Founded in 2006 through the initial support of Lynn Schusterman, the Center for Leadership Initiatives, Inc. (CLI) is a private operating foundation dedicated to developing Jewish leaders and promoting managerial excellence throughout the Jewish community. CLI takes a multi-faceted approach to leadership development and professional growth, one that includes conferences, mentorships, fellowships and a host of online resources, all of which are carefully designed to help those who participate translate the knowledge and skills they gain through CLI into greater impact in their communities. In less than 24 months, CLI has managed to build a network that includes hundreds of current and emerging leaders from Jewish communities all over the world.

CLI is also active in the field of Jewish social entrepreneurship. Through such projects as ROI and the Charlie Awards, CLI is working to make sure that the brightest and most committed young activists in the Jewish world are connected with one another, support each other and explore ways to collaborate.

Among the organizations with which CLI is partnering are the Forest Foundation, the Foundation for Jewish Camping, the Jewish Week and Taglit – birthright Israel. CLI has also been engaged to build the capacity of the professional leadership of those organizations supported by the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, primarily through the planning and facilitation of annual retreats.