These grants are for community teams – boards, working groups, staff, etc. – to either attend a leadership training activity hosted by a recognized organization or business, or bring a leadership trainer to the group. The Institute recognizes that leadership development often is desirable before more specific effective organizations training. Preference is given to training for groups that have worked together and demonstrated successes in the past but would benefit from additional leadership knowledge and skill.
 

Often referred to as “technical assistance” grants, these grants are to engage a consultant to help an organization in such areas as board development, executive training, setting a vision, developing goals and outcomes, budget management, fund raising and volunteer corps development. Generally the Institute does not support the start up of a new non-profit or strive to “fix” an organization in crisis. Grants are most often given to organizations with a track record of success but a need for assistance in specific areas. Increasingly the Institute is requesting that the organization participate in an “organizational assessment” as part of defining the needed services.

Grants are intended to build the capacity of the participants to be more effective and are not for a consultant to do the work for the organization. Preference is given to applications in which there is evidence of prior self-help, such as attending the Institute’s effective organizations training and using the Institute’s resources. Preference is also given to those applicants that will share the lessons learned from the grant with a broader network of other organizations. Grant applications to provide assistance for a cluster of non-profits in a network or community are welcome.

 Some problems and opportunities require the collaboration of more than one organization or community. These grants provide funding for a facilitator to help bring together two or more organizations or communities. The nature of the facilitator’s work may vary, including establishing the appropriate level and form of collaboration, meeting facilitation, and comparing vision and interests. The Institute looks for collaborations among successful organizations or communities that each bring strengths to the table. To explore what is possible under this grant heading please contact the Institute's Program Manager.