Nonprofit Operations Peer Cohort
Operations leaders are the unsung heroes of the nonprofit sector, managing the critical infrastructure, compliance, finances, and systems that keep our missions alive. Yet, operations roles are often isolated, with few opportunities to connect with peers facing the exact same organizational challenges.
Thrive’s Nonprofit Operations Peer Cohort is a collaborative pilot program designed specifically for professionals in charge of nonprofit operations. This cohort is built to translate knowledge into implementation, exchange real-world resources and shared systems, and build a lifelong professional peer-support network.
Program Overview
Thrive’s Nonprofit Operations Peer Cohort creates a dedicated space where the people responsible for a nonprofit's infrastructure—its systems, compliance, budgets, and day-to-day operations—can ask questions and gain support from others doing the same work under the similar constraints.
The cohort runs from October 2026 through June 2027, opening and closing with two-hour in-person sessions to allow for deeper relationship-building and hands-on work. In between, the group meets virtually for six one-hour sessions, held monthly on Zoom, each pairing a technical deep-dive with open peer discussion.
The cohort is led by Irma Zoepf, Thrive's Chief Operating Officer and a former operations consultant. Drawing on her own experience and knowledge, Irma guides the group in building a small, trusted circle of operations peers with lived experience.
Through this program, nonprofits gain:
Real-time peer advice on pressing operational challenges
Actionable frameworks, SOPs, and toolkits on high-priority operational functions
Resource sharing, including vetted vendor lists, contract templates, financial forecasting templates, and cost-allocation frameworks
A trusted, intimate network for lasting peer support beyond the cohort
Working knowledge across HR, IT, finance and budgeting, legal and risk management, vendor contracts, office management, and more.
Thrive’s Nonprofit Operations Peer Cohort is comprised of 8 to 10 small, community-based nonprofits, typically with an annual operating budget between $100,000 – $3,500,000, serving San Mateo County.
This program is tailored for individuals actively managing or directing the operational, administrative, and technological infrastructure of a nonprofit (e.g., COOs, Operations Directors, Operations Managers, or Executive Directors holding dual operational roles).
Who Should Apply
Program Cost
This program is valued at $2,400 per organization, and Thrive is excited to offer a discounted participation fee for Thrive members at $600. Please note, this program is only available to Thrive members at this moment.
CONTACT US
We appreciate your interest in exploring our programs and ways to get involved. This area is managed by our Chief Operating Officer, Irma, who would be happy to connect with you. Please fill out the contact form, and Irma will follow up with you soon.
Irma Zoepf Chief Operating Officer