How two nonprofits achieved award-winning success with fractional staff support
An award, particularly a prestigious one, can raise an organization’s profile, drive additional fundraising, and lift the morale of volunteers and staff. Unfortunately, many smaller, volunteer-driven nonprofits hesitate to even throw their hat in the ring. Many are doing wonderful work but are unaware of award opportunities or too busy to apply. Others may need help to build a new initiative into an award-winning effort. Fractional staff can help nonprofits achieve award-worthy successes and they can support or even manage the award application process.
I’m delighted to share the news of well-deserved award recognition recently received by our clients BIADE (Brain Injury Association of Delaware) and Thrive, a faith-based organization helping pregnant women and single mothers achieve their full potential.
Thrive wins ENPY Award “Nonprofit Organization of the Year”
A year ago, More Than Giving Co.’s Maggie Goldsmith began supporting Thrive as a Nonprofit Virtual Assistant. Although she works virtually, as do all More Than Giving staff members, Maggie has worked in the nonprofit sector in the Southwest Florida region for more than two decades. That experience has given her familiarity with the community and its major players.
Maggie supports Thrive’s President/Executive Director with everything from donor database management and outreach, to managing the Thrive website and social media, to drafting grant proposals and submitting state filings. Thrive had previously applied for and received grants from The Community Foundation of Cape Coral, FL. However, they had not pursued any of the organization’s ENPY awards (Excellence in Nonprofit Performance Yearly). When Thrive received this year’s ENPY award application form, along with a grant application, Maggie suggested applying for both.
To support the time-consuming process, Maggie drafted answers to award application questions for the President/Executive Director to review. She subsequently supported the grant application process as well. As it happened, the grant application deadline was the same day Hurricane Ian hit southwest Florida, and Maggie and Thrive’s President/Executive Director worked together to finalize the application from the separate locations where they were hunkered down. Maggie was able to hit “submit” – and then send out a quick appeal to donors – less than two hours before her power went out.
The notification of the award win was a bright spot after the storm, which as we know delivered devastating damage to the area. In addition to major recognition that lifted the morale of volunteers, staff and board members at a difficult time, the award has put Thrive on the radar of the prominent individuals who review applications for the award. Hopefully this can lead to new grant and funding opportunities in the future.
BIADE wins BIAA Excellence Award, Communications Category
Since January 2021, More Than Giving has supplied fractional staffing services to BIADE. This includes the services of Cheryl Doucette, who serves as BIADE’s Executive Director, as well as a fundraising associate and Nonprofit Virtual Assistant (NPVA).
Every year at the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) national conference, awards are presented to state chapter affiliates that demonstrate best practices in certain key areas. This year, BIADE applied for and was recognized for Excellence in Communications for several new communication efforts Cheryl implemented with the support of her NPVA.
“The Brain Buzz” is a monthly newsletter distributed to all survivors, caregivers, partners, and members of BIADE. It highlights the service of board members, shares inspiring stories of survivors and caregivers, and promotes upcoming educational events. Additional new communication initiatives cited in the award presentation include a new social media campaign and articles submitted to BIAA's national newsletter.
A new vehicle for internal communication also caught the attention of the national organization. BIADE’s “Tuesday Tidbits” is a weekly communication Cheryl shares with her Corporate Board and Advisory Board Members to streamline the amount of email they receive while still keeping them well-informed.
The award brought fresh excitement and enthusiasm to BIADE board members and volunteers and has elevated the chapter’s profile within the national organization. Cheryl was invited to serve on the Conference Design Committee to help plan the 2022 national BIAA conference.
I invite you to schedule a call with me to discuss how a Nonprofit Virtual Assistant or a customized fractional team can help your nonprofit reach sustainability, achieve greater success, and even secure greater recognition for that success.