Individual Professional Development

What is the Individualized Professional/Personal Leadership Development Fund?

This endeavor, born out of a focus group of original Schneider Circle participants, will continue in 2025. A total of $15,000 has been budgeted for individualized professional and personal leadership development. Nonprofits will have an opportunity to apply for funds to participate in experiences relevant to their individual leaders or organizations that are not relevant to the entire nonprofit community. These funds are available not only to leaders in a nonprofit but also to staff throughout the organization. Grants will be awarded in early 2025 following an application and selection process. Individuals receiving funds will be required to join a community of practice with other recipients, sharing resources and knowledge in 2025. In addition, they will send an evaluation of their individual development, including a reflection of the experience and personal and organizational impact. Applicants apply committing to be involved in both the sharing meetings and submitting an evaluation of their own individual development. Should an applicant be awarded funds and not be able to participate in or complete the activity, funds will be returned to TCF.

What type of activities would be funded?

Examples of funded activities could include participation in an industry-specific conference (we would pay for registration fees, but not travel or lodging), enrollment in classes through the Indiana University Fund Raising School, participation in Nonprofit Management or Minority Executive Leadership certificate programs through the Center for Nonprofit Resources (in Toledo), individual classes (in person or online) offered by the Center for Nonprofit Resources, organizational strategic planning assistance, and individualized coaching in topics not covered in our offerings. While it is preferred that Professional/Personal Leadership Development fully occur or begin in 2025 (in the example of a cohort experience), individual considerations will be made concerning possibly pushing back training on a case-by-case basis.

What type of activities will NOT be funded?

Examples of activities that do not fall into this program could include enrollment in a degree program at a local college or university, travel costs to attend a conference or course, and professional development not directly related to your current organization. Activities should be for compensated employees rather than volunteers or board members. Activities that occur prior to awards being announced are not eligible for funding.

Are there any preferences?

Preference will be given to organizations who have participated in organizational strengthening activities through TCF for a significant number of years and those who are willing to provide a match to the funds requested. The goal is to provide funding to multiple organizations, so applications should not attempt to request the entire amount of funding available. A committee of several staff and board from TCF will select recipients.

How do I apply?

Email Cassie Turner with your request. Include in the request a description of the professional/personal leadership development activities sought, why you are seeking involvement in these activities, a budget (including the amount requested, other funders and their contributions (including the organization itself)), acknowledgment of the expectation to be involved in the biannual meetings and willingness to submit an evaluation as described above, and any other information you feel will help the committee make their decisions.

All applications should be emailed to Cassie Turner by noon on Friday, February 7, 2025. IPD scholarship awardees will be contacted by February 14, 2025.

Additional Information

Contact Cassie Turner at The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation by email or at (419) 425-1100.