Opportunity for Non-Profit Leaders in WNY

Dear Non-Profit Leader-

We would like to invite you participate in a focus group conversation with other local leaders to discuss the support and technical assistance nonprofits need to increase their capacities to deliver stronger programs, take risks, build connections, innovate and iterate. We are interested in learning about what organizations like yours want, need, and already have access to regarding capacity building resources and services.

Please join us for one of the following sessions across Western New for non-profit leaders; led by the Community Health Worker Network of Buffalo, with support from Rochester-based CGR consulting group; and sponsored by the Western New York Nonprofit Support Group, a new working group comprised of five local foundations (see more details on this group below focus group locations list).

Buffalo:

Monday, March 18th from 3-5pm (refreshments provided)

The Clement House at 786 Delaware Avenue Buffalo, 14209

Hosted by: Brenda McDuffie, President/CEO, Buffalo Urban League

Wednesday, April 3rd from 5-7pm (refreshments/food provided)

BLRR//JR and Teach for America offices at 345 W. Ferry St. Buffalo, 14213

Hosted by: Natasha Soto, Director, Black Love Resists in the Rust//Just Resisting

Special info for 4/3 location/session: *Location is accessible, with ample parking, near the 3 and 12 bus lines

*Please be aware that building includes shared kitchen and chocolatier; and is not scent-free

*You may request childcare by e-mailing info@chwbuffalo.org

Niagara Falls:

Monday, April 1st from 10am-12pm (refreshments provided)

Pinnacle Community Services 1522 Main St. Niagara Falls, 14305

Hosted by: Francesca Sommer, CEO, Pinnacle Community Services

Rochester:

Wednesday, March 20th from 1pm-3pm (refreshments provided)

Common Ground Health (Trafton Conference room) 1150 University Ave. Rochester, 14607

Hosted by: Miguel Melendez, Special Projects Director, Ibero-American Development Corporation

Rural Western New York:

Tuesday, April 2nd from 12:30pm-2:30pm (lunch provided)

Levant Wesleyan Church, 1670 Lindquist Drive Falconer, 14733

Hosted by: Tina Zerbian, CEO, Cattaraugus Community Action

Thursday, April 4th from 10am-12pm (refreshments/food provided)

Wyoming Chamber of Commerce, 36 Center St. Warsaw, 14569

Hosted by: Kelly Dryja, Director of Community Services, Wyoming County Mental Health Dept.

Thursday, April 9th from 1pm-3pm (refreshments/food provided)

Central-Royalton Hartland Community Library, 9 Vernon St, Middleport, 14105

***Participants should be non-profit organization organizational leaders and/or management. ***Up to two individuals per organization may participate.

***Diversity, equity and inclusion is a major focus of this effort- we encourage individuals and organizations who have not been in regular conversation with local funders to participate- including grassroots, volunteer-run and community-based organizations, those working with under-represented groups and issues, and organizations led by women and people of color.

For questions related to registration or participation, please e-mail info@chwbuffalo.org with the subject line “non-profit focus group”.

Your participation is entirely voluntary and your name or that of your organization will not be identified in the final report. This focus group is part of a study sponsored by the Western New York Nonprofit Support Group, a new working group comprised of five foundations (Health Foundation of Central and Western NY, John R. Oishei Foundation, Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation, Western NY Foundation, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation) and two independent consultants working to help nonprofits in Western New York and Monroe County come together to collaborate, learn, and innovate to strengthen their ability to deliver on their missions. At the conclusion of this study (which also includes a survey and interviews, this working group intends to share what was learned with the nonprofit community and use results to guide the Western New York Nonprofit Support Group’s future decision-making.

We know how busy you are but hope you will take a bit of time and share your feedback to inform the kinds of services and initiatives that might be supported in the future. Your voice in this study is really important. As a leader in an important local nonprofit, you are in an ideal position to give us valuable first-hand information. We hope you will add your voice. If you have any questions about this study, please feel free to contact capacitybuilding@cgr.org. Your participation is greatly appreciated!