DW Admin – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

Capacity Building Series: Learning About Your Board & Growing Board Fundraising Engagement

DW Admin on June 21, 2024

Who’s on Your Board & Why?

When it comes to getting your board engaged in fundraising, it’s important to consider who is on your board and why they’ve joined. Understanding more about your board members, such as why they are inspired to serve on your board, could indicate how they can support your organization’s fundraising strategies. Learning what inspires people, especially board members, can lead to higher engagement and enthusiasm from your board and cultivate stronger partnerships between staff and board members.

Who is in the seat? How to prepare your board to make impactful and meaningful decisions.

First, let’s think about who is on your board. Boards are unique and have different dynamics—they vary in size, service term requirements, qualifications needed to serve on a board, communication styles, giving and receiving feedback, emotional intelligence, etc. Consider the diversity of your board when it comes to race, ethnicity, gender, age, geography, personal and professional backgrounds, etc. Does the diversity of your board reflect the community your organization serves? How can the diverse perspectives of board members be utilized to further your organizational mission? Could your board be more diverse? If so, how? These can all be helpful questions to reflect on. Diversity can bring a lot of benefit to the table through knowledge, different perspectives, lived and living experiences, connections, and more.

Every organization has different expectations of board members. For example, boards may have policies regarding minimum financial contributions (100% board giving, for example) or not have any policies at all about fundraising. Be up front about your expectations as your organization continues to recruit for new board members. When new board members join your organization’s board, prepare them for success. This could entail providing your board bylaws (if you have them), implementing a service agreement, and most importantly, providing trainings to board members about their roles and duties, fiduciary responsibilities, fundraising expectations, etc. When conducting the trainings, provide as much clarity and consistency as possible to get everyone on the same page. When it comes to fundraising, also keep in mind that board members who come from corporate backgrounds might need a general education about how nonprofits work and how they are different from for-profits.

It can also be helpful to think about committees on your board. What are the committees, if any? Does your board have a fundraising/development committee? Having committees can help drive focus, action, and progress toward your objectives.

Why do they care? Aligning with your organization’s board

Devote time and connect with individual board members to understand why they joined the board. Their passion for the organizational mission is what they have in common with you, your staff and other board members; lean into this shared connection. Board members are natural advocates of the organization and its mission, which organically leads them to engage in fundraising efforts. When board members are having conversations with people about something they care about (your organization), it can feel a lot less like work or a hassle, and more like speaking from the heart.

Creating the Foundation

Once you’ve connected with your board members and built strong relationships, it’s time to lay the foundation for your board’s engagement in fundraising.

Here are some steps you can follow to build that foundation:

Make sure that all members are clear on the board’s fundraising
responsibilities.
Develop a fundraising plan for your organization with input from both board and staff.
Dispel early on any myths or concerns your board members may have about fundraising.
Be clear that asking for money is not the only fundraising task that board members can be involved in.
Make the fundraising ask easy by thoroughly preparing your board members and providing them with relevant information they can communicate to prospective donors.
Provide your board members with fundraising training/assistance.
Set up a board development committee with orientation & training about board members’ duties, fiduciary responsibilities, fundraising, etc.
Provide each board member with a concrete opportunity to contribute to the organization’s fundraising efforts.

Check out the board vs. staff responsibility checklist in this resource below from Community Change! It could help your organization gain more role clarity between board and staff members. Sources: http://www.campusactivism.org/server-new/uploads/boarvst.pdf and Community Change

You might also want to consider what your policies for board members are when it comes to board member donations/contributions. There are at least two common issues with this type of policy because it can:

Exclude people with fewer financial resources, who might not be able to meet that minimum, from serving on the board.
1. Limit the amount given by board members who are affluent and may interpret that minimum as the maximum. A board member who may have been prepared to give $10,000 might see a $1,000 minimum and only make the minimum required donation. Source: https://thecharitycfo.com/3-tips-for-successful-board-development/

Remember: your board members are fundraisers, advocates, supporters, and advisors that champion your mission. Given that there is a natural partnership that boards and nonprofit staff can maximize, fundraising is simply an extension of that partnership. Getting your board engaged in fundraising might not always be easy, but it can be as simple as starting there.

MHM Provides New Laptops to Cesar E. Chavez Legacy & Educational Foundational Scholarship Winners

DW Admin on March 31, 2024

San Antonio, TX (March 31, 2024) – Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM) is providing a new Dell laptop to 20 scholarship recipients selected by the César E. Chavez Legacy & Educational Foundation (CCLEF). The announcement was made at the annual César E. Chávez Day Águila Awards Gala, held Saturday, March 24 at Brooks Hanger 9. The César E. Chávez Day Águila Awards Gala concludes the César Chavez Day Celebration which began earlier that day with the 28th Annual Cesar E. Chavez March for Justice.

MHM sponsored the events for the first time in 2024 as CCLEF’s goals are closely aligned with its priorities, including addressing food insecurity, the digital divide, access to healthcare, voting rights and wage disparities. In 2023, the scholarship recipients expressed to CCLEF a need for laptops in preparation for their continuing education goals.

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the widening digital divide, especially for students who did not have internet access at home, or the hardware needed to participate in virtual learning environments. The laptop donation is one small step towards closing that gap for these students.

“These inspiring students deserve every opportunity to reach their fullest potential for health and life and we are proud to provide them with one of the key resources they’ll need to reach for the stars,” said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “On behalf of our board of directors and the entire team at MHM, I congratulate these students on this special recognition, and we wish them success on their education journey.”

Each of the 20 students is receiving a $2,500 scholarship. Scholarship applicants submitted a letter of recommendation, an essay or poem, a copy of their high school transcripts, and an acceptance letter to an accredited community college, university, trade school or culinary school to be considered.

Ernest J. Martinez, Chairman of the César E. Chavez Legacy & Educational Foundation added “With the digital divide that is impacting families in underserved communities, bridging the gap to technology access is critical to learning, and having this kind of support from the Methodist Healthcare Ministries Familia is a community win for students.”

The celebration follows the Cesar E. Chavez March for Justice, which honors the farm workers who help to feed our nation. The March for Justice has taken place in San Antonio since 1997 and this year marks the 28th anniversary. The march is co-sponsored by the City of San Antonio and organized by the Cesar E. Chavez Legacy & Educational Foundation.

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About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries broadens the definition of healthcare by providing low-cost clinical care for the uninsured and by supporting community-led efforts that improve living conditions that cause people to be sick in the first place. We use our earnings as co-owners of Methodist Healthcare to ensure that people who are economically disadvantaged and uninsured can live their healthiest lives. We do this by advocating for, investing in and providing access to quality clinical care and addressing factors that affect health—including economic mobility, supportive relationships, food security, broadband access, and safe neighborhoods. Ultimately, we fulfill our mission of “Serving Humanity to Honor God” by advancing health equity so that more resilient individuals & families living in the 74 counties we serve can thrive.

About Cesar E. Chavez Legacy & Educational Foundation

Over the years, through the generosity of individual donors, public sector, and the corporate community, CECLEF has focused on the mission of serving others. To Preserve the Life & Legacy of César E. Chávez, whether it is providing college scholarships to our youth, or giving back to families through our annual Thanksgiving & Christmas in the Barrio events in the inner-city West Side of San Antonio, we encourage the youth of our community to Engage in Civic Participation, Advocate for Social & Economic Justice, and Graduate from College. As we continue with the CECLEF traditions, we keep the spirit of César E. Chávez alive and well in San Antonio. ¡SI SE PUEDE!

