VERO BEACH — Nonprofit executive directors and board members were introduced to a new collaborative effort between Quail Valley Charities and the Indian River Community Foundation; the Quail Valley Charities Nonprofit Collaboration Fund.
The fund offers a new grant opportunity to charities who wish to follow the national trend of collaborative alliances to increase efficiency and awareness.
This new initiative is in addition to Quail Valley Charities’ standard annual granting process and will similarly focus on programs that impact children and their education.
“This is the first ever fund in Indian River County solely focused on two or more nonprofits working together on a collaborative project,” said Kerry Bartlett, Community Foundation executive director.
“There is a lot of duplication among nonprofits. This is geared toward having nonprofits look outside their four walls and work smarter,” Bartlett added.
Maybe they’ll think outside the box,” added Trudie Rainone, vice chairman of the Quail Valley Charities executive committee.
“When we listen to their grant presentations, we see that there is a lot of overlapping. We have wondered what can we do about it. This is a way to address the situation.”
Quail Valley Charities has committed $25,000 from last year’s week-long Quail Valley Charity Cup fundraiser, and the hope is that other individuals and businesses will contribute additional resources to the Collaborative Fund.
“The Community Foundation is happy to facilitate the process and move it along. Whatever it takes. We’re collaborating with Quail Valley Charities on this; showing the nonprofits; here’s a way,” explained Bartlett.
Martha Redner serves as Quail Valley Charities executive director. Wanda Lincoln chairs the Quail Valley Charities executive committee.
Quail Valley Charities has raised more than $3 million over the past 10 years and has distributed $2.5 million to local charities.
“We are looking for sustainable efforts that require a high level of strategy and innovation on the part of the organization,” said Kevin Given, Quail Valley Club co-owner with Steve Mulvey.
“It requires considerable planning that will engage and involve the boards of directors of all the organizations involved in the partnership,” Given added.
“It is important for us to recognize that collaboration doesn’t always happen quickly,” said Becky Allen, Community Foundation board president. “It takes time to implement.”
Allen said they are encouraging either strategic alliances or collaborative efforts towards a more effective use of philanthropic resources.
“By working responsibly together, we will make a difference. We think that it will bring forth some very exciting new ventures,” Allen added.
“There is value to be found in nonprofit collaborations,” said Bartlett. “We have seen this throughout the country.”
Bartlett noted that through the Collaborative Fund the hope is to facilitate meaningful changes to the way nonprofits operate, adding that the effort should be, “Systemic, high level, and strategic. The collaboration should not run out when the funds do.”
Grants will be restricted to covering one time costs of “exploring, evaluating, and implementing” collaborations.
The Community Foundation will coordinate the grant process and is available to offer professional advice and guidance to organizations thinking about applying. They anticipate issuing formal requests for proposals in January with final awards announced in April.
To learn more about the Quail Valley Charities Nonprofit Collaboration Fund, please visit www.IRCommunityFoundation.com or call Kerry Bartlett at (772) 492-1407.
