$50,000 Grant to Train Nonprofit Emerging Leaders

Oct. 10, 2011 - PRLog -- The Institute for Ethical Leadership (IEL) at Rutgers Business School is pleased to announce a 2-year $50,000 grant from American Express Foundation to help support the Nonprofit Emerging Leaders Certificate Program. This three-day leadership program provides training and education to 18-20 mid-level managers, interested in building their skills and developing their talents, through a rigorous and engaging curriculum that focuses on personal and professional leadership. Participants gain skills to improve their performance to someday lead a nonprofit organization.

American Express Foundation recognizes the impact that talented leaders can have on business and society as a whole, and dedicates significant resources to attract, develop and retain talented future nonprofit leaders.  “We are seeking the best methods, programs and partners that provide current and future nonprofit leaders with practical opportunities to learn and build leadership skills and the IEL is an aligned partner in this effort,” says Timothy J. McClimon, President of the American Express  Foundation.

The IEL, based at Rutgers Business School in Newark, will offer its Nonprofit Emerging Leaders Certificate Program from November 1-3, 2011.  The program will cover such topics as ethics and accountability for nonprofit and foundation leaders and best practices in board relations, financial management, fundraising and communications. Last year’s class — the second — had 19 participants from the Greater Newark area, New Jersey, and New York.  Through American Express Foundation’s ongoing support, the IEL was able to expand the program and provide financial aid scholarships to some participants. The Emerging Leaders Certificate Program occurs concurrently with the Nonprofit Executive Leadership Certificate Program, now in its seventh year, and provides an opportunity for emerging leaders to meet and socialize with leaders from other nonprofit organizations.

According to James Abruzzo, co-founder of the IEL, “Emerging leaders are the future.  They will fill the growing gap at the top and through this program, will be better prepared to do so.  American Express Foundation enables us to continue this much needed program.”

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The Institute for Ethical Leadership at Rutgers Business School provides leaders in business, government, nonprofit and philanthropic organizations & the University community with the education, training & critical-thinking tools to make ethical decisions. For more information, visit www.business.rutgers.edu/iel.

About American Express
One of American Express' three platforms for its philanthropy is Developing New Leaders for Tomorrow. Under this giving initiative, which recognizes the significance of strong leadership in the nonprofit sector, American Express is making grants focused on training high potential emerging leaders to tackle important issues in the 21st century. American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com & connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, twitter.com/americanexpress & youtube.com/americanexpress.