It is the season for new beginnings—start of a new school year, football season taking off, the arrival of fall with its vibrant colors and cooler weather. This is also the time to create opportunities to build new philanthropic relationships within our communities.  As fundraisers and grant writers, we should remember to match the organization’s mission to the dreams of donors and evolve the relationship into a mutually satisfying vision for the community. Isn’t that what we’re all about - making where we live a better place for all?

Not only is it the season for pumpkins and upcoming holidays, it is also the time in which many non-profits host their fund-raising galas or events. Throughout the course of the affair, one should be sure to mingle and get to know new faces that are being exposed to the organization’s cause. Follow-up with those folks to ensure you can keep them involved. Using the community and professional networks will bring you funding leads you might not find otherwise. Attending local events, picking up annual reports from other organizations, being active in professional and community organizations, developing networks with other grant and development professionals, and other networking activities are all viable means by which to establish new affiliations.

So, as you enjoy the hustle and bustle of the fall season, be aware of new venues for establishing new relationships. It may be through a formal introduction or, a casual conversation as part of a delightful fund-raiser gala for your favorite charity. Regardless, become engaged in the community and make a difference. I can guarantee you will be surprised at the results!
 

Today’s Grant Website:
Georgia Center for Nonprofits
http://www.gcn.org

For twenty years, The Georgia Center for Nonprofits has served as a cornerstone of support for the nonprofit community; through a wide range of services and support including training, policy work and advocacy, job services, consulting, networking, and when needed, a sounding board to bounce ideas off of.

The Georgia Center for Nonprofits provides an array of services supporting Georgia companies and their philanthropic involvement through:

• Creating visibility and leadership opportunities for corporate partners through events, forums and media work
• Providing data and research about current or potential nonprofit partners
• Disseminating and sharing information about community investment strategies, administrative practices and procedures with corporate peers 
• Strategically matching business leaders to nonprofit boards
• Convening peers and partners around networking and learning opportunities
• Strengthening volunteer programs
• Providing employees who volunteer or serve on boards with access to expertise and support that maximizes time and monetary investments and reduces risks

Free newsletters are available covering a wide variety of topics ranging from job and funding opportunities to what is upcoming on the news front for nonprofits.  Subscription information is available on the website.