Impact

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"a game changer"

"Being in the DeVos Institute has been a 'game changer' for us. Thanks to its support, we are able to make an impact in our community and nationwide to move forward the larger field of Latino arts and culture. The DeVos Institute has been instrumental in my personal evolution as a leader."

Anjee Helstrup-Alvarez, Training Program Participant — Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Lation Americana (MACLA) — San Jose, California

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"complete shift in mindset"

"The DeVos Institute programme has led to a complete shift in mindset within the organisation. We are now thinking holistically about our artistic programme, marketing, fundraising, and family growth." (Photo by Ros Kavanagh)

Cian O'Brien, Training Program Participant — Artistic Director, Project Arts Centre — Dublin, Ireland

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"simple, clear, meaningful"

“The program works because we sense DeVos Institute leadership’s genuine respect and interest in helping us achieve our goals to present and create more art and to become more productive. The advice given was simple, clear, meaningful, and manageable. We always came away invigorated and with much more perspective on our programs.”

Dian Dong, Training Program Participant — Associate Director, Chen Dance Center — New York, New York

Next Generation Leadership Development Fellowship


Capacity Building: Grand Rapids is a two-year technical assistance and strategic planning intensive for up to 15 arts and cultural organizations throughout greater Grand Rapids and surrounding towns. Launching in January 2025, the program is fully underwritten by the Dick and Betsy DeVos Family Foundation.

This program will provide in-depth training and consultation support to assist participating organizations in developing simple, effective, and right-sized strategies to execute in essential areas of practice such as artistic and program planning, fundraising, marketing, and governance.

About the Fellowship

The Next Generation Leadership Development Fellowship is designed to support and empower emerging leaders. It seeks to cultivate the next generation of changemakers dedicated to advancing their organizations and communities through a hands-on leadership development experience that combines nonprofit management training with real-world application. 

Up to five Fellows, recognized for their leadership potential and commitment to driving meaningful impact, will be selected. Fellows will attend and participate in group intensives in a peer-to-peer setting. Additionally, Fellows are invited to shadow a strategic planning process for a participating organization, gaining direct insight into the complexities of long-term planning and organizational leadership.

Through this experience, Fellows will emerge with a heightened sense of leadership confidence, an expanded network of peers, and the tools to help create lasting impact in the greater Grand Rapids nonprofit community.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individuals in greater Grand Rapids and surrounding towns. Successful applicants will demonstrate the following:

  • Sector Involvement: Currently employed in a managerial, curatorial, or administrative role within an arts, culture, heritage, service, advocacy or arts education organization in greater Grand Rapids, or are committed to pursuing a future in these sectors or related fields.
  • Leadership Potential: A clear passion for leadership in the nonprofit sector and a desire to grow as a leader. 
  • Community Focus: Deep commitment to the arts and its transformative potential for communities and individuals.
  • Alignment: Applicant can clearly articulate how the Fellowship aligns with personal and professional goals. 
  • Commitment: Availability to fully participate in activities for the duration of the program including attendance at all intensives (January 2025 - December 2026).

Additionally, applicants will be asked to:

  • Provide a compelling rationale for participation
  • Provide a singed commitment
  • Provide your professional resume.
  • If applicable, provide one document describing your current organization (such as a season brochure, annual report, etc.)
  • Provide an email or letter of support from your current supervisor

Time Commitment

The time commitment is approximately 35 hours over the 2-year period. This includes six cohort intensives, a three-part board development intensive, and up to nine strategic planning meetings.

Application and Selection Process

Successful applicants will be selected through a competitive application process. To apply, please click HERE. Applications are due Friday, November 1, 2024. Participants will be notified by mid-December. 

Upcoming Information Session

An Information Session will take place on Thursday, October 3, 2024, from 1:00 – 2:00 pm ET. Led by Institute President Brett Egan, this session will provide an overview of the program and respond to questions from potential applicants. To register, please click HERE.

The session will be recorded, and the recording will be available on the Capacity Building: Grand Rapids page. 

Questions

Questions regarding the Fellowship may be directed to Marie Gossman Thomas at CapacityBuilding@devosinstitute.net

Application

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