If you are a frequent reader of this column, you know that in addition to writing about our local nonprofits, I often provide education about the nonprofit sector. So, today I would like to introduce you to a local nonprofit organization that supports our nonprofit community!
A Nonprofit to Support Other Nonprofits
In 2000, a group of passionate nonprofit community leaders created an organization to bring together leaders from our local nonprofit organizations who were dedicated to promoting philanthropic efforts across South Sound. That organization became South Sound Partners for Philanthropy (Partners) and since that start, the organization has had steady leadership as an all-volunteer organization.
“The original intention was to work collaboratively to increase the awareness of local needs and the vital role that giving locally plays in the success and health of our community,” said Jill Rose, current Board President. “Over the years, we have evolved while staying true to the roots of the organization.”
Given that the organization is nearing its 25th anniversary, the board has recently spent time reflecting on its mission, vision, and programs. “We’re still exploring how to ensure we are best serving our membership and community,” said Rose. “Our current “working” mission is to develop nonprofit leaders, to strengthen community organizations, and to celebrate the philanthropist in all of us. After all, philanthropy can be defined as “love of humanity,” and in that way, all of us who love people are philanthropists, however, and how much we give.”
Partners holds monthly membership meetings on the first Wednesday of the month. In addition to opportunities to network, the meetings also offer bite-sized training.
Recent topics have included Volunteer Management (I hear that speaker was awesome!), a Resource Roundup where members shared their favorite resources in a “speed dating” format, and a South Sound Funders Panel.
The October meeting will be tomorrow, Wednesday, October 4, beginning at 9:00 a.m. The subject is the Fundamentals of Focus Groups and will explore the purpose and benefits of focus groups, who to include and how to help participants prepare, how to design effective questions, tips for conducting the session, and more. The monthly meetings are hybrid, so those who participate from outlying areas or can’t easily get to a meeting can still participate and benefit. In addition to monthly topics, Partners offers networking, informal mentoring, and opportunities for service leadership by serving on a committee.
“It’s a great way to build or deepen your skill set while working alongside other nonprofit professionals,” said Rose. “There are lots of ways to access training opportunities, but these are offered free as part of membership. We bring in local, experienced leaders from our community to share their wisdom and expertise and the information is always specific and tailored to our community”.
On Wednesday, November 15, SSFPF will be hosting its annual Celebrate Giving event to celebrate National Philanthropy Day. “This is a time to celebrate the generosity of our community and those who contribute time, talent, treasure, and ties to make our community a wonderful place to live and work,” said Rose.
Partners membership is open to any nonprofit serving the South Sound region. Organizations from Thurston, Mason, Lewis, Grays Harbor, and Pacific Counties are all welcome.
Membership rates are based on the size of the organization and partial and full fee waivers are available to make membership accessible to smaller organizations.
“We really want to make sure that our organization represents the vibrancy of our community and is inclusive and welcoming,” said Rose. “I think in some ways, Partners is a hidden gem in our community. Member organizations know about us and our vision to create a thriving community. But there are many smaller nonprofits and many people newer to the nonprofit arena, who may not know about us yet. We’d love for that to change. If you’re new to the community, new to your role, or new to nonprofit work, Partners is a great place to make personal and professional connections and access training and insights into the local community”.
Go to www.ci.Tumwater.wa.us/CleanUpDropOff for full details and if you are interested in volunteering for the event, contact Todd Anderson at volunteer@ci.tumwater.wa.us or call (360) 754-4164.
Soliciting your ideas
If you know of a nonprofit that is doing something great, celebrating a success, needs some outstanding volunteers, or hosting an event, let me know! This column (aside from a little education) celebrates nonprofits!
Mary Beth Harrington, CVA (Certified Volunteer Administrator) lives in Tumwater. She travels the country speaking at conferences and to individual organizations articulating issues facing nonprofits. Send your ideas to her at MaryBeth@theJOLTnews.com
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