First Nations Development Institute’s Leadership & Entrepreneurial Apprentice Development (LEAD) Program is a unique American Indian nonprofit leadership development opportunity for motivated individuals seeking to create a stronger future for tribal or reservation-based nonprofit organizations. The goal of the program is to support the growth of future American Indian nonprofit leaders by educating and training emerging leaders in Native nonprofit management.First Nations has selected Potlatch Fund to be a host organization for a cohort of five to ten emerging Native professionals who would benefit from mentorship and leadership training. In collaboration with First Nations Development Institute, Potlatch Fund will seek to accomplish this goal by offering leadership development opportunities for Native leaders who are either seeking to work in the nonprofit field or are already employed by a Native nonprofit.

The Seattle LEAD cohort will be comprised of the following activities, which are funded by First Nations Development Institute.

1. Monthly mentoring meetings to be held at the Potlatch Fund’s office in downtown Seattle. Led by Potlatch Fund’s Executive Director, Ken Gordon, these meetings will feature local nonprofit and/or Native mentors.
2. Quarterly training sessions to be facilitated by either Potlatch Fund or First Nations Development Institute: Native Leadership, Resource Development, Program Management & Evaluation, and Financial Management.
3. Attendance at the November 17 graduation ceremony of this year’s participants (Seattle, WA).
4. Attendance at LEAD training events including the annual LEAD Institute in Santa Fe (New Mexico) on April 9 and 10th 2009.  There may be an opportunity for participants to attend the Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) annual conference on April 7 and 8th, but this has yet to be confirmed.

Please note this is a year-long commitment from November 1 to October 31, 2009.If you are interested in participating, please contact Ken Gordon at Potlatch Fund either by email (ken@potlatchfund.org) or phone (206.624.6076) by October 1.

Deadline: October, 1, 2008
Organization: Potlatch Fund
801 Second Avenue, Suite 304
Seattle, WA
Phone: (206) 624-6076
Email: justin@potlatchfund.org
Website: www.potlatchfund.org