Nonprofit Network Celebrates 10 Years of Support

A decade ago, on October 26, 2012, dozens of nonprofit professionals gathered for a special open house at the Community Foundation. The event was a celebration—the Linn County Nonprofit Resource Center was officially becoming part of the Community Foundation as the Nonprofit Network. The new initiative would provide a point of connection and resources for local nonprofit organizations and professionals.

“The Nonprofit Resource Center was a great asset for Linn County nonprofits,” said Carrie Walker, Nonprofit Network Manager since 2014. “The Nonprofit Network has prioritized connection, and we now provide professional development opportunities and a way for individuals to interact with peers.”

The Network’s core work includes Peer Groups, Nonprofit Know-How events, and connection to a wide range of resources for hundreds of local nonprofit professionals and the organizations they work for. Even through the pandemic, when in-person meetings had to be cancelled and organizations were struggling to adapt, the Network served as a “place” to connect with peers, talk through challenges, and find resources to help with the adaptation process.

Additionally, the Network provides a means for the Community Foundation to connect with and learn from the organizations we serve—through focus groups, surveys, and candid conversations about what supports those organizations need.

“We’re here to strengthen our community by strengthening our nonprofit sector,” Carrie said. “I feel so fortunate to be able to work with local nonprofit professionals, and I look forward to our continued work to collectively create a better Linn County.”

To celebrate this milestone anniversary, the Nonprofit Network will host a special peer group lunch on Friday, October 28, at noon at the Community Foundation. All nonprofit professionals are invited to enjoy a free lunch and a presentation from energy-builder Brooke Fitzgerald of The Restoration Project. Space for the event is limited—register here.

To learn more about the Nonprofit Network, find Peer Group schedules, or access the Network’s list of resources, click here.