As part of a multi-tiered effort to advance knowledge and understanding of community leadership, the Council on Foundations’ Community Foundations Leadership Team, in partnership with CFLeads, will launch two action-oriented Community Leadership Networks in fall 2007. These networks are the “on the ground” counterparts to the recently-announced National Task Force on Community Leadership.  Community Leadership Networks (CLNs) will work in real time on real community leadership issues, addressing both the internal and external changes necessary to increase effectiveness and impact.  Community foundations are invited to apply to join one of the first Community Leadership Networks. 

The Community Leadership Networks reflect a belief that the knowledge base on community leadership resides within and must be created by community foundations. It is hoped that the initial two will grow to dozens in the years ahead.

Each CLN will be composed of two-to-four member teams from 10 to 15 community foundations. The team approach builds relationships, as well as shared knowledge and commitment. Teams will choose their own issues and outcomes, and must agree to hold themselves and other network members accountable. CEO and trustee participation is mandatory. By participating, community foundations will enter into a compact with their peers that evidences the seriousness of this undertaking and preserves the integrity of the process. The CLNs will meet four times for at least one full day over the course of 12 months and be staffed by CFLeads. There will be intentional feedback loops between the National Task Force and the initial Community Leadership Networks to ensure that the work of each informs the other.

CLN Application
(Word document download)
Please open and fill out in Word.
Return completed file as email attachment
to Deanna Silke at deanna@cfleads.org.