Leadership Diversity Grants

Description: The West Central Initiative (WCI) Leadership Diversity Grant Program is designed to assist individuals who have a financial barrier to participation in leadership programs benefiting the region. This program can be used both for tuition and for other costs, such as childcare, transportation, and lost wages for qualifying individuals. The purpose of the program is to expand the diversity of the community leadership available to serve the region.

Eligible Applicants: This program makes grants to, or on behalf of, specific individuals.
To qualify an individual must be:

• Participating in a leadership program which is likely to result in benefits within WCI's service area (Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse and Wilkin counties of Minnesota).
• A permanent resident of WCI's service area (for at least the two previous years) with intentions to remain in the region following the training.
• A legitimate candidate for assistance from a charitable foundation, including, but not limited to:
  • A member of a minority group,
  • A recent international immigrant and refugee,
  • A disabled person,
  • A low income individual, and
  • A moderate income person facing extraordinary expenses or loss of income in order to participate.

  Community organizations operating leadership development training, may apply on behalf of specific leadership training participants. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit or governmental organization must serve as the financial host for the project.

Restrictions:
WCI will not pay for air travel for participants.
Programs focused on a specific business, occupation, or industry are generally a low priority for WCI support.

Amounts Available: The maximum award is generally $500.

Deadlines: Applications are accepted continuously. Decisions are typically made within 10 working days.

Application Process: click here to download detailed information and the application for this program.