WASHINGTON, D.C., July 8, 2021—The Appalachian Regional Commission is proud to announce the graduation of its first group of nonprofit leaders from the Appalachia Nonprofit Resource Center. Representing 12 of the 13 states in the Appalachian Region, the 159 participants from 95 organizations successfully completed a multi-week course in either financial management, fundraising, or nonprofit management/operations.
Representing every sector of nonprofit organizations—arts and education, business and community development, economic development and tourism, health and human services—the participants explored concepts to help sustain operations through COVID and strengthen long-term organizational sustainability. The intensive online instruction included group learning sessions and individual organization coaching sessions customized to the needs and issues of the participants. Hargrove International, administer of the program, used a collaborative cohort learning model to enhance peer-to-peer exchange and discussion.
Focusing on post-pandemic sustainability, ARC will offer another round of nonprofit technical assistance this Fall. Online registration for the Fall 2021 courses beginning September 13 is now open to any nonprofit organization located in the Appalachian region, including graduates from the inaugural courses. The registration form can be found here.
Participants can request Financial Management, Fundraising, Programs and Operations, or a new course focusing on Board Development as their 10-week course. Nonprofits have the option of suggesting three to four organizations to be considered as a Cohort; however, all organizations must apply individually. The deadline for applications is August 6.
“We’re so pleased with the overwhelming engagement and collaboration demonstrated by the Appalachian nonprofits that participated in our Appalachia Nonprofit Resource Center program to persist, despite challenges posed by COVID,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “The Appalachia Nonprofit Resource Center is a tremendous way to support those whose work is an essential part of a diverse economy, and offer skills for long-term sustainability to ensure that nonprofits remain assets in our Region. We congratulate the nonprofit organization graduates and look forward to welcoming the next cohorts into the program.”
“Nonprofit organizations will continue to play a key role in addressing the unique challenges facing the Appalachian region, including those stemming from the pandemic,” said ARC States’ Co-Chair, Governor Ralph Northam. “The Appalachia Nonprofit Resource Center connects nonprofits with the specialized tools to sustain operations and help communities navigate beyond the COVID-19 crisis. I congratulate this first graduating class of 159 nonprofit leaders and look forward to welcoming the next group of participants in fall of 2021.”
Graduates of the inaugural program and the Fall 2021 courses will also receive a six-month follow-up coaching session to confer on progress and provide additional technical assistance to address particular needs. They also have access to additional curated material through the Resource Center. These instructional materials are now available to anyone free of charge by signing up on the website.
About the Appalachia Nonprofit Resource Center
The Appalachia Nonprofit Resource Center is a unique, innovative partnership between the Appalachian Regional Commission and Hargrove International, Inc. to provide guidance for nonprofit organizations to sustain operations during and after the COVID crisis. Launched in September 2020, the Appalachia Nonprofit Resource Center includes a free online expertly curated directory of content related to financial management, fundraising and operations.
About the Appalachian Regional Commission
The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the Region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.
About Hargrove International, Inc.
Hargrove International, Inc., is a Georgia-based consulting firm specializing in nonprofit management, governance, fundraising, and tourism.