Empower your Team for Greater Impact

Unlock your team’s potential with a Professional Development Award from QCS!

Description

For a limited time, QCS is offering pro bono professional development training and coaching for nonprofits and government agencies. With a hands-on, interactive approach, your team will gain valuable insights and practical skills, helping you lead with empathy and affect change in your community.  These programs are designed to support 3 goals.

Strengthen Leadership

Empower your team to lead with vision and purpose, fostering a positive and productive organizational culture.

Enhance Collaboration

Promote teamwork and equip your team to work together seamlessly, catalyzing your mission and improving outcomes.

Increase Impact

Build the skills and knowledge needed to maximize your impact and drive positive change in your community.

Award Options & Eligibility

QCS intends to make 5-10 awards in summer 2025.  The following options are available.  Organizations may apply for both options, but each option has a separate application form.​
Option 1: Professional Development Seminar 
Option 1: ​Professional Development Seminar (Estimated Value $4000)
Recipients will receive one (1) free 3-hour professional development seminar for up to twenty (20) participants.  All participants must be employees of the organization that receives the award.  The recipient must be a 501(c)3 or a government agency.  Only one (1) application will be considered from each organization or agency.  Recipients can choose from in-person or remote instruction.  In-person delivery must take place in the State of Ohio.  Each seminar includes:
  • An expert facilitator with professional, scholarly, and practical experience with the topic
  • Teaching methods based on cutting-edge adult learning theories that enhance memory, recall, and retention  
  • Research-driven content designed to support different types of learners (introverts, extroverts, visual learners, auditory learners, etc.) 
  • Practical strategies for enhancing team collaboration, communication, and skills 
  • Interactive training exercises, simulations, activities, and discussions that help participants develop expertise
  • A learning packet with materials and resources that inspire, motivate, and accelerate skill development.

Recipients can choose from one of the following seminars:
  • Having the Hard Discussions: Communicating Under Pressure- Learn how to confidently approach and manage difficult conversations, fostering open communication and mutual respect.  This program equips your team with strategies for navigating conflict and addressing delicate topics while maintaining positive relationships.  Master the art of resolving issues constructively and ensuring that all voices are heard. 
  • Avoiding Toxic Productivity- Eliminate the clutter in your daily life by balancing productivity and well-being.  This program provides practical skills and techniques to help leaders manage their time, set boundaries, avoid burnout, and support well-being.  Learn to balance multiple demands, reduce anxiety, and maximize your productivity in your day. 
  • Giving & Receiving Feedback- Enhance your ability to provide constructive feedback and receive feedback gracefully. This program offers practical techniques to foster a feedback-rich environment where continuous learning and development thrive. Strengthen your team's performance through effective communication and active listening.  ​
Option 2: Leadership Coaching
Option 2: Leadership Coaching (Estimated Value $2500)
Recipients will receive one (1) coaching program for one (1) participant.  The recipient must be employed at a 501(c)3 or a government agency and hold the equivalent of an assistant/associate director-level position or higher.  Multiple individuals from a single organization or agency may apply.  All coaching sessions are conducted virtually.  Each program includes:
  • Seven (7) virtual 60-minute coaching sessions with a certified professional coach 
  • A personalized Growth Plan with action steps designed to support your unique goals, needs, and skill development  
  • 15 hours of additional content to reinforce learning and help you build expertise between sessions 
  • A learning packet including books, podcasts, videos, digital resources, and activities that inspire, motivate, and accelerate development 
  • Post-session summaries and check-ins to create a supportive coaching environment 
  • A Recharge & Recover unit designed to support self-care and prevent burnout  
  • A 1-month post-program check-in to reconnect with your learning and promote continued growth 

