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Manatee needed space for community building. Foundation fills the gap

The power of some places undeniably inspires conversation, ease and possibility. When you enter them, they naturally create an invitation to participate. A few years ago, leaders in Manatee County sought to create such a space for the thousands of people who have one common purpose: making our world a better place through giving. They recognized that the visions we each hold for our community may be different, but the need for a physical space to think big and dream together is the same. Last year at this time, the Manatee Community Foundation moved into the result of this well-planned intention — a newly renovated 5,000-square-foot building made possible by hard work and many generous contributors.

Spotlight

Ethiopian Global Initiative, Inc.

The Ethiopian Global Initiative is an international nonprofit organization that combines and captures the social and intellectual capital of students and professionals for the transformation of Ethiopia through a new generation of socially responsible leaders. Working throughout the world, the Initiative serves as a catalyst for community-based projects to promote civic engagement and economic prosperity.

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Nonprofit Management

Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud Spring 2020 Release: What’s New

Article | July 28, 2022

As members of the nonprofit Salesforce community, we’ve become accustomed to regular releases of new functionality. We review Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP) notes on bug fixes, patches and enhancements that appear like magic in our orgs every couple of weeks without batting an eyelash, but not all releases are created equally. The two planned for April 29 and May 27 are far more than just a few code tweaks; they’re hearty – meaty, requiring some time to really sink your teeth into them (and I’m not just saying this because I’m ready for breakfast).

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Nonprofit Management

3 Soft Skills Every Fundraiser Needs

Article | July 14, 2022

"Soft skills" are a hot topic of discussion in recent years, especially in the business world. Many companies are beginning to prioritize hiring candidates with these interpersonal attributes because it’s easy to teach someone how to do a task. It’s much harder to teach people communication, problem-solving, and relational skills. Nonprofits are no exception. "Soft skills" are the unquantifiable abilities that help you build healthy relationships, communicate effectively, and make you an excellent fundraiser. Lacking these attributes could cause you to miss or misunderstand important things in conversations with current and potential donors (and your staff). Because so much fundraising happens online now (via websites, social media, and the telephone), it’s easy to assume that these soft skills are less valuable. On the contrary, they’re actually more important because every interaction carries more weight. We rounded up three soft skills every development professional should cultivate to boost your online fundraising.

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Nonprofit Management

Is Your Nonprofit Struggling to Retain Donors?

Article | July 13, 2022

If you gather a group of nonprofit professionals and ask what their biggest fundraising challenges are, many will likely say they don’t retain enough of their donors. Are you one of them? Do you find yourself asking, “why is my nonprofit struggling to retain donors?” It’s no secret that long-term, repeat donors help you raise more money. And we know that the average donor retention rate for nonprofits hovers around 45 percent. But why has this number remained flat for years while nonprofits continue to focus on donor retention? We find there are a few key reasons why nonprofits struggle to retain donors. And you know that no two donors are the same and there is no one-size fits all approach to fundraising. But while the solution for each nonprofit may be different, many are struggling to retain donors for similar reasons.

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5 Steps to Increase Community Awareness for Your Nonprofit

Article | April 12, 2020

Your community can potentially boost your nonprofit’s efforts and take your organization to new heights. But how do you get the community to fall in love with your nonprofit? This can be tough for both established and startup nonprofits alike. If your community isn’t as involved as you’d like, launch a community awareness campaign and endear yourself to your community in 5 simple steps!

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Nonprofit Management

Non-Profits Cannot Afford to Ignore These Business Practices

Article | July 28, 2022

As members of the nonprofit Salesforce community, we’ve become accustomed to regular releases of new functionality. We review Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP) notes on bug fixes, patches and enhancements that appear like magic in our orgs every couple of weeks without batting an eyelash, but not all releases are created equally. The two planned for April 29 and May 27 are far more than just a few code tweaks; they’re hearty – meaty, requiring some time to really sink your teeth into them (and I’m not just saying this because I’m ready for breakfast).

