Leadership Center of Arlington

What Leadership Center of Arlington does

The Leadership Center of Arlington is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Federal Tax ID 54-1907862) founded in 1998 in Arlington, Virginia, that connects, develops, and inspires leaders for personal growth, civic engagement, and community impact across the Northern Virginia region. Its core product is a portfolio of cohort-based leadership development programs: LEAD (a nine-month program for established leaders), IGNITE (eight-month program for emerging leaders), INSPIRE (youth leadership), and ON BOARD (nonprofit board governance). The organization operates with 1-10 employees from a mailing-only address at 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 110 #197, Arlington, VA 22203, and is led by President and CEO Lisa Fikes.

The organization supplements its cohort programs with annual signature events (Leadership Summit, Homecoming Reception, Alumni Breakfast), recognition programs (the Dominion Energy Torch Award for Ethical Leadership and the Northern Virginia 40 Under 40 joint program with Leadership Fairfax), and a public-private civic engagement initiative called Volunteer Arlington, run in partnership with Arlington County Government. There is no proprietary technology product; operations run on CiviCRM for event registration and donations, with calendar export integrations (Google Calendar, iCal/Outlook) and a Bonfire-powered merchandise store.

The business model is a diversified nonprofit revenue stack comprising program fees (LEAD, IGNITE, INSPIRE, ON BOARD enrollment), event ticket sales (e.g., $35 Homecoming Reception tickets), corporate sponsorships (multi-tier annual program with Lead Supporters at $5,000-$7,500, including Accenture, Amazon, and Dominion Energy), individual donations ($25-$1,000 suggested amounts, monthly recurring option, Scholarship Fund designation), and alumni class-based fundraising. Customer acquisition is primarily nomination-driven and community-led, with alumni referrals serving as a key referral channel.

Name

Leadership Center of Arlington

Legal name

Leadership Center of Arlington

Website

https://leadercenter.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Leadership Center of Arlington is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1998 that runs cohort-based leadership development programs (LEAD, IGNITE, INSPIRE, ON BOARD), civic engagement via Volunteer Arlington, and regional recognition events for emerging and established leaders across Northern Virginia.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Leadership Development

NAICS

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations (8139), Business Associations (813910)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Civic Participation & Leadership Development (Voting, Advocacy, Community Leadership) (EDAAADAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Executive Leadership & C-Suite Development (EDABAAAA), Arts, Sports & Recreation-Based Youth Development Nonprofits (BPAGADAJ), Executive Leadership Summits (C-Suite, Board, Strategy Offsites) (THAHAMAA)

Keywords

• Leadership development programs
• Nonprofit civic engagement
• Community volunteer services
• Board governance training
• Professional networking events

Headquarters

HQ city

Arlington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Program Fees: Revenue generated from leadership development program enrollment fees for LEAD, IGNITE, INSPIRE, and ON BOARD programs. Programs are designed for different experience levels from youth to established executives.
2. Event Revenue: Ticket sales for events such as Homecoming Reception ($35 per ticket). Alumni Breakfast is free with attendees purchasing their own breakfast.
3. Corporate Sponsorships: Annual sponsorship program with multiple tiers. Lead Supporters ($5,000-$7,500), mid-tier ($2,500-$4,999), and lower tiers ($1,000-$2,499, $500-$999, $100-$499). Community Leadership Advocates include Accenture, Amazon, and Dominion Energy.
4. Donations: Individual donations accepted with suggested amounts of $25, $50, $100, $250, $500, and $1,000. Monthly giving options available. Donations can be designated to General Support or Scholarship Fund. Tax ID: 54-1907862.
5. Alumni Class Donations: Class-based fundraising from alumni. Historical donations tracked including Lead Class of 2020 raising $5,875 and Lead Class of 2001 raising $1,001.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Leadership Center of Arlington operates cohort-based leadership development programs (LEAD for established leaders, IGNITE for emerging leaders, INSPIRE for youth, and ON BOARD for nonprofit board leaders) along with civic engagement services through Volunteer Arlington. The organization also delivers annual recognition programs (Torch Award, Northern Virginia 40 Under 40) and signature events (Leadership Summit, Homecoming Reception, Alumni Breakfast). Programs are experiential, multi-month curricula that connect participants across private, nonprofit, and public sectors.

Product overview

The Leadership Center of Arlington operates a multi-program leadership development platform consisting of core programs (LEAD for established leaders, IGNITE for emerging leaders, INSPIRE for youth leaders, and On Board for nonprofit board leaders), supplemented by signature events (Leadership Summit, Torch Award), civic engagement initiatives (Volunteer Arlington), and alumni recognition programs (Northern Virginia 40 Under 40). The organization connects, develops, and inspires leaders through experiential learning, community networking, and personal growth opportunities. The program portfolio includes structured cohort-based training, volunteer coordination, and ongoing alumni engagement.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• LEAD: Leadership development program connecting established leaders
• IGNITE
• INSPIRE
• ON BOARD
• Volunteer Arlington
• Northern Virginia 40 Under 40

