41 Three representatives from non-profit organizations sat at a long table on stage for the College of Business’ Non-Profit Panel during Entrepreneurship Week. Denise Williams, CEO and Founder of Be ReZilient- Healing Through The Arts, sat left. Next to her, Holly Parker, Executive Director of TriCounty Community Network, at center and, lastly, Daniel Price, Sustainability Development Coordinator for MontCo Anti-hunger Network at right. The event was hosted by Kutztown University's Small Business Development Center (KUSBDC) Director, John Stetler, who orchestrated the questions for the panel, easing both panelists and the audience into the discussion of how non-profit organizations stand out. “How do you measure the effectiveness of your program and what you do?” Stetler began directing his question to the panelists. When it comes to non-profit entities, sometimes they must get creative and customize measuring tools for their specific goals, Parker relayed explaining that TriCounty Community Network is different in that it is a non-profit service for non-profit organizations. They deliver workshops and tools to non-profit organizations in the Pottstown area and therefore must measure the effectiveness of the non-profits they are serving in order to measure their own effectiveness. Williams explained that participants fill out surveys before and after the programs that Be ReZilient offers. These programs promote “self-awareness, identify emotional triggers, and provide lifelong strategies to foster a resilient mindset.” Price, with the MontCo Antihunger Network, reported more quantitative forms of measurement through the tracking of mileage, food, and number of homes serviced through the network. Pointing out some of the misconceptions of non-profit organizations gave interesting insight for KU students looking to understand non-profits more accurately. Price explained that a lot of people think a non-profit “is a tax designation not a business model” however, this misconception completely denies the business element of non-profits. Williams furthered the statement by saying, “I began with a business approach and when working with other organizations without this approach, I see them struggling for funding.” Parker solidified this by explaining that there is a lot of competition for the “same dollar” between non-profits, and neglecting a business mindset makes this more challenging. All three panelists conveyed that even with a business approach there is never enough funding to help all the people they want to help. All of the panelists highlighted the benefits of utilizing contracts with entities to cover expenses as opposed to applying for grants. Applying for grants takes time and resources to initiate without a guaranteed return, they explained. If grant funds are received, it adds additional layers of responsibility to document and track the grant funds used and the productivity of the program the grant is funding. This is why contracts offer a better, more reliable return without exhausting more time and resources. When asked to relay key lessons they’ve learned through working in the non-profit sector, Parker explained that no two non-profits are the same. It is essential to pinpoint what makes you different and become resilient, so you can get through the tough times. Price emphasized that learning is ongoing and believes there is value in formal education when you are seeking to learn more about non-profits. Williams relayed that every day brings new lessons, and you must mold yourself into who you need to be in order to get the work done. Denise Williams, Holly Parker, and Daniel Price NON-PROFIT PANEL LUNCHEON Photo caption: John Stetler (KUSBDC Director), Denise Williams (CEO and Founder of Be ReZilient - Healing Through The Arts), Holly Parker (Executive Director of TriCounty Community Network), and Daniel Price (Mosaic Community Land Trust)
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzcxOTE=