The Participants
Up to 25 CHDO executives, located in the state of Illinois will be selected and progress through the program at the same pace. Participants must be:

• Executive directors, senior level managers and/or officers of a certified CHDO that has received or expects to receive HOME funds within one year;
• Able to attend two 1/2 day face-to-face sessions in Chicago. The initial orientation session is on October 20th, 2011. Another session will be held at the conclusion of the program. The date is to be determined.
• Nominated by the local HOME Participating Jurisdiction (PJ); and
• Approved by HUD

There are no specific educational minimums for acceptance into the Program.
 

The Requirements
Each participant must have online access to participate in the weekly presentations and discussions.  To receive a certificate, participants must:

• Complete orientation activities, including a two-hour orientation meeting and a brief online tutorial in the use of the Blackboard technology
• Actively participate in 15 weeks of online presentations, readings, discussion groups and activities (which can be done at any time during each week);
• Complete a final integrating activity for each of the three courses; and
• Present a final “capstone” project designed to integrate learning from the course in the specific CHDO setting and make necessary improvements to the mangement of the CHDO.

Participants should expect a weekly commitment of 4 – 6 hours.

Operating Grant Funding
Participants who are accepted and complete the instructional phase of the program will also become eligible for operating grant funding to assist them in making improvements to the management of their CHDOs. Each CHDO will be allowed to request a $10,000 operating grant to implement improvements identified in their "capstone" project.


The Schedule
This cohort of students will begin Thursday, October 20th at a face-to-face orientation to be held in Chicago, IL. Expected program completion is February 2011. A detailed schedule is forthcoming. 


The Courses
Strategic Planning for CHDOs
This five-week course examines CHDO management from a strategic perspective.  It will provide a solid foundation in CHDO regulatory requirements, and provide a strategic framework for CHDO managers to direct the future activities of the organization.  It will show participants how to examine their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and to develop and implement strategic plans that are focused on being a more successful CHDO.  Click here for more details.

Effective Operations Management 
A Toolbox for CHDO Managers provides an introduction to the fundamentals of program design and evaluation, human resource management, communication skills, and team building.  Participants examine the steps of the program planning process, explore the characteristics of an effective manager, and consider the best practices for team-building conflict resolution strategies. Click here for more details.

Financial Management for CHDOs
In this five-week course, participants will learn how effective managers exercise financial control of CHDOs organizations.   The course will examine CHDO financial requirements, and apply those requirements in seven key points of financial control:   policies and procedures, budgets, cash management, purchasing, asset control, financial reports and audit.  Click here for more details.


How to Apply

Support from the local HUD office and the local HOME participating jurisdiction is required to apply for this program. Click here for more details