Crummer-Rollins-Edyth Bush Institute

Empowering Good equips local nonprofits with the tools necessary to succeed in the post-pandemic environment.

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Program Overview

Empowering Good is a six-month cohort-style program designed to support nonprofit organizations through customized training, organizational coaching, and practical strategic planning.

The project is specifically targeted at helping Orange County, Florida nonprofits in five (5) key areas.

Impact Measurement

Innovation

Financial Management

Fundraising

Risk Management

See how the Empowering Good program is helping non-profits like yours.

What Participants are Saying

“We were struggling with the real challenges of the pandemic ... but because of the Empowering Good program, I’ve been able to become the leader I’ve always dreamed of becoming and our organization is not only going to survive, it’s going to thrive!”

- Carolyn Moor, Executive Director, Modern Widow’s Club

"I want to share my appreciation for the attention to detail and depth of resources this program is providing. We are deeply indebted to EBI and each of you as staff for putting so much generous care into all of our organizations through this program."

- Emily Ruff, Florida School of Holistic Living

"Empowering Good has been a game changer … we now have the foundation we really need to go to our next level."

- Renette Clark, Executive Director, Brooke Jenkins Dream 360 Center

You are invited to apply

to Empowering Good: A Nonprofit Capacity Building Project. Through this training partnership with Orange County Government, participating organizations will engage with the Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership (EBI) in programming and customized supports intended to address the impacts of Covid-19 on the nonprofit business model.

The Empowering Good application is currently closed, but will reopen for the Spring 2024 cohort in October.

Learning Engagement Journey

Live Kickoff

Meet your cohort and coach!

MODULE 1

Impact Measurement

Ensure that your core impact measurement aligns with your mission and develop tools to track and communicate that impact

MODULE 2

Financial Management

Take a temperature check of your organization’s finances and develop models that support long-term stability

MODULE 3

Risk
Awareness

Discover the specific risk points for your organization and design strategies to ensure success, whatever the future may bring

MODULE 4

Telling
Your Story

Learn to tell the compelling story of your organization in ways that leave a lasting impression for all stakeholders

MODULE 5

Fundraising

Learn a proven model centered around simplifying your boldest ideas into clear asks where supporters can invest and champion your cause

Your S.N.A.P.

(Sustainable Nonprofit Action Plan)

Designed to lead your organization into a brighter, more sustainable future

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the expectations of the program?

Participating organizations are expected to identify a team of up to three (3) people, including both staff and board members. The team should consist of:

The Executive Director/CEO (required)
A board member (required)
A board member or additional staff member active in financial and programmatic decision-making

The team will be required to dedicate 8 hours a month. Time commitment each month is as follows:

4 hours of engagement with self-paced content on platform
2 hours with the learning engagement coach for assistance and continued development of understanding
2 hours of live sessions with speakers and trainers

In addition to self-paced learning, participants are required to log-on on the first and third Thursday of each month from 10 am – 11 am (live virtual session) and meet with their assigned coach to maintain pace with the course.

To successfully complete the program, your team should collectively attend at least 80% of all sessions. By applying for this program, your organization, if accepted, is committing to participate to the fullest for the duration of the program.

How do I qualify?

Nonprofits will qualify for the program support if they are physically located in, and serving the residents of, Orange County, Florida, AND can show the impact of the pandemic on your organization by meeting one or more of the following criteria:

Demonstrate at least a 15% decrease in revenue compared to years prior to March 2020;

Demonstrate disruption in service delivery with an increase of service (ex: essential services) or decrease in service by at least 15% due to COVID-19 compared to years prior to March 2020.

What is the deadline to apply?

The application for the third cohort (Fall 2023) will close at 11:59 PM on Friday, July 21st.

If you would like to apply for a cohort farther in the future, you may either complete the application now (and we will keep it on file) or wait for a future application period.

Do I need any documentation to apply?

The following items are required with your submission:

Articles of Incorporation from Florida Department of State Division of Corporations
501(C)(3) Determination Letter from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Copies of the organization’s IRS Form 990 (990-N, 990-EZ, 990) or the organization’s board approved financial statements (CPA prepared financial statements or Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet)) for the periods indicated below:
- a. The last completed fiscal year prior to March 2020
- b. The last completed fiscal year, including or after March 2020
- c. Most recent from the last completed fiscal year

Articles of Incorporation from Florida Department of State Division of Corporations
501(C)(3) Determination Letter from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Copies of the organization’s IRS Form 990 (990-N, 990-EZ, 990) or the organization’s board approved financial statements (CPA prepared financial statements or Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet)) for the periods indicated below:
- a. The last completed fiscal year prior to March 2020
- c. Most recent from the last completed fiscal year
Pandemic Impact Template (download in the application and complete)