project blueprint

This unique program prepares emerging and current leaders of color for leadership roles on nonprofit and public sector boards and committees.

The hybrid program includes 10-12 weeks of content, starting with an overnight retreat and culminating in a graduation.

Participants gain:

– Understanding of the role and responsibility of nonprofit boards

– Leadership skills that translate to professional, personal and community development

– Connection to a cohort of peers committed to strengthening community

– Deeper awareness of systemic community challenges

– Connections to nonprofit board or committee opportunities

– Access to an Alumni network of more than 1,000 graduates

– Board Roles and Responsibilities

– Fundraising

– Governing as a Team

– The Boards Role in Fund Development

– Nonprofit Financial Governance

– Legal and Ethical Decision-making

– Strategic Planning

– Embedding DEI principles and values in nonprofit board service

– Understanding the Nonprofit Sector

– Local professionals and leaders who are committed to building a stronger, more sustainable future for the Greater Houston community.

– Due to the hybrid nature of the program, participants must reside in the Greater Houston area.

– Members of the Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) community

Applicants may be:

Nominated by Project Blueprint alumni

Nominated by Employer

Self-nominated

Applications for the Class XLV (Fall 2024 Cohort) will launch on May 1 and close on July 31.

Applications will be reviewed by Project Blueprint staff leadership and our alumni selection committee in early August and interviews will take place in late August. The selection process is determined by Project Blueprint alumni. The XLV class of Project Blueprint will be announced and kick off in early September.

As a member of the Project Blueprint program, you are committing to attending the following:

• Meet & Greet Session (February 21)
• An overnight retreat at an off-site location (February 23 – 24)
• Session with Kinder Institute (February 28)
• 6 weeks of evening virtual sessions (March/April)
• Local nonprofit site visit and service-learning project (April 6)
• United Way Board Fair (April 10)
• Session with Alumni (April 24)
• Closing Session (April 26)
• Graduation celebration (May 1)

The program is robust with activities on a regular basis for the full two+ months. Please review your personal and professional commitments before applying for the program. Active participation and attendance are requirements for graduation.

The one-time fee for the Class XLIV cohort is $1,100. This fee is inclusive of all activities. While many participants “self-pay”, it is recommended that you check with your employer to inquire about corporate sponsorship.

Million-dollar companies that meet the criteria for this recognition program may nominate up to three candidates annually for the program by having the individual(s) apply for the next available class.

Additional employees within each company may self-nominate for Project Blueprint program and apply without a formal corporate nomination.

One corporate employee who meets all criteria will be selected annually at no cost to the employee or the nominating corporation as a corporate recognition benefit. Additional candidates from the company may be selected if they meet all criteria, but class fees would apply.

Join us at an upcoming virtual info session! Register for one of the sessions using the links below:

May 15 at 4pm

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIocO-sqzgjHtflpjj_wqYKvkTKHivtHUqa

June 5 at 11am

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqdOuoqDsrHdOSMOFeNF2LT9H2YLPQ_NIn

June 26 at 4pm

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqdumgpzojGNJ1aul8KxJUkVs-SuimjLPM

July 10 at 11am

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0tdOmupjwiGNAt65BsCHSfJ8dOeQCbMHOi

July 24 at 4pm

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcsceGprDMiHtYaozENK5bc3h8K-7vvKw0M