We believe the health of our nonprofit partners and our local nonprofit sector is critical to our community’s ability to make lasting, positive change. Each year, we dedicate a portion of our Community’s Endowment funding towards resources and programs that maximize our collective capacity to serve the community well. We have a special focus on investing in board and staff leadership as we believe leadership matters greatly in a nonprofit’s ability to fulfill its mission.
These efforts include operating support for Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance and Community SPOKE, nonprofit board trainings, accessing local data, Leadership Transitions Program, and Nonprofit LEAD 24/7.
“Lead 24/7 has given me the extraordinary opportunity to work with talented leaders, instructors and coaches. This cohort of amazing people have provided me with fresh and relevant insights on a diverse range of leadership topics. Even after 25 years of leadership experience I have learned so much from Lead 24/7. I appreciate the challenges and inspiration this program has given me.” — Darcy Fluharty, Executive Director Children’s Advocacy Center
“CFHZ’s support of Movement West Michigan’s rigorous research project allowed us to gain valuable insight from community partners and church leaders on the social, cultural, and spiritual challenges in our community. This research has helped us design a dynamic strategic plan that unites Christian faith leaders to serve with humility and love for the flourishing of all in our community.” — Lynn Kotecki, Executive Director Movement West Michigan
“The Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance (LNA) through its membership model provides a variety of benefits and services to strengthen our local nonprofits, helping them operate at an even higher capacity. The partner organization of LNA, Community SPOKE, helps to improve the quality of life for all Ottawa County residents by coordinating large-scale collaboration between nonprofit and government partners to address some of our community’s greatest health and human service challenges. We are grateful to CFHZ for recognizing the value that these two capacity-building organizations have in making our community better.” — Patrick Cisler, Executive Director Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance and Community SPOKE
“LNA’s Leadership Transition Program provided a clear and comprehensive process for the recruitment and selection of our new Executive Director. It included everything from validating the job description, to important communication strategies, to the onboarding of the selected candidate.” — Chuck Kohlruss, Board Chair Ottagan Addictions Recovery (OAR)
“The Youth Assessment Survey (YAS) is a comprehensive analysis of the behavior patterns that our Ottawa County youth exhibit. This helps any youth-serving organization tailor its programming and services to ensure youth needs are being met.” — Stephanie VanDerKooi, Chair Youth Assessment Survey Committee
Originally featured in the CFHZ 2019 Annual Report.