Project Blueprint

Project Blueprint

Project Blueprint - Preparing TODAY, Leading Tomorrow

Project Blueprint is a blueprint for diversity in board leadership. 

It's a reality that non-profit boards lack diversity. Less than 23% of U.S. non-profit board members are people of color. United Way Project Blueprint works to change that reality for Midland.

  • United Way Project Blueprint Goal: Build and train tomorrow's non profit board leadership, ensuring that Midland's non-profit sector reflects the rich diversity of our community. 
  • Strategy: To broaden Midland's non-profit board diversity through Leadership Skills, Teambuilding, Board Connection, Mentoring, expanded opportunities for professional growth and community involvement, and connect Project Blueprint graduates with a non-profit board for committee opportunities.

What is United Way Project Blueprint?

This unique program is a professional development course targeting future community leaders. The program prepares diverse groups of individuals for volunteer service in the non-profit sector.

Class topics include: Leadership and Teambuilding, Non-Profit 101,  Strategic Planning, Board Governance and Fiduciary Responsibilities, Resource Development, Financial Management, Event Set-up & Etiquette, and Transparency for Nonprofit Boards. 

Through this program, participants will:

  • Develop and sharpen volunteer leadership skills
  • Be paired with a mentor/community leader to guide them through the program and connect and network with community leaders and agencies
  • Learn about board governance and procedures
  • Gain a deeper awareness of challenges in our community
  • Discover opportunities for board or committee placement

To be a Blueprint Scholar, one should:

  • Demonstrate community involvement
  • Display leadership ability
  • Represent Midland's diverse communities 
  • Show commitment to local nonprofits

To be a Blueprint Mentor, one should:

  • Be involved in the community
  • Currently or previously have served on a local, state, or national board
  • Be willing to:
    • Work with a Blueprint Scholar(s) by providing guidance, advice, and feedback
    • Serve as the Blueprint Scholar(s) role model, counselor, advisor, sponsor, and advocate 
    • Meet one on one outside of the scheduled sessions with Blueprint Scholar to provide additional support and answer questions
    • Help the Blueprint Scholar(s) achieve their goals to become a better version of themselves

Click here for Mentor and Scholar expectations.

Apply:

Applications for the 2024/2025 cohort will open June 21st, 2024 and close on August 9th, 2024.

  • Project Blueprint Mentor Application: Click here.
  • Project Blueprint Scholar Application: Click here.

Additional Information:

Scheduling: The group meets regularly on the 2nd Thursday of the month, October - March for leadership training and mentor sessions, starting with a Kick-off Retreat in September and culminating in graduation in April. Note: Board Fair on March 20th, an event where scholars will connect with local nonprofits.

Project Blueprint 2024/25 Curriculum and Schedule (Note: Dates / Times may change)

  • Blueprint Scholar and Mentor Applications Close: August 9, 2024
  • Project Blueprint 2024/25 Class Announced: August 19, 2024
  • Acceptance Packet & Registration Fees Due: August 19-27, 2024
  • 30|30 Alice Simulation Training (Optional): September 5, 2024 (9am - 1pm)
  • Project Blueprint Kick-Off Retreat/Mixer: September 14, 2024 (9am - 2:30pm)
  • Training Sessions:
    • October 10, 2024 (6 - 8pm)  -  Strategic Planning & More
    • November 14, 2024 (6 - 8pm)  -  Governance & Fiduciary Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards 
    • December 5, 2024 (6 - 8pm)  -  Financial Management and Transparency for Nonprofit Boards
    • January 9, 2025 (6 - 8pm)  -  Board's Role in Resource Development
    • February 13, 2025 (6 - 8pm)  -  Public Speaking: "Perfecting My Elevator Speech" Session
    • March 20, 2025 (11am - 1pm)  -  Board Fair / Nonprofit Networking (Mandatory) 
    • April 10, 2025 (5:30 - 7:30pm)  -  Project Blueprint Graduation

Cost: The fee for Project Blueprint is $50 (one-time payment). This amount includes all materials, learning sessions, and mentoring sessions for the program. We ask that each participant contribute a nominal fee on or before the day of the Kick-off Retreat. (We accept cash, or you can give an online donation at www.uwmidland.org). Note: The fee is liable to change in 2025.

Questions: Email sbanuelos@uwmidland.org or call 432-685-7710 for more information.