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 will 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 young/mid-career professionals, however 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. An optional lunch hour will follow the May, June, and July 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 10-12 individuals
Calendar
April 11, 2023 | Opening Retreat | 8:30 am - 4:00 pm | Objective: Introduce Spark and gain a foundational understanding of philanthropy in our community |
May 12, 2023 | Community & Grants | 8:30 am - 12:00 pm | Objective: Learn about the complexities of a grant cycle and evaluate needs/challenges within our community |
June 21, 2023 | Grant Application Review | 8:30 am - 12:00 pm | Objective: Review funding requests and determine a short list of applicants that match the group values |
July 6, 2023 | Site Visits | 8:30 am - 12:00 pm | Objective: Gain a deeper understanding of the nonprofit organizations being considered for grant funding |
July 20, 2023 | Site Visits | 8:30 am - 12:00 pm | Objective: Gain a deeper understanding of the nonprofit organizations being considered for grant funding |
August 11, 2023 | Final Deliberations | 8:30 am - 1:00 pm | Objective: Determine where grant funding will be allocated and develop personal goals for continued informed giving |
