Four area organizations selected for second cohort of Nonprofit Excellence Initiative

QUINCY — Four local nonprofits were selected to participate in the second cohort of the Nonprofit Excellence Initiative, a collaborative program of the Quincy Area Funders Collaborative which seeks to strengthen the effectiveness of not-for-profit organizations in Adams County.

The second cohort of the Nonprofit Excellence Initiative consists of Good Samaritan Home, Quincy Humane Society, Quincy Public Library and the Quincy Public Schools Foundation.

In a press release, Initiative chairperson Catherine Bocke said, “Our area nonprofits require strong organizational leadership to fulfill their missions. This initiative aims to assist in retention of a nonprofit’s employees and offers leaders the tools necessary to grow both themselves and their respective organization.”

The Nonprofit Excellent Initiative has two phases. Phase One, which began in April, focuses on organizational assessment, leadership training and executive coaching. Phase Two utilizes knowledge gained in Phase One to implement organizational strategic planning. Each nonprofit will receive $5,000 in unrestricted operational support after it completes each phase.

Applications for the initiative were accepted early this year. To be eligible, the nonprofit had to have a 501(c)3 status, at least 2.5 full-time employees, a minimum operating budget of $100,000, basic structure and processes in place and board commitment to this project.

“Giving these organizations the tools they need to continue the invaluable work they do in our community is what this initiative is all about,” said Jean Buckley of the Tracy Family Foundation. “Through knowledge, shared experiences and leadership-level coaching, we aim to further grow our community through our wonderful nonprofits.”

Participants in the first cohort of the Nonprofit Excellence Initiative were Bella Ease, Cheerful Home, Horizons Social Services, Quincy Community Theatre and the Quincy Family YMCA.

The Quincy Area Funders Collaborative is a partnership of John Wood Community College Foundation, the Moorman Foundation, Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri, the Tracy Family Foundation and United Way of Adams County.