The Changing Role of Philanthropy: Helping Non-Profit Entities Succeed

I recently attended a panel discussion hosted at Rockland Community College and coordinated with St. John Fisher College with the above title. We were welcomed by Dr. Josephine Moffett, Site Director, Ed.D. Program in Executive Leadership at St. John Fisher College. RCC's new president Dr. Michael Baston was the moderator. Panelists included Malcolm A. Punter, President and CEO of Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Diane Serratore, Executive Director of People to People in Rockland, Dr. Pela Selene Terry, Corporate Compliance Officer, Community Based Services Inc. and Co Founding Board member of Heart to Heart Empowerment and Dr. Christoph Winkler, Program Director of the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Iona College.

I encourage you to research each of these individuals. They were experienced, interesting and articulate and provided new perspectives on how non-profit organizations can begin to think differently to transform in a time when there is often less funds and greater need for services. Here are some of the take-aways from the discussion, they include statements from some of the panelists but also my own thoughts on how non profits should think differently:

Identify partnerships. Work with other organizations whether non-profit or for-profit to provide services and find ways to meet both organization's missions and goals.

'New and innovative' is what is going to attract new donors. They want to hear fresh ideas and new ways they can get involved and support organizations who need funding or other support.

Identify what your non profit's assets are. What value do you bring to your potential donors? Big and small.

Make partnering with your non profit "good business."

If you run a non profit consider looking at it through an entrepreneurial lens and not a "needy" lens.

Best practices include: transparency, integrity, identifying where you are in the life cycle of your organization, staying true to your mission, good governance, asset management and deal structuring.

There is no lack of passion among staff and volunteers of non profits. How can you transfer that passion to your potential funding sources?

Do these four things and you will find success: 1. be grounded to your mission. 2. be able to discuss metrics. 3. give meaning to what you do through story telling. 4. Doing the other 3 will make your organization matter to the people you want to attract including staff, volunteers and funding sources.

The workshop was free. I encourage you to find other events around the county to attend to broaden your knowledge and do some free networking. Visit www.rocklandeventscalendar.com to find events or follow this calendar https://www.burbio.com/states/New-York/Nanuet/rockland-events-calendar-hosted-by-gmg-public-relations