Centre Foundation partners with Network for Good to improve financial sustainability of local nonprofits

State College, PA – Sept. 29, 2021 – Centre Foundation is pleased to announce a partnership with Network for Good to offer Jumpstart, an immersive yearlong fundraising capacity building program. Beginning in October, fifteen participating organizations will receive integrated tools, planning guidance, and one-on-one coaching to build their fundraising capacity, diversify revenue, and sustain and grow their programs.

“Centre Foundation is excited about the partnership with Jumpstart to work with local nonprofits in how they can strengthen their current organization and become more sustainable in the future,” said Molly Kunkel, Executive Director. “We are looking forward to seeing how these organizations will grow and continue to make a positive impact on the Centre County community.”

Kevin Heffelfinger, Program Officer at Network for Good, noted, “The nonprofit development landscape has shifted due to the cancellation of fundraising events, contracts, and earned revenue streams. In addition, many nonprofits have had to pivot or suspend programs while experiencing a rapid increase in demand for services—leaving them to contend with budget shortfalls and an uncertain future. With that in mind, we’re excited to partner with Centre Foundation, and together we seek to bring holistic fundraising support to the community leaders in Centre County.”

Over 3,500 nonprofits across the country have already benefited from the Jumpstart Program. On average, participants raise 27% more in net new revenue coming from individual donors, while building their organizational capacity.

“Centre Foundation’s commitment to strengthening nonprofit sustainability by investing in fundraising capacity building is critical to providing support where nonprofits need it most,” said Heffelfinger.

The nonprofits participating in the 2021 cohort of Jumpstart include:

  • 3 Dots Downtown
  • Acres Project
  • Appalachian Food Works 
  • The Arc of Centre County
  • Boal Estate Museum 
  • Centre Helps
  • Centre Region Parks and Recreation Authority
  • Child Development and Family Council of Centre County
  • The Crooked House
  • Friends of the PA Military Museum 
  • Nittany Knights Barbershop Chorus
  • Nittany Valley Symphony Inc
  • Performing Arts School of Central Pennsylvania 
  • Rising Hope Therapeutic Riding Center
  • State College Community Land Trust

Funding for the Jumpstart program was made possible by Centre Foundation’s COVID-19 ACTION Fund. In April of 2020, Centre Foundation in conjunction with the Knight Foundation responded to the pandemic by establishing this fund. To date, over $250,000 has been invested in 55 local nonprofits through Phases I and II of the grant cycle. Phase III, which has been earmarked for strategic planning and capacity building, will provide an additional $125,000 in grants, including support for the 2021 Jumpstart cohort.

Network for Good has spent more than 20 years leading and powering a movement among 300,000 nonprofit organizations in the United States to expand the scope of their fundraising activities and effectively raise money online. Based in Washington, DC, Network for Good has disbursed over $4 billion in donations to over 360,000 nonprofits. Through Jumpstart Capacity Building, Network for Good has embarked on a journey to help the sector by providing nonprofits with the tools, resources, and one-to-one coaching to sustainably fund their missions and create lasting impact for the communities they serve. To learn more about Jumpstart, please visit Jumpstart Fundraising.

Centre Foundation’s mission is to inspire and facilitate a culture of giving to create a vibrant community.

If you would like to learn more about this partnership, please contact Rachael Hartman, Centre Foundation’s Community Impact Director, at (814) 237-6229 or rachael@centre-foundation.org