News & Events

Local residents looking to become more involved in their community are invited to Nonprofit Speed Dating on May 16 at the Stone Lodge in Fremont.

Through a series of informal chats with nonprofit organizations in a fun atmosphere, individuals will get a better picture of what each nonprofit does and where their personal skills and talents might be needed most.

Refreshments will be provided and attendees will rotate among tables staffed by representatives from a variety of local nonprofits. They will learn more about the organizations’ goals and needs and how their missions and priorities may match up.

The free event is hosted by Fremont Area Community Foundation in partnership with the Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University. It will be a great opportunity for anyone who is curious about local nonprofits and what they do, as well as for anyone thinking about serving on a nonprofit board or committee, now or in the future.

Nonprofit Speed Dating will be held Tuesday, May 16 from 5-7 p.m. at the Stone Lodge in Fremont. For more information and to RSVP, visit facommunityfoundation.org/events or call 231.924.5350.

Serving on a nonprofit organization’s board or one of its committees is a meaningful way to make a difference in your community. Newaygo County nonprofits are waiting for your talents, your leadership, and your passion!

Join us to learn what serving on a nonprofit board is all about at a free Introduction to Nonprofit Board Service seminar. You’ll learn more about:

• Roles and responsibilities of board members
• Nonprofit fundraising, financial management, and board structures
• How your skills and talents can help strengthen local nonprofits

Choose from one of four dates and locations:

• March 2 in Fremont
• March 14 in White Cloud
• March 23 in Grant
• April 19 in Newaygo. This seminar will be held 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and will include lunch.

You don’t have to be ready to make a commitment; just come and learn! Then, in May, you’ll have the opportunity to attend a “nonprofit speed dating” event where you can connect with local organizations who could use your skills and talents.

For more details and to register, visit facommunityfoundation.org/events.

These seminars are part of the 2017 Leadership Series. Working with the Johnson Center for Philanthropy, our goal in 2017 is to identify and train a new wave of people willing to serve on our local nonprofit, church, township, service club, and other community boards. The tradition of strong volunteer boards and committees is uniquely American and is key to making Newaygo County one of the most vibrant rural counties in Michigan.

The tradition of strong volunteer boards and committees is uniquely American and is key to making Newaygo County one of the most vibrant rural counties in Michigan.

This coming year, the Community Foundation, in partnership with the Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University, will identify and train a new wave of people willing to serve on our local nonprofit, church, township, service club, and other community boards.

In February and April of 2017, the Johnson Center will provide specialized board training for those inspired to serve and who possess a passion for improving our community. The program will culminate with an event aimed at pairing newly trained community volunteers with the nonprofits and organizations in need of their leadership.

In addition, the Johnson Center will lead a coaching series for current leaders of nonprofit boards. Through three sessions, local board chairpersons will gain insights into addressing their organizations’ toughest challenges and enhance their roles to lead effectively. The first coaching session is planned for January.

To learn more, or to express your interest in participating, call Mark Petz, special projects coordinator, at 231.924.5350 or email info@facommunityfoundation.org.