Recipients can choose from the following coaching topics:
  • Emotional Intelligence- Strengthen your emotional intelligence to gain a deeper understanding of your own emotions and effectively manage them. This program provides practical insights on identifying emotional triggers, increasing self-awareness, and creating a supportive work environment. Develop your leadership skills by building meaningful connections and promoting collaboration.
  • Mastering Workplace Communication- Develop the skills to communicate with empathy, build stronger relationships, and foster trust. This program emphasizes the importance of active listening and respectful dialogue. Enhance your leadership skills by connecting with others on a deeper level and creating a supportive environment. 
  • Building Resiliency Through Proactive Change Management- This program equips leaders and organizations to anticipate and shape future change rather than merely reacting to it.  Through structured methodologies grounded in research and foresight, participants will learn to recognize emerging trends, assess potential disruptions, and cultivate a culture of adaptability.  The program emphasizes scenario planning, systems thinking, and risk analysis to help professionals develop forward-looking strategies that enhance organizational resiliency.  By shifting the focus from crisis response to proactive preparedness, this technique empowers participants to lead confidently in dynamic environments. 
  • Adaptive Leadership- This program delves into the diverse spectrum of leadership models, equipping clients with the knowledge and skills to adapt their leadership style to various situations and team dynamics.  Participants explore transformational, transactional, participatory, situational, and cosmopolitan leadership approaches.  Through a blend of theoretical insights, practical exercises, and personalized sessions, leaders will gain a comprehensive understanding of these models and learn how to apply them effectively in their organizations.  ​

Apply Now

Applications are now open for the summer 2025 competition.  Please note that you cannot save your application information and return to it at a later time.  You must complete the form and submit it at the same time. 

Professional Development Seminar Application
Organizations can submit their application using the link below.  To prepare for your application, we recommend writing your response to the following question in a word document in advance: In a separate document, describe the biggest barriers your organization faces in leadership development and how this program could help overcome them in 500 words or less.  Provide examples of specific challenges you face or goals you are trying to achieve. ​
Leadership Coaching Application
Candidates can submit their application using the link below.  To prepare for your application, we recommend writing your response to the following question in a word document in advance: In a separate document, describe how your selected coaching program would strengthen your leadership skills in 500 words or less.  Provide examples of specific challenges you face or goals you are trying to achieve.  

Questions?

Contact Dr. Beth Laux at [email protected] or +1.419.318.9035 with any questions or concerns.

Terms & Conditions

1. Overview  
Quest Cultural Solutions, LLC (“Provider”) is offering complimentary leadership coaching and professional development seminars to eligible nonprofit organizations and government agencies. The purpose of this promotion is to support mission-driven entities in enhancing leadership, communication, and operational effectiveness.  

2. Eligibility and Selection  
  • Professional development seminar awards are open to registered nonprofit organizations and government agencies in the United States.  Leadership coaching awards are open to employees of U.S. nonprofit organizations and government agencies who hold the equivalent of a director-level position or higher. 
  • Multiple individuals from a single organization or agency may apply for leadership coaching.  Only one application will be accepted from each nonprofit or agency for professional development seminars.
  • All awardees must reside in the United States.  
  • Provider retains the sole discretion to select awardees based on alignment with program objectives, availability, and organizational needs.  
  • Provider reserves the right not to select awardees, decline participation, or revoke any granted awards at any time for any reason.  

3. Awardee Responsibilities  
  • Award recipients are responsible for securing and covering the costs of catering, venue, IT/audiovisual equipment, internet access, and facilities necessary for the coaching sessions or seminars.  
  • Award recipients must ensure that all required accommodations and their associated costs for attendees, including technological and accessibility requirements, are arranged independently.  
  • Award recipients are responsible for securing and covering any costs associated with translators, interpreters, sign language interpreters, listening devices, visual aid technology, and braille transcription. 

4. Tax Deduction Documentation  
  • Award recipients must provide a tax deduction letter recognizing the value of the pro bono services rendered. The letter must include an official acknowledgment of the service, the date of delivery, and a reasonable estimated value in accordance with applicable tax laws. Awardees receiving leadership coaching must obtain this letter from their employer.
  • Failure to provide the required documentation may result in disqualification from future promotions or withdrawal of participation.  

5. General Terms  
  • The Provider makes no guarantees regarding the outcomes or impact of the coaching or seminars.  
  • No monetary compensation or equivalent will be provided in lieu of the services offered.  
  • All professional development seminars must be delivered by June 30, 2025.  All leadership coaching programs must be concluded by August 15, 2025.
  • The Provider reserves the right to modify, suspend, or terminate the promotion at any time without prior notice.  

By participating in this award, organizations, agencies, and individuals acknowledge and agree to abide by the terms outlined above.