The 2022 Emerging Leaders Cohort
Forefront is pleased to offer an opportunity for emerging nonprofit leaders in Knox and Warren Counties to strengthen their individual leadership skills and explore key topics in nonprofit leadership, management, and development.
We are no longer accepting applications for the 2022 cohort. Forefront will soon contact applicants with further information on the selection process. Please contact Lily Blouin, Program Coordinator, at LBlouin@MyForefront.org with questions.
- Due date: Friday, February 4, 2022 at 5pm
- Notification of decision: No later than Friday, February 11, 2022 at 5pm
Purpose
To help emerging nonprofit leaders and those new to the sector develop and share strategies to strengthen leadership skills and understanding of best practices in thriving nonprofits. Throughout the program, participants will gain a deeper understanding of their own leadership style, build upon their own leadership skills, identify goals for ongoing professional development, and expand their network of nonprofit peers.
Benefits
- Three customized workshops focused on strengthening personal and professional leadership skills
- Two peer roundtables to provide support, promote collaboration, and deepen learning
- Optional Networking event with local leaders and nonprofit professionals
- Final Reflection and Goal Setting Session
- Personalized professional development plan
- A $250 honorarium (paid to their organization)
Eligibility
Eligible individuals may apply for an opportunity to participate in this program. To qualify, applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Willingness and ability to meet program commitments (see below)
- Currently serving as staff (paid or unpaid) at a nonprofit organization serving in Knox or Warren County
- Has served as staff for a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization for less than 5 years (individuals with more than 5 years’ experience may also be considered)
A maximum of 10 qualifying individuals will be selected to participate.
Program Commitments
Participants who meet the following commitments will receive a certificate of completion, as well as a $250 honorarium (paid to their organization):
- Participation in all workshops offered during the series and at least 1 peer roundtable.
- Completion of goal-setting session.
- Full participation in program evaluation.
Dates & Content
Workshops will take place on the second Friday of every month beginning March 11 through May 13 from 10am-noon, with two peer-learning sessions scheduled on Friday, March 25, and April 22 from 10-11:15am. Participants will also meet for a final peer reflection and goal-setting session on Friday, May 27 from 10am-noon. The program will culminate with an optional networking event with local leaders and nonprofit professionals on Wednesday, June 1 from 5:30-7pm. Meetings may be held virtually or in-person in accordance with state and federal guidelines and CDC recommendations. All in-person meetings will be held at Forefront’s West Central office, located at 87 Public Square in Monmouth, Illinois.
Workshop content will be custom designed to meet participants’ stated needs and interests based on application responses and interviews; topics may include adaptive leadership practices, effective communication skills, nonprofit best practices, or other topics identified as common needs by participants.