Nonprofit Project Request Form

The Mansfield-Richland Area Educational Foundation affiliated with the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development  faciliates three community leadership programs. This year, each program cohort will complete a project to support a nonprofit based in Richland County. Nonprofits are invited to submit a brief project proposal to be reviewed by the cohorts. Program participants will vote on the project they would like to work on as a class.

Leadership Unlimited
September 2024-June 2025
Leadership Unlimited (LU) is a community leadership program designed for mid-level and senior-level professionals. The program offers leadership development while expanding participants’ knowledge of the challenges and opportunities within Richland County through tours, activities, and discussions.

Project: Professionals will use knowledge gained during program days to assist a nonprofit with a research-driven solution to a strategic problem. Are you considering adding a new program or event and want community feedback? Do you want to reach a new population or open a new location? The class will conduct a survey, focus group, or interviews for your nonprofit. LU will present the research to your team along with possible solutions for launching your new initiative. There is the potential to coordinate project launch or a day of service related to the project.

Engage Richland
October 2024-March 2025
Engage Richland empowers early career individuals to grow as leaders, engage in their community, and receive mentoring. Opportunities for civic engagement will be discovered. Program days consist of leadership development sessions, business tours to address issues and opportunities in Richland County, and mentor meetings.

Project: Young professionals are savvy and influential within their networks. Does your organization want to grow its enrollment, volunteerism, or participation among young professionals? This is the group to ask. Using knowledge gained during the program, the group will design a campaign to increase participation for your nonprofit among 18-30 year olds. There is potential to coordinate service hours along with the project.

Young Leaders Institute
October 2024-May 2025
Young Leaders Institute (YLI) offers high school sophomores an opportunity to grow as leaders, learn about career pathways, and explore their community. Students expand their own values, philosophies, and beliefs while learning alongside classmates from different schools and backgrounds. The cohort is open to high schoolers from any school in Richland County.

Project: High schoolers are insightful and learning to use their voices. At the same time, they are willing to serve their comunity. Do you have a meaningful service project that can be done in a half-day? The ideal service project would further your mission and allow the participants to interact with your team or clients.