A new initiative in Northwest Arkansas, known as "Raise NWA," is set to expand its reach by inviting more non-profits to join its 2025 program. This initiative, a collaboration between GoodmakerU, The Walmart Foundation, and the Jones Center, aims to enhance the capabilities of local non-profits, enabling them to thrive and make a greater impact in their communities.
Key Takeaways
- Expansion of Program: Raise NWA is increasing its capacity from 10 to 18 non-profits for the 2025 program.
- Focus on Fundraising: The initiative emphasizes training in fundraising, marketing, and communication for non-profits.
- Success Stories: Participants like Pearl have seen significant fundraising success through the program.
The Mission Behind Raise NWA
Raise NWA was launched to support the over 2,000 non-profits operating in Northwest Arkansas, which play vital roles in community services such as food distribution, recovery support, and various outreach programs. Jesse Lane, founder of GoodmakerU, highlighted that fundraising remains one of the most significant challenges these organizations face.
"We’re coming alongside local non-profits in Benton and Washington County to help a cohort of organizations learn to fundraise with individuals in our community to get their story out and market themselves," Lane stated.
Training and Development
The program commenced in early 2024, initially accepting 10 non-profits. Among them was Pearl, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals in specialty courts and recovery programs. Kyra Moss, the executive director of Pearl, shared her personal journey, emphasizing the transformative power of non-profits in people’s lives.
Raise NWA offers a variety of training courses, both online and in-person, focusing on essential skills such as:
- Fundraising Techniques: Learning how to effectively engage with potential donors.
- Marketing Strategies: Developing a strong narrative to attract support.
- Communication Skills: Enhancing outreach efforts to connect with the community.
During a recent session, participants engaged in a competitive fundraising game, which encouraged them to reach out to donors and board members. This hands-on approach proved effective, as demonstrated by Moss’s experience, where a single phone call resulted in a $100,000 donation for Pearl.
Impact and Future Goals
The results of the program have been remarkable. Pearl, which had a fundraising goal of $20,000, has raised $132,000 by the end of 2024, a significant increase from just $2,000 the previous year. Moss credits the training received through Raise NWA for changing their mindset about fundraising and resource utilization.
Lane expressed his vision for the future, stating, "I want to see every non-profit in NWA have access to world-class training and continue to support the groups that are serving the community."
Applications Now Open
Raise NWA is currently accepting applications for its 2025 program, expanding its cohort size and inviting more non-profits to participate. This initiative represents a significant opportunity for local organizations to enhance their capabilities and increase their impact in the community.
As the program grows, it aims to foster a more sustainable and effective non-profit sector in Northwest Arkansas, ultimately benefiting the entire community.
