Nonprofit Staff Leadership Award Grant

The Foellinger Foundation Nonprofit Staff Leadership Award honors exemplary leadership among nonprofit staff members from organizations funded by the foundation in the past five years. One recipient will receive a $3,000 grant for professional development opportunities, including training and certifications. The award emphasizes adaptive leadership, organizational culture, community engagement, and professional growth, aiming to recognize individuals who drive impactful change within their organizations and communities.

Purpose
The Foellinger Foundation Nonprofit Staff Leadership Award recognizes outstanding leadership by nonprofit staff members whose organizations have been grantees of the Foellinger Foundation within the last five years. This award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional vision, integrity, innovation, and impact within their organizations and the broader Allen County community.
The Nonprofit Staff Leadership Award will be awarded to one recipient. The organization will receive a $3,000 grant designated for the award recipient’s professional development activities, such as leadership training, coaching, certifications, or educational opportunities that enhance their leadership effectiveness.
Selection Criteria
The award recognizes executives who exemplify Adaptive & Sustainable Leadership — consistently executing and improving plans based on learning, fostering a strong culture of staff and board leadership through transitions and challenges, and actively engaging stakeholders and the broader community. Nominees will be evaluated across four key categories:

• Strategic Leadership: Demonstrates innovation, effective decision-making, and strategic adaptability to advance the organization's mission and sustainability.

Organizational Culture: Builds and nurtures a strong, inclusive, and mission-driven culture; successfully engages in influence, negotiation, and managing difficult conversations.
Community Engagement: Effectively engages stakeholders and the broader community to build meaningful relationships, increase organizational impact, and advocate for the mission.Professional Growth and Development: Exhibits emotional intelligence, self-awareness, resilience, commitment to continuous learning, and dedication to developing leadership skills.

Eligibility

Must be a staff member (non-executive) of a nonprofit organization that has been a grantee of the Foellinger Foundation within the last five years.Must have served in their current role for at least three consecutive years.Must demonstrate a strong track record of effective leadership aligned with the Foellinger Foundation’s values: integrity, stewardship, excellence, and respect.Must not be on the Foellinger Foundation’s board of directors or one of its standing committees.Organization may only submit one staff member nomination form per year.Organization must be in good standing with the Foundation, meeting all grant reporting and compliance requirements.

Application Details

Purpose
The Foellinger Foundation Nonprofit Staff Leadership Award recognizes outstanding
leadership by nonprofit staff members whose organizations have been grantees of the
Foellinger Foundation within the last five years. This award honors individuals who
demonstrate exceptional vision, integrity, innovation, and impact within their
organizations and the broader Allen County community.
The Nonprofit Staff Leadership Award will be awarded to one recipient. The organization
will receive a $3,000 grant designated for the award recipient’s professional
development activities, such as leadership training, coaching, certifications, or
educational opportunities that enhance their leadership effectiveness.
Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a staff member (non-executive) of a nonprofit organization that has been

a grantee of the Foellinger Foundation within the last five years.

• Must have served in their current role for at least three consecutive years.
• Must demonstrate a strong track record of effective leadership aligned with the

Foellinger Foundation’s values: integrity, stewardship, excellence, and respect.

• Must not be on the Foellinger Foundation’s board of directors or one of its

standing committees.

• Organization may only submit one staff member nomination form per year.
• Organization must be in good standing with the Foundation, meeting all grant

reporting and compliance requirements.
Selection Criteria
The award recognizes staff members who exemplify Adaptive & Sustainable Leadership
— consistently executing and improving plans based on learning, fostering a positive
organizational culture, and actively engaging stakeholders and the broader community.
Nominees will be evaluated across four key categories:

• • Strategic Leadership: Demonstrates innovation, effective decision-making, and
• adaptability to advance the organization's mission and goals.
• Organizational Culture: Contributes to building a strong, inclusive, and mission-

driven culture; successfully engages in influence, negotiation, and managing
difficult conversations.

• Community Engagement: Effectively engages stakeholders and the broader

community to build meaningful relationships, increase organizational impact, and
advocate for the mission.

• Professional Growth and Development: Exhibits emotional intelligence, self-

awareness, resilience, commitment to continuous learning, and dedication to
developing leadership skills.
Application Process

• Applications must be submitted by through the Foellinger Foundation's online

application system.

• Staff members must be nominated by a board member, executive leader or

supervisor.

• Applications must include:
• Completed online application form
• o
• A narrative detailing how the nominee meets the selection criteria
• o
• Nominee’s current resume
• o
• The Board Chair and the Executive Director must approve nomination form.
• o
• The nomination form must be signed by the person being nominated to
• o
• indicate they are aware of the nomination and that the Foundation may use
• their name in materials announcing the award process and results.
• Board list including the names and terms of all members of your
• o
• organization’s board of directors and indicating all officer positions.
• Timeline
• • Application Opens: July 7, 2025
• • Application Deadline: September 8, 2025
• • Award Notification: January 22, 2026