When I first decided to start a parent support group, I knew that eventually I would need to have a funding strategy. I finally got around to contacting Lauren Patterson, the newly-appointed (in 2017) ED at New Canaan Community Foundation. What was great for me, was that Lauren had experience in fiscal sponsorships from her previous gig in the DC area.
I was so lucky! Being a nonprofit novice, I had no idea that I was going to have to hire help for bookkeeping, disbursements, grants and donations, accounting and appointing a board. Yet, after talking with Lauren, I discovered that the New Canaan Parent Support Group could become a sponsee and NOT have to apply for 501c3 status. What a relief!
The goal in the beginning, after signing the initial sponsorship agreement, was that NCPSG would spin off on its own like a bird leaving the nest. However, the more we worked together, and I was able to meet other nonprofit EDs and share best practices, the more I wanted to maintain the status quo.
And seven years later, that’s exactly what has happened! We pay a management fee each quarter to NCCF, and they do the rest! I couldn’t be happier.
Another plus to the arrangement is the interaction I have with an amazing team of people, led by Lauren but including Lauren Erickson, Kim Herr, Julie Ko, Carrie Kurtz (who I still have to meet) and Meg Soffen. They all know the value of their mission, and believe their work is more than just a job. They also believe in the support group’s Vision, to imagine a community with understanding about behavioral health issues, which reaches out to those who struggle with empathy and kindness.
As I approach the date of our 8th Annual Community Addiction Awareness Vigil, I am just so grateful that for that one day 7 years ago when I sat down with Lauren. It was the start of an incredible win-win partnership. And in addition to everything else, NCCF is again a Co-Host of the Vigil. Thanks, NCCF Team, and see you at the Vigil!
[For more information about the August 29 New Canaan Vigil, go to ncparentsupportgroup.org or for our answers to FAQs, click here.]