Capacity Building Series: Taking Peer Relationships One Step Further – Tips for Collaborating with Organizations

DW Admin on March 28, 2024

How to Approach and Build Collaborations

In our last blog, we explored collaborative peer relationships. We shared why and how nonprofits might collaborate with each other—the benefits, reasons, and methods of collaboration. We now want to dive a little deeper into what collaboration could look like for nonprofit organizations. Let’s keep in mind that the goal of collaboration is not always to write a collaborative grant, but it could be, if it’s what might be best for your organization. Sometimes it’s even more beneficial to partner with other organizations—and funders—to seek out more funding and maximize your impact on your community.

“Most funders and nonprofits value working together, and many are looking for ways to improve the quality of their collaborations. Even if some of what we try doesn’t work, deepening relationships with grantees and other stakeholders builds a strong foundation for future efforts. With the right conditioning and enabling environment, we can make progress on effectively partnering with others to achieve meaningful impact.” Source: https://www.geofunders.org/resources/how-can-we-prepare-for-collaboration-866

Here are Some Tips for Collaborating with Organizations:

Tie collaboration into your organization’s goals:
- Be clear on your goals and how collaborating can help you achieve them.
Determine how you fit into the landscape:
- Learn more about the subject matter, issues being addressed by the collaboration, other collaborators, and the roles they play.
- Ask yourself, “What role do we want to play? Where can we add value?”
Lay the groundwork through relationship building:
- Time to utilize those relationship building skills we discussed in our previous blogs (linked below)! Be intentional about developing trust by showing your flexibility, ability to compromise, and communicating openly about your community’s needs and how a collaboration can make a meaningful impact.
Build a diverse and committed leadership:
- Having a diverse staff and board that’s representative of your community helps provide a variety of perspectives and connections that can strengthen your network, and therefore your collaborative.
- Get your staff and board on the same page in prioritizing the collaborative. Make sure they have buy-in and get them involved.
Focus on communication:
- Communication is key, right? So, communicate often and well—both within and outside of your organization—to ensure everyone is aligned on the vision of the collaborative. Carve out space and time early on for your organizations to get to know each other. Having these connections can make it easier to talk openly about challenges and hold each other accountable.
Provide the resources required:
- Be mindful of the amount of time and money needed to invest into a collaborative as well as your team’s capacity to focus on it. Remember to secure funding appropriately to help cover the associated costs of a collaborative.
Ensure that collaboration remains a priority:
- Be clear about expectations and help your team recognize areas of growth. Try weaving essential elements to collaboration such as relationship building and communication into your staff’s job descriptions, performance goals, and professional development. Source: https://www.geofunders.org/resources/how-can-we-prepare-for-collaboration-866

How to Write a Successful Collaborative Grant (Just One Way to Collaborate!)

Collaboration takes many forms. Building relationships and partnerships might be all that your organization needs. However, if you find that exploring a collaborative grant with fellow organizations might advance your organization’s mission in impacting your community, we would love to provide support. If you’ve never applied for collaborative funding, that’s okay! We’ll break it down in a few steps.

Step one: Identify Partners

You’ll want to begin by identifying other organizations that could be great partners and reach out to them now. Great partners often address the same or similar challenges of your community, have similar mission, vision, values, and goals to yours to make a broader impact. Or maybe they have an entirely different approach to addressing the challenge that compliments and aligns with your organization’s goals.

Establishing trust and getting to know each other’s expertise and available resources takes time. You can think of developing a partnership as an ongoing part of your grantseeking efforts. You can start by appointing a team leader and establishing a workplan and project schedule. You then might assign roles and responsibilities and agree on how you’ll make decisions. It might also be helpful to designate one person to do the writing and have everyone read a draft and suggest edits.

Step Two: Establish Communication and Infrastructure

Although we know that frequent communication is critical, everyone communicates differently. Be sure to discuss communication approaches and ensure a strong infrastructure with tools that all organizations can utilize. There are many types of collaboration tools available online such as:

Project management software
Document sharing tools
Communication tools to stay in touch remotely via messages and video calls
- e.g. Microsoft Teams, Google Hangouts, Skype
Time tracking tools

Step Three: Call on Community

When you’re concerned about a community issue, act. Let the needs of the community be your driving force rather than funding opportunities. Before searching for funders, consider which other organizations you can partner with to address the issue together, leaning on your respective viewpoints, assessing data, and brainstorming possibilities.

Step Four: Talk Money

Discuss money early on. After agreeing on an approach with your collaborative partners, create a budget that details what each partner needs in the collaborative. Without a clear and comprehensive budget being established, a collaborative proposal can fail. Although, remember that a collaborative project budget does not always completely fund an initiative, program, or personnel. This means that organizations who are part of the collaborative might have to seek additional funding to make collaborative efforts monetarily whole.

Step Five: Confront Discord

Confront discord right away and ensure that all partners commit to civil, honest discussion to address the issue. If you are unable to find a solution, strive to maintain ongoing relationships even if a partner organization decides to part ways with the collaborative. However, keep in mind that collaborative relationships are often very fluid and just because a partner needs to bow out doesn’t mean the collaboration is failing. Source: https://www.tgci.com/blog/2020/11/four-more-tips-collaborative-grant-proposals

Hopefully some of these tips and suggestions will help you in your collaborative journey. We know that collaboration can look different from one organization to another based on needs, goals, connections, and resources. Your organization might be newer to collaborative efforts and eager to learn and get started. Maybe your organization is more seasoned and experienced in collaborating with other organizations, or collaborative funding, and ready to dive a little deeper. Perhaps you’re somewhere in between! We can all learn much from each other’s experiences, no matter where we are in our journeys.

So, let’s chat! Tell us below…what has your experience been with collaborating with other organizations? Have you experienced any barriers to collaborating? Would trying a new approach to collaborating help address a barrier? What experiences have you had with collaborative grants? What was that like for your organization? What lessons did you learn?

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Learn more about what Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ Capacity Building team is doing to assist organizations in improving operations and performance through its Capacity Building blog series on mhm.org. If you have any questions, please email us at claurence@mhm.org.

To read previous entries in the Capacity Building blog series, see below:

Capacity Building Series: Relationship Building with Funders (Part I)

Capacity Building Series – Part II: Why Relationships Matter

Capacity Building Series: Building Collaborative Relationships

About the author: Chloé Laurence (she/her)

claurence@mhm.org

With a professional background working in education, mental health counseling spaces, and the nonprofit sector, Chloé serves her community through education, advocacy, and capacity building. She utilizes her love of learning and connecting with people in her work as a Capacity Building Specialist at Methodist Healthcare Ministries to support and empower our funded partners. Her mission is to strengthen our partners’ organizations so they can continue their incredible work building health equity and serving underserved individuals.

