Quincy Area Funders Collaborative accepting applications for Nonprofit LEAD program

QUINCY — The Quincy Area Funders Collaborative is accepting applications for a new opportunity for local nonprofits through its Nonprofit LEAD (Leading, Empowering, and Accelerating Directors) program.

The Nonprofit LEAD Program will provide a one-year coaching and learning experience for up to five small-sized nonprofits in Adams, Brown, Hancock and Pike counties. To be eligible, the nonprofit is required to have 501(c)(3) status and fewer than 2.5 full-time employees.

The Nonprofit LEAD Program will take place in two phases. During Phase 1, which begins in September, nonprofits will focus on organizational assessment, goal setting and executive coaching. Phase 2 will include continued coaching to work towards goals set in Phase 1 along with a series of targeted learning and network opportunities.

The program is offered at no cost to organizations. Each nonprofit will receive a $1,000 grant for operational support after completing the program.

The Nonprofit LEAD Program is an extension of the Funder’s Collaborative’s core program, the Nonprofit Excellence Initiative, a two-year program for organizations with more than 2.5 employees. Four nonprofit organizations are participating in Cohort 2 of the Nonprofit Excellence Initiative.

In a press release, Heidi Lanier, executive director of the QPS Foundation, said, “The Non-Profit Excellence Initiative has been impactful to the Quincy Public Schools Foundation in many ways, The program takes a holistic look at non-profit organizations and helps to identify specific areas that non-profits can increase their impact.”

Applications will be accepted through July 31. To apply, visit mycommunityfoundation.org/nei.

Participants in the first cohort of the Nonprofit Excellence Initiative were Bella Ease, Cheerful Home, Horizons Social Services, Quincy Community Theatre and the Quincy Family YMCA. The second cohort, which will conclude in March 2025 includes Quincy Public Schools Foundation, Quincy Humane Society, Good Samaritan Home and the Quincy Public Library.

The Quincy Area Funders Collaborative is a partnership of John Wood Community College Foundation, the Moorman Foundation, Community Foundation serving West Central Illinois and Northeastern Missouri, the Tracy Family Foundation and United Way of Adams County.