Nonprofit leaders face immense pressures, often with minimal opportunities for rest, rejuvenation and investment in their professional skills. Acknowledging the vital need for leaders to recharge and be continuous learners, the Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego and the Clare Rose Foundation are delighted to unveil the recipients of the 2024 Clare Rose Sabbatical Program.

Congratulations to the 2024 Grantees

This year’s grantees, Solana Center and Karen Organization of San Diego, exemplify unwavering commitment to their communities and missions. Led by Jessica Toth, Solana Center champions innovative solutions to climate change through education and community engagement. Noa Kabashima, Executive Director of Karen Organization of San Diego, is dedicated to the educational and social enhancement of ethnic minority groups from Burma residing in San Diego.

A Dual Purpose: Rest and Capacity Building

The Clare Rose Sabbatical Program serves a dual purpose: providing leaders with essential time for reflection and renewal while also investing in the capacity of next-level leaders. We understand that effective organizations require both energized, imaginative leaders and a pipeline of capable successors.

Through individual stipends of up to $40,000, leaders are empowered to cover salary, benefits, and travel expenses, enabling them to pursue rejuvenating activities. Additionally, up to $3,500 is allocated for professional staff development, nurturing the growth of emerging leaders within the organization. To ensure continuity during the sabbatical period, a fund of $4,000 is designated to compensate or reward the team that assumes leadership responsibilities in the absence of the Executive Director.

Selection Process and Community Engagement

Grantees are meticulously selected through a rigorous process involving written applications, site visits, and committee interviews. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to past Clare Rose Sabbatical Takers who served on the selection committee this year – Kristianne Kurner, New Village Arts, John Malashock, Malashock Dance, and Deborah Martin, ElderHelp. To date, 32 sabbatical grants totaling over $1.6 million have been awarded, thanks to the unwavering support of the Clare Rose Foundation.

Celebrating Together

The announcements of the 2024 Clare Rose Sabbaticals were made on May 15th.  Joining Janine Mason and Anne Vincent, were past CRS grantees anxious to welcome new members into the sabbatical family. After presenting the awards, the Clare Rose community continued the celebration at a hosted happy hour in Del Mar as part of Fieldstone’s ongoing commitment to sabbatical keeping, nurturing relationships within the CRS community and giving thanks for those who continue to give back to the program in the spirit of reciprocity.

The Clare Rose Gang huddling in the parking lot before our first surprise.

The Clare Rose Sabbatical Program is an investment in the sustainability and success of nonprofit leaders and their organizations. Studied since its inception, we eagerly anticipate the positive impact these sabbaticals will have on both individuals and the communities they serve.

For more information, visit the Program page on our website.

On June 13th, we will host Fieldstone @ 4 at Visions Museum of Textile Art in Liberty Station.  Fieldstone @ 4 is a program designed to foster connection, and collaboration, among nonprofit leaders in the San Diego region and reflects our belief in the power of community engagement and the importance of creating spaces where leaders can come together to learn, grow, and inspire change.  It is an significant component of our organizational strategy to build trusted relationship within our nonprofit sector.

Exploring Latine Entretejida / Interwoven: A World Design Exhibit

As part of the June Fieldstone @ 4, we will have a wonderful opportunity to explore Latine Entretejida / Interwoven, a World Design Capital 2024 designated program aimed at building bridges and understanding through art. This exhibit, which opened in May, showcases the work of talented textile artists from both sides of the border, including Irma Sofia Poeter, Mely Barragan, Mariza Raygoza, Olivia Arreguin, and more. During the exhibition, Visions will host workshops on embroidery, weaving, natural dyeing, and music, to provide visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of our region.

The opportunity to host Fieldstone @ 4 at the museum is the result of our relationship with museum executive director Katrina Bruins, who is currently participating in our coaching program. Through personalized sessions, The Fieldstone Coaching Program aims to empower leaders to navigate the challenges of their roles with confidence and clarity, further strengthening our sector and advancing the critical work of nonprofit organizations. Our Fieldstone @ 4 partnership serves as an example of the types of natural collaborations that can result when strong relationships are formed.

Embracing the Third Place: A Model for Community Engagement

Fieldstone @ 4 is inspired by the theory of the Third Place originated by Ray Oldenburg. As a “leadership living room” experience, this program provides nonprofit leaders with a relaxed setting to connect, collaborate, and cultivate relationships. By creating a space where leaders can engage in stimulating discussions, forge new friendships, and unwind surrounded by art, Fieldstone @ 4 aims to support the personal and professional growth of our community’s leaders.  We have also discovered that our event serves in introducing community leaders to new places and organizations.  For this reason, Fieldstone @ 4 is hosted at various locations throughout San Diego County.  In March, we were at Olivewood Gardens in National City, and in September we will be in Carlsbad at New Village Arts.

Our June Fieldstone @ 4 is sponsored by Blair Search Partners.  We are grateful for their support in helping to bring this event to our members.  Blair Search Partners provides executive search and recruiting services for nonprofits and mission-driven organizations.