The Community Foundation of San Joaquin ( “Community Foundation”) in partnership with the University of the Pacific, Benerd College, is pleased to invite eligible nonprofit organizations to apply for a Learning Grant to underwrite the direct costs of participating in the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program. This four-month long program is designed to support the professional development needs of mid to upper-level management employees working at nonprofits located in San Joaquin County. Individuals who are new to the Executive Director/CEO role or lead a small nonprofit (five full-time employees or less) are also encouraged to apply. The Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program will begin in August 2020 and end in December 2020. Courses will be taught virtually and in-person. (See course outline and COVID-19 considerations, below, for more information). Participants who successfully complete the requirements of the program will receive a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from University of the Pacific. The Learning Grant will underwrite the direct costs (approximately $1,000) of participating in the program.
To apply for a Learning Grant, individuals must be employed:
A total of up to ten individuals will be approved for a Learning Grant to participate in the 2020 cohort. No more than one individual from a single nonprofit may apply. Applicants should obtain permission from their supervisor before applying to ensure support to undertake the curriculum. Executive Directors should obtain permission from their Board of Directors before applying.
The Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program encompasses six classes taught virtually and in a classroom setting (located in Stockton) with workshops led by experts in the nonprofit field. Instruction will commence in August and end in December 2020 (for specific times, see below). In addition, the in-person classes will include discussions around the impact and new realities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Participants will also have access to eleven online courses offering a deeper understanding of specific areas of nonprofit leadership and management. It takes typically 4-5 hours to complete the eleven online courses. Participants are expected to complete the entirety of the required in-class and online coursework and trainings by December 2020, to receive a Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from University of the Pacific.
To have the best outcome for all participants, it is expected that this be a priority commitment for those participating in the cohort. Participants are expected to come to every class prepared and ready to contribute to discussion. The course will occur in a relaxed environment for participants, allowing for a free flow of idea and experience sharing. Instructors in the program will have knowledge in the subject matter, and guest presenters may be brought in to add additional perspectives.
To be considered for a Learning Grant for the 2020 cohort, individuals must be nominated by their organization to participate in the program. Individuals may be nominated by their direct supervisor or by the executive director/CEO of their organization. Individuals must apply via the Community Foundation’s online grant application by July 17, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time). Submissions will not be accepted after this deadline.
Preference in the selection process will be given to those applicants coming from organizations that can demonstrate a need for professional development based on criteria included within the Learning Grant application, and the quality of written responses. Consideration will also be given to develop a cohort that is representative of the nonprofit sector in San Joaquin County, and that advances the goals of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We anticipate receiving many applications for the Learning Grant, and regrettably we cannot fund all requests. We encourage those who are not selected to apply again for next year’s program.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, measures will be taken to keep you, course instructors, and guest speakers healthy by following CDC guidelines. It is expected that all participants in the program will adhere to safety precautions, which may include the regular use of masks and hand sanitizer in the duration of class time. In addition, other safety requirements prior to the start of the program will be determined if needed. Should guidelines require a shift from in-person class instruction to remote learning, such as the use of video conferencing, participants will be expected to use their own personal or work computer, and have internet access, in order to complete the program.