Read More
Nonprofit Management

Non-Profits Impacting the Economy

Article | July 14, 2022

"Soft skills" are a hot topic of discussion in recent years, especially in the business world. Many companies are beginning to prioritize hiring candidates with these interpersonal attributes because it’s easy to teach someone how to do a task. It’s much harder to teach people communication, problem-solving, and relational skills. Nonprofits are no exception. "Soft skills" are the unquantifiable abilities that help you build healthy relationships, communicate effectively, and make you an excellent fundraiser. Lacking these attributes could cause you to miss or misunderstand important things in conversations with current and potential donors (and your staff). Because so much fundraising happens online now (via websites, social media, and the telephone), it’s easy to assume that these soft skills are less valuable. On the contrary, they’re actually more important because every interaction carries more weight. We rounded up three soft skills every development professional should cultivate to boost your online fundraising.

Read More
Nonprofit Management

4 Challenges that Large Non-profit Organizations Face

Article | July 13, 2022

If you gather a group of nonprofit professionals and ask what their biggest fundraising challenges are, many will likely say they don’t retain enough of their donors. Are you one of them? Do you find yourself asking, “why is my nonprofit struggling to retain donors?” It’s no secret that long-term, repeat donors help you raise more money. And we know that the average donor retention rate for nonprofits hovers around 45 percent. But why has this number remained flat for years while nonprofits continue to focus on donor retention? We find there are a few key reasons why nonprofits struggle to retain donors. And you know that no two donors are the same and there is no one-size fits all approach to fundraising. But while the solution for each nonprofit may be different, many are struggling to retain donors for similar reasons.

Read More

5 Steps to Increase Community Awareness for Your Nonprofit

Article | April 12, 2020

Your community can potentially boost your nonprofit’s efforts and take your organization to new heights. But how do you get the community to fall in love with your nonprofit? This can be tough for both established and startup nonprofits alike. If your community isn’t as involved as you’d like, launch a community awareness campaign and endear yourself to your community in 5 simple steps!

Read More
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Spotlight

Ethiopian Global Initiative, Inc.

The Ethiopian Global Initiative is an international nonprofit organization that combines and captures the social and intellectual capital of students and professionals for the transformation of Ethiopia through a new generation of socially responsible leaders. Working throughout the world, the Initiative serves as a catalyst for community-based projects to promote civic engagement and economic prosperity.

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Nonprofit Management, Financial Management

U.S. Senate Federal Credit Union Demonstrates Commitment to Community with $65,000 in Charitable Contributions

PR Newswire | January 03, 2024

Recognizing the escalating demands faced by community nonprofits, the U.S. Senate Federal Credit Union (USSFCU) in Alexandria, Virginia, proudly announces its recent distribution of $65,000 to seven deserving nonprofits. These funds are poised to amplify the significant impact these organizations have both locally in the metropolitan Washington region and on a broader national scale. USSFCU President and CEO, Timothy L. Anderson, emphasized the credit union's longstanding commitment to community welfare, stating, "Giving back to the communities in which we live and work has always been integral to our mission. Through these donations, we aim to express our gratitude to these organizations for their tireless efforts in strengthening our communities." The donations, ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, have been strategically allocated to support regional food pantries, shelters, and disaster relief programs. Each beneficiary was carefully chosen by USSFCU's leadership team, reflecting a deep connection to the hearts and minds of credit union staff. The initiative commenced in mid-December, as Anderson and a select group of USSFCU representatives embarked on a series of check presentations at local locations. During these visits, they gained insights into the impactful work undertaken by each organization and presented them with a symbolic check. Beneficiary organizations and their respective donations include Capital Area Food Bank - $20,000 SOME (So Others Might Eat) - $10,000 Mattie Miracle Cancer Foundation - $10,000 ALIVE! (Alexandria) - $5,000 Carpenter's Shelter - $5,000 American Red Cross – $15,000 In addition to the monetary contributions, USSFCU actively engaged in hosting holiday donation drives, collecting toys, food, and winter essentials for the mentioned organizations. USSFCU members and staff were encouraged to participate by bringing their donations to the Credit Union's Bowman Branch location. The collected items will be delivered to the respective beneficiaries in the coming weeks, further reinforcing USSFCU's commitment to community support and well-being.