6 Community Coalitions Selected for Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ Prosperemos Juntos Thriving Together Learning Collaborative

DW Admin on March 19, 2024

San Antonio, TX (March 19, 2024) – Six community coalitions from South Texas have been selected for the fourth cohort of Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ Prosperemos Juntos | Thriving Together (PJTT) Learning Collaborative. These coalitions are based in two geographic areas: the Mid-Border region (Dimmit, Edwards, Kinney, LaSalle, Maverick, Real, Uvalde, Val Verde, and Zavala counties), and the Laredo/Tri-County area (Webb, Zapata, and Jim Hogg counties). Beginning this month, they will embark on a six-month learning collaborative to explore different frameworks and equip themselves to develop and implement a health equity strategy for their community.

PJTT supports communities in shifting and sharing power to accelerate their journey toward health equity. Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM) strongly believes that communities are best equipped to improve their health and well-being. The ultimate goal of this collaborative is to provide coalitions with the knowledge and resources to strategically advance health equity, utilizing the Pathways to Population Health framework as a guide.

“The Prosperemos Juntos | Thriving Together program is one of the ways that we advance our strategic focus of strengthening communities and we are focusing our efforts on the counties and regions with the highest levels of inequities and poverty,” said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “This approach allows us to have a stronger and deeper level of engagement where we learn and co-create the solutions with people who live, work, pray, and play in the communities we serve.”

This is the fourth cohort of MHM’s PJTT Learning Collaborative. The first cohort was launched in 2021. The curriculum for the Learning Collaborative was developed in partnership with WE In the World. The coalitions selected for the cohort include:

Mid-Border Region

Community Empowerment Alliance
- Election Nerds, Eagle Pass SAFE, Eagle Pass Firefighter Union Local 5490
Manos Unidas por la Dignidad
- Maverick County Hospital District Foundation, El Consulado de Mexico/Ventanilla de Salud, Wintergarden Women’s Shelter

Laredo / Tri-County Area

Prosperity Alliance for Laredo
- Laredo Chamber of Commerce Foundation, International Bank of Commerce, PNC Bank
Smiles from Heaven
- Smiles from Heaven, Bondoc Security Services LLC, Christ Worship Center
Zapata Fuerte
- Zapata County Public Library, Zapata Boys & Girls Club, Los Ebanos Apartments, Zapata County Indigent Care
Zapata Health Coalition
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Zapata Ryderz, Zapata CISD, Zapata County

During the learning collaborative, Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ Communities of Solutions (CoS) team supports the coalitions in developing a multi-sector collaboration that incorporates persons with lived experience of the challenges that the coalition is tackling into the coalition’s leadership team. The goal is for coalitions to identify and focus on one vital community condition (such as humane housing or reliable transportation) that contributes to the well-being of the entire community. Each coalition creates a strategic framework or plan of action for advancing health equity. The CoS team meets regularly with the coalitions, schedules monthly check-ins to build rapport and trust, and also offers support as the coalitions learn and grow.

After completing the Learning Collaborative, coalitions are invited to apply to the Implementation Phase. The Implementation Phase lasts 3 years and includes funding as well as capacity-building resources. Although coalitions will focus their time working in community, they will still be invited to collaborate with each other through convenings and learning.

For more information on the PJTT Learning Collaborative, visit: https://www.mhm.org/thriving-communities/.

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About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

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Seis coaliciones comunitarias seleccionadas para el Colaborativo de Aprendizaje Prosperemos Juntos Thriving Together de Methodist Healthcare Ministries

San Antonio, TX ( 19 de marzo 2024) – Seis coaliciones comunitarias del sur de Texas han sido seleccionadas para la cuarta cohorte del Colaborativo de Aprendizaje Prosperemos Juntos | Thriving Together (PJTT) de Methodist Healthcare Ministries. Estas coaliciones se basan en dos áreas geográficas: la Región Fronteriza Central (condados de Dimmit, Edwards, Kinney, LaSalle, Maverick, Real, Uvalde, Val Verde y Zavala) y el área de Laredo/la región de los tres condados (condados de Webb, Zapata y Jim Hogg). A partir de este mes, se embarcarán en un colaborativo de aprendizaje de seis meses para explorar diferentes marcos y equiparse para desarrollar y aplicar una estrategia de equidad en la salud para sus comunidades.

PJTT ayuda a las comunidades a cambiar y compartir el poder para acelerar su camino hacia la equidad en la salud. Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM) cree firmemente que las comunidades están mejor equipadas para mejorar su salud y bienestar. El objetivo final de este colaborativo es proporcionar a las coaliciones los conocimientos y recursos necesarios para avanzar estratégicamente hacia la equidad en la salud, utilizando como guía el marco de trabajo de los Caminos hacia la Salud de la Población.

“El programa Prosperemos Juntos | Thriving Together es una de las formas en que avanzamos en nuestro enfoque estratégico de fortalecer las comunidades y estamos centrando nuestros esfuerzos en los condados y regiones con los niveles más altos de inequidades y pobreza”, dijo Jaime Wesolowski, Presidente y CEO de Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “Este enfoque nos permite tener un nivel de compromiso más fuerte y profundo en el que aprendemos y co-creamos las soluciones con las personas que viven, trabajan, orán y juegan en las comunidades a las que servimos.”

Esta es la cuarta cohorte del Colaborativo de Aprendizaje PJTT de MHM. La primera cohorte se lanzó en 2021. El currículo para el Colaborativo de Aprendizaje se desarrolló en asociación con WE In the World. Las coaliciones seleccionadas para la cohorte incluyen:

La Región Fronteriza Central

Alianza para el Empoderamiento de la Comunidad (Community Empowerment Alliance)
- Nerds de las Elecciones (Election Nerds), La defensa de la sexualidad para todos en Eagle Pass (Eagle Pass SAFE), el Sindicato Local de Bomberos 4590 de Eagle Pass (Eagle Pass Firefighter Union Local 5490)
Manos Unidas por la Dignidad
- Fundación del Distrito Hospitalario del Condado de Maverick (Maverick County Hospital District Foundation), El Consulado de Mexico/Ventanilla de Salud, Refugio para mujeres Wintergarden (Wintergarden Women’s Shelter)

Laredo / Región de los tres condados

La Alianza para la Prosperidad de Laredo (Prosperity Alliance for Laredo)
- Fundación Cámara de Comercio de Laredo (Laredo Chamber of Commerce Foundation),Banco Internacional de Comercio (International Bank of Commerce), Banco PNC
Sonrisas desde el Cielo
- Sonrisas desde el Cielo (Smiles from Heaven), Servicios de Seguridad Bondac LLC ( Bondoc Security Services LLC), Centro de Alabanza a Cristo (Christ Worship Center)
Zapata Fuerte
- Biblioteca del Condado de Zapata (Zapata County Public Library), Club de niños y niñas de Zapata (Zapata Boys & Girls Club), Departamentos Los Ebanos (Los Ebanos Apartments), Atención médica para indigentes del condado de Zapata (Zapata County Indigent Care)
La Coalición para la Salud de Zapata (Zapata Health Coalition)
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Zapata Ryderz, Zapata CISD, el Condado de Zapata

Durante el colaborativo de aprendizaje, el equipo de Comunidades de Soluciones (CoS por sus siglas en inglés) de Methodist Healthcare Ministries apoya a las coaliciones en el desarrollo de una colaboración multisectorial que incorpora a personas con experiencia de vida en los desafíos que la coalición está abordando al equipo de liderazgo de la coalición. El objetivo es que las coaliciones identifiquen y se centren en una condición vital de la comunidad (como una vivienda digna o un transporte confiable) que contribuya al bienestar de toda la comunidad. Cada coalición crea un marco estratégico o plan de acción para promover la equidad en la salud. El equipo de Comunidades de Soluciones se reúne periódicamente con las coaliciones, programa reuniones mensuales de seguimiento para fomentar la relación y la confianza, y también ofrece apoyo a medida que las coaliciones aprenden y crecen.

