COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS SABBATICAL
GRANT
July 31, 2014 (Syracuse, NY) –
The Central New York Community Foundation is awarding a John F. Marsellus Sabbatical
grant to Shane Lavalette, Director of Light Work, an artist-run, nonprofit
providing direct support to emerging and under-represented artists. The John F. Marsellus Sabbatical Program awards
grants to nonprofit executives seeking personal and professional growth.
Shane will take his two-week
sabbatical by traveling to Kaunus, Lithuania where he will have personal time
for reflection and professional development. He will commence his retreat at a residency
in association with the Kaunus Photography Gallery. This visit will provide
Lavalette with the proper setting and time to focus on future photography
projects and writing.
“In the last few years of
establishing my footing at Light Work, I have also made sacrifices for my own
art,” said Lavalette. “The ‘retreat’ week will allow me to return to my
creative side and improve my leadership skills.”
During the development week of
his sabbatical, Lavalette will participate in an International Portfolio Review where he will evaluate the work of
photographers from Eastern Europe. This experience will offer Lavalette an opportunity
to recruit new photographers to apply for a residency at Light Work.
“Light Work has only hosted one
artist from Lithuania,” said Lavalette. “It would be a fantastic opportunity to
see more work by artists of a region such as Kaunus.”
The John F. Marsellus Sabbatical program was created in 2000 to
provide nonprofit executives with a unique opportunity for reflection, revitalization
and growth. The program provides each executive with a stipend and support for
professional development, as well as an additional award to the organization.
Recipients are given the choice between a four-week or an abridged two-week
sabbatical.
This initiative was established
in memory of the late John F. Marsellus, president and owner of the
Syracuse-based Marsellus Casket Company for more than 30 years, to honor his
commitment to enhancing the leadership capacity of nonprofit organizations in
Central New York. Applicants must have served in a management position of a nonprofit
agency in Onondaga or Madison Counties for at least five consecutive years in
order to qualify. Twenty seven executives have participated in the program
since its inception.
Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy
by supporting the growth of permanent charitable endowments for the betterment
of the region. The Community Foundation is the largest charitable
foundation in the region with assets of more than $172 million. It awarded $9.5
million in grants last year to nonprofit organizations and since its inception
has invested nearly $130 million in the community. The Community Foundation
serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and
businesses through the administration of nearly 650 funds. The organization
also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives
designed to strengthen local nonprofits and address the region’s most pressing
challenges.
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