‘Building Bridges, Building Communities’

On September 16, 2008, over one hundred nonprofit leaders from Mercer County met for a daylong conference sponsored by Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., and Merrill Lynch. The Support Center for Nonprofit Management facilitated the event that featured a professional workshop in the morning followed by a panel discussion in the afternoon. Passionate individuals discussed the impact of philanthropy in Mercer County and ways nonprofit organizations can improve their services and qualify their organization's fundraising initiatives.

Why should nonprofit organizations modify their strategies for fundraising? Nonprofits face the realization that corporate giving comprises only 5-7% of all corporate aid to nonprofit organizations. Therefore, in order to build better communities, additional funding requires supplementation by the state, private foundations and citizens.

While the conference reflected on ways that nonprofit organizations should distinguish themselves, the broader theme focused on the benefits of collaboration. Corporate collaboration with nonprofit organizations as well as multiple nonprofit associations coming together for a common goal was highlighted. While collaboration is not always successful, the point was illustrated that all nonprofit organizations have one thing in common: they are dedicated to improving their communities. It was exciting to see how nonprofit workers are resolute in their efforts to provide the necessary services needed to improve their communities.

The principle of collaboration is not only effective for nonprofit organizations and corporations, but this principle should extend into the local community. Nonprofit and volunteer organizations are increasingly going to need the support and participation of residents who wish to preserve the heritage of their hometown. It is the hope of many nonprofit workers that citizens will come together, collaborate with each other and form creative solutions to assist other members in their community.