Chippewa Valley Fundraising Professionals

See the attached documents for your opportunity to nominate someone for the 2009 Philanthropist of the Year and Youth Philanthropist of the Year honors, awarded at the Annual Philanthropy Day Luncheon to be held November 20, 2009, at Florian Gardens.

Econolodge Inn & Suites Conference Center, Menomonie, WI (Formery the Holiday Manor located at the SW corner of I-94 and Hwy 25) 1815 N. Broadway 715-235-9651 11:45 a.m. – Registration 12:00 noon-1:30 p.m. – Lunch and Program Menu: build your own sandwich with two choices of soup (contact Kelsey Burton at 715-723-1138 to make other dietary requests) · · · · BOARD DEVELOPMENT Presented by: Gary Kelsey, Ed.D Principal Consultant Gary Kelsey and Associates Gary Kelsey is Principal Consultant of Gary Kelsey & Associates. Gary has provided non-profit board development, program development, strategic planning, fundraising, collaboration, team building, qualitative research and other organizational development assistance and training to over 200 non-profit, philanthropic, education & government organizations. Since 1991, Gary has been a faculty member at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. He is also Program Director of the Saint Mary’s University – Masters of Arts in Philanthropy & Development program. Gary holds a B.A. Degree in Social Work from St. Cloud State University, a M.A. in Human & Health Service Administrative & a Doctorate of Education in Leadership from Saint Mary’s University. He also has 26 years experience within the non-profit, government & education sectors.

For more information please follow the link to Employment.

“To receive from your community you must give to your community” as quoted by Mrs. Lorraine Larson Willson (mother of Richard Larson). 

For decades Richard and Marcia Larson have been personally committed to ensuring the Chippewa Valley is a prosperous place to live work and play.  Their investments to community programs are numerous.  Dick and Marcia have fulfilled many needs in our community through their generous gifts and extensive volunteer time to the Eau Claire Community Foundation (ECCF).  Their financial support to the ECCF, specifically the Society of Founder’s fund, has fulfilled more than 85 grant requests to agencies in the Chippewa Valley.  Other organizations that Dick and Marcia have shared their talents with include United Way, Children’s Museum of Eau Claire, Literacy Volunteers Chippewa Valley, Luther Hospital, UW-Eau Claire, and many, many more. 

One factor for the award is modeling and encouraging intergenerational philanthropy; Dick and Marcia have exemplified that model with their children and grandchildren by ensuring they fulfill their family creed to give to the community in which they live.  The philanthropic values of this family are deep and will have a long-lasting impact on the Chippewa Valley area.

Details to follow...

January 23, 2009 

Dear Friend of Philanthropy, 

Happy New Year!   

In talking with many colleagues over recent weeks, most agree that times are tough for fund raising.  Donations are flat or down from previous years.  Many donors are hesitant to make significant gifts until the economic picture brightens.  Ironically demands for many nonprofit services have gone up as a result of the poor economy.  Whether raising funds to provide scholarships or to help families struggling to make ends meet, many area nonprofits are busier than they have ever been.  This paradox poses a unique challenge for fundraisers.  We continually seek fresh, creative ways to engage our constituents and help our organizations achieve their programmatic goals. 

Fortunately for fund raisers in west central Wisconsin, there is a great resource to help – Chippewa Valley Fund Raising Professionals (CVFRP).  Being a member of CVFRP can help each of us succeed in today’s challenges, through:

• Attending quarterly educational programs.  Hear timely, useful tips on ways to strengthen your fund raising efforts and advance your organization;
• Networking with nearly 100 colleagues.  Receive a membership directory, making it easy to contact your peers and learn from their experiences;
• Accessing popular resources through the CVFRP collection available at your local library;
• Keeping up with local nonprofit news by posting announcements and job openings on the website (www.cvfrp.org).

More importantly, your membership will demonstrate your commitment to advancing philanthropy and the critical work of nonprofit organizations throughout the Chippewa Valley.  Collectively we have an impact on nonprofit professionals, volunteers, donors and recipients of services – virtually everyone in west central Wisconsin. 

I look forward to welcoming you as a 2009 member of Chippewa Valley Fund Raising Professionals soon. 

Thank you, 

Michelle Dingwall, President

Ten-session workshop offered over nine months (February – October 2009)

 In face of an economic downturns and shrinking resources, the St. Croix Valley Community Foundation is pleased to help nonprofits find ways to diversify their revenue.  Beginning February 2009, the SCVCF is offering a ten-session fundraising workshop series offered over nine months.  Our goal is to focus on all facets of fund development -- annual campaigns, major gifts, capital campaigns, marketing and more – to help you expand and diversify the strategies you use to raise financial resources.   Upon completion, participants will earn a Fundraising Certificate from the University of St. Thomas (UST), whose nonprofit programs are recognized throughout the nonprofit sector, both in Minnesota and nationwide.  

To apply for this ten-session series, please see the attached brochure and application materials.  Applications are due December 15, 2008.  You may contact Jill Shannon, Director of Community Partnerships at jshannon@scvcf.org or at 715-386-9490 for more information.