The Center for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR Center) at Waynesburg University and the Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management (BCNM) at Robert Morris University announced that 10 local nonprofits have been selected to participate in the initial "PREP: Partnerships, Resources, Expertise and Power for Nonprofits” cohort.
The nonprofits, which serve Greene and/or Washington counties, include Arc Human Services, CASA for Kids, Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern PA, Flenniken Public Library, Leadership Washington County, Literacy Council of Southwestern PA, TRPIL (Transitional Paths to Independent Living), Washington Area Humane Society, Washington Health System Foundation and Washington Symphony Orchestra.
The PREP Program was specifically designed to develop effective partnerships and fund-development strategies, two of the greatest needs identified by the CSR Center’s recent research assessing the impact of COVID-19.
“The leadership by both universities to find new ways to assist our nonprofits in a time of need, will build upon the already strong community that we have in southwestern Pennsylvania,” said Laural Ziemba, director of public affairs for Range Resources. “Nonprofits have acutely felt the impacts of the pandemic, and this program will undoubtedly serve to facilitate their sustainability. Supporting our community and human services is imperative to the success of our region and [is] a pillar of Range’s core values.”
Eighteen nonprofit organizations applied for the competitive program. Nonprofits were evaluated according to a variety of factors, including recent history of partnership or collaboration, evidence of fundraising knowledge, impact within the community and the organization’s anticipated goals from participation, among other factors.
The selection panel was comprised of representatives from the CSR Center, BCNM, Washington County Community Foundation, Community Foundation of Greene County and the program’s corporate sponsors, EQT Foundation and Range Resources.
The 10 nonprofits will participate at no cost, thanks to funding from the EQT Foundation and Range Resources.
“The past year has been a challenge for many nonprofits, but we are so fortunate in this region to have both the Bayer Center, as well as the members of Waynesburg’s CSR Center, to engage with nonprofit leaders in this way,” said Ellen Rossi, president of the EQT Foundation. “I am very encouraged by the curriculum that the cohort will experience, and I know the process will be incredibly worthwhile for all.”
This intensive program will educate executive leadership personnel so that they will be able to enhance their organization’s long-term sustainability.
The program will consist of eight, three-hour sessions that will begin Friday, Feb. 19, and conclude Friday, April 16, and will be led by BCNM with the help of guest speakers, case studies and other supplemental materials.
Session topics will include an overview of partnership and collaboration, developing 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.
Data from the CSR Center’s 2020 COVID-19 Impact Assessment was a catalyst in the creation of this program and naturally led to the partnership between the CSR Center and BCNM. The survey conducted by the CSR Center found that most nonprofits that responded needed help with strategic planning, specifically in the areas of fundraising and partnership development.
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.
