Ozarks Empowerment Project
The Community Foundation of the Ozarks recognizes that non-profit agencies, school partners and our network of regional affiliates are the impetus for much of the good and important work that happens in our region.
These groups enhance the quality of our lives, provide needed services and grants to the less fortunate, and offer myriad programs and opportunities that improve our communities.
Yet, we know both our non-profit and affiliate partners struggle with resource development, training and capacity for growth. We hear again and again that our agency partners and affiliates would like training for staff and volunteers, board and resource development skills, and new tools to increase their capacity for community building and the philanthropic causes they embrace.
In response, the CFO is launching the Ozarks Empowerment Project, a series of initiatives to build stronger agencies and stronger communities across the Ozarks.
Click here to view a printable brochure about the Ozarks Empowerment Project and its programs.
The Learning Community
T
his program will offer intensive training and customized technical assistance to 10 non-profit partners over a 10-month period. The CFO has retained X Factor Consulting to provide this capacity-development program, which includes an organizational needs assessment; four one-day group workshops; and onsite, one-on-one coaching sessions.
Who: CFO non-profit agency partners
When: September ’11-May ’12
Contact: Bridget Dierks by e-mail or at 417-864-6199
(Applications closed for 2011-12 program.)
Strengthening Our Communities
Two CFO affiliates will have the opportunity to participate in comprehensive, community-wide strategic planning in collaboration with Missouri Extension and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This 18-month process will involve stakeholders across the community, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and providing input into future community direction. This process would cost about $25,000 if commissioned independently; the two communities selected will be expected to provide only in-kind resources.
Who: Open to all CFO affiliates
Contact: Winter Skelton via e-mail or at 417-864-6199
(Applications closed for 2011-12 program.)
Center for Non-Profit Communications
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he CFO is partnering with Drury University to offer the region’s first Master’s degree level training in non-profit marketing, public relations and communications to achieve strategic goals. Students from this program also are available to work with non-profits on community projects.
When: Opened in June 2011
Contact: Dan Prater, director, 417-873-7443, or at dprater@drury.edu
Scholarships for training programs
The CFO will provide scholarships for non-profit staff members and volunteer board leaders for leadership programs including:
–GO-LEAD: Professional development for non-profits at Missouri State University
–GOLD: The Greater Ozarks Leadership Development for regional leaders offered by Missouri State
–Facing Racism Institute: Two-day sessions on challenging bias in our communities, co-sponsored by the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.
Who: Non-profit, school staff members; affiliate board volunteers
When: Throughout 2011-12
How: Applications available
Contacts:
GO-LEAD and Facing Racism: Bridget Dierks, 417-864-6199
GOLD: Winter Skelton, 417-864-6199
Agency Partner Workshops
The CFO will continue to offer free quarterly workshops and/or webinars on specific topics to our agency partners. To make sure you are on our e-mail lists for these sessions, please contact Bridget Dierks at bdierks@cfozarks.org.
Crowd Support for Your Cause
The CFO is partnering with Springfield-based Marlin Company, a nationally known marketing and advertising firm, to build a “crowdfunding” website that will provide a place for our agency partners, schools and affiliates to build online financial support for projects and encourage an annual Giving Day for the region.
Who: Agency partners, schools, affiliates
When: Launch expected in spring 2012
How: Stay tuned for more information
Contact: Louise Knauer, CFO Senior Vice President, 417-864-6199
Click here to view a printable brochure about the Ozarks Empowerment Project and its programs.
