WAAA Ethnic Community-Based Organizations Cohort

Empowering Community Architects

Apply Today

We Are All America (WAAA) is excited to launch the 2026–2027 ECBO Cohort, a dedicated leadership and capacity-building initiative designed to empower grassroots refugee and immigrant leaders. This program provides community organizations with the practical tools, mentorship, and financial support necessary to strengthen internal infrastructure, navigate shifting funding landscapes, and build lasting community power.

You can read the report of our 2025-2026 Cohort here.

Program Objectives:

  • Capacity and Sustainability: Develop sustainable funding models, strengthen governance, and build operational resilience.
  • Grassroots Organizing & Advocacy: Master power-mapping, campaign strategy, and policy advocacy to champion community-led solutions.
  • Digital Strategy & Narrative Defense: Learn values-based messaging and digital tools to counter harmful anti-immigrant narratives.
  • Networking & Collaboration: Build lasting relationships and peer support circles with ethnic community leaders nationwide.

Program Highlights and Benefits:

  • $500 Participant Stipend: Earn 100 per workshop attended ($400 total), plus an additional $100 upon completing all cohort requirements.
  • 4 Interactive Virtual Workshops: Hands-on training covering organizational sustainability, grant writing, grassroots organizing, and narrative defense.
  • One-on-One Coaching: Dedicated technical assistance and office hours with the WAAA team tailored to your organization’s strategic priorities.
  • National Platform: Opportunities to speak at national convenings, publish op-eds, and join the WAAA National Refugee & Immigrant Table as an alumnus.

Cohort Schedule and Commitment

The cohort meets virtually over a 6-month period from October 2026 through March 2027. Selected leaders must commit to attending all four 2-hour virtual sessions:

  • Workshop 1 (Sustainability & Governance): October 2026
  • Workshop 2 (Fundraising & Grant Writing): December 2026
  • Workshop 3 (Community Organizing & Advocacy): January 2027
  • Workshop 4 (Digital Strategy & Narrative Defense): March 2027

(Specific session dates and times will be confirmed with accepted participants.)

Ready to Apply?

Submit your application by September 20th, 2026!