The Center for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR Center) at Waynesburg University and the Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management (BCNM) at Robert Morris University announced “PREP: Partnerships, Resources, Expertise and Power for Nonprofits,” an executive leadership program aimed at helping nonprofits in Greene and Washington counties navigate the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
“From the early months of the pandemic, the Center has been actively engaged with its Advisory Board, exploring ways in which our community can collectively help local nonprofits survive this crisis,” said Stacey Brodak, vice president for Institutional Advancement and University Relations at Waynesburg University. “Our COVID-19 Impact Assessment led us to the creation of this program that will help nonprofits address the challenges they now face, including fundraising, partnerships and long-term sustainability.”
The CSR Center’s 2020 COVID-19 Impact Assessment found that approximately 60% of nonprofits that responded decreased their services since March 2020, and most needed help with strategic planning, specifically in the areas of fundraising and partnership development. Only half of the nonprofits that responded indicated that they have connections to larger nonprofits.
Nonprofits will participate at no cost thanks to funding from CSR Center member companies EQT Corporation and Range Resources.
“This program is intended to not only educate nonprofit leadership personnel about partnership and fund development, but also provide meaningful, lasting relationships that will benefit their organizations for months, and hopefully, years to come,” added Brodak.
Session topics will include an overview of partnership and collaboration, development of personal leadership skills, building trust and communicating with stakeholders, understanding legal process and structure, developing a fundraising plan and producing effective presentations and social media strategies.
“It is a real pleasure to work with this exemplary group of leaders who have asked their local partners for direction on the most useful topics for study,” said Peggy Outon, director of the Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management. “They have given BCNM the opportunity to bring research-based curriculum and local expertise to explore two key areas of nonprofit management as we all work together to build healthier communities.”
The initial group is limited to 10 nonprofits that operate or offer services in Greene and/or Washington counties. Nonprofits of any size were able to apply, but had to be an incorporated, nonprofit entity with 501(c)(3) status, have a board of directors, in operation for at least 12 months and have an executive director or equivalent position. Applications were due at the end of January and successful applicants were notified in early February.
Flenniken Library in Carmichaels was one of the nonprofits accepted into the program. Nicole Mitchell, Flenniken’s director, shared, “I was very excited to apply and be accepted to the PREP workshop. It is my goal to move Flenniken Public Library forward into the 21st century.”
“We can only do that with focused leadership and strong community partnerships. I am hoping to obtain new insights, gain new partnerships and become the strong leader this library and community deserves. 2021 marks the 60th year for Flenniken Public Library and I would love to see it flourish in the future and become the community hub that it is meant to be. I feel my participation in this program will help me to make the connections and gain the understanding to drive the library forward,” she adds.
The program takes place over eight Friday morning sessions beginning Feb. 19 and ending April 16. Applications were reviewed by the CSR Center, BCNM and members of the CSR Center’s Advisory Board, Washington County Community Foundation and the Community Foundation of Greene County. FMI, email csr@waynesburg.edu or visit waynesburg.edu/csr.