Nonprofit Networking Hub 2.28.25

Friends! On Feb 28, @Growing Good Consulting hosted their 2nd monthly Nonprofit Networking Hub: Final Fridays. The gathering of passionate non-profit leaders revealed pressing challenges and urgent requests for assistance. To drive collaborative solutions and empower their vital work, I've compiled their needs below.

Connections to Success - https://connectionstosuccess.org/ - Their mission is to inspire individuals to realize their dreams and achieve economic independence by providing hope, resources and a plan. Their fundraising team faces the challenge of sustaining a lifetime support program aimed at lifting individuals out of poverty, a model that presents unique funding obstacles. While federal funding covers the initial year, long-term financial stability remains a concern. In addition to their core services, they are affiliated with Dress for Success - https://kansascity.dressforsuccess.org/about-us/ - , offering clients a week's worth of professional attire. To expand their reach and share this resource, they encourage other non-profit organizations, particularly those serving women, to connect clients with their clothing services by emailing Anna or Paula. They are also actively seeking volunteers to serve as personal shopping experience facilitators.

Job One - https://www.jobonekc.org/ - The community employment team focuses on bridging the gap between individuals with disabilities and meaningful employment. They offer comprehensive services, including skills and interest assessments through short-term job trials. Volunteer activities play a crucial role in expanding participants' job exploration and opening doors to various career paths. In addition, their summer work experience program, specifically tailored for high school students with IEPs, empowers students to choose their work experiences. To support these initiatives, the team also hires interns to lead worker groups. Their annual GALA, a "Cause-ino" night at Arrowhead, serves as a significant fundraising event. Tickets can be purchased here. - https://www.jobonekc.org/event/causeino/ -  If your company is interested in exploring a collaboration, or you know a high school student interested in an internship experience this summer, you can reach out to Kim Hankins.

CASA of Johnson & Wyandotte Counties - https://www.casajwc.org/ - Provide a meaningful voice and connection that instills hope and builds resilience for children who have experienced abuse and neglect. Securing consistent funding remains a critical challenge, particularly as the organization aims to expand its volunteer capacity amidst recent budget cuts. Compounding these financial pressures are internal concerns stemming from mandated DEI changes. While National CASA provides the core curriculum, recent directives requiring the removal of all DEI-related language have further complicated matters. Individuals interested in volunteering should complete the inquiry form on the organization's website, and the volunteer director will subsequently provide further information.

Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council - https://incthrives.org/ - A neighborhood improvement organization comprised of the residents in the Ivanhoe neighborhood and the growing number of partners committed to the accomplishment of Ivanhoe’s vision of becoming a thriving community. 

Ways you can help Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council include:

1. Contacting via email, letter, or call to our Mayor and local city council and also state representatives (Yolanda Young & Barbara Washington) in support of our organization and need for funding support for local food systems work. 

2. Visiting Ivanhoe during farmers market season (every 2nd Saturday May thru October at 9am-1pm)

3. Attending monthly community meetings every 4th Saturday at 2pm

4. Donating via https://donate.stripe.com/6oEeWM94YdHZ4dq6oo OR buying a t-shirt via our fundraising campaign here: https://ivanhoe-farmers-market.square.site/s/shop 

5. Following us on social media (@ivanhoekcmo) and getting involved by volunteering or joining one of our committees!

Alana also asked me to share that for small nonprofits or community-focused small businesses, Ivanhoe Neighborhood Center a has shared workspace available for just $100 month. This includes WiFi, on-site parking, shared kitchen, and a phone line. 

Our discussion centered mostly on how federal funding is impacting nonprofit organizations, and how that translates to the work they are able (or not) to do. If you have a favorite organization you support, I encourage you to reach out to them to find out what these uncertain funding dynamics mean to them.

If you are a nonprofit affected by the uncertainty of federal/ government funding, I encourage you to share loudly and widely the impact it has on your organization as a whole AND how that trickles down to the ability to fulfill your mission. I also encourage you to make sure your board members are deeply connected with that messaging so they can be advocates for the organization. If you need help with that, please message me.