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Social Movements and Community, Philanthropy

Planet Financial Group Partners with National Forest Foundation

PR Newswire | August 28, 2023

Planet Financial Group, a fully integrated family of companies delivering innovative origination, servicing and asset management solutions, has renewed for a fifth year its partnership with the National Forest Foundation (NFF), the official nonprofit partner of the U.S. Forest Service. Through the partnership, Planet will have funded the planting of more than a quarter-million trees in our National Forests. "Our Planet With a Purpose platform supports organizations and initiatives that share our global perspective and sense of purpose," said Planet Financial Group CEO and President Michael Dubeck. "Every day, we strive for a better home, a better community and a better Planet. That's why we are proud to renew our partnership with the NFF, which leads forest conservation efforts essential to the environment and health of the planet." Planet's support includes funding native habitat restorations, post-fire planting and reduction of wildfire risk through sustainable forest management. As a partner and supporter of the NFF, Planet will fund the planting of 75,000 trees in National Forests across the Gifford Pinchot, Lincoln, and Mississippi national forests in Washington, New Mexico and Mississippi, respectively. "Working via our Planet With a Purpose ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Platform, we pass on our success by sustaining initiatives that restore and enrich our planet," Dubeck added. "We're honored to continue this journey with NFF and make a positive impact on our shared national forests." "We are extremely pleased to receive support from environmentally conscious companies that prioritize the health of our environment," said Mindy Crowell, Director of Reforestation Partnerships at NFF. "Planet continues to show its dedication and support in restoring and improving our shared national forests." About the National Forest Foundation The National Forest Foundation (NFF) promotes the enhancement and public enjoyment of the 193-million-acre National Forest System. By directly engaging Americans and leveraging private and public funding, the NFF improves forest health and Americans' outdoor experiences. The NFF's programs inform millions of Americans about the importance of these treasured landscapes. Each year, the NFF restores fish and wildlife habitats, plants trees in areas affected by fires, insects and disease, improves recreational opportunities and enables communities to steward their National Forests and Grasslands. Learn more at www.nationalforests.org. About Planet Financial Group, LLC Planet Financial Group, LLC, Meriden, Connecticut, is a fully integrated family of companies delivering innovative origination, servicing and asset management solutions. Through this synergistic ecosystem of products, services and technologies, PFG provides best-in-class experiences for investors pursuing value maximization and borrowers seeking streamlined end-to-end loan lifecycle support. PFG is the parent of Planet Home Lending, LLC and Planet Management Group, LLC, which also does business under the name Planet Renovation Capital.

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Social Movements and Community, Philanthropy

Community Access Receives Grant from Affinity Legacy to Support Vital Mental Health Program

PR Newswire | August 22, 2023

Community Access, a New York City-based mental health nonprofit, received a grant from Affinity Legacy to support the organization's East Village Access (EVA) program. This long-running psychiatric rehabilitation and treatment program in the East Village supports adults in their recovery and life goal-setting using a PROS model (Personalized Recovery Oriented Services). EVA is a critical mental health program with an open-door policy: all are welcome, and EVA does not exclude participants based on insurance coverage or lack thereof. Many participants are un-housed, all live with psychosocial disabilities, and most have minimal treatment options because they often struggle with both substance use and mental health concerns. Participants from all five boroughs access EVA, but over the past two years, many come from zip codes hardest hit by COVID-19 in neighborhoods with poor mental health and treatment options and severe food insecurity. "Thanks to Affinity Legacy's grant, we're going to be able to continue to bring rehabilitation and support services to people no matter what their financial or insurance situation may be. By welcoming all, EVA ensures that no community members are left out and EVA's vital services are available to all who need them," said Cal Hedigan, Chief Executive Officer of Community Access. "Affinity Legacy is proud to partner with Community Access to provide meaningful, accessible mental health and addiction recovery services to those most vulnerable. The work of East Village Access is critical to building a strong community and is aligned with the values Affinity Legacy holds most dear: Fostering sustainable, quality health care for all," said Clara Hansen, Executive Director of Affinity Legacy. About Community Access Founded in 1974, Community Access is a provider of supportive housing and support services in New York City for people living with mental health concerns. Rooted in the simple truth that people are experts in their own lives, Community Access expands opportunities for people living with mental health concerns to recover from trauma and discrimination through affordable housing, training, advocacy, and healing-focused services. Community Access provides person-centered services that help people pursue goals that are important to them – from gaining access to an affordable home, to learning new skills; from re-establishing community ties, to setting goals for the future. About Affinity Legacy, Inc. Affinity Legacy, Inc., is a Bronx based non-for-profit dedicated to building a lasting legacy of access to care that improves the health and well-being of the neediest New Yorkers. Guided by the near forty years of work of its predecessor organization, Affinity Health Plan, Affinity Legacy focuses on five pillars critical to strong communities: mental health, food security, incarcerated individuals and consumer health education / workforce advancement. Affinity Legacy supports community based programs in the five boroughs of New York City, as well as Nassau, Orange, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties.

