Chamber Foundation: Leadership Dutchess Program - 2026 Day of Service RFP Apply by February 1, 2026

HISTORY OF PROGRAM:

For over 35 years, Leadership Dutchess, a signature program of The Chamber Foundation, Inc., has been dedicated to educating and motivating citizens to serve in leadership roles within our community.
The program is designed to foster the development of a group of professionals who grow and learn together over a nine-month period. Leadership Dutchess sessions are held once per month from September through May. All course work contributes to the knowledge and understanding of leadership.

The annual Day of Service project is coordinated and executed by the members of the class.
The annual Day of Service is a required component of completing and graduating from the Leadership Dutchess Program. It is designed to foster team building, leadership skills, and effective collaboration amongst the participants.

Community-based service organizations and local non-profits that would benefit are encouraged to apply.

IMPORTANT FOR ELIGIBLE ORGANIZATIONS:

-Organizations must be in good standing, a current member of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce, and a 501C(3), non-governmental organization.

-Projects that benefit political or religious purposes will not be considered. In addition, program participants will not solicit donations, prizes, or funds for the awarded organization outside the scope of the proposed project.

WHY YOU SHOULD APPLY:

-The organization awarded will receive up to 40 adult participants, 7:30 AM until 4 PM, generally in April or May (before May 28th, 2026) to complete a project for your organization. The organization will receive publicity/recognition throughout the program year.

THE DEADLINE TO APPLY TO THIS RFP IS FEBRUARY 1, 2026.

PROPOSALS WITH THE FOLLOWING WILL BE SERIOUSLY CONSIDERED:

(1) Projects that can be started and completed in one day; should fill a full days’ worth of work.
(2) Ability to provide a budget/donation for supplies and light fare for volunteers.
(3) Articulate uniqueness and positive impact of the project on your organization.
(4) Bring multiple partners to the project, leverage funds such as matching dollars, and/or attract other volunteers to maximize the project’s benefits.
(5) Planning to begin in February of 2026 with completion before May 28, 2026.

PROPOSAL EXAMPLES (BUT NOT LIMITED TO):

(a) Painting and renovations to improve the safety, usefulness and appearance of facilities.
(b) Adaptive reuse of space or energy efficiency improvements.
(c) Enhance outdoor recreational spaces, such as for youth, seniors, etc.

THE DEADLINE TO COMPLETE THIS RFP IS FEBRUARY 1, 2026
Date of Service: Spring 2026 (prior to May 28, 2026)

Organization Name *

First and Last Name, Title: *

Company Address *

City *

State *

Zip Code *

Phone Number *

Email *

Website *

Year Established *

Mission *

Number of Employees *

Annual Budget *

Fund Balance (unrestricted) *

Briefly describe your major programs and population served: *

How does your organization currently fund activities and projects? *

Provide a detailed description of your proposed Day of Service Project, including any required advance planning, estimate of the number of volunteers and hours needed, draft budget and anticipated project timeline. Please be as specific as possible. *

Describe any partnerships, matching funds or other assets you will use to enhance the project’s value: *

How will this project positively impact your organization and the clients you serve? *

How long has your organization wanted to accomplish this project? *

If a building improvement, is the property leased or owned? If leased, when does your current lease expire and will the landlord approve the project? *

Will skilled or licensed professionals be required and / or a building permit? *

Number of Board Members *

Please Upload - List of the Board of Directors, as of September 1, 2025 *

*If you prefer to use a website link, copy and paste the website link to a Microsoft Word document

Please Upload - An IRS Letter of Determination, dated within the past 5 years. *

- *

By submitting this application, I hereby certify, as the representative of the organization identified in this application, that I am authorized to submit this application on behalf of the organization. Further I understand that the recipient organization will receive written approval for the project and that if selected, the organization has the capacity to undertake the project as proposed.

***Program Class Members Responsible For Planning - Leadership Dutchess will assign two project managers for the intended Day of Service. The assigned two individuals will have the overall responsibility for the successful planning and execution of the chosen project.