Alnoba

What Alnoba does

Alnoba is a nonprofit educational retreat center operating from a 600-acre property in Kensington, New Hampshire, approximately one hour from Boston. Legally organized as the Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation, the organization is controlled by the Lewis family and operates as a private nonprofit with no external institutional investors. It serves four primary customer segments: nonprofit and social justice organizations, schools and youth-serving organizations, businesses seeking team-building and leadership development, and the general public through tours and events.

The organization's core offering is Pinnacle Leadership and Team Development, a 30+ year experiential methodology that delivers 1-2 day facilitated retreats using the proprietary GRPI framework (Goals, Roles, Processes, Interpersonal Relationships). Programs include leadership retreats, youth development programs featuring high and low ropes courses, and team-building experiences with land and water-based initiatives. Delivery is anchored in physical infrastructure that is difficult to replicate: a 14,000 sq ft Passive House-certified meeting house (first of its kind in New England), a restored 1848 barn, on-site cabins and houses, 10 miles of trails, a professional ropes course, and an international outdoor sculpture collection featuring works by Andy Goldsworthy, Jaume Plensa, Patrick Dougherty, and Ursula von Rydingsvard.

Revenue is generated through four streams: custom-priced leadership retreats (typically multi-year contracts with nonprofits, youth organizations, and corporations), public programs and art tours ($150-200 per tour), philanthropic donations primarily from the Lewis Family Foundation, and book sales (the 'Daring Women Who Change the World' title). Go-to-market is direct and relationship-led, supported by a strategic partner network exceeding 100 organizations, supplemented by self-serve Eventbrite ticketing for public events. The organization also operates Sawyer Park, a 30-acre public park in Kensington built by the Lewis Family Foundation in 2008, and runs the annual Alnoba Leadership Awards program. Founder Alan Lewis passed away in November 2022, with co-founder Harriet Lewis and co-chairs Edward and Charlotte Lewis continuing governance.

Name

Alnoba

Legal name

Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation

Website

https://alnoba.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Alnoba is a nonprofit educational retreat center on a 600-acre New Hampshire campus, delivering facilitated leadership retreats, youth development programs, and team-building experiences for nonprofits, schools, businesses, and the public through its 30+ year Pinnacle methodology.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Leadership Development Retreat Services

NAICS

Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000)

akta.pro primary industry

Corporate Outdoor Training & Team-Building Programs (Experiential Learning) (THAAAOAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Corporate Retreats & Team Offsites (Non-incentive) (THAHAMAL), Outdoor Recreation & Adventure Programs (Trips, Climbing, Rentals) (EDALAIAG), Outdoor & Wilderness Education Schools (Field-Based Learning) (THAAAOAA)

Keywords

• Experiential leadership training
• Outdoor team building
• Nonprofit retreat programs
• Youth development retreats
• Executive leadership offsites

Headquarters

HQ city

Kensington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Retreat and Program Fees: Revenue from leadership retreats, youth development programs, and team-building experiences. Many programs are offered at reduced or no-cost to nonprofit, youth, and community organizations.
2. Public Events and Tours: Revenue from public programs including art tours ($150 for up to 10 guests), Andy Goldsworthy tours ($200), and nature therapy sessions.
3. Philanthropic Donations: The Lewis Family Foundation and Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation support operations through donations. Since 1981, Alnoba has donated over $260 million in 70 countries.
4. Book Sales: Sales of 'Daring Women Who Change the World' quote collection. All book profits are donated to support Alnoba's work with nonprofits and youth.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Alnoba is a nonprofit educational retreat center that designs and delivers facilitated leadership retreats, youth development programs, and team-building experiences on a 600-acre property in Kensington, NH. Its flagship Pinnacle Leadership and Team Development program uses the GRPI framework and experiential outdoor learning in 1-2 day custom retreats for nonprofits, schools, and businesses. The organization also operates lodging, gathering spaces, an international outdoor sculpture collection with guided tours, public events, Sawyer Park, leadership awards, and a published book.

