How might we create a more proactive, open dialogue between nonprofits and funders in order to invite greater understanding and collaboration? What would it look like to reimagine the nonprofit funder relationship in order to advance greater capacity building for organizations and community leaders?
COVID-19 has affected communities across the world in unprecedented ways. As we all faced times of global uncertainty, the implications and economic fallout hit hardest upon small rural communities, early in the pandemic.
While most vulnerable to economic impact, small towns are often also blessed with an overwhelming social fabric and a sense of togetherness. In Cuyama Valley, the shutdown sent Blue Sky Center into action to reimagine resiliency for their rural community.
Throughout the pandemic, Blue Sky has worked with Cuyama Valley organizations and businesses to create a comprehensive and nimble community response — including the Victory Gardens, the creation of a “hotline” website to provide community updates and resources, a relief fund providing breakfasts for school-age children, transportation for food bank contributions, and providing no-interest, delayed-repayment loans directly to individuals to help cover essential household costs.
During Partnership for Excellence, you’ll hear from Blue Sky Center’s Em Johnson, in conversation with The Fund for Santa Barbara Foundation’s Patricia Solorio, to learn how Blue Sky’s Victory Gardens pandemic project catalyzed a grant revision, elevated language justice and community leadership, and inspired deeper trust and understanding in this nonprofit-funder relationship.