August 31 Is New Application Deadline for Strengthening Partners Initiative (SPI) August 12, 2005 The Mayor's Office of Partnerships and Grants Development (OPGD) has extended the application deadline for its 2005-2006 Strengthening Partners Initiative (SPI) class to August 31, 2005, at 5 pm. SPI is a free training opportunity for emerging nonprofit and faith-based organizations. The one-year program is designed to help nonprofit professionals move their organizations to the next level of operations and service-delivery. "Through this initiative, OPGD is supporting the Mayor's goal of expanding opportunity for all District residents and strengthening the organizational leadership and management capacity of local nonprofit officials," said OPGD director Lafayette Barnes. Pamela Luckett, executive director of HOPE Worldwide and SPI graduate said, "Participation in the SPI Program over the past year has been an overwhelmingly beneficial experience for us. We have learned so much about where we actually are as an organization and what steps we need to take to further advance our mission in Washington, DC, and the surrounding metropolitan area." Executive directors (or equivalent positions) from organizations located and providing direct services in DC may apply if the following conditions are met: incorporated in DC; 501(c)(3) status from the IRS; annual budget under $500,000; desires professional and organizational growth; and has strong commitment to complete the 12 month program and attendance requirements. The deadline for applications is August 31, 2005, at 5 pm. Applications may be obtained at the link below. For further information, contact OPGD at (202) 727-8900. 2005-2006 SPI Application* * This document is presented in Portable Document Format (PDF) and a PDF reader is required for viewing. Download a PDF reader or learn more about PDFs.