The Three C’s: Cash, Capacity Building and Connections

Giving Circles have been the topic of late on FLiP and we're delighted to find another FLiP who is involved in one--this time in New York City. Our friend Maya Iwata, Philanthropic Partnerships Officer at The Women's Media Center, is also a founding member of the New York City Venture Philanthropy Fund (VPF) which gave its first grant this year. She talked to FLiP about VPF and its first grantee.

In the current economy, the three C’s - cash, capacity building, and connections – have become more important than ever for not-for-profit organizations.  Recognizing the challenges of growing a great idea into a stable and sustainable organization, the New York City Venture Philanthropy Fund (VPF) provides each of its grantees a three-part grant:  an unrestricted cash grant, pro bono capacity building support through VPF’s project management committee, and connections from leveraging the networks of its membership and Advisory Council.

Launched in early 2008 as a giving circle that funds New York City’s socially-entrepreneurial nonprofits, this group of professionals from the corporate and nonprofit sectors combine their resources to make small money make big change.  VPF’s membership voted to award its first grant last fall to an organization based in East Harlem called Concrete Safaris.   Concrete Safaris’ mission is to empower youth to become healthy leaders through green exercise programs that enrich the mind, body, community, and environment.

In addition to the unrestricted grant, VPF helps build Concrete Safaris capacity through its project management committee.  Through an interactive process with Executive Director, Sharon (Mac) Levine, the team will be focusing on accounting, governance and board development, and resource development.  Since announcing the grant, progress has already been made and VPF’s Advisory Council provided a number of connections including access to pro bono training on accounting and financial management.   Over the year, VPF will focus on these areas and help with short-term technical assistance as needed.

To learn more about how VPF’s is implementing the three C’s to help NYC not for profits, please visit VPF and learn how to get involved or join our work.

Comments

[Rizwan]

Talking of building connections, it is also worth extending the connection concept to look at inter-organisational partnerships. Getting these right can also plug capacity and build much stronger collaborative capabilities for raising funding and effecting change. Here's some thoughts on 3 Types of Partnership for the Social Sector @ http://xrl.us/bep3zb

Regards

Rizwan
http://twitter.com/rizwantayabali

[eve isk]

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