Welcoming our 2018 Clare Rose Sabbatical Cohort

Last month, we made four exciting visits to local nonprofit organizations to let them know they had been selected to receive a Clare Rose Sabbatical and Capacity Building grant from the Fieldstone Leadership Network.  Home Aid Orange County, Mercy House, TrancenDANCE and New Village Arts make up the 2018 cohort.

This month, we gathered the executive directors who will go on sabbatical within the next year and those in the organization who will lead the organization in their absence for a program orientation.

After reviewing the components of the program, as well as the  questions and processes every organization will need to consider in preparation for this opportunity, the leaders met Michael Carr, the organizational consultant available for their use.  The cohort then enjoyed lunch with many of the former Clare Rose Sabbatical-takers.   This was a time for the former recipients to share wisdom and for the current cohort members to ask questions from those who have gone before them.  This year, we were also joined by a former interim direction, who shared her experience on being the “one left to lead”.

The reciprocity of having past sabbatical takers and interim leaders give back to the program makes a huge difference in the quality of the selection process and the on-boarding required to undertake this type of capacity building.  It is a hallmark of how the Fieldstone Leadership Network does its work and we are extremely grateful to all of the leaders who continually return to give back to the program. It is a testament to the impact the program has had on each leader, both personally and professionally, that they routinely contribute in support of the program.

A Clare Rose Sabbatical and Capacity Building grant is valued at $50,000 and includes time away for the executive director, training for those staying to lead during the ED’s absence, an organization consultant to be used at the direction of the agency, and staff stipends.  To date, the program has awarded 19 grants to organizations and leaders in San Diego and Orange Counties during the past five years.

Applications for the next cycle are due January 30, 2019.  More information can be found on our website, including video testimony from past recipients.