Sabbatical

Since its founding in 1997, the Durfee Sabbatical program has awarded more than 100 sabbaticals to outstanding nonprofit leaders in Los Angeles.

Many leaders in the Los Angeles nonprofit sector work under conditions of unrelenting stress, potentially leading to burnout. The enormous demands of their jobs, combined with financial pressure, can prevent them from taking time off for much needed rejuvenation and reflection.

In an effort to replenish the stores of energy and inspiration for our community’s most treasured leaders, the Durfee Sabbatical program offers up to six organizations a total of $60,000 each.* Sabbatical awardees also meet twice a year to engage in cross-disciplinary dialogue.

* $50,000 for the awardees to travel, reflect or otherwise renew in whatever manner they propose, for a minimum of three consecutive months; $5,000 to establish a professional development fund; and $5,000 to support interim leaders.

Goals

• To recognize and reward accomplished nonprofit leaders with an extended break from their work for personal rejuvenation
• To advance the skills and capacity of staff at sabbatical organizations so that they can assume increased leadership
• To encourage shared leadership across the staff
• To advocate for the efficacy of professional development programs at nonprofit organizations, thereby generating widespread appreciation for the critical value of human resources to the sector
• To foster cross-disciplinary dialogue among nonprofit leaders in Los Angeles