Relationships at the Heart of Giving

01 November 2011

by Jennifer Dolge, CFNCW Director of Donor Services and Communications

“Taking this class has been a life changing experience.” That was just one of many similar statements by participants of the Advanced Fundraising Program (AFP) which just concluded last week. I snapped photos as Susan Howlett, program instructor, distributed their completion certificates on the last day of class. She commented on each student’s growth and development in the course, and I kept hearing the word “transformation”. The room was thick with the energy of camaraderie, nonstop smiles and laughter.

With the help from a generous grant from Philanthropy Northwest, the Community Foundation of NCW offered this course through its Nonprofit Practices Institute (NPI) – a program that offers professional development for nonprofits. The program was spread out over 4 months with 2-day back to back sessions split between Twisp, Leavenworth, and Wenatchee and was modeled after University of Washington’s Fundraising Program, where Susan served as faculty for 20 years. Participants learned fundraising strategies based on research and best practices and how to optimize their communications and marketing efforts. They also learned about the power of relationships.

“This has been a transformative experience for me as well,” said Susan, reflecting over the changes of seasons since the program began – her long drives over the mountain passes through sunny days, raging rivers, falling leaves, then frosted windows. Some students admitted they began the class with trepidation, unsure of their own commitment or doubts about time management. Many had to take days without pay or vacation. And others had personal struggles they were dealing with at home and at work. But as they received their certificates, they spoke of renewed passion, excitement for progress, grateful for new knowledge that they can turn into greater giving. Around the room, they continued:

“I have a lot of hope and joy for our organization”
“I came in running on empty and I am going out on a full tank”
“This class solidified the fact that I am not an island”
“I am so excited to see the nonprofit community in NCW evolving together thanks to this class”
“We are all about relationships, we will work on making those connections at the heart of what we do”
“Since I started this class we have written three grants and received support from all three”
“You have taught me that there is abundance for every single one of us”

So many relationships had developed, so many friendships formed. There were plans being made for ongoing gatherings, talks about ways they could collaborate, and faces looking brightly into the future. Working together, they will empower each other and lift their nonprofits to new levels. I felt like there was nothing stopping this group – they were determined, together. As I stood on a chair to take their group photo and made them crowd in closer, I felt like I was taking a photo of a family. In fact: I was.