Read More

Nonprofit Management, Financial Management

U.S. Senate Federal Credit Union Demonstrates Commitment to Community with $65,000 in Charitable Contributions

PR Newswire | January 03, 2024

Recognizing the escalating demands faced by community nonprofits, the U.S. Senate Federal Credit Union (USSFCU) in Alexandria, Virginia, proudly announces its recent distribution of $65,000 to seven deserving nonprofits. These funds are poised to amplify the significant impact these organizations have both locally in the metropolitan Washington region and on a broader national scale. USSFCU President and CEO, Timothy L. Anderson, emphasized the credit union's longstanding commitment to community welfare, stating, "Giving back to the communities in which we live and work has always been integral to our mission. Through these donations, we aim to express our gratitude to these organizations for their tireless efforts in strengthening our communities." The donations, ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, have been strategically allocated to support regional food pantries, shelters, and disaster relief programs. Each beneficiary was carefully chosen by USSFCU's leadership team, reflecting a deep connection to the hearts and minds of credit union staff. The initiative commenced in mid-December, as Anderson and a select group of USSFCU representatives embarked on a series of check presentations at local locations. During these visits, they gained insights into the impactful work undertaken by each organization and presented them with a symbolic check. Beneficiary organizations and their respective donations include Capital Area Food Bank - $20,000 SOME (So Others Might Eat) - $10,000 Mattie Miracle Cancer Foundation - $10,000 ALIVE! (Alexandria) - $5,000 Carpenter's Shelter - $5,000 American Red Cross – $15,000 In addition to the monetary contributions, USSFCU actively engaged in hosting holiday donation drives, collecting toys, food, and winter essentials for the mentioned organizations. USSFCU members and staff were encouraged to participate by bringing their donations to the Credit Union's Bowman Branch location. The collected items will be delivered to the respective beneficiaries in the coming weeks, further reinforcing USSFCU's commitment to community support and well-being.

