How much funding does Leadership Advancement Award (Sabbatical Program) provide?

Leadership Advancement Award (Sabbatical Program) provides Up to $10,000 in funding.

When is the deadline for Leadership Advancement Award (Sabbatical Program)?

The deadline is November 1, 2026.

Leadership Advancement Award (Sabbatical Program)

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF ELMIRA-CORNING

Foundation Annual Capacity Building Grants Grants for Nonprofits Professional Development Grants

Apply Now

Funding Amount

Up to $10,000

Deadline

November 1, 2026

207 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

Apply with Grantable Learn more