The Center for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR Center) at Waynesburg University and the Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management (BCNM) at Robert Morris University announced today “PREP: Partnerships, Resources, Expertise and Power for Nonprofits,” an executive leadership program aimed at helping nonprofits in Greene and Washington counties navigate the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
“From the early months of the pandemic, the Center has been actively engaged with its Advisory Board, exploring ways in which our community can collectively help local nonprofits survive this crisis,” said Stacey Brodak, vice president for Institutional Advancement and University Relations at Waynesburg University. “Our COVID-19 Impact Assessment led us to the creation of this program that will help nonprofits address the challenges they now face, including fundraising, partnerships and long-term sustainability.”
The initial group will be limited to 10 nonprofits that operate or offer services in Greene and/or Washington counties. Nonprofits of any size can apply, but they must be an incorporated, nonprofit entity with 501(c)(3) status, have a board of directors, in operation for at least 12 months and have an executive director or equivalent position.
This program is intended to not only educate nonprofit leadership personnel about partnership and fund development, but also provide meaningful, lasting relationships."
Applications will be reviewed by the CSR Center, BCNM and members of the CSR Center’s Advisory Board, Washington County Community Foundation and the Community Foundation of Greene County.
Nonprofits will participate at no cost thanks to funding from CSR Center member companies EQT Corporation and Range Resources.
“This program is intended to not only educate nonprofit leadership personnel about partnership and fund development, but also provide meaningful, lasting relationships that will benefit their organizations for months, and hopefully, years to come,” added Brodak.
The program will take place over eight Friday morning sessions beginning Feb. 19 and ending April 16.
Session topics will include an overview of partnership and collaboration, development of personal leadership skills, building trust and communicating with stakeholders, understanding legal process and structure, developing a fundraising plan and producing effective presentations and social media strategies.
“It is a real pleasure to work with this exemplary group of leaders who have asked their local partners for direction on the most useful topics for study,” said Peggy Outon, director of the Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management. “They have given BCNM the opportunity to bring research-based curriculum and local expertise to explore two key areas of nonprofit management as we all work together to build healthier communities.”
Applications are due no later than Tuesday, Jan. 26, and successful applicants will be notified by Friday, Feb. 5. To apply, visit waynesburg.edu/prepapp.
The CSR Center’s 2020 COVID-19 Impact Assessment found that approximately 60% of nonprofits that responded decreased their services since March 2020, and most needed help with strategic planning, specifically in the areas of fundraising and partnership development. Only half of the nonprofits that responded indicated that they have connections to larger nonprofits.
For more information, email csr@waynesburg.edu or visit waynesburg.edu/csr.
About the Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management
For more than twenty years, the Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management at Robert Morris University has helped to build stronger, more knowledgeable nonprofits through collaboration, patience and relationships. The Bayer Center works with clients to provide effective and practical management and governance tools, information, education and research that strengthen nonprofit missions and multiply all investments of time, talent and money in regional nonprofit organizations.
About the Center for Corporate Social Responsibility
The Center for Corporate Social Responsibility at Waynesburg University launched in 2018 with a $250,000 commitment from Chevron. The Center seeks to build a network of practitioners in the region, dedicated to sharing best practices in corporate social responsibility work. As a membership organization of nearly 20 regional and national corporations, the Center represents a variety of industries, including banking, construction, energy, law, manufacturing and technology. The Center operates from the Waynesburg University Southpointe Center.
