Nonprofits invited to learn about strategic collaboration

VERO BEACH — Strategic nonprofit collaboration is the focus of a special workshop for Indian River County nonprofit organizations on Feb. 25 from 8-11:30 a.m. at Quail Valley River Club.

True Collaboration and the Networked Nonprofit is hosted by Indian River Community Foundation, in partnership with Quail Valley Charities.

There is no charge for nonprofit leaders and board members to attend, but reservations are required and must be made by Feb. 20 online at www.IRCommunityFoundation.com or by emailing [email protected].

Kerry Bartlett, Executive Director of the Indian River Community Foundation, said strategic collaboration is an important consideration for nonprofit organizations in this challenging economic environment.

To help nonprofits explore such opportunities, Quail Valley Charities recently established the Quail Valley Charities Nonprofit Collaboration Fund at the Indian River Community Foundation.

The fund is offering grants to help underwrite the costs associated with strategic nonprofit collaboration for organizations that focus on children and education.

“As nonprofit leaders started inquiring about the grant, we realized that everyone has a slightly different definition of what nonprofit collaboration means. This workshop is a chance to learn not only what true collaboration is, but leave with tools that will help nonprofits incorporate collaboration into their long-term strategy,” Bartlett said.

The session will be led by Dr. Jim Penrod and Jana Ertrachter, nonprofit consultants who have successfully led similar workshops in the Jacksonville area. At the completion of the session, participants will:

1.  know the difference between traditional collaboration and “true collaboration”

2.  understand the leadership qualities required for high-performing nonprofits of the future

3.  have strategies for creating an organizational culture that is responsive and adaptable to collaboration

4.  hear from other nonprofit leaders who are forging collaborative initiatives

5.  develop a set of individual priorities that can ensure readiness for collaboration

Although the Quail Valley Charities Nonprofit Collaboration Fund grant is open only to nonprofits working in the field of children and education, Bartlett said this workshop is appropriate for all nonprofit executives and board members.

“The workshop will help nonprofit leaders think about how they can work together to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life in our community,” Bartlett said.

The Indian River Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Indian River County through donor-driven philanthropy.

Founded in 2005, the organization began operating formally in 2008 and, in partnership with its donors, has since facilitated over $10 million in charitable contributions to nonprofit organizations, with more than 85 percent of those funds staying within Indian River County.

Since its inception in 2001, Quail Valley Charities has awarded $2.5 million to nonprofit organizations and programs in Indian River County that focus on children and their education.

Funds are raised through the annual week-long Quail Valley Charities Cup, which has traditionally included a golf tournament, 5-K race, and a Gourmet Wine and Guest Chef Dinner, among other activities.

To learn more about the workshop or the Quail Valley Charities Nonprofit Collaboration Fund at the Indian River Community Foundation, please visit the website www.IRCommunityFoundation.com or call (772) 492-1407.

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