The American Express Leadership Academy is one global leadership programme delivered through regional cohorts in the Americas, EMEA and the UK, and Asia-Pacific. Common Purpose designs, administers, and delivers the Academy, while American Express provides its funding.
Over six months, senior non-profit leaders learn online and meet for a four-day in-person regional gathering. The programme develops practical leadership skills for collaboration, innovation, connection, and action across organizational boundaries.
Benefits & funding
- Participation is free, and all places are fully funded.
- The six-month programme includes five online workshops and a four-day in-person regional gathering.
- Participants complete a 360-degree feedback process and receive two one-to-one coaching sessions.
- The learning journey includes experiential sessions, peer learning, practical tools, and work on live leadership challenges.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be senior leaders who are currently in executive roles or identified for future executive roles.
- Applicants must work for a registered non-profit organization.
- Their roles must require greater influence inside and outside their organizations.
- Applicants must have a record of innovation, embrace change, and want to transform their team, organization, and community.
- Applicants must use the regional cohort corresponding to where they reside; the programme does not publish nationality, age, degree, or quantified experience requirements.
Can you apply?
Check who can apply
No nationality, residency, education, experience, gender or age limit is listed. The other conditions are under Eligibility.
Circlebreaker is a free database of global fellowships, scholarships and programs — every one decoded like this.
We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1Open the official programme page and select Apply now.
- 2Choose the Americas, EMEA and the UK, or Asia-Pacific route according to place of residence.
- 3Open the linked regional form when that cohort is accepting applications.
- 4Complete and submit the official application form; requested participation or application adjustments can be described in the form or discussed with Common Purpose.
Program timeline
EMEA and UK in-person gathering in London; applications for this cycle are closed.
23–26 June 2026
Asia-Pacific in-person gathering; applications for this cycle are closed.
10–13 November 2026
Current
Applications are open for the 2027 Americas and EMEA and UK cohorts; in-person dates and application deadlines are not yet published.