Funding the Future
Charities often rely on the time, talent, and treasure of their volunteers and board of directors to function and move forward. With any volunteer role, time can be limited and, even if the skills are present on the board for various projects, time commitment may not allow for dedicated focus on larger and more complex initiatives or strategic planning efforts.
The good news? Grants.
People walking on a forested path (Credit: Nowaja)
Up and Running Guelph secured funding in April 2022 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Resilient Communities Fund to “rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19 by investing in new technology and developing a business plan and a comprehensive fundraising strategy.” Through this process, Up and Running Guelph hired a dedicated consultant to focus on guiding and advising the board through its strategic planning efforts. The combination of talented board members and chair, a strong executive director, and a dedicated resource for longterm strategic planning via a consultant (that's me!) is setting the organization up for longterm success and sustainability.
As with any charitable organization, nothing happens in isolation. With smaller organizations, like Up and Running Guelph, staffing is often scarce, making it impossible for the executive director to sustain the complex and high demands of operations. Demands such as leading financial sustainability efforts, managing volunteers, and trying to lead a new strategic direction with the board. Outside help is the glue that pieces the process and planning together, so that the executive director and board can focus on their roles as experts of the organization.
All of this is to say, thank you to the Ontario Trillium Foundation and all granting resources. Your funding and assistance allows charities of all sizes to maximize their potential, build a brighter future for their organization, and it allows people like me to help them get there.
With gratitude,
Jacqueline Watty
Founder | Principal
Jacqueline Watty Consulting