Helping nonprofits achieve string of successes

Whenever I tell a partner nonprofit that our grants come with “strings attached,” I’m always happy to explain. These strings aren’t limitations. They’re lifelines.

When we award a grant, it’s not just about providing funds. We also offer something more: a heartfelt string attached. It’s our way of saying we’re invested in your long-term success, not just your short-term needs. And that support goes beyond dollars. It helps meet the often-overwhelming challenges nonprofits face while operating on limited budgets.

Because we’re more than a granting organization, the Foundation also offers a host of training opportunities through our Nonprofit Leadership Center. These classes cover a wide range of topics: from operations, financials, and HR, to legal issues, marketing, and fundraising. Some sessions are led by our staff, while others utilize local experts with deep knowledge and real-world experience.

Nonprofit staff, board members, donors, and community leaders are welcome to attend for just a nominal fee. Classes are held at the Foundation office in a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters growth and learning. Our goal is to empower local nonprofits with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive, tackle community challenges, and amplify their impact.

Beyond our scheduled classes, we also offer one-on-one support when possible. Earlier this year, for example, we assisted an emerging nonprofit with a needs assessment, helping them gather meaningful data and apply techniques to demonstrate the value of their services. This kind of insight strengthens their case for support and increases their potential to secure additional funding.

Whether through financial support or program advancement, our hope is the same: that every partner nonprofit moves forward with the confidence, skills, and support to one day create their own strong string of successes.

Laura Michalski

Executive Director