The Selby Foundation’s “Small and Mighty” (SAM) grants were created to help organizations with annual expenses of $300,000 or less access capital dollars more easily. There is no mistaking that these organizations can make a big impact. Since the first SAM grant process was launched, the Selby Foundation has awarded dollars for equipment, office space, books, and other items supporting small arts, civic, human services, environmental, and education organizations.
The Foundation wanted to invest in special opportunities to help these organizations grow their ability to find, cultivate, and steward donors; form compelling messaging and break through the noise to attract new support; formalize strategies, processes and opportunities; and build financial strength. Workshops and trainings abound in our area, but smaller organizations often tell us they wish to learn with nonprofits that are also led by volunteers or by minimal staff teams.
On June 15, 2023, the Foundation officially launched the “Small and Mighty” workshop series, sessions designed for SAM grant recipients and applicants, providing group discussion and interactive exercises.
Patricia Courtois was the perfect choice to facilitate the session. Courtois spent her career in successful brand strategy and development, media relations, special events, community relations and corporate philanthropy for well-known companies and brands. She has served on the boards of organizations including All Faiths Food Bank, EDC of Sarasota County, Senior Friendship Centers, Doctors Hospital, Florida Studio Theatre, Community Foundation of Sarasota, Sarasota County Arts Council, and the Literacy Council of Sarasota.
During the three-hour, hands-on session in the Selby Foundation board room, participants developed donor and client personas, explored the “customer” journey from awareness to loyal support, and developed strategies for brand touch points. Each person left with a fillable tool to use for strategic communications planning.
Participating organizations included Arcadia Garden Club, J5 Experience, Kiwanis Club of North Port, SPAACES, Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative, Sunshine Community Compost.
Said Jaiden J., “The ‘Small and Mighty’ Workshop was the program our local non-profits desperately needed…[The session] deeply contributes to the aspects of capacity building that funds can’t support.”
To learn more or to learn if your organization is eligible to apply for a Small and Mighty grant, contact Grants Manager Julie Spicer at JSpicer@SelbyFdn.org.