Catalysts

The Catalysts Leadership Program is an initiative of the Capital Region Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Action Collaborative facilitated by the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region.

Catalysts Leadership Program

The Catalysts Leadership Program is an initiative of the Capital Region Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Action Collaborative facilitated by the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region.

Based on the Nourishing Tomorrow’s Leaders program at The Gifford Foundation, the Catalysts Leadership Program is a 10-week board development series that will focus on increasing inclusiveness and diversity on nonprofit boards and linking leaders to supporting nonprofits. The program is designed for up to 15 community members currently looking to join a local nonprofit board or new to serving on a board. After completing the program, participants will be connected to local nonprofits in the area looking for new board members and will join a network of leaders looking to change the state of diversity and inclusion on nonprofit boards.

The Catalysts Leadership Program is open to all community members interested in learning and serving on a diverse nonprofit board that is committed to inclusive and equitable governance and practices.

The program will focus on recruiting and welcoming a diverse cohort.

Program Goals

  1. Increase diversity on nonprofit boards and build inclusive cultures.
  2. Create a pipeline of trained board members.
  3. Strengthen the skills and knowledge of new leaders in the community.
  4. Build and strengthen a supportive network to help board members survive and thrive.
  5. Increasing awareness of equitable issues in our community.

For more information and questions, please contact Dylan Hall.

Program Benefits, Expectations, and Application Process

Ideal Candidates will Have
  • Passion for serving the Capital Region and striving for equitable and just communities.
  • Motivation for personal leadership development and growth.
  • Current community involvement and the desire to join a nonprofit board or new to board service.
  • Interest in expanding their network and initiative to make connections.
  • Commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and action.
Benefits of Participating
  • Network with nonprofit board leaders and local community experts.
  • Develop a supportive network of peers from diverse identities and communities in the Capital Region.
  • Gain key leadership skills, resources, and knowledge that will aid in your nonprofit board service.
  • Build connections with local nonprofits looking to expand their board and increase their board diversity and inclusiveness.
  • Contribute to strengthening and advancing equity in the region.
Participant Expectations
  • Attend all sessions. Participants must attend 7 out of 8 sessions to complete the program and graduate.
  • Be open to growth and connecting with people from different identities and cultural backgrounds.
  • Take initiative to build connections within your cohort.
  • Willingness to provide critical feedback to help the program improve and expand in the future.
  • Stay connected after completing the program to build a strong network of leaders in the region.
Program Timeline
  • August 2, 2024: Application Opened
  • August 26, 2024: Application Closes
  • September 3, 2024: Program Participants Notified
  • September 10, 2024: Participant Meet and Greet (5 p.m. – 7 p.m.)
  • September 17, 2024: First Day of Program
  • September 17– November 19, 2024 (Tuesdays): Training Workshops
    • Note: The session scheduled for the week of October 20 will be held on Monday, October 21 in lieu of Tuesday October 22.
  • October 19, 2024 (Saturday): Community Service
  • November 19, 2024: Graduation and Networking

The deadline to apply for 2024 has passed.

NONPROFIT BOARD OPPORTUNITIES

To highlight board service opportunities for our Catalysts graduates and other community leaders, the Foundation conducted a survey; inviting nonprofit organizations to share their information to be included on a list of IDEA-committed organizations seeking to increase diversity on their boards.

The Community Foundation received over 100 submissions and this resource is now available. The listing is a user-friendly and up-to-date Google spreadsheet that can be downloaded and sorted to suit the user’s needs.

If you represent a nonprofit organization and are interested in adding your organization to the list, please complete the survey below. Your response will be automatically added to the current listing.

If you have any questions, please email us at info@cfgcr.org.