By Glen O’Gilvie, CEO, Center for Nonprofit Advancement
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many nonprofits are struggling to survive. 501c3’s face a host of challenges as they seek funding to cover losses and maintain their programs—one of which is navigating the complexities of local and federal funding programs.
This is one of many reasons why, when I received a call in March from The Community Foundation with an innovative partnership idea, I was immediately on board. Silvana Straw, Senior Community Investment Officer and Philanthropic Advisor, who also helps lead the Partnership to End Homelessness, wanted to work together to support and help build the capacity of housing and homelessness nonprofits on the frontlines of battling COVID-19.
Our plan was to help these organizations develop proposals for the DC Small Business Recovery Microgrants program, which provides grant funding to help small, local businesses and nonprofits to cover employee wages and benefits, fixed costs, inventory, rent and utilities. The Community Foundation would identify nonprofit partners in need and the Center for Nonprofit Advancement would provide encouragement, technical assistance, and grant writing support to participants.
Glen O’Gilvie (pictured far right) with Martha’s Table at the Center for Nonprofit Advancement’s 2019 Board Leadership Reception.
Jumping into action, we organized our capacity building specialists (part-time and consultant team members) to work with housing and homelessness nonprofits in the region. After reaching out to dozens of local nonprofit homeless services providers identified by The Community Foundation, we received interest from Casa Ruby, DC Doors, Everyone Home DC (formerly CHGM), Homeless Children’s Playtime Project, Jubilee Housing, Miriam’s Kitchen, and SMYAL.
The Center’s Capacity Building Specialists used available public information (e.g. website, Form 990s, etc.) to draft proposals for each participating organization. We then worked directly with nonprofits to review proposals, collect additional information, and submit their applications.
We are proud to report that every organization we worked with submitted an application. While award notifications are still pending, we remain hopeful that each nonprofit will receive the support they need.
We were honored to receive enthusiastic feedback from our nonprofit partners:
We could not have done this without you.” – Jamila Larson, Executive Director & Co-Founder, Homeless Children’s Playtime Project
I am so grateful for your help with the recovery microgrant! Your assistance on this was so valuable, especially with the really quick turnaround time. Whatever happens, it feels good to have the support of our nonprofit community as we focus on helping our clients through this scary time and try to anticipate what it means for all of us long term.” – Karen Cunningham, Executive Director, Everyone Home DC
“Thank you so much. This really meant a lot. I’m really hopeful we’ll be able to keep our doors open for those in need. And I truly believe people put their hearts into all Ruby’s work. Thank you!” – Holly Goldmann, Director of External Affairs, Casa Ruby
The COVID-19 pandemic has created tremendous uncertainty for many organizations—and we are proud that by working together with The Community Foundation we could help ensure nonprofits have the support they need to focus on their critical missions. Our hope is to build this program out to serve additional nonprofits with administrative needs including assistance with proposal development for future public and private funding opportunities.
It’s inspiring to work in partnership with another philanthropic organization, especially the Greater Washington Community Foundation, who we have a long history of partnering with for community impact. This spirit of collaboration and service helped ensure housing and homelessness organizations had the opportunity to access funds during this critical time—and that’s something we can all celebrate. When funders, direct service nonprofits, and local capacity building organizations collaborate, our communities win.
Learn more about the Center for Nonprofit Advancement, and The Community Foundation’s Partnership to End Homelessness.
To help support nonprofits responding to COVID-19 in our region, consider giving to our COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund.
About the author
Glen O’Gilvie has served as chief executive officer of the Center for Nonprofit Advancement since 2008, providing education, networking, advocacy and back office services to nearly 1,000 organizations. A leader with more than 24 years of management experience in the National Capital region’s nonprofit sector, Glen is passionate about addressing the issues affecting people and communities.
Before joining the Center, Glen served as President and CEO of Earth Conservation Corps, Program Officer at The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region and National Coordinator at the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial. During his tenure at each organization, he strengthened programmatic and administrative infrastructure and forged partnerships with nonprofits, government, foundations and corporations to advance each mission and increase outcomes.
Glen holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology, a master’s of education and has completed various nonprofit management and leadership training and certification programs, including Harvard University Kennedy School’s Leadership in the 21st Century. In 2015, he accomplished the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation. He also serves as a nonprofit management, fundraising, and leadership and management adjunct professor.
Glen resides with his wife and two children, Delaney and AJ, and is active in youth sports and education enrichment.