Renewal fellowship
Toronto is graced with a dynamic and diverse community based nonprofit sector which is one of its greatest assets. Over the course of their careers, senior leaders in this sector have made an enormous contribution. They have been developing new programs, delivering essential services, mentoring younger staff, building organizations and influencing public policy to improve social conditions for low-income people. Their work has been a personal and professional investment in the organizations they serve and the vibrancy of the sector as a whole.
In most cases, this work is carried out in challenging circumstance – with limited resources in a difficult and rapidly changing environment. Stress, burnout and attrition are real human resource concerns. Investing in the health and productivity of those who work at all levels in the community based nonprofit sector is essential for its continued success.
Through the Renewal Fellowship, the Foundation wishes to support, celebrate and strengthen exceptional senior leaders and recognize how much they can benefit from periods of professional development and replenishment. This sabbatical provides people with time for intellectual and personal revitalization. Individuals can pursue goals, ideas, and practices that will enable them to return to their work with a renewed sense of purpose, creativity, and enhanced capacity to contribute to making transformational change. Through this Fellowship, the Foundation also hopes to focus attention on the critical link between leader renewal and organizational and sectoral health and viability.
This is an intentionally flexible initiative that does not prescribe a course of action but instead aims to enable a range of responses from outstanding leaders that support their own reflection and renewal. Fellows are not required to produce a formal work product for the Foundation. However, they will be asked to articulate a plan for how they will integrate renewal practices in the workplace upon their return in order to sustain their effectiveness and that of the organization over time.
We will accept applications for a wide range of activities including but not limited to: residencies, specialized training or study, research and travel. The pursuit of post-secondary degree or diploma programs will not be supported under this program.
During the sabbatical the Fellow will not be involved in regular workplace demands or decision-making in their organization, devoting their full attention to fellowship activities. In most circumstances, they will not undertake any other work for compensation during this period.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
This program is aimed at outstanding individuals with at least ten years’ experience in the community-based charitable sector who currently hold a senior level position within their organization, or who have senior management responsibilities. Eligible applicants must have been in their current position for a minimum of two years and their organization’s mandate must focus on strengthening low-income communities. Eligible applicants must work in an organization that is located and operates in the City of Toronto.
What are the Funding Parameters?
We see the Renewal Fellowship as a collaboration between the Foundation and participating organizations to support the replenishment and reengagement of extraordinary individuals in the field. During the term of the Fellowship, the Foundation will provide financial support up to a maximum of $40,000 to cover costs associated with living expenses and sabbatical activities. The employer will continue to be responsible for the Fellow’s benefits throughout this period. Fellowships may range from 3-12 months in length. Successful applicants must start their fellowship within 12 months of it being awarded.
What is the Application Process?
We will review Renewal Fellowship applications once in 2008, in late spring. Please provide six paper copies of a proposal and submit an electronic version in Word to cmurphy@metcalffountion.com. The application should include:
- A completed Metcalf application cover page (PDF)
- A comprehensive resume including key accomplishments and career highlights
- A letter that describes why you are applying for a fellowship and how you propose to use your sabbatical including:
- Details of any activities you propose to undertake (including evidence of acceptance if you are applying to a training institution as part of your sabbatical)
- How you believe the fellowship will benefit you personally and why it is important at this point in your career
- How you think this sabbatical will influence your work going forward and where you would like to be professionally in five years
- How this sabbatical connects you to your personal vision
- How your organization will be affected by, and will accommodate your absence
- A statement of your current salary and benefits
- A preliminary budget of expenses associated with sabbatical activities
- Three letters of reference assessing your appropriateness for the Renewal Fellowship (one must be from your Board chair and two from professional colleagues)
Proposed applicants must also submit a:
- List of current Board members
- Copy of your organization’s most recent annual report
- Copy of the organization’s most recent audited financial statements
We strongly encourage applicants to discuss their intention of applying for a Fellowship with their Board of Directors or direct supervisors. They will need to be involved in developing a leadership transition plan for the organization if your Fellowship application is successful. Executive Directors applying to this initiative can go to the Renewal Fellowship page on our website for more information on how to assess your own and the board’s readiness to embrace a Renewal Fellowship. click here.
How will Applications be Assessed?
Applications will be reviewed by the Foundation’s Board and staff, assisted by advisors from the community. Reviewers want to understand how this investment will make a tangible difference to the candidate at this particular time in his/her career and how it will contribute to his/her career, and broader contribution to society in the future.
We will assess applicants based on the following criteria:
- Career history and accomplishments
- Fellow’s potential for future contributions to the community-based sector and issues of poverty reduction
- Scope of proposed sabbatical activities
- Potential benefits to the individual from the sabbatical
- Organizational readiness to support individual to undertake a sabbatical
How will the Renewal Fellowship be Evaluated?
Each Fellow determines their personal goals and objectives. We will meet with each Fellow at the start and upon completion of the sabbatical to reflect on and assess the experience and how we will learn from this opportunity. A financial summary and final written report is required. We will also seek to create learning opportunities for Fellows who are part of this initiative. You can read more about the Foundation’s approach to evaluation in How We Learn.
Deadlines
Please see Deadlines.
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Leadership In Action Guidelines >
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