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SPARK

Designed to inspire philanthropic action through informed, values-based charitable giving

Offered by Leadership Toledo, in partnership with Greater Toledo Community Foundation, this five
month program guides participants through a hands-on philanthropy learning experience.


Individuals learn about the complexities of a grant cycle, identify and discuss their personal values, examine the needs of the community, and support local organizations addressing those needs.


What makes Spark unique is that 100% of the cohort members’ tuition fees will be pooled together to go back into the community to the charity of the group’s choice

Goals & Objectives

Leadership Toledo strives for members to

  • strengthen their leadership skills
  • connect with the community on a deeper level
  • grow in self-awareness
  • identify meaningful ways to serve causes they care about
  • discover the importance of values-based charitable giving
  • practice active listening and clear communication through group dialogue and decision making
  • see firsthand the measurable impact of charitable giving by addressing the needs of the greater Toledo community

Who should apply?

Spark is designed for anyone interested in learning about philanthropic giving and community impact is welcome to apply. The goal is to educate individuals about creating sustainable change and how they themselves can have a direct impact on that process.

Details & Tuition

Time commitment: Participants are required to attend each session in its entirety. Lunch will be provided during full day sessions.

Curriculum: Topics will include understanding the history of charity and current best practices, learning the grant cycle process and success factors for making sound funding decisions, and the sharing of research-based community needs and strategies for transformative change.

Tuition: $850

Cohort size: limited to 12 individuals

                                                                                  Calendar

February 1, 2024Orientation8:30 am - 4:00 pmObjective: Introduce Spark and gain a foundational understanding of philanthropy in our community
March 5, 2024Community & Grants8:30 am - 4:00 pmObjective: Learn about the complexities of a grant cycle and evaluate needs/challenges within our community
April 24, 2024Grant Application  Review8:30 am - 12:00 pmObjective: Review funding requests and determine a short list of applicants that match the group values
May 9, 2024Site Visits8:30 am - 12:00 pmObjective: Gain a deeper understanding of the nonprofit organizations being considered for grant funding
May 22, 2024Site Visits8:30 am - 12:00 pmObjective: Gain a deeper understanding of the nonprofit organizations being considered for grant funding
June 11, 2024Final Deliberations8:30 am - 4:00 pmObjective: Determine where grant funding will be allocated and develop personal goals for continued informed giving

 

Greater Toledo Community Foundation

QUESTIONS? CONTACT ARIKA@LEADERSHIPTOLEDO.ORG

The 2024 Spark cohort is accepting grant applications through April 8

Review Grant Guidelines & Apply Here