The Mayor's Office of Partnerships and Grants Development is seeking volunteers to serve as coaches for participants in its Strengthening Partners Initiative (SPI).

SPI is a one-year comprehensive training program that provides an opportunity for emerging nonprofits and faith-based organizations in the District to strengthen their executive leadership skills and organizational capacity. A major component of the program is that each participant is matched with a coach who then guides the participant through a "demonstration project" from April through June.

Qualified volunteers will have professional experience in the nonprofit, government, or business sectors and will be available to give overall guidance to an emerging nonprofit organization. Selected coaches will be required to meet with their designated SPI participants during four scheduled meetings. In addition, coaches may provide counseling through one-on-one meetings or telephone calls. At the completion of the program, coaches will receive special recognition from the Mayor.

The deadline for applications is February 24, 2006. To access the application, go to the SPI page.

If you have questions about the program, contact Lisa Burford Hardmon at Lisa@LCB-Consulting.org.