A one-year, intensive leadership and capacity-strengthening program for founders or leaders of early-stage community-based organizations working through education to improve outcomes for children and youth in East and Southern Africa. Through CLI, IFF partners with leaders and their organizations to broaden knowledge, skills, and networks, providing participants with the virtual and emotional space to bond and collaborate with like-valued changemakers in order to develop context-relevant solutions to challenges in their communities.
Issroff Family Foundation (IFF) envisions a world where all children and youth have promising futures in thriving communities. To that end, IFF offers the Collaborative Learning Initiative (CLI): a one-year, intensive leadership and capacity-strengthening program for founders or leaders of early-stage community-based organizations working through education to improve outcomes for children and youth in East and Southern Africa. Through CLI, IFF partners with leaders and their organizations to broaden knowledge, skills, and networks, providing participants with the emotional time and space to bond and collaborate with like-valued changemakers in order to develop context-relevant solutions to challenges in their communities.
During the program, participants engage with experienced facilitators offering training in topics such as organizational finances, human resources and team culture, board and governance, fundraising, personal wellness, and program and strategy. IFF also strives to introduce participants to funders within our network. By the end of the program, participants are required to submit a new or revised three- to five-year Strategic Plan.
* Weekly two-hour sessions for learning and collaborating with IFF team members, experienced facilitators, and other dedicated leaders of community-based organizations
* Access to online learning resources and practical templates
* Regular opportunities to engage with global leaders and funders in the sector
* Commensurate funding provided mid-year and end-of-program upon successful engagement with and completion of the program
The Collaborative Learning Initiative welcomes a new cohort of 15-20 leaders, representing 15 organizations, each program year. In order to apply, you should meet the following eligibility criteria:
* Have founded or currently lead an early-stage (2-8 years old) community-based organization focused on improving outcomes for children and youth in East or Southern Africa
* Live in or near the community your organization serves
* Maintain an annual operating budget of $25,000-$200,000
* Employ at least two full-time team members
* Identify one to three areas for development related to leadership skills and/or organizational capacity
* Be curious, humble, and eager to devote at least five hours per week to learning and collaborating with peers
PLEASE NOTE: Recruitment begins the spring prior to the program year; the program year begins the following January and ends by November. Submission of this form does not guarantee your acceptance into the program.
