Collaborative effort between Arlington Tomorrow Foundation and local experts results in innovative series of free workshops tailored for nonprofits’ growth
Arlington, Texas – The Arlington Tomorrow Foundation is stepping up its support for local nonprofits with a new initiative: the free Impact Learning Series. This program aims to empower organizations by providing them with the necessary tools and training to effectively manage and expand their operations, thereby enhancing their impact on the community.
Starting in March, the series will offer a variety of workshops and networking events, all at no cost to participants. These are designed specifically to address key areas crucial for the long-term sustainability and growth of nonprofits. Topics range from grant writing and program management to measuring impact and effective governance.
“When every penny matters, nonprofits may see training as a luxury they can’t afford,” said Mayor Jim Ross, the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation’s board president. “But the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation has the funding power to help raise up and train up the city’s nonprofit sector. Our board recognizes that we have the opportunity —and the responsibility —to do more for our community beyond responding to charitable grant requests and writing checks.”
The Impact Learning Series was developed following the State of the Nonprofit Sector Research Project, an 18-month study conducted in partnership with the University of Texas at Arlington, the City of Arlington, and the United Way of Tarrant County. The study identified a strong desire among local organizations to enhance their operational skills to better serve the community.
“The study’s results were clear: our local organizations are eager to enhance their skills in everything from grant writing to program management to measuring impact so they can better serve our community,” Arlington Tomorrow Foundation Executive Director Carolyn Mentesana said. “We are excited to come alongside the sector in this new way to offer them capacity building tools to help them become stronger, more sustainable, and able to compete for both human and financial resources.”
The first of these workshops, focusing on effective board governance, is scheduled for April 22. It is specifically designed for nonprofit boards to understand their roles better, improve dynamics, and implement governance best practices. Board members representing organizations that have received Arlington Tomorrow Foundation funding are eligible to attend.
Additionally, on April 9, the foundation will sponsor the Uniting for Good Conference at the University of Texas at Arlington. This event aims to bring together nonprofit leaders and UTA faculty and students to explore the latest trends and strategies in fundraising and development.
July 25 will mark the Community Engagement Day, an opportunity for Arlington’s nonprofit sector to network, share best practices, learn from experts in philanthropy and nonprofit management, and foster collaborations that enhance community impact.
Since its establishment in 2017, the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation has funded over 500 programs or projects with a total of $44.9 million, aiming to ensure that Arlington thrives. This includes support for physical and mental care, arts, cultural and educational programming, and access to significant resources and opportunities for residents.
For those interested in participating in the Impact Learning Series or attending upcoming events, updates and registration information are available on the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation’s Facebook page. Further details can be obtained by contacting Carolyn Mentesana via email.
All the details are here.
