Vail Daily letter: Opportunity for nonprofits
Since May 2014 I have been involved in the planning process for Mountain Rural Philanthropy Days (MRPD). Mountain Rural Philanthropy Days is a three-day conference this June in Rifle. It presents a unique opportunity for nonprofit individuals to interact and network with other nonprofits, public agencies, community leaders, and funders at a level that will transform their organizational and professional outlook.
A variety of workshops are offered over the course of these three days and cover topics that are integral to a sustainable nonprofit. These topics include developing your board, maximizing social media engagement, understanding a strategic plan, utilizing program evaluation, and so much more.
MRPD allows grant seekers from our region to build partnerships with Front Range foundations. Often times it is difficult for the rural communities to get access to such funds in the metro area – MRPD opens this door. Along with the workshops there are also plenty of opportunities for networking. The final day allows for funder roundtables where each attendee can give their pitch to each of the funders in attendance.
Before MRPD only 3 percent of grant funds went to rural communities, now over 30 percent reaches our rural communities. This gives our local nonprofits the ability to explore relationships with key funders to help fund our local programs.
MRPD is made possible thanks to a steering committee of volunteers from various nonprofit organizations around the mountain region and coordinated in collaboration with Community Resource Center and Anschutz Family Foundation.
Support Local Journalism
Please help me spread the word about this amazing opportunity for our local nonprofit leaders. The last day to register is June 3. Check out mountainrpd.org for details and to register.
Denise Kipp
Executive director, Red Ribbon Project