Una vez finalizada esta etapa del Colaborativo de Aprendizaje, se invita a las coaliciones a solicitar su participación en la Fase de Implementación. La Fase de Implementación dura tres años e incluye financiación y recursos para el desarrollo de capacidades. Aunque las coaliciones centrarán su trabajo en la comunidad, se les seguirá invitando a colaborar entre los participantes mediante reuniones y actividades de aprendizaje.

Para más información sobre el Colaborativo de Aprendizaje PJTT, visite:https://www.mhm.org/thriving-communities/.

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Acerca de Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries amplía la definición de asistencia sanitaria proporcionando atención clínica de bajo costo a los no asegurados y apoyando los esfuerzos dirigidos por la comunidad que mejoran las condiciones de vida que causan que las personas se enfermen en primer lugar. Utilizamos nuestras ganancias como copropietarios de Methodist Healthcare para garantizar que las personas con desventajas económicas y sin seguro médico puedan llevar una vida más sana. Para ello, defendemos, invertimos y facilitamos el acceso a una atención clínica de calidad y abordamos los factores que afectan a la salud, como la movilidad económica, las relaciones de apoyo, la seguridad alimentaria, el acceso a la banda ancha y las vecindades seguras. En definitiva, cumplimos nuestra misión de “Servir a la humanidad para honrar a Dios” fomentando la equidad sanitaria para que las personas y las familias que viven en los 74 condados en los que prestamos servicio puedan prosperar.

Inclement Weather Notice: Mar. 15 2024

DW Admin on March 15, 2024

March 15, 2024 (San Antonio, Texas): A large portion of Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ service area is being threatened by severe weather later this afternoon (March 15). MHM will be closing its San Antonio area owned facilities, including Corporate, Wesley Health & Wellness Center, Dixon Health & Wellness Center, George Ricks School Based Health Center at Krueger Elementary and George Ricks School Based Health Center at Schertz Elementary at 4 p.m. Patients who had existing appointments after 4 p.m. will be rescheduled.

The safety of our patients, clients and team members is of utmost importance. Visit mhm.org for the latest updates.

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About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

Capacity Building Series: Building Collaborative Relationships

DW Admin on February 29, 2024

Building Collaborative Relationships: Relationship building with peers and other nonprofit organizations

We’re back with our third blog post in this Capacity Building Series! Let’s explore the practice of building collaborative relationships with peers and nonprofit organizations. So, what is collaboration? According to the Cambridge Dictionary, collaboration is the act of working together with other people or organizations to create or achieve something. In short, to collaborate is to create, produce, or achieve together.

You might be asking yourself, why do nonprofits collaborate anyway? How might working with another nonprofit benefit my organization? You might wish to collaborate for three main reasons:

to boost organizational efficiency, so your organization can accomplish its work more quickly and with fewer resources. For example, nonprofits can work together to create a community resources directory/website. This guide of shared resources helps organizations more efficiently navigate Social Determinants of Health needs for their clients.
to increase organizational effectiveness, so your organization can advance its stated mission more successfully. For example, organizations working together to bring new resources to another organization to better meet their mission. This could look like collaborating with organizations that have community counselors who can work with food banks and then food banks bringing services to community mental and behavioral health clinics to care more holistically for clients.
to drive broader social and systems change, so when executed successfully, collaborating organizations can collectively strategize to identify solutions that address a social issue in efforts to change systems. For example, a mental health provider, law enforcement, and jail system may collaborate to meet the needs of a person’s crisis mental health needs, diverting them from jails and hospital emergency rooms who are commonly under-resourced to effectively address such needs.

How might nonprofits collaborate with each other? Each partnership between nonprofits will look different depending on the end goal. Nonprofits can work together through cooperation, coordination, and/or collaboration. Let’s look at the 3C Model below that demonstrates the distinguishment between these levels.

Source: https://philanthropynewsdigest.org/features/the-sustainable-nonprofit/why-and-how-do-nonprofits-work-together

For a great example of a local group demonstrating collaboration principles, BUILD Health Challenge® (BUILD) 4.0 awardee, Bridges to Care San Antonio (BTCSA), is a collaborative made up of NAMI Greater San Antonio, City of San Antonio Human Services Department, H. E. Butt Foundation, and WestCare Foundation, that is working to bridge the gap in mental health issues for underserved and predominantly Black and Hispanic/Latino communities and create more welcoming, inclusive, supportive, engaged, and resilient communities by collaborating with faith and community-based organizations.

The BUILD Health Challenge® (BUILD) invests in multi-sector, community-centered partnerships and champions the national movement for health equity by moving attention, resources, and action upstream to support health and well-being across the United States. Since 2019, Methodist Healthcare Ministries has been a philanthropic partner of the BUILD Health Challenge. Learn more about Bridges to Care San Antonio (BTCSA) and their work as a BUILD Health Challenge awardee at https://buildhealthchallenge.org/communities/bridges-to-care-san-antonio/.

Check out more resources on collaboration from BUILD Health Challenge® (BUILD):

There are many types of collaboration in the nonprofit space, and it can be difficult to differentiate between them. However, it is important to identify the best type of partnership for your organization and situation, which requires reflection, dialogue, relationship building, and communication. Collaborative efforts can look different for various end goals, can ebb and flow between collaboration types, and can also incorporate multiple types of collaboration all at once.

Let’s take a look at these common types of collaboration, from least formal to most formal:

Networks: People connected by relationships, which can take on a variety of forms, both formal and informal.
Coalitions: Organizations whose members commit to an agreed-on purpose and shared decision making to influence an external institution or target, while each member organization maintains its own autonomy.
Movements: Collective action with a common frame and long-term vision for social change, characterized by grassroots mobilization that works to address a power imbalance.
Strategic Alliances: Partnership among organizations working in pursuit of a common goal while maintaining organizational independence. This could mean aligning programs or administrative functions or adopting complementary strategies.
Strategic Co–Funding: Partnership among organizations that work in pursuit of a common goal. This could mean aligning programs or administrative functions or adopting complementary strategies.
Public–Private Partnerships: Partnerships formed between government and private sector organizations to deliver specific services or benefits.
Collective Impact Initiatives: Long-term commitments by a group of important actors from different sectors to a common agenda for solving a specific social problem.

Source: https://www.geofunders.org/resources/what-are-the-different-ways-to-collaborate-650

So, what has collaboration looked like in your organization (with or without a grant)? We’d love to hear about your experiences with collaboration and what you’ve gained or learned about collaborating with other organizations.

About the author: Chloé Laurence (she/her)

claurence@mhm.org

The Essence of American Heart Month: A Wesley Nurse Perspective

DW Admin on February 28, 2024

As we close out the month of February, let’s not skip a beat when it comes to our hearts. American Heart Month is a time health workers, advocates, and organizations emphasize the importance of our cardiovascular health. Think of your heart, blood vessels, and blood circulation working together as a system; they all rely on each other.. However, challenges exist for many people across the country.

