Colorado Change Leader Program Grant

Funder: Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade

The Colorado Change Leader Program, initiated by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, aims to cultivate effective leaders in creative industries. This program offers a month-long leadership course, including a three-day intensive, coaching, and funding opportunities for alumni. It targets emerging and established leaders committed to enhancing Colorado's arts and culture through collaboration. Participants may receive a stipend to implement their projects, fostering professional growth and community development.

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) creates a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth. We advance the state’s economy through financial and technical programs under the leadership of the Governor and Executive Director.
The Colorado Change Leader Program builds effective and ethical leaders and leadership pipelines for stronger Colorado creative communities and industries. The program is made up of:
A Change Leader Institute.A Change Leader Implementation Project.An annual Change Leader alumni convening at the CCI Summit.An alumni network.Opportunities for funding to support alumni professional development and mentorship.
The intended Audience for the program includes emerging and established leaders—within groups, communities, or organizations—who are working through collaboration to build a better Colorado through arts and culture. That is, Colorado residents interested in community building.
The institute is a month-long leadership course that includes pre-readings, a three-day in-person leadership intensive, two 2-hour remote training modules, personal coaching, and meetings with a learning pod. The Colorado Change Leader Program accepts 12-25 participants for the 3-day institute.
At the end of the Change Leader program, all participants will be eligible to apply for a $500 stipend to help them implement a Change Leader Implementation Project. If your proposal is accepted, Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) will give a stipend of up to $500 to complete your project.  Alumni are also eligible to apply for funding to support initiatives that provide opportunities for professional development and collaboration within the alumni network.

Eligibility

To apply for the Change Leader Program, you need to:Be a Colorado resident.Be at least 18 years old.Work or volunteer as one or more of these: individual visual or performing artist or designer, civic leaderexecutive directorprofessorgovernment employeebusiness owner representative of creative enterprises or a board member, or an administrator or volunteer of a cultural or creative nonprofit.
If you are selected for an institute:You need to participate fully in the three-day institute agenda.You are responsible for your transportation to the site.