Thanks to a Capital region association that calls itself a
“network of networks,” 14 local non-profits will share more than
$300,000 from the federal government to establish themselves and
increase outreach.
The
Power of We Consortium started the
Capacity Building Program
in 2006 and attracts funding from the federal government, which it then passes to local non-profits who are serving at-risk youth, the
homeless and former prisoners. These non-profits use the money to offer
training, hands-on technical assistance and to build up their own
infrastructure.
The grants average between
$15,000 and $16,000 per organization, says Peggy Roberts, coordinator
of the Power of We Consortium. Some groups receive upwards of $25,000,
based on the need for capacity-building efforts.
“As
we look to rebuild the Capital area from this economic downturn, we cannot forget the powerful impact non-profits have on this community,”
says Roberts. “Non-profits make up a huge piece of our economic engine
and we believe it is important to support them.”
Some of the non-profits to receive funding include the
Information Technology Empowerment Center (ITEC),
Junior League of Lansing and Bread House Community Outreach.
“We
tried to fund as many as we could,” says Roberts. “These organizations
are out on the front lines, serving the community’s most vulnerable
populations.”
The 14 non-profits were notified on May 19 of their grant, and have until the end of September to use them.
Source: Peggy Roberts, Power of We Consortium
Writer: Andy Balaskovitz
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