Product overview

Alnoba is New England's premier nonprofit educational retreat center offering a portfolio of interconnected programs centered on leadership and team development. The core offering is Pinnacle Leadership and Team Development, which encompasses Leadership Retreats (1-2 day facilitated offsites), Youth Development Programs (adventure-based programs for schools and youth organizations), and Team-Building Experiences (ropes courses, land and water initiatives). Accommodations are provided through on-site cabins and houses for overnight stays. The property features gathering spaces including the Passive House-certified main building, restored 1848 barn, and other meeting venues. Supplementary offerings include an international outdoor sculpture collection with guided tours, public programs and events, Sawyer Park (a public recreation space), the Alnoba Leadership Awards, and the published book 'Daring Women Who Change the World.' The organization leverages its 600-acre natural setting to deliver experiential learning focused on social-emotional growth, team alignment, and leadership development.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Alnoba Leadership Awards: Annual awards program honoring brave and brilliant leaders in environmental justice, social justice, and youth development. Includes Alan E. Lewis Moral Courage in Leadership Award, Alnoba Indigenous Leadership Award, Gutsy Young Leader Award, CEO Environmental Leadership Award, and Moment of Truth Award for Gender Equity.
• Daring Women Who Change the World
• Sawyer Park

Products and services

• Pinnacle Leadership and Team Development Alnoba's flagship experiential leadership development program offering 1-2 day facilitated retreats for teams, youth, and organizations. Uses the GRPI framework (Goals, Roles, Processes, Interpersonal Relationships) and experiential outdoor learning to build trust, clarity, and collaboration.
• Leadership Retreats One-to-two day and overnight retreats for leaders and teams seeking clarity, alignment, and breakthrough thinking. Combines expert facilitation with immersive outdoor experiences in a 600-acre natural setting.
• Youth Development Programs Adventure-driven, outdoor-based youth leadership programs for educators and youth-serving organizations that foster social-emotional learning, resilience, and leadership skills. Customizable programs serving youth from elementary school through high school.
• Team-Building Experiences Experiential team-building programs featuring high ropes course, aerial adventure course, land-based initiatives, and water-based initiatives designed to strengthen trust, communication, and collaboration among teams.
• Lodging Accommodations
• Art Collection and Guided Tours
• Gathering and Meeting Spaces Meeting and event venues including the Passive House-certified Alnoba main building (14,000 sq ft), the 1848 restored barn, Pinnacle Studio, and Brandy Run Meeting House. Accommodates groups from 20 to 120 participants.
• Public Programs and Events Scheduled public events including art tours, nature therapy sessions, yoga classes, speaker series, theatrical performances, and wellness workshops open to visitors on the Alnoba property.
• Sawyer Park A 30-acre public park in Kensington, NH built by the Lewis Family Foundation in 2008, offering three lit athletic fields, basketball court, playground, skateboard park, bandstand, and pavilion. Supported by Alnoba's social mission events.
• Daring Women Who Change the World Book A quote-of-the-day book compilation featuring words of wisdom from women leaders born on each day. Book profits support Alnoba's work with nonprofits and youth organizations.
• Alnoba Leadership Awards Annual awards program honoring leaders in categories including Moral Courage in Leadership, Indigenous Leadership, Gutsy Young Leader, CEO Environmental Leadership, and Gender Equity. Features monetary donations to recipients' designated nonprofits.

