times.
All customized content is developed by Cosgrove & Co.’s senior team.
Why choose us
Taught by people who know boards inside and out.
Practitioners, not lecturers
Board Leapfrog is taught by experienced board members and governance advisors. They've done this work themselves, so they understand what you're dealing with.
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Small group learning
Smaller cohorts mean you get to learn from others in the room - we help you think through the scenario, discuss your ideas and network with peers.
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Built for mission-driven boards
Designed specifically for non-profit, community and mission-driven organizations, with practical tools and examples that reflect the realities of volunteer boards.
About us
WHY BOARD LEAPFROG EXISTS
Board Leapfrog was created because our leader, Kathryn Cosgrove, saw a gap she couldn't ignore. Over years working with organizations of all sizes, she noticed the same pattern: passionate board members who cared deeply about their mission but lacked the foundational knowledge to be truly effective.
Many of these directors served smaller organizations in communities where access to governance expertise was simply not available. They wanted to make a difference, but without basic tools and training, their passion alone wasn't enough. At the same time, Cosgrove & Co's practice focuses on complex governance challenges for organizations that can invest in consulting. But what about the director in a rural community, or the staff member supporting their board, who just needed to learn the basics? Board Leapfrog was born from the conviction that access to foundational governance training shouldn't depend on your organization's size or budget.
Every director deserves the chance to understand their role, run better meetings, and contribute meaningfully to their board. Board Leapfrog makes that possible by offering accessible, standardized training that provides the essential tools volunteer directors need to be effective.
It reflects Kathryn's core belief: to share information broadly and to help organizations everywhere—no matter how small or remote—have better governance.
We're always happy to chat or answer your questions. Drop us a line and we'll get in touch.