Foundations Community Partnership announced the recipients for its second annual Target Funding – General Operating Support grants, which support nonprofits focused on the behavioral health and human service needs of children, young adults and families. The FCP board approved $80,000 for the GOS grant at its March 16 meeting and each recipient was awarded $20,000:
Family Service Association of Bucks County offers a variety of programs and services focused on increasing opportunities for adults, protecting seniors, reducing substance use, improving the lives of those with mental illness, preparing children and adolescents for the future, improving the quality of life for those living with HIV/AIDS and more. The organization also operates the Bucks County Emergency Homeless Shelter.
YMCA of Bucks County is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
Cancer Support Community Greater Philadelphia provides a comprehensive professional program of social and emotional support and education designed to enhance the mind, body and spirit of people whose lives have been affected by cancer. All programs and services are provided at no cost to participants.
Penndel Mental Health Center advocates for individuals with mental illness, intellectual disabilities and co-occurring disorders.
Family Service chief executive officer Julie Dees went into detail about what the organization’s $20,000 grant will be used for. Through the grant, Family Service seeks to further diversify its entire operation by reaching and recruiting a wider population of potential candidates for organizational staff and leadership positions, as well as board membership. This will be accomplished through expanded communication and social media channels, which key upon a more diverse audience. Family Service will also implement hiring and retention bonuses that find and support new talent, while retaining those who are already on the team. Additionally, Family Service plans to blaze new pathways for highly performing staff members to transition into management roles. Finally, through this funding, Family Service will evaluate all existing policies and procedures to ensure that it does not serve as a barrier to inclusion.
“Family Service has been a proud partner with Foundations Community Partnership on many successful projects over the years, but this is perhaps our most significant collaboration to date,” said Dees. “We are aware that while we constantly strive to be socially aware and supportive of diversity, there is still clearly and unfortunately a great deal of work that needs to be done in this area. The concepts that we are now able to implement because of this grant will hopefully bring us closer to being a more equitable organization, while building a new model for diversity and inclusion throughout our industry.”
The FCP board of directors started targeted funding grants several years ago focused on autism and homelessness before last year offering unrestricted operating support through this grant cycle.
“These grants are designed to help nonprofits address pressing needs, support entrepreneurial thinking and increase flexibility during these uncertain times,” said FCP board chair Abigail Halloran.
Visit fcpartnership.org or call 267-247-5584 for more information.
