Professional Development
Spur believes good leadership is essential to an organization’s effectiveness. We have created three signature programs that invest in improving board and staff leadership at local nonprofits.
Leadership Programs
Executive Director Leadership
Coaching
Providing nonprofit Executive Directors with personalized one-on-one leadership coaching to enhance their organizational impact.
Executive Director Fundamentals Program
Designed to equip first-time Executive Directors with essential skills and knowledge to effectively lead and manage their organizations.
Board Chair Leadership Program
Empowering nonprofit Board chairs with the skills and strategies to lead with excellence, drive board cohesion, and advance their organization's mission.
Professional
Development Microgrants
Small grants intended to support nonprofits in pursuing and participating in professional development opportunities.
Executive Director Leadership Coaching
Program Description
Designed for Executive Directors who want to enhance their leadership skills, this program provides personalized one-on-one sessions with a professional Leadership Coach. Participants gain valuable insights into their leadership style, acquire effective leadership strategies, and receive invaluable support while navigating the inherent challenges of the ED role. The program includes 6 months of coaching including 2 one-hour sessions/month. This is not skills training in the duties of an Executive Director, like fundraising, finance, planning, etc. The focus is on how to lead people and be effective in the role of ED. The coach will meet individually and in-person with the EDs selected for the program to launch the program. After that, the coach will work by phone with each ED twice a month for the next six months. At the end of 6 months, the coach will return for final assessment conversations with the EDs and their Board Chairs. EDs and Board Chairs will be asked to meet with Spur in late October to provide feedback on the value of the program.
ED Leadership Program Alumni
Eligibility
Full-time Executive Directors of 501(c)(3) organizations that are based in the Wood River Valley, serve our community, and have not participated in this program before.
Timing
The deadline for all applications is April 1st. Decisions are made by late April and coaching starts in May. The program concludes after a debrief session with Spur's Board in late October.
The program has run for six years and served 19 Executive Directors.
“Spur's Executive Director Leadership Program came at the perfect time for me and our organization. We are small and growing, and leadership can truly make or break an organization, so it feels particularly important at this stage in the game. Jane gave me the space to work through some of the leadership issues I had been struggling with and helped me to formulate my own solutions that were specifically for our organizational situation. I looked forward to our chats every other week. It was basically professional therapy, and I cannot recommend it enough for any leader looking to improve how they show up at work and even in their lives outside of work.”
Sara Gress, Executive Director
Wood River Trails Coalition
Executive Director Fundamentals Program
Program Description
As part of a comprehensive program designed exclusively for first-time Executive Directors, participants will gain essential skills and knowledge to effectively manage and lead your organization. They will learn the fundamentals of nonprofit management, including strategic planning, fundraising strategies, board governance, financial management, and more. Through interactive sessions, real-world examples, and peer-to-peer learning, participants will acquire valuable insights and best practices to navigate the unique challenges of running a nonprofit. This program will also provide a supportive environment where they can share experiences, exchange insights, and build a close network of peers.
Eligibility
Open to local, first-time Executive Directors with less than 5 years of experience in the ED role. Questions about eligibility? Contact npservices@spurfoundation.org.
Timing
This program is offered every other year. The next deadline for applications is August 1, 2026. Sessions are held once a month held from October - May with additional coaching between sessions.
Curriculum
Instruction is done by Spur Staff with occasional guest presenters with specific relevant expertise in the topic on meeting agendas.
Topics week session include:
Leadership Style and Staff Management
Fiscal Responsibility
Fundraising & Marketing
Strategic Planning
Building and Partnering with your Board
Evaluating Success
Growing and Scaling Organizational Capacity
The program has run for two years and served 12 Executive Directors.
Board Chair Leadership Program
Program Description
Spur offers a free program to support Board Chairs in fulfilling the full potential of that important role. Using a combination of direct instruction, real-world examples, and peer-to-peer learning, this program is designed to inspire high performance from those currently serving or intending to serve as chairperson of a local nonprofit board. Up to eight participants are selected through a competitive application process.
Eligibility
Any board chair that wants to be more confident and intentional about how they lead the board of a local nonprofit. The person could be currently in the position or slated to be the next board chair.
Timing
This program is offered every other year. The next deadline for applications is August 1, 2025. Decisions are made by August 15th. Sessions are 90 minutes and held every two weeks from September – December.
Curriculum
Instruction is done by Spur Staff with occasional guest presenters that have specific relevant expertise on a topic.
Topics week session include:
Nonprofit Lifecycles and capacities at each stage
Roles and Responsibilities and Board Culture
Best Practices
Fundraising
Finances
Vision and Strategy
Leading and managing in times of risk or crisis
The program has run for 3 years and helped 18 board chairs.
“The Spur Board Chair Program is an invaluable resource for nonprofits in the valley. Whether you’re a seasoned Board Chair or new to the role, this training provides best practices along with an incredible network of resources. The biggest surprise from the training was the valuable relationships made with my fellow Board Chairs. We have become a support system for one another; helping each other by sharing resources, handling challenges, and providing support and encouragement. I am grateful to Spur for this opportunity and especially to Sally and Alison who have been invaluable resources, teachers, and partners.”
Regan Nelson, Board Co-Chair
The Space
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Professional Development Micro-grants in Leadership
Professional Development micro-grants provide matching funds to support professional development opportunities for leadership and key staff within an organization. This may include participation in one-on-one trainings, classes, conferences, seminars, and webinars, that you select to meet the organization’s unique needs. Grants are intended to support 50% (up to $500) of registration fees or tuition. The budget for this program has an annual cap of $5,000 and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible organizations.
