Project Blueprint. Who Are We?

The mission of Project Blueprint is to expand the diversity of Erie’s nonprofit Boards by developing the ability, drive, and leadership capacity of ethnically diverse individuals who commit to serve on the Board of local nonprofit organizations. Started in 1993 by the United Way of Erie County, the program is now a partnership between the United Way and The Nonprofit Partnership with support from a variety of community-based partners. Over the past 18 years, over 350 new leaders in Erie have developed their leadership skills and civic awareness through Project Blueprint.  The 2012 training program leading to service on a nonprofit board continues with a series of small group discussion sessions:

May 31  - Understanding Nonprofit Finances

June 12 - The Board and the CEO

June 21 - The Current Climate for Nonprofits in Erie

July 11  - Board Fundraising and Being an Ambassador

For times and locations, see the events page.

Project Blueprint. How it works.

Recruitment for Project Blueprint launches in February and continues through April, as the program receives applications from and interviews ethnically diverse candidates who are interested in contributing to the community through service on nonprofit Boards. After a class is selected, participants come together for a half day  conference in the spring during which they learn about the responsibilities of Board service and the larger civic, political, and funding environment in which nonprofit organizations exist. Participants review and reinforce this learning and explore options for service in Erie in follow-up discussion groups during the spring and summer months. Beginning in the fall and continuing during Project Blueprint alumni events, participants turn their attention to securing places on local Boards and using their new knowledge and skills to serve the community through their work with nonprofit organizations.