CROSS-NETWORKING EVENT AT WESTPORT WESTON FAMILY YMCA
The Westport Weston Family YMCA Bedford Social Responsibility Fund’s “Pollinator” cross-networking event is a newly created luncheon for the benefit of our nonprofit grant applicants and recipients. It is designed with the overarching goal of fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and community-building among our applicant organizations dedicated to social responsibility and youth education in the greater Westport community.
The event will feature a light sandwich spread, with members of the BFSRF committee guiding discussions according to the areas of focus of each organization.
This unique event, slated to occur on Tuesday, June 4, 12:00-2:30 PM at the Westport Weston Family YMCA, aims to serve as a catalyst for synergies by bringing together diverse the nonprofit entities seeking the Fund’s grant, and fulfilling the mission of our Weston Westport Family YMCA. Through this interactive session and networking opportunities, the Pollinator event seeks to facilitate the sharing of best practices, innovative ideas, and collaborative projects among the participants. By encouraging exchange of ideas and experiences, the event strives to empower nonprofits to strengthen their impact, build sustainable partnerships, and collectively contribute to the greater good of the community served by the YMCA.
Guest list is by invitation only. For inquiries or questions, please Contact Kate Guthrie, Director of Development, 203-571-6043 or kguthrie@westporty.org.
SAMPLE GROUP HOT TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION
1. Digital Marketing & Social Media – bright spot campaigns and results from leveraging digital platforms to increase outreach, engage with supporters, and raise awareness about nonprofit missions/activities.
2. Volunteer recruitment and retention – best practices for recruiting and retaining volunteers (training, recognition, ongoing engagement), finding diverse board members (age, gender, experience etc).
3. Grant Writing and Fundraising – tips and techniques for identifying potential funding sources, cultivating donor relationships, writing compelling proposals, collaborations most appealing to grantors.
4. Operations – tips for finding and retaining qualified staff, DEI awareness for staff, best practices of a successful site tour for a grantor.
5. Technology – how to leverage technology to increase operational efficiencies.
6. Strategic – how has the grant environment changed in 2024 and where should nonprofits pivot?
7. Strategic – Questions to expect to answer in a grant application versus a site visit.