Products and services

• LEAD Program
• IGNITE Program
• INSPIRE Youth Leadership Program Youth leadership development program empowering young people to develop leadership skills and civic engagement habits early in life.
• ON BOARD Program Program elevating nonprofit board leaders through governance training, board readiness, and leadership development for nonprofit board service.
• Volunteer Arlington Public-private partnership between the Leadership Center of Arlington and Arlington County Government that connects individuals, groups, nonprofits, and businesses to promote volunteerism and civic engagement. Coordinates MLK Day of Service, corporate volunteer projects, and custom volunteer initiatives.
• Leadership Summit Annual leadership event featuring keynote speakers, networking opportunities, and the presentation of the Torch Award for Ethical Leadership.
• Northern Virginia 40 Under 40 Joint program with Leadership Fairfax celebrating 40 emerging leaders under age 40 who demonstrate exceptional and impactful leadership in professional and personal spheres within Northern Virginia.
• Torch Award for Ethical Leadership Annual award presented by Dominion Energy recognizing a regional leader who embodies ethical choices and behaviors in their professional career and community service.

Quantifiable outcome

• MLK Day of Service attracts over 1,000 individuals and families annually
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• Arlington County GovernmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublic-private partnership between the Leadership Center of Arlington and Arlington County Government creates Volunteer Arlington. This partnership connects individuals, groups, nonprofits and businesses to promote volunteerism and is the central hub linking volunteers to organizations in need of support.
• Leadership FairfaxcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint partnership to recognize emerging leaders through the Northern Virginia 40 Under 40 program. Both organizations collaborate on selection committee, celebration events, and regional recognition of outstanding young leaders under age 40 in the Northern Virginia region.
• George Mason UniversityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLead Sponsor for Homecoming Reception 2026. George Mason University (GMU Mason Square, Van Metre Hall) serves as venue host for events. Logo displayed on event materials.
• Beach GeeksminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLead Sponsor for Homecoming Reception 2026. Logo displayed on event materials alongside George Mason University.
• AccentureflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerLead Supporter (highest tier) and Community Leadership Advocate. Annual sponsor demonstrating highest level of investment in growing community leaders. Logo displayed on supporter pages and annual sponsor materials.
• AmazonflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerLead Supporter (highest tier) and Community Leadership Advocate. Annual sponsor demonstrating highest level of investment in growing community leaders. Logo displayed on supporter pages and annual sponsor materials.
• Dominion EnergyflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerLead Supporter (highest tier), Community Leadership Advocate, and Torch Award presenter. Annual sponsor and presenting sponsor of the Torch Award for Ethical Leadership. Highest level of investment in growing community leaders.
• Metro 29 DinerminorOthersVenue partner for Alumni Breakfast events. Located at 4711 Langston Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22207. Provides space for alumni networking events.
• Volunteer ArlingtoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublic-private partnership connecting individuals, groups, nonprofits and businesses to promote volunteerism. Links volunteers to organizations needing support. Works in partnership with nonprofits, private businesses and government entities to inspire civic engagement that strengthens the Arlington community.
• Army Navy Country ClubminorOthersVenue for 2027 Leadership Summit & Reception scheduled for May 5, 2027. Located at 1700 Army Navy Drive Arlington, VA 22202.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Emerging players

• BoardSource: National nonprofit focused on nonprofit board governance and leadership - directly comparable to LCA's ON BOARD program. Operates as a broader incumbent in the same nonprofit board-readiness niche.
• Junior Achievement of Greater Washington: Regional youth leadership and workforce development organization serving similar age groups as INSPIRE. Comparable mission around youth civic and leadership readiness, though with more workforce/economic focus.

Direct peers

• Leadership Greater Washington: Direct peer offering multi-class leadership development programs (e.g., Premier, Signature, Young Leaders) across the greater Washington DC region. Competes for the same corporate sponsorship dollars and emerging-leader participant pool in the DC metro.
• Leadership Fairfax: Direct peer running overlapping leadership development programs in the adjacent Fairfax County, VA market. Already co-runs the Northern Virginia 40 Under 40 program with Leadership Center of Arlington, making it the most directly comparable peer.
• Leadership Montgomery: Direct peer providing leadership development programs for Montgomery County, MD. Comparable community-based cohort model (CORE, Emerging Leaders), alumni network structure, and civic engagement mission.

Broad incumbents

• Points of Light: Broader incumbent in national civic engagement and volunteerism. The Leadership Center links to Points of Light resources on its civic engagement page, indicating thematic alignment; Points of Light operates at national scale versus LCA's regional focus.
• National Civic League: National organization promoting civic participation, community engagement, and democratic governance. Aligned with LCA's civic engagement and community leadership mission but operating at national scale.
• American Leadership Forum: National network of regional leadership chapters running Senior Fellows and youth programs with similar cross-sector cohort models. Provides a national umbrella that could either compete with or affiliate with regional chapters like LCA.

Regional players

• Leadership Prince William: Regional peer in Prince William County, VA operating similar flagship leadership programs (Signature Program, Youth Leadership) with comparable alumni-network-driven civic impact model.

Others

• Arlington Community Foundation: Local community foundation operating in Arlington with overlapping civic engagement and nonprofit support focus. Potential partner, donor source, or grantmaker to LCA's programs.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/leadercenterarl
• Facebookfacebook.com/leadercenterarl
• Xx.com/Leadercenterarl

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

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 Leadership Center of Arlington