Paul Clarke Leadership Series
With education comes knowledge, which leads to stronger, more viable nonprofits that the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne is pleased to offer the Paul Clarke Leadership Series to Allen County. It’s one distinct way we give back to the organizations that give so much to our community.
Through this leadership series, we offer accessible training and workshops to help local nonprofits maximize their impact, strengthen their organization, and gain valuable ideas to help safeguard their resources.
Upcoming Opportunities:
Board Forward: Building Inclusive & Impactful Leadership
A Six-Month Learning Experience for Nonprofit Boards
Is your organization ready to diversify its board and foster meaningful culture change? Board Forward is an intensive, six-month program designed to help nonprofits attract, recruit, onboard, and retain diverse board members while cultivating a more inclusive and effective board culture.
This program is a serious commitment. Participating organizations are required to attend all sessions with their Executive Director, a board member or governance committee chair, and another key leader.
How It Works:
Step 1: Learn More at the Intro Webinar
Monday, February 17 | 10:00 AM (Virtual)
Join us for a free informational webinar to explore the program’s structure, expectations, and application process.
Step 2: Apply to Participate
Applications open after the webinar and will be accepted until Friday, March 7. We will carefully vet applicants to ensure their readiness and commitment. Only 16 organizations will be selected. Accepted organizations will be notified on Monday, March 17.
Step 3: Engage in the Full Program (May–October 2025)
Participants will meet for seven required sessions, combining in-person and virtual learning:
Wednesday, April 23 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (In-Person)
Tuesday, May 13 | 1:00 – 4:00 PM (Virtual)
Tuesday, June 3 | 1:00 – 4:00 PM (Virtual)
Wednesday, July 23 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (In-Person)
Tuesday, August 12 | 1:00 – 4:00 PM (Virtual)
Tuesday, September 23 | 1:00 – 4:00 PM (Virtual)
Wednesday, October 22 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (In-Person)
Program Cost:
$800 per organization
Space is limited to 16 organizations—secure your spot by applying early! Applications open following our information session on 2/17!
Nonprofit Succession Planning Workshop
Is your organization prepared for leadership transitions? Join us for this interactive workshop led by Bryan Orander, a nonprofit leadership expert, to explore effective succession planning strategies that ensure stability and long-term success.
What You’ll Gain:
A framework for creating a strong adaptable succession plan
Best practices for navigating leadership transitions
Actionable steps to future-proof your organization
Save the Date: Wednesday, May 21 | 11:30 AM–1:30 PM | More details coming soon
Organizational Excellence for Leadership (CFRM)
A four-course curriculum being offered locally in partnership with the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy through their highly regarded Fund Raising School.
The local four-course curriculum will begin in March and end in late June, with one course offered per month. Due to space limitations, participation will be limited to one person per organization. The total cost for the full course curriculum is $2,400 and participants must attend all four sessions in full. Each course will be taught by instructors from the Indianapolis-based Fund Raising School and will be held in the Chapman Room at the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne.
We will offer the certification again in 2026.
JumpStart
A 12-month fundraising capacity building program in partnership with the Network for Good. Participating nonprofits will receive personal coaching, professional services, software, and an evidence-based framework in this immersive, year-long program.
Not offered in 2024.
Cornerstone Training Program
Preliminary findings from the Connected Community Pillar convenings and Grant Review Committee retreats highlight that our nonprofit leaders need training and resources to enhance and grow their leadership skills. Nonprofit leaders complete the program with the critical resources needed to craft a strategic vision plan and garner unity to make it happen. Key components include a more deeply engaged board, a plan for long-term sustainability, professionally trained staff, and an improved culture for higher retention.
Organizational Excellence for Leadership
Sandler Training by Wilcox & Associates, LLC: Sandler is a world leader in sales, management, and leadership training. Organizational Excellence is the foundation of your company’s long-term growth plan. The program, tested and proven in multiple industries, works because it is a sequential, continuous, repeating process. The heart of this powerful leadership model is known as the 6 P’s (Planning, Positions, People, Processes, Performetrics, Passion).