News

C3F is great at making grants. We’ve been doing it for nearly 35 years, so we have many dedicated nonprofit partners, and we also work with generous donors to support a wide variety of projects and programs that aim to make life better for everyone in Charlevoix County. This partnership between us, nonprofits, and donors has helped our community in many ways over the years.  

Grants are great, because they allow organizations to try new things, run special projects and programs, or access even larger pools of funding. Grants are useful, meaningful, supportive, and can be transformational in some cases. But what if there were also other ways we could help strengthen and support nonprofits? We’ve been testing this idea for years, asking questions and listening to our partners’ responses, to find meaningful ways to support nonprofit partners “beyond the grant check.”  

With these goals in mind, we are excited to launch new initiatives to help nonprofits serving Charlevoix County to build and strengthen their organizational capacity.  

1. Candid Search (Foundation Directory): In partnership with the Charlevoix Public Library, we’ll host the Candid Search (formerly called Foundation Directory) database, searchable on any CPL computer starting in August. This tool can help nonprofits find new funding sources by searching the database for funders who prioritize this geographic area or the organization’s focus area. The majority of private foundations (like family foundations) don’t advertise their grant processes, but functionally, they make grants each year. Candid Search could help nonprofits find where their work aligns with the philanthropic values of other foundations, which could lead to new relationships, new funding, and more capacity building resources. Stay tuned on our Nonprofit Resources page for updates about this resource, including when it will go live and some usage tips and tutorials.  

2. Rotary Charities Capacity Advisory Pool (CAP): The CAP program matches highly knowledgeable local nonprofit consultants with nonprofits to work through some common challenges. Rotary Charities coaches will offer guidance for orgs to bolster their skills on topics like board governance, fund development, storytelling/marketing, managing personnel, and much more. This opportunity is already available to anyone who has graduated from the Leadership Learning Lab program, but starting now, the opportunity is open to any organization serving Charlevoix County as well. Contact me to learn more about how to connect with a CAP coach for up to 5 free hours of coaching support this year.  

3. Leadership Learning Lab: Ok, this one isn’t new, but it’s worth repeating. We have offered this leadership skill building program since 2018 and we’ve watched as organization after organization has leveled up, learned more, and built connections and confidence. We just finished confirming the roster for the 26/27 cohort, but I encourage nonprofit staff to check out the program before next spring. Recruitment opens in April, and applications are due in June each year. Watch our Nonprofit Resources page next spring for updates and more information.  

To learn more about any of these opportunities, click on the links above. To get started with the CAP or LLL programs, give me a call. It’s one of the joys of my job to connect nonprofits with resources whenever possible. I’m also always happy to talk with donors about opportunities to support the causes you care about most. Our work together in this space is truly invaluable to our community. We hope these new programs will inspire donors to continue supporting organizations through C3F and will also help nonprofits serving our community to be the best they can be! When our nonprofits are strong and resourceful, our entire community benefits.