Sabbatical
Current Status:
Reopening Spring 2026
For any inquiries, please reach out to admin@durfee.org.
Eligibility
Individual candidates for this program should:
- Be outstanding leaders who have a demonstrated track record of contribution to the community, such as active participation on boards, commissions, working groups, or community forums
- Hold the title of CEO or Executive Director and reports directly to the nonprofit organization’s governing body. (Employees of educational institutions and government agencies are not eligible for this program)
- Have worked a minimum of ten years in the nonprofit sector
- Have been in the principal leadership role for at least four years without significant leave at their current organization
- Be committed to staying at the organization for at least the next two to three years
- Be eager to participate in a peer network of program alumni
- Reside in Los Angeles County
- Have financial need
The candidate’s employing organization should:
- Be a nonprofit organization (fiscally sponsored organizations, government agencies and educational institutions are not eligible)
- Be located in and focused on Los Angeles County
- Have a supportive board/advisory board and staff leadership
- Be recognized by its community of stakeholders and peers for its vision, leadership, and partnership
- Have at least five full-time paid staff, including the candidate
- Look to the applicant’s sabbatical as an opportunity to develop more distributed and sustainable leadership within the organization
- Offer its endorsement of the leader’s request for a sabbatical
- Need financial assistance to underwrite the candidate’s leave
- Be able to sustain regular operations during the candidate’s absence
Durfee is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and therefore seeks organizations whose mission, values, and staff are rooted in and reflect the communities they work with. We highly encourage organizations to apply that work with historically marginalized communities, including but not limited to BIPOC, LGBTQ, low-income communities, etc.
Questions? Please contact Stella Chung at stella@durfee.org.
Review Criteria
The Sabbatical review panel will consider each application in light of these questions:
Role and Tenure
- Has the candidate been in a CEO or Executive Director role of a nonprofit for at least the past four years?
- Has the candidate worked in the nonprofit sector for at least ten years?
Leadership Beyond the Organization
- Has the candidate demonstrated leadership outside their organization?
- Will the candidate participate in and contribute to the sabbatical peer network?
Organizational Readiness
- Is there experienced staff in place to take over interim leadership and manage the workload during the sabbatical?
- Is the organization well poised to take advantage of this opportunity — i.e., does the organization have stable finances, no significant debt, not in transition, or dealing with any other issue that would destabilize the organization?
- Is the board supportive?
- Does the organization have good values and clear policy around staff sustainability? (Vacation policy, etc.)
- Does the organization support a culture of care, even though its expression may have been limited because of inadequate funding?
Timing
- Is this a good moment, both personally and professionally, for the leader to step away?
- Is there a sense of urgency about why this year is the right year for the individual as well as the organization?
- Is the candidate committed to remaining for at least the next three years at their organization?
Candidate Readiness
- Does the candidate have a good plan for the sabbatical that is not work-related?
- Does the candidate really seem capable of disengaging from work?
- Has the candidate taken advantage of vacation time available to them?
Financial Need
- Could the candidate afford to take a leave without financial subsidy when household income is considered?
- Does the organization have an endowment or a sufficiently large budget that would suggest it could underwrite the sabbatical without Durfee support?
Professional Development
- Does the organization support the professional development and sustainability of its staff?
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Sabbatical grant cover?
The Durfee Foundation provides a grant of $60,000 for the purpose of supporting a three-month Sabbatical for nonprofit leaders. The Foundation also provides a Staff Support Fund in the amount of $15,000 to the organization to 1) reward interim leaders and/or 2) create or augment professional and well-being support to the staff.
We are the co-directors of a nonprofit. Can both of us submit an application?
Co-directors may apply, but only one can apply in the same application cycle. The other may apply in the next round if one is selected.
I work for an organization that is not in Los Angeles County. Can I apply to the Sabbatical Program?
No. Applicants must both work and be rooted in Los Angeles County.
There is no way that my organization can spare me for more than a month. Can I apply for a shorter sabbatical?
No. The program requires a sabbatical of three consecutive months.
Can I break my sabbatical into two six-week segments?
No. The program requires a sabbatical of three consecutive months.
If I receive the Sabbatical this year, when does my Sabbatical need to begin?
Fellows must begin their Sabbatical within one year of receiving the award. Most fellows leave 9 to 11 months after receiving the award to allow time for organizational preparation.
I work for a small nonprofit. Am I eligible?
Yes, if there is a strong leadership structure and at least five full-time staff. Organizations with budgets under $1.5 million have historically been less competitive.
I work for a very large nonprofit. Can I apply?
Yes, but the organization must demonstrate financial need to underwrite the candidate’s leave. Organizations with substantial endowments or reserves may not qualify.
Why aren’t employees of governmental or educational institutions eligible to apply?
Durfee cannot mandate government HR policy changes required to support sabbaticals. Educational institutions typically already have regular break periods, and the foundation prioritizes its limited resources for nonprofit organizations.
My organization is in the midst of major changes and transition. Am I still eligible?
Major organizational changes may raise concerns during review but do not automatically disqualify an applicant. Applicants are encouraged to discuss their situation with the foundation.
I am self-employed and do freelance work in the nonprofit sector. Can I apply?
No. Only full-time paid staff are eligible.
I have been a lifelong volunteer in the nonprofit sector. Am I eligible?
No. The program is open only to paid staff.
I am not the Executive Director, but I have senior management responsibility. Can I apply?
No. The program is designed for the most senior leader who reports directly to the board and has ultimate responsibility for the organization.
I am planning on retiring in the next few years. Am I eligible?
No. The program is intended for leaders who plan to remain in their position for at least the next three years.
How are Sabbatical awardees selected?
Awardees are selected by a review panel of Sabbatical alumni, along with Durfee trustees and staff, using the program’s review criteria.
Why does the application ask for family income?
The foundation prioritizes applicants who may not be able to self-finance restorative breaks. Household income, financial obligations, and dependents help the panel understand financial need and context.