Between 2017 and 2020, the American Heart Association reported 48.6 percent of United States adults experienced a form of cardiovascular disease or CVD. The term refers to several ailments like high blood pressure, heart failure, coronary artery disease, stroke, and heart arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). Health conditions, pertaining to obesity, diabetes and blood cholesterol levels can increase the chances of CVD; yet most of the risk comes down to our day-to-day decisions. A poor diet, tobacco use, and lack of exercise are often associated with CVD.

We can mitigate risk factors by making conscious decisions and efforts to improve our health. Put an end to tobacco use, manage your blood sugar, exercise regularly and opt for a balanced diet; think of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.

While it’s critical we focus on making better decisions; we should not forget our spiritual and emotional health. As a Wesley Nurse, I recognize the impact these aspects have on our hearts. The heart is not just a muscle that pumps blood; instead, it’s often considered the place of feelings and thoughts. I urge everyone to listen to their hearts in both the physical and spiritual sense. Some people seek out prayer or meditation, while other may want to talk to a counselor or enjoy time to themselves.

The journey to achieving optimal health will look different for everyone, but it begins by taking the first step. If you are having trouble; let’s talk about it. If you have a solution that could help others; I encourage you to share. American Heart Month may be ending, but it’s never too late to show others, and yourself a little more love.

References

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Heart disease – Symptoms and causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353118
American Heart Association. (2024). Heart and Stroke Statistics – 2024 At-A-Glance. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/-/media/PHD-Files-2/Science-News/2/2024-Heart-and-Stroke-Stat-Update/2024-Statistics-At-A-Glance-final_2024.pdf
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). American Heart Month 2024 Toolkits. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/american_heart_month.htm

Aspen Global Innovators Group Announces the 2024 Class of Healthy Communities Fellows

DW Admin on February 28, 2024

Washington, DC, February 28, 2024– Aspen Global Innovators Group’s Healthy Communities Fellowship is proud to announce the selection of its sixth cohort of fellows for the Healthy Communities Fellowship. This initiative maintains a steadfast commitment to nurturing leaders of color in the United States who are dedicated to advancing health and well-being in communities disproportionately affected by economic, racial, and health disparities.

This year’s cohort comprises a diverse and dynamic group of community leaders from San Antonio, TX, Tulsa, OK, and Durham, NC, are actively confronting pressing community health challenges such as mental health, food security, sexual and reproductive health, criminal justice reform, and more. The fellowship will champion and support ten leaders by equipping them with tailored communication, narrative, and leadership training to increase their visibility, amplify their narratives, scale their innovations, and accelerate change within their communities.

“Community leaders are not just catalysts for change; they are the architects best positioned to design a brighter future. Their lived experience, passionate and authentic commitment to advancing health equity, and talent for innovative approaches are the foundation for transformation and long lasting positive impact on the lives of current and future generations,” said Lola Adedokun, Executive Director, Aspen Global Innovators Group (AGIG).

Dieter Cantu, a 2024 Healthy Communities Fellow, shared his motivation for joining the fellowship: “I joined this fellowship because it resonates with my belief in the power of collective action. It’s a space where passion meets purpose, where we can harness our energy to tackle systemic challenges head-on. With AGIG, we’re not just dreaming of a better future – we’re actively building it.”

Fellows view the year as a personal investment, actively participating in training and mentorship, engaging in thoughtful reflection and writing, and fostering a supportive network within their cohort. This U.S.-based fellowship, not only offers a transformative experience at the local level, but also leverages curated connections with global leaders, enriching the overall impact of the program.

Meet the Healthy Communities Fellows:

The 2024 Healthy Communities Fellows are based in North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Texas.

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS FELLOWS

Dieter Cantu is an advocate for youth impacted by the juvenile justice and child welfare systems, and an expert in policy reform. His lived experience drives his passion for changing the conditions of confinement for underrepresented children. Cantu leads a multidisciplinary consultancy firm, Juvenile Rights, composed of formerly justice-impacted leaders, with whom he shares a lived experience of incarceration during their youth, dedicated to transforming the approach of systems towards philanthropic investment strategies and narrative change. Together, they leverage their collective expertise in program evaluation, technical assistance, and strategic advocacy to drive impactful change.

Elizabeth Lutz is a community advocate working to increase awareness of the needs of hidden communities in Texas. Her work centers on the needs of those who have lost access to quality healthcare because of fear, threat, retaliation, or stigma. She uses stories to inform, align, and mobilize resources to improve the well-being of those living in silence and fear. As the daughter of immigrants, she brings a deep understanding of the challenges facing these communities. Using her skills in cross-sector coalition building, solution-focused facilitation, and collaborative partnerships, she is helping create a new narrative that will better inform how public and private resources are invested.

Leonora “Light” Walker, a symbol of resilience and societal transformation, Walker emerged from incarceration and addiction to become a dynamic force for change. As the Founder and CEO of FREED Texas, a 501c3 nonprofit, she focuses on breaking the cycle of recidivism through education, employment, and divinity. Beyond FREED, she collaborates with organizations addressing homelessness, mental health, addiction, and re-entry challenges. Light’s impact extends to roles on the Child Welfare Board, Oversight Board for the Public Defender’s Office, and a member of Bexar County Re-entry Board. Recognized as a Nationally Designated Peer Support Specialist, she has held esteemed positions, including Vice President of the National Society Leadership & Success, New Leadership Council 2023, and participation in the Notley Change Makers Fellowship in 2023.

TULSA, OKLAHOMA FELLOWS

Marcia Bruno-Todd is a leader in Oklahoma working to support and grow new and emerging leaders and broaden involvement within communities. Her work is driven by the need for growing who is at the table, with an eye toward diversity of cultures, industries, and beliefs. Working and creating connections across private, public, and nonprofit sectors, she breaks down silos and creates spaces for community leaders to design innovative solutions that advance equity, inclusivity and strengthen democracy. As the Executive Director of Leadership Tulsa, Marcia has worked diligently to create pathways and encourage participation in leadership opportunities for all voices across Tulsa, Oklahoma. Marcia accelerates change by aligning a wide range of leaders with a shared vision for deep and genuine community participation at all levels of community and government. Her efforts inspire a new generation of changemakers who are focused on a vision for a world with equitable access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

Jacqueline Blocker is a mother and lawyer with a decade of experience in legislative policy related to reproductive justice. Jacqueline is an indigenous woman and descendant of the original Greenwood, the home to a thriving commercial and residential district that was one of the most affluent Black communities in our nation’s history. Jacqueline channels the entrepreneurial attitude of her great-grandmother into streamlining community efforts to improve maternal health outcomes and eradicate barriers to reproductive health. To this end, Jacqueline played a critical role in increasing pregnancy coverage under SoonerCare, making Oklahoma one of the first states to provide reimbursements for doula care under Medicaid. Jacqueline’s favorite part of her work is that she gets the opportunity to educate her community about the intersectionality of the issues that impact women’s health while democratizing access to resources and data.

