BUILDING BROADER HORIZONS. A view of Eau Claire in autumn.

A new community program will help staff and board members from local nonprofit organizations access professional development that will help them and their organizations.

Royal Credit Union and the Eau Claire Community Foundation recently announced that they are partnering to create the Royal CU and ECCF Nonprofit Professional Development Fund and Grant Program. The organizations created the program after considering the needs of Chippewa Valley nonprofits, many of which “are without the financial resources to seek or create professional development that would help them help others,” a media release stated. Now, nonprofit board members and staffers will be able to seek grants for training and professional development needs.

“I believe this example of collaboration and giving for the community good will resonate with each of you,” Heather Johnson Schmitz, grant and giving coordinator at RCU, said in announcing the program. “Whether you are a nonprofit leader, philanthropist, board member, volunteer, or simply a curious community member – you each play a critical role in ensuring that Eau Claire is a community that thrives.”

The RCU and ECCF Nonprofit Professional Development Fund and Grant Program will open on Nov. 1, at the same time as ECCF’s regular grant cycle. To learn more about the fund or how to apply or make a donation, visit eccfwi.org and search for “Nonprofit Professional Development.”