Funding Amount

Up to $10,000

Deadline

November 1, 2026

37 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Leadership Advancement Award

Award Amount: Up to $10,000

Purpose: Provides opportunity for executive directors to step fully away from day-to-day work responsibilities during a sabbatical period

Eligible Applicants: Executive Directors (or equivalent position such as President or CEO)

Eligibility Requirements:

  • At least ten years of paid service to current organization

  • Sabbatical period must be two to three months

  • Organization must include Chemung County NY in service area (but can reach larger regional audience)

  • Have a current strategic plan in action

  • Have a DEIB plan that includes board composition and operational goals

  • Recipient of a Community Foundation grant within prior five years

  • Have staff in place to assume duties that will benefit from opportunity to assume executive duties for leadership development

  • Continue to pay executive full salary, including all benefits, during sabbatical period
  • Approved Uses of Funds:

  • Airfare and lodging costs during travel (NOT meals or personal expenses)

  • Personal development opportunities such as retreats or workshops not qualifying as traditional staff development

  • Stipends for staff assuming additional responsibilities

  • Fees for temporary contracted services directly related to fulfilling executive role
  • Selection Process: Community Foundation staff and board members serve on selection committee. If qualified applicant not selected, may re-apply. Successful applicants cannot re-apply within ten years.

    Follow-Up Requirements: At end of sabbatical period, executive must provide brief written overview including:

  • Three personal and three professional takeaways for future

  • One "big picture" moment of clarity regarding mission/operation

  • One piece of advice for other executive directors (categorized by tenure: new 1-2 years, experienced 3-8 years, seasoned 9+ years)
  • Contact: Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes at info@communityfund.org or (607) 739-3900

    How to Apply

    Application Process

    Deadline: November 1 (Notification by December 1)

    1. Submit written plan detailing:
    - How time will be spent away from organization
    - What applicant hopes to accomplish
    - Travel plans (travel highly encouraged)

    2. Required Supporting Materials:
    - Proof that organization meets all stated criteria
    - Letter of support from at least one board member
    - Letter of support from at least one staff member
    - Travel plans and associated expenses
    - Expenses associated with executive absence (stipends for staff or contracted organizational support)
    - Summary of how duties will be re-assigned during executive absence
    - Sabbatical budget (download template provided)

    Submission Method: Apply through online portal or contact Community Foundation

    Contact: Vice President of Programs at ses@communityfund.org

    What Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning actually gave

    Source: IRS Form 990, 2025

    Grants in 2025
    84
    Total given
    $2.12M
    Median grant
    $15K
    Range
    $5,100–$233K
    • By dollars: New York 97%, Nebraska 1%, Colorado <1%. Top recipient cities: Elmira, NY; Corning, NY; Bath, NY.
    • 64% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
    • 25% of recipients were new grantees, not repeat recipients.

    Example grants

    • Chemung County Performing Arts Inc DBA Clemens Center · Elmira, NY

      General operating support, conference, and stage curtains

      $233K

    • Chemung County Child Care Council Inc · Elmira, NY

      General operating support

      $126K

    • Friends of Woodlawn Cemetery of Elmira Inc · Elmira, NY

      Roof replacement and masonry

      $118K

    • Pro Action of Steuben and Yates Inc · Bath, NY

      General operating support and wheels to work

      $89K

    • The Arts Council of the Southern Finger Lakes · Corning, NY

      General operating support

      $78K

    IRS Form 990, 2025. Amounts as reported by the funder. Full 990 history →

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    capacity-buildingnonprofitsprofessional-development

    Categories

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