Shameca K. Brown is a dynamic, faith-driven public administrator and mental health activist who is dedicated to innovating systems of hope and change to create pathways for community mental health in Oklahoma. She excels in care coordination, leveraging her personal resilience and professional commitment to advocate for mental health and empower underserved communities, particularly in Black and Brown spaces. Integrated Mental Health was born from her passionate desire to establish a space where providers have access to tailored resources that support healing within their communities while nurturing voices of personal and professional identity. Later, she founded Harrison Hope, a nonprofit aimed at dismantling the stigma of mental health care by developing programming that infuses HOPE into mental health care practices. Her transformative leadership style, firmly rooted in the principles of empowerment and advocacy, has positioned her as a visionary leader in the behavioral health space. Her dedication to fostering intentional change and creating inclusive spaces for mental health support sets her apart as a driving force in the pursuit of mental health and well-being for all.

Lachelle King is a storyteller, researcher, and autist. After being diagnosed at an adult age, she became an advocate for improving health outcomes for other adult women with autism. Lachelle’s research focuses on the nuances of autism in women, as well as the implications of research bias for women’s health outcomes, regardless of socioeconomic experience.Lachelle’s vision is to see an autism-affirming shift in conversation, research, and acceptance.

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA FELLOWS

Dr. Dorian Burton is a husband, father, and faith-driven investor with nearly two decades of experience in social and impact investing. Growing up in Rialto, California, Dr. Burton witnessed first-hand the genius, ingenuity, and love that exist in highly capable but thinly capitalized communities. Dorian currently serves as the Managing Partner of SRF Capital & SRF Impact, an impact investment platform strategically built to increase the wealth and health of emergent and frontier communities, with a special focus on the domestic and global south. Dorian is firmly convinced that the communities he is purposed to serve do not have a human capital problem, but rather a capitalization problem, and works to invest in the world’s leading changemakers to build the sustainable and equitable economies of the future with a focus on health. Dorian is driven to find the highest and best use of capital so that everyone might have the opportunity to self-determine their joy and thrive with their community in place.

Mary Oxendine is the Lumbee and Tuscarora granddaughter of rural sharecroppers and a cultivator of relationships and traditional Indigenous foodways. As a financial activist, she is working to shift power and resources to reduce the wealth gap in the United States. She was the inaugural Durham County Food Security Coordinator and helped support the growth of a Black, femme-led community-accountable grocer and launched initiatives to develop an incubator farm centering Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). As a consultant with Potlikker Capital, she works with beginning and established farmers to develop and grow their businesses using environmentally sustainable practices and build intergenerational community health, wealth, and healing, especially in Indigenous, Black, and Latino communities.

Courtney Smith is a daughter of Durham and of community organizers. She is a chef, an activist, and a storyteller who is deeply connected to her community. Her mission is to bring business owners, farmers, food producers, policymakers, and consumers together to heal through food, and to start imagining new food systems and communities. As a Black woman who has seen firsthand the injustices of our food system, which often discards the people at the frontlines of producing our food, (farm workers, food safety workers, cooks, and others) she wants to see a food system that honors the people who feed us. She is the co-owner of Piri and one of the co-founders of The Culinary Femme Collective, and her mission is to build support for femmes of color who want to impact their communities through food. She works with business owners, researchers, community organizers, farmers, and culinary creatives to support building a system that focuses on equity and a just food economy.

Learn more about the fellowship at https://www.aspenglobalinnovators.org/programs/healthy-communities-fellowship/

The Fellowship is supported by our generous funder partners Methodist Healthcare Ministries, H.E. Butt Foundation, and George Kaiser Family Foundation.

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The Aspen Global Innovators Group

For over 30 years, the Aspen Global Innovators Group has empowered health and development leaders and innovators from 55 countries across Africa, the Americas, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Island States to design, champion and advocate for innovative programs, policies, and partnerships that result in a safer, more equitable, and healthier future for all people and communities. Our network of 5000+ individuals and organizations has served 200 million people, improving health, well-being, and equity. We identify and amplify the voices of visionary, proven, and impactful local leaders, advocates, and practitioners. Join us in building a healthier, more equitable future at https://www.aspenglobalinnovators.org/.

The H.E. Butt Foundation
The H. E. Butt Foundation is an operating foundation focused on spiritual formation and health in families and children. Headquartered in Kerrville, Texas, the foundation has offices in San Antonio, though much of their work takes place deep in the Texas Hill Country on 1,900 acres situated along a breathtaking stretch of the Frio River Canyon. The foundation runs five programs—a youth camp, a family camp, an adult retreat center, an outdoor school, and a camp that provides free facility use to qualifying groups. Outside the Canyon, the Foundation operates a sixth program dedicated to fostering community engagement on behalf of families and children in the places they live and work—San Antonio, Kerrville, and Real County. Visit here: https://hebfdn.org/

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM) broadens the definition of healthcare by providing low-cost clinical care for the uninsured and by supporting community-led efforts that improve living conditions that cause people to be sick in the first place. The organization uses its earnings as co-owners of Methodist Healthcare to ensure that people who are economically disadvantaged and uninsured can live their healthiest lives. MHM does this by advocating for, investing in, and providing access to quality clinical care and addressing factors that affect health—including economic mobility, supportive relationships, food security, broadband access, and safe neighborhoods. Ultimately, MHM fulfills its mission of “Serving Humanity to Honor God” by advancing health equity so that more resilient individuals & families living in the 74 counties it serves can thrive. Visit here https://www.mhm.org/

George Kaiser Family Foundation

George Kaiser Family Foundation (GKFF) is a charitable organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty through investments in early childhood education, community health, social services and civic enhancement. Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, GKFF works primarily on initiatives developed in collaboration with Tulsa-based direct service organizations. For more information about the George Kaiser Family Foundation, visit https://www.gkff.org

The Aspen Institute

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.

Contact: Ladin Bacakoglu, Communications Associate
ladin.bacakoglu@aspeninstitute.org

MHM Receives 2024 Governor’s Texas Award for Performance Excellence

DW Admin on February 27, 2024

San Antonio, TX (February 27, 2024) – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) has been selected to receive the 2024 Governor’s Texas Award for Performance Excellence (TAPE) by the Quality Texas Foundation Regional Program (QTFRP). This is the highest level of achievement awarded to participating organizations. MHM is one of two Texas organizations receiving this honor in 2024.

QTFRP recognizes the most outstanding organizations regarding best business practices following the National Malcolm Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence. QTFRP annually recognizes organizations in Texas, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Missouri, Kansas, Louisiana, South Carolina, Australia, and a part of Oklahoma that have achieved success in adoption and utilization of the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence. The award and recognition are given to only the very best managed organizations following a four-month process by a team of trained Examiners and includes an independent analysis, consolidation of findings, and a hybrid site visit (virtual and onsite).

“This honor affirms that Methodist Healthcare Ministries is heading in the right direction, as we continue our excellence journey and we are now recognized as a role model organization demonstrating exceptional performance in all areas of management and operations,” said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “We are deeply proud of our board and team of caring servants who work with remarkable quality, compassion, skill and dedication every day to advance health equity and fulfill our mission of Serving Humanity to Honor God.”

MHM first participated in the TAPE evaluation process in 2022. The organization reapplied in 2023 which included a formal site visit in December. With this honor, MHM is being recognized for its leadership, strategic planning, customer focus, measurement, analysis and knowledge management, workforce focus, operations focus and results.

