SCHOLARSHIPS and EMERGING LEADER AWARD

The Thomas G. Monaco Memorial Fund

Tom Monaco was the lead presenter for the EXCEL leadership development for many years, and sadly, he died unexpectedly in March 2017. The Thomas G. Monaco Memorial Fund was established in his memory, to be used to support nonprofit leadership development training and continuing education in Greater Cincinnati. The fund is used to provide a scholarship each year for EXCEL candidates to further their leadership skills.
Tom’s life was characterized by his passion for education, his dedication to faith, and care for family and friends. During his time as a volunteer consultant and trainer, Tom worked on more than 15 consulting projects and served as a program manager, lead presenter and coach for the EXCEL series with our partnership in the Nonprofit Leadership Institute of Greater Cincinnati. Through his work with NLIGC, Tom supported the leadership training of more than 200 individuals from 125 area nonprofit organizations in our area. He also served as a board member and volunteered for a number of local community organizations including the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, WordPlay Cincy and Linden Grove School.

To give the opportunity for leadership development through our EXCEL program to deserving nonprofit agency leaders, donate to the Thomas G. Monaco Memorial Fund.

Joe Kane Memorial Fund for Scholarship and Appreciative Inquiry

Joe Kane was a leader, thinker, and mentor whose knowledge and wisdom inspired the work of numerous nonprofit organizations and staff. All of us who were fortunate enough to work with Joe are deeply saddened by his sudden passing in June 2023. Joe took the best of what he learned during his time in the corporate world to make for a more vibrant and robust Greater Cincinnati nonprofit sector.
Upon joining OneSource, Joe quickly became a key contributor to the EXCEL program and, in that capacity, impacted the professional growth and futures of numerous nonprofit sector personnel. As an avid proponent of Appreciative Inquiry, Joe also was instrumental in integrating this approach into OneSource’s model for conducting organizational planning. In addition to his work with OneSource, Joe served as a board member with iSPACE, an organization that provides STEM programming. We always were inspired by his deep understanding of leadership, his devotion to developing the most positive aspects of individuals and organizations, and his dedication to the nonprofit organizations and staff with whom he worked.

Donations to the Joe Kane Memorial Fund for Scholarship and Appreciative Inquiry will provide scholarships to participants in the EXCEL program and offset the costs of appreciative inquiry projects conducted by OneSource Center for local nonprofits.

Emerging Leader Award

Strong leadership is essential for nonprofits to thrive and serve their communities effectively. OneSource Center created the Emerging Leader Award to recognize talented nonprofit professionals who demonstrate exceptional promise and a commitment to strengthening the nonprofit sector.

The award reflects OneSource Center’s belief that the nonprofit community benefits when leadership pathways are open to individuals with diverse experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds. By investing in emerging leaders, we help ensure that the next generation of nonprofit leadership reflects the communities our organizations serve.

The Emerging Leader Award provides a full scholarship for the selected honoree to participate in the EXCEL Executive Leadership Program, including one year of executive coaching.

EXCEL, offered through the Nonprofit Leadership Institute (NLI), is a nine-month leadership development program designed for nonprofit executive directors and senior managers who are preparing to take on greater leadership responsibility. Through a cohort learning model, professional coaching, and practical management training, participants strengthen their leadership skills and return to their organizations better equipped to guide their teams and expand their impact.

Eligibility Criteria for OneSource  Center’s Emerging Leader Award:

NOTE: Candidates should be nominated by a supervisor, mentor, peer or other individual close to the candidate being nominated. This is not an application process, but rather an opportunity for those who see leadership qualities in others to nominate them for this award and recognition.

Candidates must:

  • Be a senior management level employee who has the potential for advancing to more challenging leadership roles.
  • Have obtained an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree or higher level of education.
  • Have demonstrated strong leadership skills.
  • Is perceived by the nominator as having emerging skills and talents to advance to a higher level of leadership.
  • Help broaden the range of perspectives and experiences represented in nonprofit leadership.

Selection Process:

  • Nomination deadline is May 31, 2026.
  • A selection panel will review nominations and select the recipient for the award.
  • The honoree will be identified by June 5 and must complete the required EXCEL program application by June 15, 2026.
  • The selected recipient must meet EXCEL enrollment criteria including a commitment to attend each of the 10 full-day sessions (Learn more here)

Download the Application Form here.