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Resources for Nonprofit Directors

A veteran now has a place to sleep thanks to V.E.T.S. nonprofit [Video]

For years, a 64-year-old Marine veteran has been living on the streets of Maine. Now, thanks to Boothbay V.E.T.S., John Thorn has a place to sleep.Ed Harmon’s Boothbay Veterans Emergency Temporary Shelter organization has a goal to get homeless veterans off the ground and into beds.”Three years ago, when we started this, the number was 101 that we knew that were on the ground sleeping. Now it’s around 288. They’re back under a bridge. They’re on somebody’s car, or they’re in somebody’s garage. And they don’t know that they’re trying to get out of the cold, but they’re on the ground freezing,” Harmon said. Harmon’s organization builds trailers that offer veterans a warm place to sleep. He says if someone’s willing to plug in the trailer, the nonprofit will bring it out.Once a person is able to get back on their feet, Harmon says they clean up the trailer, refurbish it and put them back out.For Thorn, having a place to sleep means a lot.”Here, I have a bed, I have safety. I know it’s right here, right in front of my face, and it’s still hard to believe, I can’t. Like here, it’s another step, hopefully. Another step somewhere,” he said.

Categories
Resources for Nonprofit Directors

A veteran now has a place to sleep thanks to V.E.T.S. nonprofit [Video]

For years, a 64-year-old Marine veteran has been living on the streets of Maine. Now, thanks to Boothbay V.E.T.S., John Thorn has a place to sleep.Ed Harmon’s Boothbay Veterans Emergency Temporary Shelter organization has a goal to get homeless veterans off the ground and into beds.”Three years ago, when we started this, the number was 101 that we knew that were on the ground sleeping. Now it’s around 288. They’re back under a bridge. They’re on somebody’s car, or they’re in somebody’s garage. And they don’t know that they’re trying to get out of the cold, but they’re on the ground freezing,” Harmon said. Harmon’s organization builds trailers that offer veterans a warm place to sleep. He says if someone’s willing to plug in the trailer, the nonprofit will bring it out.Once a person is able to get back on their feet, Harmon says they clean up the trailer, refurbish it and put them back out.For Thorn, having a place to sleep means a lot.”Here, I have a bed, I have safety. I know it’s right here, right in front of my face, and it’s still hard to believe, I can’t. Like here, it’s another step, hopefully. Another step somewhere,” he said.

Categories
Resources for Nonprofit Directors

Increasing Grant Funding With AI [Video]

We jump into the exciting realm of leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for securing grant funding with the insightful Margit Brazda Poirer, the CEO of Grants4Good.com. Margit gives us a wealth of information on how NPO’s can utilize AI to streamline their grant application processes and increase their chances of securing funding. As Margit starts, “We’re in a whole new AI age.” With the advent of AI technologies like ChatGPT and Google Bard, nonprofits have an unprecedented opportunity to revolutionize their grant writing workflows. Margit details the ease of use of these AI platforms, likening them to a virtual assistant that can generate grant narratives, letters of inquiry, and even social media posts within seconds. One key takeaway is the importance of understanding how to harness AI ethically and effectively. Margit emphasizes the need for caution when it comes to data privacy and urges users to avoid inputting confidential information into AI prompts. Instead, she recommends using AI as a tool to enhance productivity and creativity while still maintaining the integrity of the organization’s voice and mission. Margit debunks the notion that AI will render professional grant writers obsolete. While AI can certainly assist with tasks like drafting documents and researching funders, the nuanced art of grant writing still requires human expertise and understanding of the grant-seeking process. Margit’s insights shed light on the transformative potential of AI in the nonprofit sector, offering a glimpse into a future where grant writing is more accessible and efficient for organizations of all sizes. In Margit’s words, “I think more and more people can do this grant writing on their own, and frankly, I think that’s fantastic.” With the right tools and knowledge, nonprofits can leverage AI to unlock new opportunities and advance their missions in the ever-evolving landscape of philanthropy. Watch this episode and learn more!You can also listen to the show on your favorite podcast channel. Additionally, the American Nonprofit Academy provides news, inspiration, and training for the nonprofit and social impact community.#fundraising #nonprofit #socialimpact

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Resources for Nonprofit Directors

Strategies That Engage Youth! [Video]

Dr. Bre Gentile, the CEO and founder of Doctor G’s Lab, who holds a PhD, discusses the importance of engaging young people for social change and shares her wisdom about amplifying the voices of youth in the nonprofit sector, emphasizing the need for adults to actively support and collaborate with young people to drive meaningful social change. Dr. G starts with her thoughts on the significance of youth involvement in social impact initiatives and emphasizes how young people often initiate positive change. She provides examples like Greta Thunberg, who started her climate activism as a teenager, and Sunflower in Thailand, a youth-led organization combating human trafficking. Dr. G’s optimism about the passion, awareness, and open-mindedness of today’s youth will inspire you! She states, “Our youth are thinking, they’re aware, their eyes are open, and they’re caring, and that is hope for me as an adult.” The conversation covers the role of youth in various social sectors and touches on their desire to be part of meaningful initiatives, and how they are changing the landscape, particularly through the power of social media. Dr. G brings up the importance of creating safe spaces for youth to express themselves and suggests that adults should be more open to sitting with discomfort and uncertainty, mirroring the resilience and determination displayed by young people. The hosts ask about the influence of social media and technology on youth engagement and activism and Dr. G discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by these platforms, emphasizing the need for careful facilitation and adult guidance. The fast-paced chat touches on the evolving landscape of higher education, with young people seeking more information and insights into their choices, particularly regarding college and career paths. Dr. G highlights the importance of providing platforms for young individuals to connect with college students and professionals who can offer guidance. As the interview concludes, the hosts ask about the concept of youth-led initiatives and the challenges they face as they age out of their roles. Dr. G replies how adults can play a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability of youth-led initiatives by offering mentorship and support.You can also listen to the show on your favorite podcast channel. Additionally, the American Nonprofit Academy provides news, inspiration, and training for the nonprofit and social impact community.#fundraising #nonprofit #socialimpact