Dr. Mac McGuire, CEO, QTFRP said “This is a very detailed and well-thought-out process to select the very best organizations from our region regardless of industry. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Judges, Fellows, Examiners, and staff, we are extremely happy to recognize our two Governor’s Award Recipients – El Paso County Hospital District and Methodist Healthcare Ministries as the two best organizations in our regional program. This Award recognition was intense and competitive using the Baldrige Framework and must be earned. Congratulations to the two organizations for a job well done.”

MHM will receive formal recognition for this honor during a celebration at the 31^st Annual Awards/Recognition ceremony, held in person, June 9-11, 2024, at the Georgetown Sheraton, Georgetown, Texas. For more information, visit www.quality-texas.org.

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About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

Hands-Only CPR Kiosk Highlighted at Health & Wellness Fair

DW Admin on February 21, 2024

San Antonio (Feb. 21, 2024) – February is American Heart Month and the Witte Museum, Methodist Healthcare Ministries, and the American Heart Association hosted a special Health & Wellness Fair on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, to share information on the importance of heart health. The event included a special ceremony where Methodist Healthcare Ministries announced its renewed financial support for the America Heart Association’s Hands-Only CPR Training Kiosk located at the H-E-B Body Adventure Powered by University Health System.

“For Methodist Healthcare Ministries, renewing this partnership further advances our mission of serving humanity to honor God as it empowers people in the community to act and respond in the case of an emergency,” said Tony LoBasso, Chief Financial Officer at Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “By teaching visitors how to perform CPR and best render assistance in the case of a cardiac emergency, we can help save lives. That is why this kiosk is so important and why we are excited to renew this partnership.”

The Witte Museum currently is the only location in South Texas with an American Heart Association Hands-Only CPR Training Kiosk sponsored by Methodist Healthcare Ministries. The nationally award winning H-E-B Body Adventure Powered by University Health System was selected for the Hands-Only CPR Training Kiosk due to the community focus on Health IQ, Wellness and Empowerment. Launched in 2019, the American Heart Association Hands-Only CPR Training Kiosk at the Witte Museum is the most used Training Kiosk in the United States, according to the American Heart Association’s data.

“The Hands-Only CPR Training Kiosk shows our community and visitors to the Witte how to perform this lifesaving skill in a few minutes,” said Vincent Real, incoming Board Chair of the American Heart Association – San Antonio and CEO of Big State Electric. “This is by far one of the most powerful tools in our community to help change San Antonio from a community of bystanders to a community of Lifesavers.”

At the Health & Wellness Fair, attendees were able to practice the correct way to do CPR, take on the Witte Wellness Challenge and learn about the different health resources San Antonio has to offer from partners such as the Mayor’s Fitness Council, the American Diabetes Association, the San Antonio Food Bank, YMCA, UT Health Science Center and more.

“It’s exciting that the Witte Museum is the place where our partners can deliver this lifesaving CPR learning to so many people,” shared Dirk Elmendorf, CEO and President of the Witte Museum. “More than 50,000 Witte visitors of all ages have learned and gained confidence in CPR thanks to this powerful partnership with the American Heart Association and Methodist Healthcare.”

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About the Witte Museum

Th Founded in 1926, the Witte Museum is where Science, Nature and Culture Meet, through the lens of Texas Deep Time, and the themes of Land, Water, Sky. Located on the banks of the San Antonio River in Brackenridge Park, the Witte Museum is San Antonio’s premier museum promoting lifelong learning through innovative exhibitions, programs and collections in natural history, science and South Texas heritage.

About American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a leading force for a world of longer, healthier lives. With nearly a century of lifesaving work, the Dallas-based association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. We are a trustworthy source empowering people to improve their heart health, brain health and well-being. We collaborate with numerous organizations and millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, advocate for stronger public health policies, and share lifesaving resources and information. Visit heart.org to learn more.

About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries broadens the definition of health care by providing low-cost clinical care for the uninsured and by supporting community-led efforts that improve living conditions that cause people to be sick in the first place. We use our earnings as co-owners of Methodist Healthcare to ensure that people who are economically disadvantaged and uninsured can live their healthiest lives. We do this by advocating for, investing in and providing access to quality clinical care and addressing factors that affect health—including economic mobility, supportive relationships, food security, broadband access, and safe neighborhoods. Ultimately, we fulfill our mission of “Serving Humanity to Honor God” by advancing health equity so that more resilient individuals and families living in the 74 counties we serve can thrive.

Capacity Building Series – Part II: Why Relationships Matter

DW Admin on February 5, 2024

In the first part of this blog, we learned why it is important to build relationships with funders and explored some ideas to help create genuine relationship connections. Now, let’s focus on the many ways an organization can approach funders and initiate engagement.

Approaching a funder in a personalized way to strengthen or establish a relationship can make a big impact and there are many ways you can do so. Consider the following:

Call a funder. For example, is a program officer available at the foundation for a call? Have a phone script ready with some sample questions to ask. They can answer any questions you have about the foundation’s giving and/or current grant cycle.
Write a letter of introduction/inquiry/interest. A letter to a foundation might be the first impression you make with a funder about your organization. Since these types of letters are often a page or two, the key is to be concise and compelling. Convert your elevator pitch (see below) into written format, telling the funder what your organization does and the outcomes of your organization’s work, sharing an impact story, and how you align with the funder’s aims.
Network (Board of Directors, professional associations, foundations). Once you’ve made a list of contacts with whom you want to establish a relationship, look for ways to interact with them. Friend them on LinkedIn and “like” their posts. This will keep you on their minds. Foundation leaders often attend and speak at conferences and seminars. If there is a foundation representative there, try to seek them out or attend their session. Introduce yourself and ask to exchange business cards (yes, business cards are still a thing!). Make sure to follow-up after the event saying it was nice to meet them.
Connect on social media. Sharing news on social media – impact stories, client testimonials, upcoming events, etc. – can attract the interest of funders. Also, be sure to follow the social media platforms of current and potential funders. Funders often post about upcoming grant opportunities, share stories about grantees (helpful to determine if you are a funding fit), and highlight issues they care about so you can learn about their funding priorities.
Ask for an introduction. When cultivating a relationship, having an introduction can go a long way. Create a list of trustees and staff from the “invitation only” funders you have identified. Share these lists with your organization’s own staff and board members to determine who they might know. Would they make an introduction?
Send invitations. Invite a funder for a site visit of your facility with opportunities to see your mission in action, or an upcoming event along with complimentary tickets if you can spare one or two. Review your organization’s programs, events, and offerings at least quarterly to determine which are the most powerful platforms for “friendraising.” Consider your list of foundation contacts and send an invitation to an activity or event you think might be of interest to them—it’s particularly effective coming from someone they know! Ask a board or staff member the funder knows to send the invite with a personal note.

Elevator Pitches

Imagine having only a few precious minutes – or even one minute – with a funder you have been trying to meet. How do you make a connection with that funder? What do you say? The ability to deliver a strong elevator pitch can be a gamechanger. It’s an opportunity to share your organization’s story in a compelling way. Share your passion. Write a script. An elevator pitch can be used for so many occasions–your letter of interest to a funder, grant applications, fundraising campaigns, phone calls, meetings, etc.

