Community Acceleration Projects (CAP)

Participate In The Next Best Class Ever!

LEAD Brevard seeks project proposals from Brevard County’s municipalities and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax status for consideration as a Community Acceleration Project (CAP) for the Leadership Brevard Class of 2026.

DEADLINE: Monday, June 30, 2025 Close of Business

CAP DETAILS

2025 - 2026 Community Acceleration Projects Timeline

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT PROPOSAL(S): Monday, June 30, 2025 Close of Business.
Community Acceleration Projects SELECTED: Friday, August 1, 2025
MEETING FOR SELECTED COMMUNITY ACCELERATION PROJECTS
(for selected project representatives)
- (LEAD Brevard will schedule a 1.5-hour meeting in-person with selected Community Acceleration Project representatives to discuss expectations, resources and address questions)
- We will send out a doodle poll for availability for the meeting to take place between August 13-15, 2025
- Meeting Location: LEAD Brevard Office 123 Barton Blvd Suite 101, Rockledge, FL 32955
COMMUNITY ACCELERATION PROJECTS PITCHES (for selected project representatives)
- 90 SECOND PITCH VIDEO DUE TO LEAD BREVARD IN MP4 VIDEO FORMAT MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2025
DURATION OF PROJECT:
- SEPTEMBER 2025 – MAY 2026
“Impact in Action”: CAP Presentations (Presentations by Leadership Brevard Class of 2025 Community Acceleration Project Teams)
- Thursday, April 16, 2026 – Time TBD
COMMUNITY ACCELERATION PROJECT IMPACT REPORT (agency provides LEAD Brevard with a report of the impact the Community Acceleration Project had on the organization/community)
- May 2027
- (approximately 1 year after the completion of the Community Acceleration Project)

Leadership Brevard Program Goals

Community Education: gain a greater understanding of Brevard County
Relationships: build long-term bonds with Leadership Brevard class members
Network: connect and engage the Leadership Brevard class with the alumni network and community leaders

All class members are required to participate in a Community Acceleration Project. Community Acceleration Projects are a leadership learning experience for the participants and provide a meaningful benefit to the community organization.

Project proposals should be designed with the understanding that the Leadership Brevard class is comprised of talented and professionally accomplished individuals. We seek projects with clearly defined end goals that utilize the skills of 7 – 10 team members, with different skills and experience and that will benefit an established 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency or public sector organization.

What Types of Projects Qualify?

The project(s) may be a community service activity or the development of a proposal addressing a community issue, which is presented to key decision-makers.

To view previous Community Acceleration Projects/Leadership Action Projects visit: http://www.leadbrevard.org/leadership-brevard/community-acceleration-projects/

Criteria

The project must fit within the scope of LEAD Brevard’s mission statement – “Working together to strengthen our community by inspiring people to lead” and should be action-oriented with a clear value to the community upon the project’s completion
The project must have clear and defined outcomes, including an outline of the resources required (materials, money, labor, etc.) necessary for success, a plan for securing these resources, and a mechanism or plan for evaluating the project’s success;
The project must have an end (a point at which it can be discontinued or transitioned to a permanent program or another entity; LEAD Brevard and/or the Leadership Brevard annual class/Leadership Brevard alumni do not assume project ownership at the end of a project);
The project should impact a large number of people or affect a group that has a significant need;
The project must be non-partisan (not support a political group, political candidate, or position);
Project proposals must identify the opportunities for leadership development (beyond teamwork and community contributions) as an inherent part of any proposed project;
Project proposals must have the approval of the appropriate governing body and must contribute a by-name staff individual as a direct liaison with the project team. 501(c)(3) nonprofit agencies must also provide the name of at least one Board of Directors’ representative.
No project may be fundraising in nature; any funds raised to support the project are the sole responsibility of the organization/municipality. Leadership Brevard class members’ program participants may NOT engage in fundraising for the project NOR use the LEAD Brevard, Leadership Brevard affiliation or name in any fundraising. Any funding that may be needed to complete the project is solely the responsibility of the nonprofit or municipality organization

Evaluation Process

LEAD Brevard will evaluate proposals submitted by the deadline; one project or several projects may be selected. Additional project proposal information may be requested at the discretion of LEAD Brevard.

Selection Requirements

If your organization’s project is selected, LEAD Brevard expects you (or a designated staff member) to:

Attend virtual or in-person meetings with the project team to assist the team in moving from the general project description/goal to more specific project objectives
Be engaged with the team and available for phone calls and/or meetings and participate in mutual project feedback
NPO or municipality must assign a by-name staff individual to be a direct liaison with the project team
Provide LEAD Brevard with a monthly summary report outlining project status and progress
Upon completion of the CAP project (approximately 1 year later), provide LEAD Brevard with an impact report detailing how the CAP project impacted the organization/community