No matter our heritage, background, or religion, what we have in common is that we are connected by shared interests and geography. COMMUNITY The more we learn and understand each other, the stronger our bond. EDUCATION The more we educate our citizens, the stronger we grow as a community.

Jefferson County Nonprofit Alliance, the educational arm of Jefferson County Community Foundation, provides opportunities for our community nonprofits to work together and learn ways to strengthen their organizations. By providing leadership to nonprofit organizations working toward long-term sustainability, we assure that the investment we make now will benefit future generations.

The Alliance draws from a wide range of professionals in nonprofit organizations and philanthropy to share knowledge in areas such as donor relations, board development, fund development, marketing and communications, and making successful grant applications.

Nonprofit Leadership Program was developed with the generous support of the Medina Foundation and Satterburg Foundation. The objectives of this program are to assist local nonprofits to:

Cultivate board leadership that results in improved governance that is distinguished by active involvement, rather than passive 'filing a seat'.

Communicate with the public about the value of nonprofits and their important role in meeting community needs.

Develop funding strategies that focus on building a base of individual giving.

Institute strategies for long-term sustainability.

Network with each other, explore potential collaborations, and share experiences.

Click here for schedule of 2010 workshops! Bookmark this site and check back frequently to stay current on JCNA educational opportunities.

The annual Grantmakers Forum brings together philanthropy professionals and the staff of local nonprofits, and is a great example of how the Alliance is helping to strengthen local non profit organizational capacity building. A panel of grantmakers review each grant application and choose recipients before an audience. Discussing the merits of each application and giving constructive suggestions for improved grantwriting provides a rich learning environment for nonprofit organizations.

Congratulations to 2009 Grantmakers Forum recipients Centrum's Young Artists' Project and Jefferson Community School.

What are they saying about the Non Profit Alliance?

“Jefferson County Non-profit Alliance is just what we need! It is opening a valuable door of possibilities for strengthening the leadership of non-profit organizations in our community. I value this opportunity to be part of a learning community where we can discover common ground, explore fresh ideas, receive feedback and hone our skills. Just imagine the potential this Alliance offers us to better serve the people of our community and affect positive change on vital and often complex issues facing us today and in the future”.—Mary Ann Seward, Jumping Mouse

"I was totally impressed by the level of expertise, goodwill and dedication to community that was apparent and remarkably energizing for all in attendance at the Grantmakers Forum this year. Great proposals, great critiques and advise from the panel, and great leadership from Kris and JCCF. With an assets like this, Jefferson County can continue to expect a bright future."

---Mary Gay, Director, Boiler Room

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