Finding help

Shannon LeClair

Times Reporter

 

The first ever Funders Forum for the region is being held on September 22 at the Travelodge. The idea is to link non-profit organizations with the people who may be able to help fund them. 

“Our organization always gets questions for, where can I get funds to do this or do that, so it’s a great opportunity to directly link organizations to the funders. Making those key contacts with the funding organizations is invaluable,” said Jennifer Brooks, Community Futures Wild Rose. 

There will be information from CentrePoint Non-Profit Management about the ability to network and connect with peers. There will also be opportunities for one-on-one consultations with different levels of funders.  

“It’s a real chance for people to interact one on one and have their questions answered about projects or programs or things that they like to do answered right there,” said Brooks. 

The Funders Forum will include staff and volunteers from a variety of different agencies such as those working to feed the hungry, house the elderly and to care for and educate children. Members from non-profit groups, churches, schools, sports teams, agricultural societies, hospitals, cities and towns within the region are invited to come learn about grants and different funding options. 

James Flaherty of CentrePoint Non-Profit Management is the keynote speaker, followed by other funders throughout the night. The Funders Forum is something Community Futures Wild Rose would like to see grow and expand in upcoming years. 

“What we would like to do is, if there’s enough support this year, we’d like to expand the event and offer some potential training sessions for non-profits, say on grant writing or something like that,” said Brooks. 

Tickets are selling for $30 and the doors open at 5 p.m. with the buffet starting at 5:30.