New Leadership Initiative offered by Dane G. Hansen Foundation

The Dane G. Hansen Foundation is offering a new initiative, NW Kansas LEADS, a community leadership program Initiative.

NW Kansas LEADS was developed in response to Northwest Kansas counties self-identifying the need for additional leadership development. Local leaders recognize there is a deficit in the “leadership pool” in their communities. This need was reinforced through the Strategic Doing process as residents came together to identify county-wide needs.

The new initiative will assist in the creation of new, or the modification of existing community leadership programs offered in the 26-county Hansen service area. It includes a grant of up to $3,000 per class offering, up to a maximum of three applications. To qualify for the assistance, Leadership programs must be designed to serve a county or multi-county area. Programs targeting a specific community will not qualify.

NW Kansas LEADS grants will be accepted during the months of February through April. The initiative will begin January 2021 and end December 2026.

Any 501(c)3 or qualified equivalent organization may apply as either the primary provider of the program or as the fiscal agent for the provider. No more than one application per county will be funded. Groups are encouraged to consider a regional approach.

Nadine Sigle, Northwest Kansas community vitality expert, will work with the applicants and counties to develop or review programs to achieve the best results.

Potential applicants are encouraged to start putting together a steering committee now. The steering committee should be composed of stakeholders from local businesses, economic development, chamber of commerce, community organizations, local foundations, extension agents and past graduates of leadership programs.

Visit danehansenfoundation.org for more information. Look for NW Kansas LEADS.

Two Zoom sessions have been scheduled for questions and discussion. Please RSVP to [email protected] and include your name, county and organization you represent, and an email address to send the link. Dates and times for the Zooms are:

Monday, Nov. 9, 4 to 5 p.m. and Tuesday, Nov. 10, 4 to 5 p.m.