Visionary Leadership Fund

The Visionary Leadership Fund, administered by the Valentine Foundation, supports the development of current and aspiring women leaders in nonprofit organizations. This initiative specifically focuses on individuals from historically underrepresented groups in leadership roles, including Black, Indigenous, People of Color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with disabilities. Through its targeted approach, the fund seeks to foster a new generation of visionary leaders who embody innovation, inclusivity, and a commitment to social change within their organizations and communities. This opportunity is available to nonprofit organizations operating within the Greater Philadelphia region that meet specific criteria. Eligible organizations must employ at least one paid staff member and either serve a population that is at least 70% women or girls or run a program with similar demographic alignment, including non-binary individuals. The fund is not open to individual applicants unaffiliated with a qualifying nonprofit organization. However, applicants and nominated individuals must coordinate to complete two sections of the application through the fund’s online grant application tool. While leadership development for board members is not the primary goal of the fund, board members may participate as long as a professional executive staff member is also involved. The fund supports a wide range of leadership initiatives and does not restrict applicants to previously funded programs. Proposed initiatives must demonstrate alignment with the fund’s understanding of visionary leadership, which includes attributes such as innovation, influence without formal authority, strategic thinking, and a commitment to core values. Applicants are encouraged to articulate how selected leadership programs will benefit both the nominated individuals and the organization. The application does not support graduate degree tuition, nor does it extend funding to men, even if they work for nonprofits serving women and girls. The 2026 application period runs from December 1, 2025, through February 13, 2026. The Valentine Foundation offers support resources including application tutorials and two virtual Q&A sessions scheduled for December 16, 2025, and January 8, 2026. Although no formal written report is required from grantees, the foundation values ongoing engagement. Nominated individuals will be contacted during their grant period to share insights and feedback on their leadership development experience, and are encouraged to submit a short written statement for use in the foundation’s communications. Applicants can find additional guidance, including sample questions and application previews, via the foundation’s website. The grant application is typically completed by a representative of the organization, who collaborates closely with the nominated individuals. Each application can nominate up to three individuals, though larger teams are permitted to participate if their importance to the leadership initiative is justified in the application narrative. For questions regarding eligibility or the application process, applicants may contact Alexandra V.A. Frazier, Executive Director of the Valentine Foundation, at [email protected] or call 610-283-5579. The fund reflects the Valentine Foundation’s commitment to nurturing inclusive, impactful leadership within the nonprofit sector and remains an important avenue for supporting leaders who are transforming their communities through vision, action, and integrity.

Coordinate responses between applicant and nominated individuals. Emphasize how the initiative supports organizational goals and individual leadership.