Here are some tips:

Utilize storytelling skills to share the impact of your organization – aim for 60 seconds or less.
Start with the hook – 10 seconds or less – who you serve, how you help, and what impact you make.
The pitch – 30 seconds
What differentiates your nonprofit from others in the same space?
How effective are your current programs?
Do you have a compelling story?
How can a prospective funder get involved right now?
What do you plan to accomplish in the near and distant future?
The wrap up – 20 seconds – “the ask”/what outcome are you seeking?

Remember, this is just a general guide – consider adapting your elevator pitch to meet the moment. It should sound natural so be sure to practice! Start by practicing with friends first, get their feedback, and practice as often as you can. Practice will help build your confidence and improve your flow and pace, allowing you to sound more natural and compelling.

Maintaining the Relationship

Now let’s keep that momentum going. Once you’ve approached the funder, the relationship building has only just begun! Cultivating, building, and maintaining your relationship with a funder can not only increase your chances of getting the grant, but also help the funder feel appreciated and valued as you stay connected after receiving the grant.

Remember, relationship building with a funder often begins when seeking a grant but doesn’t end there. It should continue throughout the inquiry and application process and even after being awarded a grant or not.

After Being Awarded the Grant:

Most importantly, express your gratitude! Send funders thank you emails, handwritten notes or cards, or even give them a call just to say thank you.
Be transparent. Maintain honest and open communication with your funder. Share your organization’s needs and challenges—being vulnerable and sharing wins as well as pain points will allow the funder to get a better sense of what your organization needs from their support.
Connect with funder staff and board—remember, they’re passionate about the work, too!
- Ask if they’d like to be added to your email list to stay updated on big developments.
- Get more personalized and offer information and updates on your organization’s programs and projects during one-on-one time via phone, mail, email, etc.
- Utilize social media networks to continue to engage and stay connected. You can use LinkedIn to see if anyone in your network is connected with key foundation program officers. If so, ask if they can give you an introduction.
Get creative! Try some of the following approaches:
- Share stories of lives changed and impacts made—storytelling is a strong way to connect, show appreciation, and strengthen a relationship.
- Invite them for a site visit tour and/or to events.
- Call to ask for advice.

If You Did Not Get a Grant Award:

First of all, don’t be discouraged. Most funders receive far more proposals than they can support.
Thank the funder. Express your gratitude for the funder reviewing your proposal.
Seek feedback about your proposal. It can be extremely helpful to see what strengths and weaknesses the funder noted in your application. Important to note: some funders/foundations will let you know in their application guidelines if they are able to provide any feedback.
If you remain interested in the funder, keep in touch, and follow their social media platforms.
Try again. Yes, reapply when eligible. If you were able to obtain feedback about your previous proposal, incorporate that feedback into your proposal.

As we’ve discussed in this two-part blog, successful grant seeking can include much more than submitting a proposal or application. Building a relationship with funders is foundational and key to helping your organization secure funding and support your mission.

Now you can apply some of these relationship building principles and practices to your grant seeking efforts. We hope these strategies and tips help you and your organization.

Discussion (You can leave a comment below to continue the conversastion.)

Which types of funders has your organization connected with and how? Are there types of funders you want to reach out to, and which ones? Has networking been on your radar and how has that been for your organization?
What approaches have you used to reach prospective funders?
What were some challenges you have faced when trying to connect or maintain a relationship with a funder? How did you overcome them? Has anyone had similar experiences with these challenges/methods and have other solutions in mind?
How does your organization maintain relationships with funders?
For those organizations working in rural areas, what are your experiences/approaches? Frustrations?

*In Part 3 of this blog series, we will explore the practice of building collaborative relationships with peers and nonprofit organizations.

Click here to read Part 1 of this blog series, Building Realtionships with Funders.

About the author: Chloé Laurence (she/her)

claurence@mhm.org

Funded Partner Spotlight: Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA).

DW Admin on January 3, 2024

Since 1995, Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. has provided over $1.4 billion to improve the well-being of the least served through its clinics, programs, and strategic partnerships. Methodist Healthcare Ministries is proud to partner with organizations that share similar missions and organizational objectives of increasing access to care for uninsured and economically disadvantaged individuals and families across South Texas.

The Rio Grande Valley’s diverse and binational population is at a crossroads. With over 2.67 million residents in the area, the region surpasses both San Antonio and Austin in population. Despite being one of the largest urban areas in Texas there is a lack of a centralized municipal government which means that resources allocated to the area are often divided among dozens of cities across the region. During the COVID-19 Pandemic this decentralization was even more evident as the unemployment rate in the region increased to 17.3%, far exceeding the statewide rate of 13%, according to the Texas Tribune. However, since 2020 the unemployment rate in the area has dropped to 5.2% in Hidalgo County (the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission area) and 4.9% in Cameron County (Brownsville-Harlingen) as of October 2023, according to USA Today.

Part of the effort that is driving this success is the work of the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA). The organization promotes workforce development programs and provides skilled unemployed or underemployed individuals with connections to employers looking for various types of skilled labor.

Established in 1995 by Valley Interfaith and industry leaders, VIDA addresses the disconnect between Rio Grande Valley residents and employer demand for skilled labor by providing comprehensive workforce training that better equips program participants to pursue a more gainful means of employment.

For the first time, Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM) is partnering with VIDA to address health equity and the social determinants of health (SDOH). One of these priority areas includes education and workforce development, which overlap with VIDA’s mission and vision.

As an MHM partner receiving 2023 grant dollars, VIDA recently received a capacity building grant of $60,000 to hire a Development Director. The Development Director will strengthen and cultivate new partnerships as well as identify new sources of funding to support the organization and its programs.

“VIDA was developed as a workforce development intermediary where to help industries fill those jobs that were in high demand evolving with technological advances and at the same time give residents of our region more opportunity to upskill and achieve economic mobility,” said Felida Villarreal, President and CEO of VIDA.

Today, VIDA builds institutional relationships in the Rio Grande Valley that links employers to unemployed and/or underemployed residents and uses these relationships to create necessary support services for their students such as career guidance, intensive case management and financial assistance.

“VIDA offers a variety of wraparound student support services that vary from student to student because it’s very customized to the individual’s needs,” Villareal said. “We can provide anything from tuition, tools, transportation or childcare assistance as well as financial assistance for anything they may need in their career journey to ensure program persistence and completion.”

Prior to joining the program participants typically earned $8 an hour but graduates earn an average annual salary of $47,756. VIDA is opening doors to better employment opportunities that include higher salaries, access to employer sponsored healthcare insurance and established career paths with room for growth.

“That drastic change and being able to achieve that economic prosperity, has a tremendous impact on their lives and that of their families,” Villarreal said. “There’s just no limit to the potential and professional growth from that point on. We’ve even seen some of our graduates become successful business owners.”

According to the Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies, the Rio Grande Valley is currently experiencing a shortage of 6,000 nurses across the region which puts further strain on existing medical staff and their ability to serve patients. In response to this, VIDA recently made national headlines as one of 25 organizations across the nation to be awarded the $3 million Nursing Expansion Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. This will be key in providing services for students pursuing careers in the medical field and alleviating the shortage of nurses in the area.

“We’re truly grateful for the opportunity to be selected as a MHM grant recipient,” said Villarreal “We’ve already expanded our fundraising division and are seeking additional opportunities to grow our programs, serve more students and provide additional services to our community.”

Learn more about VIDA and their programs through their website: https://www.vidacareers.org/