Dear Grantee Partners:

Unfortunately, the Pandemic is still very much with us, but hopefully COVID-19 and the snow will dissipate gradually as we head into spring. Jenny and I are doing well, but February has been tough. We remain very busy with Foundation work and I wanted to give you a brief Foundation update as well as information on opportunities for your organizations.

2021 Foundation Strategic Planning: 
The Foundation has engaged Just Strategies to be the consultant for its strategic planning work this year, grounded in racial equity and social justice. After we finalize the timeline, the Discovery and Assessment phase will begin. Please be on the lookout for requests to participate in the coming weeks and months as staff, Board and Just Strategies are committed to getting your input.

Opportunities for Grantee Partners:

• Securing the Roots is offering a six-month fellowship to expand fundraising capacity for community-based organizations. The cohort begins in April and applications are due March 19th. Click here to learn more.
• If you are interested in having your organization included in the Grantee Spotlight section of the Foundation’s website, please email Jenny Snyder at jsnyder@nelsonfoundationpa.org.
• Reminder – The Nelson Foundation is providing Emergency COVID-related funding again in 2021. The process is easy and fast. Click here for more information. In addition, the Foundation is still providing loan funding for COVID-related revenue gaps. Click here for a sample loan template.
• Coming soon – After talking to many of you, the Foundation is working with FMA to design and facilitate a two-hour virtual session on Understanding Your Financial Health and Budgetary Scenario Planning. We expect this session to be available in early spring, so be on the lookout for registration information.
• Coming Back – 4th Annual Philadelphia Trauma Training Conference will be held virtually this year across several dates in June and July. The theme is “Supporting Adaptation, Transformation, and Health in the Wake of Trauma.” Registration is not open yet, but, if you are interested in presenting, the call for proposals is due March 15th (registration is waived for presenters). Last year, prior to the Pandemic, the Foundation had arranged to sponsor the attendance of staff from a number of grantee partners. When registration for the conference opens, we will be in touch with those organizations to make sure that the staff originally identified to attend is able to participate in 2021.

I feel a bit like a broken record, but I expect that the next couple of months will remain challenging, personally and professionally. However, there is also encouraging news. Jenny and I continue to encourage you to contact us for a friendly check in or if your organization needs assistance The Board of Directors, Jenny and I send our best to you.

Stay safe, stay healthy,
Mindy

Alexandra (Mindy) Aldridge
President