Nonprofit summit: Tough times spark innovation

Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Phoenix Business Journal - by Lynn Ducey

Members of the business and nonprofit communities gathered Tuesday to share ideas and network as part of the third annual Nonprofit Business Summit.

Held at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel, the day-long Phoenix Business Journal event combines networking, seminars and opportunities to learn best practices in the nonprofit arena. During a morning breakfast and panel, business and nonprofit executives talked about the Arizona economy and better ways to work together.

“Today we are here to explore ways to strengthen the bonds between the nonprofit and corporate world,” said Don Henninger, Journal publisher.

Henninger led a panel discussion that included Julie Coleman, director of Community Relations of US Airways; Ivan Johnson, vice president of Community Relations, Cox; Deborah Bateman, executive vice president, National Bank of Arizona; Robert F. Ashcraft, executive director, ASU Lodestar Center; and Judy Mohraz, president and CEO, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust.

Much of the discussion focused on how the economy is impacting both business and nonprofits as budgets are stretched and demand for services increases. Panel members also stressed the importance of nonprofit work to their own mission and vision.

“We are rooted in the challenges and opportunities of our community,” Mohraz said, of Piper’s mission to support the community.

While nonprofits may be facing cutbacks in staffing and programming, Lodestar’s Ashcraft said it’s important that leaders maintain their networks and visibility.

“Now is not the time to run and hide. It’s during the most difficult times where innovation can happen,” Ashcraft said.

The panel also urged attendees to look at ways to partner focusing on areas of strength, to take advantage of the expertise of their volunteers and board members and to recognize the economic challenges faced by corporate partners.

In addition, members said nonprofits need to recognize the value of in-kind giving, such as volunteerism, the importance of differentiating the organization from others and engaging in candid discussions with funding sources about the progress of programs.

“We want to be your partner, which is why we’re here and why you’re here,” said US Airways’ Coleman.