That’s what the Davison Community Fund (DCF) Advisory Committee did recently when they invited a group of organizations to talk about community needs. In a speed dating-like session, each group had seven minutes to describe their organization, highlight current challenges and identify critical community issues.
Several local organizations participated in the community survey process. The survey shed light on some of the pressing issues faced by area nonprofits who are struggling to meet their operating budgets while serving more people.
Advisory Committee members walked away learning more about the challenges these organizations are facing. The results helped them identify priorities for grants. In 2011, thanks to a special initiative approved by the Community Foundation of Greater Flint Board of Trustees, the DCF had an additional $5,000 to grant.
The only criteria was that one of the grantees needed to be a new organization that had never received a grant from the Davison Community Fund.
“The Advisory Committee members are focused on growing the community’s permanent endowment,” said Lori Tallman, chair. “The additional $5,000 in grant dollars provided by the Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees will help us achieve greater impact in Davison, Davison Township and Richfield Township.”
The top issues identified in the community survey were emergency needs, outdoor recreation, youth development, senior programming and arts and culture.
Based on the growing need for emergency services, a $2,000 grant was made to Outreach East. Pantry shelves need restocking and the services provided by Outreach East are in high demand. Their mission is to help individuals and families with emergency food and other assistance.
The committee also approved grants to the following organizations, all of which are new grantees:
“Davison is a generous community,” says Tallman. “The Community Fund endowment is growing, thanks to the many donors who give to the Fund. We are so grateful for their ongoing support.”