While GCRI is unable to provide grants or funding for nonprofits directly, we are committed to supporting and strengthening the nonprofit sector in Rhode Island. Working with funders through our Nonprofit Capacity Building Catalyst Group, GCRI looks for opportunities to leverage resources to increase nonprofit sustainability statewide.
Each February GCRI offers a Meet the Funders session, which provides an accessible environment for nonprofits to learn more about a variety of funders across the state.
We periodically offer professional development sessions, nonprofit-funder dialogues and other opportunities, so be sure to subscribe to GCRI Connect, our email newsletter, by emailing Nancy. Wolanski@uwri.org.
Upcoming Nonprofit Trainings
Board Development for Small and Volunteer-Led Nonprofits
September 10, 6:00-8:30pm
United Way, 50 Valley Street, Providence
Small nonprofit organizations are critical members of their communities, close to their members and responsive to their needs. The challenge for small or newer nonprofits – typically with one or no paid staff members – is that the board of directors often serves as the volunteer corps for the organization. This means that they function as both service providers AND governance leaders. This workshop, led by Dr. Jill Pfitzenmayer Vice President of Capacity Building at the Rhode Island Foundation, is specifically geared towards small nonprofit organizations working in any sector (e.g. human services, arts and culture, environment) negotiating the challenges and opportunities involved in having and engaging a working board. Topics covered will include:
• What are the core responsibilities for all nonprofit board members?
• As a board member, how do you balance your role in governance with your role providing services or programs to your community?
• How do you effectively fundraise for your organization as a board member?
• What are your options for growth? e.g. should you hire staff, or should you remain an all-volunteer organization?
The Rhode Island Foundation will be presenting this training in partnership with Grantmakers Council of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts. Register
Using Strategic Measures to Accelerate Social Impact
New Date — September 24, 8:30-11:30am
United Way, 50 Valley Street, Providence
All organizations struggle with leveraging resources in a way that provides the greatest impact. Meaningfully measuring impact to communicate to management, board and donors is critical. Learn from Rebeka Mazzone and other expert volunteers from Citrin Cooperman how to identify what measures will work best for you and how to develop a Balanced Scorecard to provide a comprehensive view of your organization. Register
Salesforce for Nonprofits: Maximize Your Organization’s Ability to Share Impact
Tuesday, October 8, 8:30am
United Way of Rhode Island, 50 Valley Street, Providence
Do you wish you had better impact data to share with your donors and stakeholders? Would streamlining your tracking processes create more resources for programmatic work? Join Grantmakers Council of Rhode Island and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island to learn about Salesforce’s free Nonprofit Success Pack (free for organizations with 10 or fewer staff). Learn from a Salesforce subject matter expert about the ways the Nonprofit Success Pack could benefit your organization and the resources that Salesforce provides. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions around your specific organization’s needs, and how Salesforce might support those needs long-term. Register
Portraits of Generosity: 2018 U.S. Trust® Study of High Net Worth Philanthropy
Wednesday, October 23, 8:30-10:00am
United Way of Rhode Island, 50 Valley Street, Providence
What are the trends in giving and volunteering among America’s high net worth households? What causes do they support, and why? How can nonprofits use this knowledge to advance their missions? Join Hannah B. Kanstroom, Philanthropic Strategist with Bank of America Private Bank’s National Consulting and Advisory Practice, for an in-depth discussion of the latest study findings. Register
Skills Based Volunteerism
GCRI’s Employee Engagement Catalyst Group is also actively working to increase skills-based volunteerism by employees at GCRI member organizations. These volunteers offer occasional content workshops, consulting and pro bono project work. More information on GCRI’s Skills-Based Volunteer Initiative
Resources for Rhode Island Nonprofits
Please note that these links are provided for reference purposes only and do not imply endorsement of any organization or opinion reflected on these sites. Rhode Island resources are listed first in each category, followed by national resources.
GCRI shares information about opportunities provided by GCRI members, as well as various organizations across the state that provide professional and organizational development support for nonprofits, information on RFP’s, training and resources available to Rhode Island nonprofits through GCRI Connect, our periodic e-newsletter for nonprofits. If you would like to receive GCRI Connect, please email Nancy.wolanski@uwri.org to be added to the email list.
Grant Research and Grantwriting
Foundation Collection at Providence Public Library
Foundation Center’s GrantSpace — training, Knowledge Base, foundation database
Foundation Center’s Foundation Directory Online
Advocacy
Bolder Advocacy/Alliance for Justice: Advocacy Capacity Tool (ACT!)
Bolder Advocacy/Alliance for Justice: ACT! Quick
Bolder Advocacy/Alliance for Justice: Power Check (evaluating community organizing)
Boards and Governance
Evaluation
Greater Boston Evaluation Network
Financial Education and Empowerment
Financial Management
FMA Financial Management Tools for Nonprofits
Fundraising
Association of Fundraising Professionals Rhode Island Chapter
Graphic Design
Johnson & Wales University Feinstein Technology & Design Center — project-based graphic support for Rhode Island nonprofits provided by students
Information Technology
Free Geek — computers for nonprofits and low-income individuals in Rhode Island
Idealware — training and assistance with technology decisions
Microsoft — product donation, discounts and grants
Tech Soup — discounted and donated technology and software
Job Postings
RI Community Jobs Listserv — hosted by Swearer Center at Brown University
Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship Job Postings
Massachusetts Nonprofit Network Job Postings
Legal Assistance and Resources
Roger Williams University Pro Bono Collaborative — project-based legal assistance for Rhode Island nonprofits serving low-income individuals provided by lawyers and law students
Roger Williams University Business Start-Up Clinic (provides nonprofit assistance as well) — project-based legal assistance for Rhode Island nonprofits provided by law students
Lawyers Clearinghouse — provides legal assistance and pro bono work for Massachusetts nonprofits
Venable Legal Resources Regarding Government Grants
Office Furniture
Pro Bono and Skills-Based Volunteers
Roger Williams University Community Partnerships Center — Project-based assistance from students and graduate students
Taproot Foundation — connect with at-a-distance pro bono experts
Professional and Organizational Development
Rhode Island Foundation’s Initiative for Nonprofit Excellence
Expansion Arts — Organizational development for Rhode Island arts organizations, funded by Rhode Island Council for the Humanities, Rhode Island Foundation, and Rhode Island State Council on the Arts
Association of Fundraising Professionals Rhode Island chapter
Free and Low-Cost Training Webinars and Online Courses
Project Management Resources
Ocean State Project Management Institute — pro bono project management mentoring for Rhode Island nonprofits
Templates and Sample Documents
Society for Nonprofits (includes board member agreements and strategic plan outlines)
Tech Soup (RFP resources for technology projects)
Volunteer Recruitment
Volunteer Center at United Way of Rhode Island
Finding/Working with Consultants
Southern New England Nonprofit Consultant Directory
Starting a Nonprofit
Foundation Center’s nonprofit startup guide and RI specific guide
BoardSource FAQ’s — Should I Start a Nonprofit? and Starting a Nonprofit
GCRI sends out occasional information about resources and opportunities available to Rhode Island nonprofits, as well as RFP’s and funding opportunities. If you are interested in joining our nonprofit maling list, please email nancy.wolanski@uwri.org.