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SPARK Nonprofit Collaborative

SPARK Nonprofit Collaborative

Over the last few years, the Mountain Association has been working on ways we can support nonprofits that serve Eastern Kentuckians with critically important programs.

In 2022, the Small nonprofit Peers Accelerating Rural eastern Kentucky (SPARK) Collaborative officially launched.

SPARK is made up of several very small nonprofits who support and learn from each other. The goal is to help build each organization’s capacity through peer support, organizational assessment, strategic planning, fundraising and grant writing support, and more.

Small nonprofits (less than $100,000 annual revenue and with their 501c3 status) based in the Appalachian Kentucky are welcome to join the SPARK Collaborative at any point.

Though membership is free, there is a required formal membership agreement.

We recognize that these very small organizations have extremely limited capacity and we don’t want to place unnecessary requirements or limitations on participants. This agreement is to make sure participants are informed about what they are committing to as a member as well as the benefits of membership.

To access the benefits, participants will need to engage with the learning community. Our intention is to make that engagement useful and relevant to the work of running the organization. See below for more information about the expected commitments.

SPARK member benefits:

  • Access to the SPARK team on the Basecamp platform. Basecamp is an online platform that allows teams & communities to interact and share information. On the platform, participants can access files/resources, online chats with other members and consultants and a calendar listing many grant proposal deadlines. Additionally, the member has the option of creating a team on Basecamp for their own organization.
  • Matrix + coaching. The Nonprofit Development Matrix will be required of all members and available to all participants. Those who want & have time for can access additional coaching to go through matrix, highlight priorities and create roadmap to address key areas. (Note: We are using the matrix as a way to see how useful and effective the SPARK program is. This is why it is required for members. We estimate that it will require 10 hours to go through with a coach each time.) Participants will receive a stipend of $200 upon submission of final report/plan.
  • Brushy Fork Leadership Summit. Members are eligible to apply for a SPARK scholarship to the Brushy Fork Leadership Institute’s annual summit. The Brushy Fork Leadership Summit brings together community and nonprofit leaders to build skills and make connections to support their work. Brushy Fork is recognized regionally for high-quality workshops led by experienced, hands-on presenters. Participants will also receive travel support (mileage, lodging, food, childcare expenses).
  • Bonterra Tech’s Jumpstart Program. This year-long program helps build nonprofit fundraising capacity/skills. Members are eligible to apply for funding from the Mountain Association to support participation in the Jumpstart program.
  • One year membership to the Kentucky Nonprofit Network.
  • Additional training. Members are eligible to apply for funding from the Mountain Association for specific training, i.e., grant writing workshops, nonprofit accounting, marketing, board governance, nonprofit management, etc. Funds could cover travel expenses and reimbursement for childcare as well as training fees. (This does not include conferences unless there is a specific training component.)

Commitments:

SPARK members commit to giving back to the community through:

  • Completing the Development Matrix with the support of a consultant (approx. 10 hours). The consultant will help the organization develop a written road map for the following 6-12 months.
  • Attend at least one in-person event every six months
  • Sharing progress with other SPARK members through the avenues available to members (for instance, Basecamp discussion forum, workshops, office hours).
  • Applying what you learn in the workshops and reporting back to other SPARK members.
  • Give feedback & suggestions to planning team members about SPARK including trainings, resources, supporting participation, etc.

Please email Ketaki Bhattacharyya at ketaki@mtassociation.org for more information on becoming a member.

Interested, but can’t commit to membership?

Some resources will be available to all without joining as a member. These include attending workshops, access to the Initiate online resource portal. All nonprofits continue to be eligible to apply for Business Support projects with a consultant.

Please email Ketaki Bhattacharyya at ketaki@mtassociation.org for more information.

Current members:

  • Appalachia – Science in the Public Interest
  • Appalachia Book Company
  • Applachian Gamechangers
  • Appalachian Pet Pantry Inc.
  • Backroads of Appalachia
  • Berea Arts Council
  • Berea Makerspace
  • Bobtown Arts
  • Clean4Change KY
  • Early Child Training Center
  • Eastern Kentucky Community Land Trust
  • First Friday Berea
  • Floyd County Disaster Recovery Coalition
  • Kentucky Heartwood
  • Lend A Hand Center
  • Mountain Gospel Radio/Kentucky Mountain Bible College
  • Owsley County Alliance for Recreation & Entertainment (OCARE)
  • Patient Voices Matter
  • Recreate Berea
  • Red River Gorge United
  • Southeast KY African-American Museum and Cultural Center
  • TEK Center Inc
  • Thompson Scholars Foundation
  • Unity Allies