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The Delaware County Foundation presents LEAD2024, a nonprofit cohort tailored to empower, educate, and fortify local nonprofit organizations and their leaders. Best of all, this program comes at no cost to selected candidates.

In its inaugural year, LEAD2024 seeks to engage ten (10) outstanding Delaware County nonprofit leaders. The program kicks off in January with a preliminary survey and culminates in September, concluding with a final session and celebratory reception. Over six sessions from March to September 2024, taking place on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm at the Delaware County Foundation, participants will engage in enriching discussions and learning. July will be a session-free month. Moreover, individual meetings will be arranged with each participant to offer personalized support throughout the program.

Why invest in nonprofit organizations?

Non-profit organizations are often hindered by capacity issues such as board development, financial stability, staffing shortages, and consistency in fundraising. LEAD2024 will provide the structure and networking for nonprofit leaders to share and engage with other leaders. Intended outcomes include information sharing, problem solving and solution identification, collaborations, and personal and professional development.

Each participant will be asked to identify one project they want to complete as a result of this program. Types of projects could include financial review and sustainability plan, employment strategy, updating staff and volunteer management policies, fundraising program enhancement, board development plan and/or other plans that enhance the organization’s viability.

Program Overview

  • January 2024: Pre-program assessment completed per participant.
  • February 2024: Pre-program one on one meetings conducted.
  • March 12, 2024: Session 1
  • April 9, 2024: Session 2
  • May 14, 2024: Session 3
  • June 11, 2024: Session 4
  • July 2024: OFF
  • August 13, 2024: Session 5
  • September 10, 2024: Session 6 and Reception (date to be determined)
  • December 2024: Post series one on one meetings completed

Potential Topics Include

  • Boards-Role, Responsibilities, Recruitment, Orientation
  • Volunteer Management
  • People-Human Resources Trends and Policies
  • DEI Initiatives
  • Translating Data into Storytelling-Measuring Outcomes
  • Linking Money to Mission
  • Fundraising
  • Transformative Growth-Capital Campaigns, Strategic Partnerships, Program Expansion & Funding
  • Leadership
  • Grant Writing

*Topics may be adjusted based on assessment results.

Participant Expectations

This cohort is designed to expose participants to a series of topics and presenters to broaden and strengthen their knowledge and networks. Furthermore, it is the intention of this program to assist leaders in completing a project as a result of their experience and time in the cohort. It is imperative that participants commit to all six days as outlined above and participate fully in discussions.

How to Apply

Applicants should complete the 2024 application to be considered. 2024 Cohort members will be selected based on application, organizational size, and the project they would like to complete as a result of this program.

Registration is CLOSED for 2024

Timeline

Applications due January 19, 2024

2024 Cohort selected by January 26, 2024

Participant pre-assessments due January 31, 2024

Initial one on one meetings completed by February 16, 2024

Sessions begin March 12, 2024

Sessions end September 10, 2024

Reception September 2024

Post session one on one meetings December 2024