The Helen J. Serini Foundation is committed to investing in the leadership of our community's non-profits to ensure success today and into the future. In that spirit, we piloted our Leadership Development Grants program in 2017. After a year of funding, and much excitement and feedback from nonprofits in our community, we're excited to announce that we'll be renewing the program for 2018. This small grants program will continue to provide leadership and/or professional development for key staff and volunteers within our community's nonprofit organizations.

Leadership development can mean different things to different people, so organizations applying for Leadership Development Grants are encouraged to outline the development they feel will be most impactful for their organization.

This could take the shape of more "traditional" leadership development projects, such as attendance at a conference, seminar, or webinar. But we hope that organizations and individuals will consider other, more customizable forms of development and trainings as well--including mentoring, one-on-one coaching, membership in professional associations, participation in leadership cohorts or fellowships, or even sabbaticals. "Next Gen," mid-level, and young professionals are strongly encouraged to apply in addition to those in executive and manager-level roles.

Budget for this program will still be limited in 2018, though we've doubled the amount of funding available for Year 2. Funding requests will be capped at $1,500 per applicant, and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Depending on the total size of your organization, organizations may be asked to contribute some part of the total cost of the professional development budget requests. For more information and details on how to apply for a Leadership Development Grant, click here.