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Chris Herron Professional Development Grants with YNPN Boston logo and lightbulbs with arrows design

NOTICE: Change in CHPD Fund Cycle for Spring 2024

We would like to inform our valued community that the Chris Herron Program Development (CHPD) fund cycle for Spring 2024 will not take place. This decision is a part of our commitment to continually enhance our programs and services.

At this time, we are in the midst of a strategic planning process aimed at ensuring that all our initiatives and outputs are thoughtfully aligned with our mission and vision. We believe that this step is crucial in delivering the best possible support to our community.

We understand the importance of the CHPD fund cycle, and we anticipate launching the new cycle later this year. Stay tuned for updates on our website and other communication channels as we work to make our programs even more valuable for the community.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

We appreciate your patience as we embark on this exciting journey to better serve our community!

Chris Herron Professional Development Grants

The YNPN Boston Chris Herron Professional Development Fund was established in honor of the life and legacy of Chris Herron, a former board member and co-chair of YNPN Boston from 2009-2011. In celebration of Chris’s life and impact, this fund provides grants for emerging nonprofit leaders in the Greater Boston area to participate in professional development opportunities that they might otherwise not have access to. Approximately $1,000 is awarded each funding cycle (Fall and Spring). 

At YNPN Boston, we know how important professional development is for young professionals to advance their careers and increase the impact of their organizations (see our Competency Model for Emerging Nonprofit Professionals). While we provide a variety of professional development events and content, our capacity as an all-volunteer organization is limited, and so are the professional development budgets at many nonprofits.

To be considered, applicants must:

  • – Be employed full-time or part-time at a nonprofit organization currently or in the past 12 months
  • – Be between 18 and 35 years of age
  • – Live or work in the Greater Boston area
  • – Plan to engage in a professional development opportunity within six months
  • – Submit all application materials by 11:59 pm EST on the deadline


Note: Only one application will be considered per person each cycle

To complete your application, you will need:

  • Short bio of 500-1500 characters
  • Current resume
  • Line-item budget (Please use the CHPD Fund template that is provided in the application and use Excel or PDF format) should specify the amount requested from YNPN Boston, funding from employer/other sources, and any remainder
  • Headshot (for recipient publicity only – NOT viewed by the grant selection committee)

Visit our FAQ section for more information

YNPN Boston will NOT consider funding request for:

  • YNPN Boston Professional Development Events
  • Food or Beverage expenses
  • Scholarships or part-time higher education courses
  • Board dues or other charitable contributions
  • Supplies (headshots, business supplies, business cards, computers, etc.)
 

Recipient Expectations

  • Recipients will engage in a professional development opportunity within six months of the application
  • Recipients are required to submit a report within 30 days of completing the professional development opportunity
  • Recipients will be announced through the YNPN Boston website and social media
 

Grant Distribution Process

Recipients will receive funds through reimbursement within two weeks of providing proof-of-purchase. If this requirement would create a financial burden for the recipient, then other arrangements may be considered. Please contact chpdfund@ynpnboston.org with questions.