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Nonprofit Network Newsletter
August 2019
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NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT
Friends of Pokagon is a new nonprofit working to help Pokagon State Park remain the great place it is. They serve as the fundraising and friend-raising arm of the park, creating buzz and excitement about park activities while fundraising for expansions to programming. Although general operations at Pokagon are supported by entrance fees, the state may not have the funds or may not prioritize certain projects at Pokagon like updating historic structures. Friends of Pokagon hopes to provide a new opportunity for the 680,000 people per year who visit the park to contribute to its long-term viability as well. Their board works with Pokagon staff to determine which projects and updates should be their focus, then the Friends group serves as ambassadors for those initiatives in the community. Although they're just getting started, they have already made an impact on Pokagon with a recent donation of $300 to purchase red light flashlights for nighttime nature hikes. 

Read the full spotlight article here.
SUSTAINABLE
FUNDRAISING TIP
Monthly Giving

One-time, large donations are not always an option for people who would otherwise support your nonprofit’s work. However, some nonprofits have chosen to encourage donors to think about giving in the same way you think about a monthly Netflix subscription. Network for Good and other nonprofit donation platforms often allow donors to make monthly gifts. Promoting this option can allow your nonprofit to reach a new set of donors, including a younger generation. For example, a gift of $15 each month for a year might be easier for some donors than making a one time gift of $180. In addition to helping your nonprofit reach new donors, this strategy can help with your nonprofit's cash flow by adding small, recurring gifts. To follow-up with monthly donors, share regular, quick updates via email to create a feeling of partnership that encourages donors to stay involved and keep giving.
OCTOBER NONPROFIT TRAINING
Creating a Comprehensive Fundraising Plan
October 22, 2019 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
at Club Z, Trine University MTI Center

There's more to fundraising than planning an annual gala. Learn the basics of fundraising and how to create a comprehensive fundraising plan. This training will be led by Laura Macknick, and it is open to nonprofit organizations who serve Steuben County.

Lunch will be provided, so please RSVP by October 15.
UPCOMING SCCF GRANT DEADLINES
Women's Fund: August 30, 2019
Healthcare: October 31, 2019
Education: January 31, 2020
Humanities Fund: Ongoing
Community Funds: Ongoing
NONPROFIT HR TRAINING RECAP
Pam Zarazee, VP of Human Resources at Miller Poultry, led a great nonprofit workshop on August 13th. Her key takeaway was that communication and relationship building are crucial to HR success. This training was less about salary or benefits, and far more focused on how managers need to take the time to establish personal connections with people and build trust. For nonprofits, those people include your volunteers, board of directors, and staff, among others.
COLLABORATIVE
MARKETPLACE
Golf tee markers - Lynn Wernet has close to 100 golf tee markers available that a nonprofit could reuse with new lettering. They are in the shape of a golf ball, originally purchased from TLA signs and used as a fundraiser for a breast cancer organization. If interested, contact her at 260-668-7929.

Swap or donate items, or share information about a volunteer opportunity for your nonprofit here. Email JoAnna to add your information to our Steuben County nonprofit "marketplace." Please note that SCCF will have final discretion over content posted here.
OTHER RESOURCES
  • Check here for workshops hosted by United Way of Noble County, the Community Foundation of Noble County, and the Dekko Foundation.


  • Search for grant funding from foundations outside of Steuben County. SCCF has purchased a 2 year subscription to Foundation Directory Online, which is a great resource for nonprofits to search a national database of grant opportunities. Stop by the SCCF office between 8:30am - 4:30pm to search for grant opportunities, or call the us with questions at 260-665-6656.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Questions? Suggestions for improvements? Contact JoAnna. You may also provide feedback in this anonymous survey.
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