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly 1,000 youth served annually from Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan and Seacoast, NH
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Sawyer Park (Lewis Family Foundation)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 200830-acre public park in Kensington built by Lewis Family Foundation. Alnoba supports park through social mission event proceeds. Over $250,000 donated to date. Park welcomes 1,000+ families from 15 communities annually.
• Conservation Law FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew England partner organization focused on environmental conservation. President Bradley Campbell has received Alnoba's Alan E. Lewis Moral Courage in Leadership Award.
• Society for the Protection of New Hampshire ForestscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey New England conservation partner. President Jack Savage represents organization in Alnoba's strategic partner network.
• 350.orgcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal climate movement organization. Executive Director May Boeve works with Alnoba on climate justice initiatives.
• Amazon WatchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational organization protecting the Amazon. Executive Director Leila Salazar-López collaborates on environmental justice.
• Rainforest AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal conservation organization working to conserve biodiversity. Founder Daniel Katz has been recognized by Alnoba.
• ReVision EnergycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew England's leading renewable energy company. Founding Partner Phil Coupe received Alnoba's CEO Environmental Leadership Award.
• Wine to WatercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational clean water nonprofit. Founder Doc Hendley received Alnoba's Alan E. Lewis Moral Courage in Leadership Award for bringing clean water to 1.4 million people.
• Fundacion TiamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKichwa de Sarayaku organization protecting Ecuadorian Amazon. President Patricia Gualinga received Alnoba's Moral Courage Award.
• International Funders for Indigenous PeoplecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal philanthropy organization supporting indigenous communities. Executive Director Lourdes Inga collaborates on indigenous rights.
• GO Logic / TimberHP by GO LabcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPassive House building technology partner. Co-founder Matthew O'Malia received Alnoba's CEO Environmental Leadership Award and designed Alnoba's Passive House building.
• Shoals Marine LabminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMarine research and education organization in New England. Executive Director Jennifer Seavey represents organization in Alnoba's network.
• Norman Bird SanctuaryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRhode Island conservation organization. Executive Director Kaity Ryan collaborates with Alnoba on environmental education.
• The Redford CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental filmmaking organization. Executive Director Jill Tidman works with Alnoba on climate storytelling.
• Protect Our WintersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerClimate action organization for winter sports community. Chief of Staff Torrey Udall represents organization.
• Rural Climate PartnershipminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerClimate-focused rural advocacy organization. RCP Director Josh Ewing works with Alnoba network.
• Grand Circle CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent company of Grand Circle Travel, Overseas Adventure Travel, and Grand Circle Cruise Line. Chairman Alan Lewis transformed company from $23M losing concern to $600M+ global enterprise.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Center for Creative Leadership: Global nonprofit focused on leadership development research and programs. Directly comparable to Alnoba as both deliver experiential leadership training for executives and teams, with similar facilitation methodologies and corporate/nonprofit customer base.
• Omega Institute for Holistic Studies: Nonprofit educational retreat center in Rhinebeck, NY offering workshops on wellness, leadership, and personal development. Directly comparable to Alnoba in operating model (nonprofit retreat center, workshops, lodging, public programs) and target audience (personal/professional development seekers).
• Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health: Nonprofit educational retreat center in Stockbridge, MA focused on yoga, wellness, and personal development. Comparable to Alnoba in operating a retreat campus with lodging, group programs, and educational mission, primarily serving the Northeast US.
• 1440 Multiversity: California-based retreat and learning center offering personal and professional development workshops. Comparable to Alnoba in providing multi-day facilitated programs, lodging, and an adult learning experience centered on growth and leadership.
• The Mountain Retreat & Learning Center: Nonprofit retreat and learning center in Highlands, NC focused on personal growth, leadership, and social change. Directly comparable to Alnoba in mission (leadership development, social justice orientation) and operating model (retreat programs, lodging, nonprofit structure).
• Esalen Institute: Pioneering nonprofit retreat center in Big Sur, CA offering workshops in personal growth, leadership, and human potential. Comparable to Alnoba in operating as a destination retreat center with immersive multi-day programs and educational mission.
• Hollyhock: Nonprofit learning center on Cortes Island, British Columbia offering leadership and personal development programs. Comparable to Alnoba in combining retreat experiences with leadership curriculum and social impact mission.
• Commonweal Retreat Center: Nonprofit retreat center in Bolinas, CA offering programs in health, ecology, education, and the arts. Comparable to Alnoba in mission-driven nonprofit retreat operations, group programs, and a focus on contemplative/experiential learning.
• Center for Courage & Renewal: Nonprofit offering retreats and programs for personal and professional renewal, often for leaders in education, nonprofit, and social justice sectors. Comparable to Alnoba in serving similar mission-driven leader audiences with reflective retreat experiences.

Emerging players

• High 5 Adventure Learning Center: Nonprofit outdoor adventure education organization offering team-building, leadership programs, and ropes courses. Comparable to Alnoba in delivering experiential team-building and leadership development, but with a more mobile/programmatic delivery model rather than a destination campus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC_VQ_X9_RIkRk5DeCgDhOxA
• Facebookfacebook.com/alnobanh
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/alnoba
• Instagraminstagram.com/alnobanh
• Xx.com/AlnobaNH

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Alnoba