Nonprofits connect to benefit community
Representatives from NAMI Far North staff a booth at the recent Winter Ridge Neighborhood Food.
SANDPOINT — It began small, a series of one-on-ones with the nonprofits in the region that the Innovia Foundation serves.
It was through those meetings to build its relationships with those groups that Dig Chrismer realized something.
Many of the concerns and needs were the same.
Why not, she thought, get everyone together?
"Through my one-on-ones with many of the executive directors, it became clear that there was a need for this type of connection, but the reality is that our nonprofits are so busy and focused on their missions, asking anyone of them to organize a meeting just wasn’t feasible," the foundation's rural engagement officer for North Idaho said. "Luckily, Innovia understood how important this type of engagement is and gave me the green light to help make a monthly meeting happen."
Thanks to its partners at the Community Resource EnVision Center, which has a focus on nonprofits, a monthly meeting space was identified.
"(It) was a great fit for making not just space available to meet but helping to act on ideas that arise from the group," Chrismer said.
While there are roughly 41 executive directors in the networking group, Chrismer said she sees anywhere from seven to 20 people at each meeting. It depends on the month and what each has going on at any point in time. All are welcome, and any executive nonprofit that wants to get involved is welcome to join the group.
While the current group includes members in the greater Sandpoint area, Innovia recently started a group for nonprofits working in the Priest River and Newport areas. That group, like the Sandpoint-based group, is growing.
The goal of the monthly networking, of encouraging connections among the groups, is "breaking down silos" while building relationships, encouraging collaboration, "and a little bit of therapy," Chrismer said.
"Often organizations are faced with similar challenges like finding funding or recruiting volunteers, so having others in similar situations is so helpful," she added. "I also think when the EDs get to learn from each other, we realize that there really isn’t an 'us' and 'them' in Bonner County, and if the nonprofits can connect and learn from each other, that sets a great example for the rest of us."
Since the group began meeting two years ago, Chrismer said she's seen an increase in collaboration among the nonprofits. Seeing them connect on a specific idea or issue is amazing to watch, she added.
"These connections have formed organically, and I love seeing some groups I would have never thought would partner, work together on an idea or event," Chrismer said. "That’s amazing, and that’s community."
Public perception of what nonprofits do can be difficult, and it can be especially hard on the organizations that are dedicated to their mission. As a group, nonprofits want to help their community, making it a better place to ensure the entire community sees the impact of their work — from recreation organizations, arts and culture groups to faith-based organizations, and health and welfare groups.
"Nonprofits touch all of our lives in Bonner County – imagine what your life would look like here if the nonprofits weren’t around to help support and build community," Chrismer said.
She enjoys watching the nonprofit leaders and members talk and share ideas, making plans on what to do next and how to help each other.
"(The best part is) seeing the EDs take time out of their busy schedules to connect with each other and really listen to the needs of their counterparts," Chrismer said. "The support is amazing, and we are so lucky to have such dynamic and dedicated nonprofit leaders in our community."
Everything from board development and fundraising to scheduling, storytelling, and training are discussed. Nothing, Chrismer said, is off the table.
"If an ED needs help with something, the floor is open for discussion," she added.
Having a place for local nonprofits to connect benefits the community, Chrismer said.
"We need each other in our communities to survive and thrive," she added. "Our nonprofits have taken that to heart, and I’m in awe of how relationships have developed and each group is so willing to help and support another. It could be as simple as an offer of tables from one organization that has a ton in storage to another who needs some for their annual gala. Simple things that mean a huge deal."
Community Assistance League members put the finishing touches on a display at the Sandpoint nonprofit's recent grand opening celebration of its new location.
