Meeting the needs of the organizations that meet the needs of our community.

Every nonprofit wants to put its money where the need is. But what happens when nonprofits themselves need help?

That was the situation in Wichita not long ago. Nonprofits were directing every spare dollar to the populations they served, and little or nothing was spent on maintaining the viability of the organizations.

By 2005, the situation had become a crisis. After underbidding its services on a state contract, a foster-care provider was forced to close after more than 100 years of service. Two cultural institutions lost their executive directors. Nearing insolvency, they surrendered their operating duties to a special administrator appointed by the City of Wichita.

A local businessman who’d served on several boards came to the Wichita Community Foundation greatly concerned and more than just a little outraged. “Nonprofits are being picked off one by one,” he said. “Are we going to stand by and let that happen? Aren’t there best practices you can teach them? Can’t we figure out something to help them?”

He was right. Something had to be done, and WCF was in the best position to take the lead. We actually had a program in place to help nonprofits understand the business side of their operations. For several years, we’d offered an on-going series of free, nonprofit seminars on board governance, fund raising, tax law changes, and a wide variety of topics.

While those seminars might have helped some, they obviously weren’t enough. And so the WCF program officer began researching desirable “best nonprofit practices” nationwide. Working in cooperation with concerned business people and professors from the Wichita State University Hugo Wall School of Public Administration, it became clear that “best practices” was a relative term. What worked for the Boys & Girls Club in Cincinnati, for example, might or might not work in Wichita, KS. The underlying issue appeared to be the need for specialized capacity building.

Presenting the idea to the entrepreneurial WCF Board of Directors, the Program Officer suggested a partnership with Dr. Dave Renz of the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership. Competitively awarded grants would provide a team of consultants for sixteen selected organizations.

The Board awarded $150,000 in Unrestricted Grant Funds for the project, the businessman gave $10,000, and the Sunflower Foundation of Topeka, KS gifted $20,000. The program began in 2006, with an informational seminar in March attended by 28 agencies. Grant submissions were due on July 1, 2006. Of the 28 agencies submitting, 16 were selected for capacity building help and, Dr. Renz negotiated individualized consulting agreements with each.

For example, one organization felt the most important need was a definitive evaluation of its financial holdings, daily operating costs, and long-range plan. Another organization needed a succession plan for its retiring, long time executive director. Predictably no two agencies had similar needs, but Dr. Renz quickly assembled experts to build capacity within the various nonprofits.

Foundation staff stayed at arm’s length during the 18-month project, allowing Dr. Renz and his team of experts to fully engage the staff and boards of the selected organizations. When the 18-month project ended in December 2007, eleven of the sixteen agencies reported that they had gained ground and considered the time well spent. And we’re proud to say that all 16 participating nonprofits are today still alive and well and serving the needs of Wichita.