In 2026, the Henri Nouwen Society will commemorate the 30th anniversary of Nouwen’s death with a three day conference. In the year leading up to this conference, the Society will offer a leadership and mentoring opportunity to 30 young leaders under the age of 30.

This cohort of 30 young leaders will be invited to prepare a creative project integrating the life and/or work of Henri Nouwen in their own context. Each young leader will be paired with a mentor with whom they will meet a minimum of once per quarter. Full Cohort zoom meetings will take place monthly to encourage peer learning. The program will culminate with the young leaders attending the 2026 conference (travel, accommodations, and registration provided) where they will have the opportunity to meet the other young leaders and present their projects.

The top project will receive an additional $1,000 award.