Local nonprofits benefit from leadership series
A Pittsburgh consulting firm is presenting a leadership program for those interested in ways to effectively shape and strengthen Fayette County’s nonprofit sector through management and board service.
DeOrio Strategies Group will conduct a series of six courses taught by business owner Rob DeOrio and Gina Jones starting today at the Connellsville Canteen, 131 West Crawford Ave.
The program is sponsored by the Community Foundation of Fayette County, in partnership with the Fayette County Cultural Trust.
“People always want to know how to improve their skills and to be successful in their development efforts,” said Clara Pascoe, CFFC executive director.
The program will cover leadership, governance, strategic planning, grant writing, sustainability, finance, marketing and social media and is open to anyone interested in nonprofits.
This is the second year for the annual program that initially drew about 25 people making it a big success, according to Pascoe.
“When we improve the nonprofit sector, we improve sustainability,” said Pascoe.
According to Pascoe, the county has over 100 nonprofit organizations and groups, including many that are under the radar.
DeOrio said the need for a leadership program evolved from a lack of opportunity for growth and development for nonprofits in the county.
“Nonprofits are an important part of every community … they fill the gaps in critical needs,” said DeOrio.
When you look at the combined services that nonprofit organizations provide, DeOrio said they make a positive impact on the community and it’s overall health.
Because each nonprofit has its own unique circumstance, DeOrio said the courses are structured with common themes that build upon each other and can also be adapted.
“If you can make a nonprofit stronger, then you’re making the community stronger,” DeOrio said.
The workshops will be held as follows: March 2, leadership; March 16, governance; March 30, strategic planning; April 13 finance; April 27 grant writing/sustainability and May 11 marketing/social media.
Total cost for the course is $100 per person or $25 per individual session with each starting at 5:30 p.m. A light meal will follow with instruction from 6 to 8 p.m.
For more information, contact CCFC at 724-437-8600.
Those interested in joining the Be Local Network can contact Clint Rhodes at 724-439-7518 or by email at crhodes@heraldstandard.com. Discount cards are available at the Herald-Standard, 8 East Church St., Uniontown, and at the Greene County Messenger, 82 West High St., Waynesburg.