Leadership Advancement Award (Sabbatical Program)

Leadership Advancement Award

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)

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