Read More

Social Movements and Community, Philanthropy

Planet Financial Group Partners with National Forest Foundation

PR Newswire | August 28, 2023

Planet Financial Group, a fully integrated family of companies delivering innovative origination, servicing and asset management solutions, has renewed for a fifth year its partnership with the National Forest Foundation (NFF), the official nonprofit partner of the U.S. Forest Service. Through the partnership, Planet will have funded the planting of more than a quarter-million trees in our National Forests. "Our Planet With a Purpose platform supports organizations and initiatives that share our global perspective and sense of purpose," said Planet Financial Group CEO and President Michael Dubeck. "Every day, we strive for a better home, a better community and a better Planet. That's why we are proud to renew our partnership with the NFF, which leads forest conservation efforts essential to the environment and health of the planet." Planet's support includes funding native habitat restorations, post-fire planting and reduction of wildfire risk through sustainable forest management. As a partner and supporter of the NFF, Planet will fund the planting of 75,000 trees in National Forests across the Gifford Pinchot, Lincoln, and Mississippi national forests in Washington, New Mexico and Mississippi, respectively. "Working via our Planet With a Purpose ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Platform, we pass on our success by sustaining initiatives that restore and enrich our planet," Dubeck added. "We're honored to continue this journey with NFF and make a positive impact on our shared national forests." "We are extremely pleased to receive support from environmentally conscious companies that prioritize the health of our environment," said Mindy Crowell, Director of Reforestation Partnerships at NFF. "Planet continues to show its dedication and support in restoring and improving our shared national forests." About the National Forest Foundation The National Forest Foundation (NFF) promotes the enhancement and public enjoyment of the 193-million-acre National Forest System. By directly engaging Americans and leveraging private and public funding, the NFF improves forest health and Americans' outdoor experiences. The NFF's programs inform millions of Americans about the importance of these treasured landscapes. Each year, the NFF restores fish and wildlife habitats, plants trees in areas affected by fires, insects and disease, improves recreational opportunities and enables communities to steward their National Forests and Grasslands. Learn more at www.nationalforests.org. About Planet Financial Group, LLC Planet Financial Group, LLC, Meriden, Connecticut, is a fully integrated family of companies delivering innovative origination, servicing and asset management solutions. Through this synergistic ecosystem of products, services and technologies, PFG provides best-in-class experiences for investors pursuing value maximization and borrowers seeking streamlined end-to-end loan lifecycle support. PFG is the parent of Planet Home Lending, LLC and Planet Management Group, LLC, which also does business under the name Planet Renovation Capital.

Read More

Social Movements and Community, Philanthropy

Community Access Receives Grant from Affinity Legacy to Support Vital Mental Health Program

PR Newswire | August 22, 2023

Community Access, a New York City-based mental health nonprofit, received a grant from Affinity Legacy to support the organization's East Village Access (EVA) program. This long-running psychiatric rehabilitation and treatment program in the East Village supports adults in their recovery and life goal-setting using a PROS model (Personalized Recovery Oriented Services). EVA is a critical mental health program with an open-door policy: all are welcome, and EVA does not exclude participants based on insurance coverage or lack thereof. Many participants are un-housed, all live with psychosocial disabilities, and most have minimal treatment options because they often struggle with both substance use and mental health concerns. Participants from all five boroughs access EVA, but over the past two years, many come from zip codes hardest hit by COVID-19 in neighborhoods with poor mental health and treatment options and severe food insecurity. "Thanks to Affinity Legacy's grant, we're going to be able to continue to bring rehabilitation and support services to people no matter what their financial or insurance situation may be. By welcoming all, EVA ensures that no community members are left out and EVA's vital services are available to all who need them," said Cal Hedigan, Chief Executive Officer of Community Access. "Affinity Legacy is proud to partner with Community Access to provide meaningful, accessible mental health and addiction recovery services to those most vulnerable. The work of East Village Access is critical to building a strong community and is aligned with the values Affinity Legacy holds most dear: Fostering sustainable, quality health care for all," said Clara Hansen, Executive Director of Affinity Legacy. About Community Access Founded in 1974, Community Access is a provider of supportive housing and support services in New York City for people living with mental health concerns. Rooted in the simple truth that people are experts in their own lives, Community Access expands opportunities for people living with mental health concerns to recover from trauma and discrimination through affordable housing, training, advocacy, and healing-focused services. Community Access provides person-centered services that help people pursue goals that are important to them – from gaining access to an affordable home, to learning new skills; from re-establishing community ties, to setting goals for the future. About Affinity Legacy, Inc. Affinity Legacy, Inc., is a Bronx based non-for-profit dedicated to building a lasting legacy of access to care that improves the health and well-being of the neediest New Yorkers. Guided by the near forty years of work of its predecessor organization, Affinity Health Plan, Affinity Legacy focuses on five pillars critical to strong communities: mental health, food security, incarcerated individuals and consumer health education / workforce advancement. Affinity Legacy supports community based programs in the five boroughs of New York City, as well as Nassau, Orange, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties.

Read More

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