Board Leapfrog is a foundational governance training program of Cosgrove & Co.
turn passion into brilliant board leadership
Governance Training for Non-Profit Directors
Board Leapfrog was designed 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 + one full day in person. On-demand options available.
Who it's for
New directors, aspiring board members, and senior non-profit leaders.
Sectors
National and provincial non-profits, charities, professional associations, regulators, mutual insurers, others.
FORMAT
Cohort-based, open registration for individuals or small groups. Maximum of 35 participants per session.
Next Dates
Halifax • Dec 8, 2026
Ottawa • Jan 2027 (TBD)
Group of 4+? See organization options
The program
Our Approach
01
Start with the basics
Many board training programs assuma certain level of business acumen or professional experience.
Board Leapfrog uses a proven approach to make sure everyone is on the same page. Our programs start the same way, every time: with core, governance basics.
02
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, fun activities, and encourage sharing of to ensure learning sticks.
You'll practice how a high-performing board actually interacts.
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:
03
Make it practical.
Some directors worry they need all the answers.
We think good directors need the right questions.
We connect governance concepts to actual boardroom behaviours, and show you how to find the right questions to ask.
Two ways to learn
Self-paced or in-person.
Which works for you?
The Curriculum
What you learn
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.
In-Person Group Learning (one day)
everything from self-paced learning, plus:
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
Three options for board training
1
Our standard program
Join directors and senior leaders from organizations in your local area, facing similar challenges and opportunities.
Our standard Board Leapfrog program is delivered in cohort-based group sessions, delivered on set dates in cities across the country.
No customization is available with this option.
Best for community-based organizations, charities in start-up mode, and operating boards.
2
Private group training
We come to you with a partial day or full day of our proven Board Leapfrog program.
For organizations that want a bit more privacy and internal collaboration for discussing important topics.
This program is lightly customized to your sector, context, governance environment, and focuses on your specific interests.
Best for member-driven organizations, professional associations, and mutuals who work on behalf of a defined stakeholder group.
3
Fully customized, for your unique context
We deep dive into your unique governance context: enabling legislation, by-laws, nominating or appointing structures, and more.
Then create a custom program just for you.
Best for organizations with greater governance complexity and compliance needs: those created by a special Act, regulatory authorities, registered charities, and those in leadership transition or difficult times.
Why choose us
Serious governance. Seriously engaging.
We know the work.
Board Leapfrog is taught by experienced board members, Chairs, and governance advisors.
We sat in your chair before, and understand what boards face every day and what directors need to excel.
02
We make it fun.
Board training doesn't have to be dry.
Using practical examples, adult learning principles and engaging group activities, our facilitators make it fun and valuable for all.
03
We make it stick.
Better boardroom performance can be achieved through practice, role-playing and practical tools.
Our participants leave with tools they can use right away, and join a community to obtain more support.
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.