F.A.Q.
Following are some of the common questions and answers about the BEST Leadership Institute. If you have additional questions or would like to speak to someone about the program, please contact the BEST Project office at 810.232.8000.
Q. How do I apply?
A. You must attend an information session in order to apply for the BEST Leadership Institute. There is no cost for this session, and no commitment is necessary at that time. We will distribute applications at the information sessions.
Q. How do I sign up for an information session?
A. Visit our events calendar to register. All information sessions will be held at the BEST Project office in the YWCA, 310 E. Third, Flint. Space is limited, and will be offered on a first come, first served basis. You may choose the date that best fits your schedule:
- Tuesday, August 30 from 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
- Wednesday, August 31 from 8:00 am - 9:30 pm
- Thursday, September 8 from 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
- Saturday, September 10 from 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Q. How long is the program?
A. The BEST Leadership Institute is a one-year program. It begins December 2011 and will end December 2012.
Q. What is the time commitment?
A. You will spend roughly one hour per month with your coach and working on applications of what you have learned throughout the program. We will have a two-day retreat on January 26-27, 2012, and five additional full day seminars throughout the year. You may choose how much additional training you would like from the BEST professional development curriculum: a minimum of three classes is required, but you can take as many as you would like. Available professional development content areas include Fundraising, Financial Management, Leadership Development, Strategic Alliances and Technology as a Tool.
Q. What is the investment?
A. The one-year BEST Leadership Institute investment is $1,000. This is tremendous value, given that individual coaching typically exceeds $5,000. If funding is a challenge, you may want to seek out sponsors or donors who are interested in the nonprofit(s) with which you work, and request funding from them by explaining how this investment will benefit those organizations. However, keep in mind that this is an investment in you and your commitment to the nonprofit sector. Partial scholarships may be available - call the BEST office for details.
Q. Is a payment plan available?
A. We understand this is a significant investment of resources. We prefer to receive the entire enrollment fee at the time of acceptance. However you may make payment arrangements if you so desire.
Q. Do I have to work for a nonprofit organization in order to apply?
A. We are looking for people who are committed to improving the nonprofit sector. However, you do not need to be a paid nonprofit employee in order to apply. Board members, volunteers and donors are all welcome to apply, as are executive directors and other nonprofit staff. You must have at least two years of nonprofit experience (paid or volunteer) in order to be considered. You will also need to demonstrate current and ongoing involvement with one or more nonprofit organizations, so that what you learn can be used to transform the community.
Q. When are applications due?
A. Your application for the BEST Leadership Institute is due Monday, September 26, 2011 by 3:00 pm. All applications must be submitted electronically.
Q. How does the selection process work?
A. A review board will read and discuss all applications and recommend a group of semifinalists. These semifinalists will be called for a personal interview with BEST staff. We will select 18 finalists to enroll in the BEST Leadership Institute.
Q. When will finalists be notified?
A. If you are selected to enroll in the BEST Leadership Institute, you will receive final notification by Friday, November 18.
Q. Why is the BEST Project starting this program?
A. We have spent the last seven years working with nonprofit organizations in Flint and Genesee County, with a focus on building sustainability. Over that time, we have learned that one key to organizational success is the commitment of dynamic, knowledgeable, influential leaders, whether they are paid staff or volunteers. Through the BEST Leadership Institute, we intend to fill the pipeline with people who are qualified and interested in furthering the work of this sector in a meaningful way. Leadership is the key to organizational sustainability.