Chamber Foundation: Leadership Dutchess Program - 2025 Day of Service RFP
HISTORY OF PROGRAM:
For over 35 years, Leadership Dutchess, a signature program of The Chamber Foundation, Inc., has been dedicated to educating and motivating citizens to serve in leadership roles within our community.
The program is designed to foster the development of a group of professionals who grow and learn together over a nine-month period. Leadership Dutchess sessions are held once per month October through June and all course work contributes to the knowledge and understanding of leadership.
The annual Day of Service project is coordinated and executed by the members of the class.
The annual Day of Service is a required component of completing and graduating from the Leadership Dutchess Program. It is designed to foster team building, leadership skills, and effective collaboration amongst the participants.
Community-based service organizations, local non-profits that would benefit are encouraged to apply.
IMPORTANT FOR ELIGIBLE ORGANIZATIONS:
-Organizations must be in good standing, a current member of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce, and a 501C(3), non-governmental organization.
-Projects that benefit political or religious purposes will not be considered. In addition, program participants will not solicit donations, prizes, or funds for the awarded organization outside the scope of the proposed project.
WHY YOU SHOULD APPLY:
-The organization awarded will receive up to 40 adult participants, 7:30 AM until 4 PM, generally on a Saturday in April or May (before May 21, 2025) to complete a project for your organization. The organization will be highlighted, receive publicity/recognition throughout the program year.
PROPOSALS WITH THE FOLLOWING WILL BE SERIOUSLY CONSIDERED:
(1) Projects that can be started and completed in one day; should fill a full days’ worth of work.
(2) Ability to provide a budget/donation for supplies and light fare for volunteers.
(3) Articulate uniqueness and positive impact of the project on your organization.
(4) Bring multiple partners to the project, leverage funds such as matching dollars, and/or attract other volunteers to maximize the project’s benefits.
(5) Planning to begin in December 2024 with completion before May 21, 2025.
PROPOSAL EXAMPLES:
(a) Painting and renovations to improve the safety, usefulness and appearance of facilities.
(b) Adaptive reuse of space or energy efficiency improvements.
(c) Enhance outdoor recreational spaces, such as for youth, seniors, etc.
-Date of Service: Spring 2025 (prior to May 21, 2025)