Application Deadline: July 19, 2026
Are you a nonprofit leader looking to strengthen your leadership skills, expand your professional network, and increase your organization’s impact? Applications are now open for the American Express Leadership Academy – Asia-Pacific 2026, a prestigious fully funded leadership development programme designed to empower senior nonprofit professionals across the Asia-Pacific region.
Delivered by Common Purpose in partnership with American Express, the academy equips nonprofit leaders with the practical leadership skills, global perspectives, and cross-sector connections needed to tackle today’s complex social challenges.
About the American Express Leadership Academy
For more than a decade, the American Express Leadership Academy has invested in nonprofit leaders around the world, helping them become more resilient, collaborative, and effective changemakers.
The programme combines immersive in-person learning with online workshops over several months, allowing participants to develop practical leadership capabilities while building lasting relationships with fellow nonprofit leaders from different countries and sectors.
The Asia-Pacific cohort will take place from November 10–13, 2026, followed by a series of online leadership sessions.
Programme Benefits
Successful participants will enjoy numerous benefits, including:
- Fully funded participation in the programme.
- Four-day immersive in-person leadership experience.
- Expert-led leadership development sessions.
- Interactive workshops focused on solving real-world challenges.
- Access to a diverse network of nonprofit leaders across the Asia-Pacific region.
- Continued learning through online workshops over six months.
- Practical leadership tools that can be immediately applied within participants’ organizations.
- Long-term alumni network and collaboration opportunities.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Be currently serving in, or identified for, a senior or executive leadership position.
- Work for a registered nonprofit organization.
- Demonstrate a strong record of leadership, innovation, and positive organizational impact.
- Be responsible for influencing people, partnerships, or organizational strategy.
- Be passionate about creating meaningful social change.
- Reside within an eligible Asia-Pacific country or territory.
Please note: Applications are region-specific. Only applicants living within the Asia-Pacific region are eligible for this cohort.
Programme Structure
Participants will experience a blended learning journey consisting of:
- Four-day in-person leadership academy.
- Five virtual leadership workshops.
- Peer learning and collaboration sessions.
- Leadership coaching and practical exercises.
- Networking with nonprofit executives and industry experts.
This combination of face-to-face and virtual learning ensures participants continue applying new leadership strategies long after the in-person programme concludes.
Why You Should Apply
Today’s nonprofit organizations face increasingly complex challenges, making effective leadership more important than ever. The American Express Leadership Academy helps participants:
- Build resilience during periods of change.
- Improve strategic decision-making.
- Lead diverse and high-performing teams.
- Expand cross-sector partnerships.
- Strengthen organizational influence.
- Drive sustainable social impact.
Graduates also become part of a global community of nonprofit leaders committed to creating lasting positive change.
Application Deadline
Deadline: July 19, 2026
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline, as competition for available places is expected to be high.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official Common Purpose application portal.
Official Application Page: Apply for the American Express Leadership Academy – Asia-Pacific 2026
You can also learn more about the programme and eligibility requirements here: American Express Leadership Academy Programme Overview
