Candid is seeking applicants for the Collaboration Circle for Leaders Serving Boys and Men of Color. Now in its sixth year, this unique program helps build the capacity of nonprofit organizations, and social institutional leaders to serve and achieve stronger outcomes for boys and men of color in the Central and Eastern parts of the United States.  

This year, we are encouraging nonprofits in collaborative partnerships to apply jointly and participate as a team in the virtual 10-week, intensive training program. The Collaboration Circle is supporting leaders in building their leadership skills, strengthening their partnerships and networks, and sharing best practices. All these components are essential in becoming stronger grantee and contract partners. Candid is committed to providing a variety of skills that are vital to building sustainable organizations ready to tackle the issue of impact and achievement for boys and men of color.  

*If you apply with a partner organization, please note both partners must be an established 501(c)3 organization, have a fiscal sponsor, or be an established program within a formal institution.   

Application

EACH organization must fill out the application.

• Use the Application Guide to get a preview of the questions: https://bit.ly/AppGuide23
• Follow this link to fill out the application: bit.ly/BMOC23

Key dates:   

• Applications must be received by February 13, 2023   
• Finalists will be announced on a rolling basis until February 24, 2023 
• Mandatory program orientation is on Friday, March 3, 2023 

Collaboration Circle Schedule:   

• Orientation: Friday, March 3, 2023, 10AM-1PM ET   
• Session 1: Friday, March 10, 2023, 10AM-1PM ET
• Session 2: Friday, March 17, 2023, 10AM-1PM ET  
• Session 3: Friday, March 24, 2023, 10AM-1PM ET  
• Session 4: Friday, March 31, 2023, 10AM-1PM ET   
• Session 5: Friday, April 7, 2023, 10AM-1PM ET 
• Session 6: Friday, April 14, 2023, 10 AM-1PM ET   
• Session 7: Friday, April 21, 2023, 10AM-1PM ET  
• Session 8: Friday, April 28, 2023, 10AM-1PM ET    
• Session 9 (final presentations): May 12, 2023, 10AM ET  

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you mean by collaborative partnership?  

Collaborative partnerships are organizations that are planning to, or already have a program together.  

Who is eligible to participate?   

Participants must be an executive director, CEO, or a part of the leadership team of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or an established program within a formal institution.    

The nonprofit organizations or programs must:   

• Provide programming designed to serve boys and/or men of color   
• Have at least one full-time staff member   

• Provide services to boys and men of color in at least one of these states: AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, KS, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV 
• Submit an organizational or program budget   

Can an organization that participated in the past return this year? 

Yes! If you want to return with a partner, or a different leader at your organization, we welcome you.  

How can a busy leader participate? Can more than one person from my organization be a part of the Collaboration Circle?  

We know leaders are busy, for this reason organizations in the Collaboration Circle are required to have a Primary and Secondary participant. Both people should be leaders in the organization who can back each other up with assignments and attendance.  

What is the required commitment for the program?   

For positive results, one participant from each partnership will:   

• Attend and actively participate in orientation and all virtual training sessions   
• Complete self-paced classes (estimated to take up to 4 hours) 
• Complete required homework (estimated to take up to 6 hours) 
• Create and deliver the final presentation  
• ake a Pre-and Post-Assessment, and Feedback Survey designed to give Candid insights on how to do this work best     

Why is the focus on organizations serving boys and men of color?   

Nearly every major indicator of economic, social, and physical well-being shows that boys and men of color in the U.S. do not have access to the structural supports and opportunities needed to thrive. This results in negative consequences not only for the boys and men themselves, but also for society at large.   

Nonprofits addressing achievement among boys and men of color often tackle this complex social issue with tight finances, small teams, and limited opportunities for staff to learn, grow, and regroup from the many demands that are common to the field.   

Is there a final project?   

Yes, each partnership will have the opportunity to share the final version of their program or project with a panel of funders and stakeholders. Each participant will receive actionable feedback.