Grass Roots Organizations to Receive Federal Grant Money
In 2006, The Erie Community Foundation commissioned the Urban Institute to conduct a study that would yield a profile of nonprofit organizations in Erie County. The results of the study showed that nonprofit organizations represent approximately 10% of the local economy in terms of employment and total commerce. “Nonprofits have emerged as a major force in shaping our region’s quality of life,” said Bob Wooler, director of the Nonprofit Partnership.
To continue the sustainability of the nonprofit sector, The Erie Capacity-Building Collaborative announced a new initiative for small, grassroots organizations--both faith-based and community-based. Called the Compassion Capital Grant, the grants will help smaller nonprofits develop skills in leadership, organization, programs, revenue strategies and community engagement.
The Erie Capacity Building Collaborative launched the public meetings with a press conference. Pictured are: David González, program officer of The Erie Community Foundation, Amanda Brown Sissem and Jeremy Bloeser who are both technical assistant planners at GECAC, Stephan Chapman, director of Erie Weed and Seed and Bob Wooler, director of the Nonprofit Partnership.
For the initiative to come to fruition, the Department of Health & Human Services awarded GECAC with $1.2 million in federal grant money to provide grants, training, and technical assistance over the next three years. Nonprofits can apply for the grant money through a competitive sub award process.
“Our goal is to increase the effectiveness of smaller organizations,” said Ed Sitter, executive director of GECAC. “We will target five critical areas of capacity building including leadership development, organizational development, program development, revenue development strategies and community engagement. All these skills are essential to the vitality of nonprofits.”
The three agencies representing the Erie Capacity-Building Collaborative have over 52 combined years of service in Erie County. “We are dedicated to improving the nonprofit sector,” Wooler continued. “Our goal is to provide educational opportunities and technical assistance for organizations to build leadership and maximize their positive impact on Erie County. This grant money ultimately affects us all and the quality of life in Erie County.”
The Erie Capacity-Building Collaborative includes:
The Greater Erie Community Action Committee (GECAC)
The Nonprofit Partnership (NPP)
Erie Weed and Seed