Neighborhood Institute Workshop Spotlight – Fundraise for Community Change

You’ve got great ideas for your neighborhood, but who’s going to pay for them? Learn how to effectively fundraise and turn those ideas into reality with Kathleen Elliott, Development Director at Central Scholarships and Tyson Garith, Director of GHCC’s Partnerships and Business Services.

Tell us about your background and why you chose to lead this particular workshop?

Tyson: I have worked at GHCC for over 7 years, and have served as the Director of Partnerships and Business Services for almost 3.  In my role, I help our over 55 clients manage issues like the ones this workshop will cover on a daily basis.

I’m excited by the work that is happening in our communities – residents have such great ideas about how to make the city a better place – and I think it’s great that GHCC has the capacity to support all of that energy through its Non-Profit Business Services!

Kathleen: I have been a fundraiser for 15 years and have held the Certified Fund Raising Executive credential for 7 years. My first foray in fundraising was writing a proposal for a community garden, and I then spent two years as a full-time grant seeker. I now raise $2 million a year as Development Director for Central Scholarship.

What do you hope participants will gain from attending your workshop? What actions will they be more prepared to take?

We hope that workshop participants will gain a better understanding of the options for funding their ideas at the community level, and will be informed about the avenues they can take to make those ideas a reality. Furthermore, participants will learn concrete tips for raising money from anyone as well as specific resources for finding funding from foundations and local businesses.

Why do you love most about living in Baltimore?

Tyson: I like living in a place where I can make a difference.  Baltimore is a place that needs some help – but I think it’s easier to get involved in making Baltimore better than it is in most places.  And, when you get involved, you get to meet committed, passionate people that make every day more fun.

Kathleen: Baltimore is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own character. I love the walkability of my own community and the accessibility of cultural and culinary resources throughout the city. And, I love the great network of people I’ve built since choosing Baltimore as my home 15 years ago.

Tickets to the 7th Neighborhood Institute are sold out. If you would like to be added to the waiting list please email Emma Simpson at espimpson@strongcitybaltimore.org with the subject line “Neighborhood Institute Waiting List”