SPARK Nonprofit Collaborative
Over the last few years, we have 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.
Facilitated by the Mountain Association, 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) 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.
SPARK Membership 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.
- Peer-to-peer learning forums: This is an open forum in which members can pitch ideas & get feedback, seek partners for grant opportunities and connect with other members. These forums will be hosted on Zoom and some in-person. Mileage (at IRS rate) & childcare costs will be reimbursed by Mountain Association.
- Matrix and coaching projects: The Nonprofit Development Matrix, a tool developed by the Mountain Association and our partners, is required of all members. You will go through it with a professional coach and it is expected to take about 10 hours. Participants will receive a stipend of $200 upon submission of final report/plan. Members can receive free additional coaching to go through matrix, highlight priorities and create roadmap to address key areas.
- Brushy Fork Leadership Summit: Members are eligible to apply for a Peer Learning Community scholarship to the Brushy Fork Leadership Institute’s annual summit each fall. 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).
- Network for Good’s Jumpstart Program: This year-long program helps build nonprofit fundraising capacity/skills. Members may be eligible to apply for funding from the Mountain Association to support participation in Network for Good’s Jumpstart program.
- 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. (Note: this does not include conferences unless there is a specific training component.)
Please email Ketaki Bhattacharyya at ketaki@mtassociation.org for more information on becoming a member.
Interested, but can’t commit to membership?
If you are interested in learning about more SPARK resources, but do not want to commit to formal membership, please note there are some resources available to all without joining as a member. These include access to the Initiate online resource portal, the Nonprofit Development Matrix, and SPARK workshops, which will be advertised through the Mountain Association’s Facebook page and newsletter.
Please email Ketaki Bhattacharyya at ketaki@mtassociation.org for more information.
Current members:
Current Members
Appalachia – Science in the Public Interest
Current Members
Appalachian Gamechangers
Current Members
Berea Arts Council
Current Members
Berea Makerspace
Current Members
Cowan Community Center
Current Members
Early Child Training Center
Current Members
Frist Friday Berea
Current Members
Galaxy Project
Current Members
Kentucky Heartwood
Current Members
Lend A Hand Center
Current Members
OCARE
Current Members
Southeast African American Cultural Center
Current Members
TEK Center Inc
Current Members
Thompson Scholars
Current Members
Unity Allies
Current Members
