The Business of Giving: Building a Thriving Community Through Stewardship
The Chamber’s October luncheon at Olympic College focused on “The Business of Giving: Building a Thriving Community Through Stewardship.” The event featured guest speakers Mindi Reule, CEO of The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound, and Matthew Melendez, founder of the Great Bend Center for Music.
Mindi Reule outlined the Foundation’s three key priorities: engaging communities, mobilizing resources, and advancing well-being. She discussed various types of funds available, including unrestricted funds, scholarships, donor-advised funds, agency funds, and endowments. Mindi emphasized the importance of community involvement in the grant decision-making process and highlighted a partnership with United Way of Mason County, which successfully raised $300,000 for a COVID-19 Response Fund.
Additionally, Mindi introduced the ongoing Give Local campaign, which has been active since 2017 and currently has 135 registered nonprofits. This campaign has raised $3.9 million to date, primarily through donations of under $200, and includes a $100,000 bonus fund. The platform facilitates donor engagement by allowing a search for nonprofits based on location or mission and enables individuals to create fundraisers.
Matthew Melendez discussed the significant role that nonprofits play in rural community development, particularly in building social capital through connections. He highlighted the Great Bend Center for Music, which utilizes music programs, including early learning initiatives and choirs, to promote social interactions and civic engagement. Matthew pointed out the economic impact of nonprofits, noting their multiplier effect on local economies. He advocated for investment in early learning as a strategy for long-term benefits, such as crime reduction and educational equity. He also commented on how nonprofits reinvest a substantial portion of their donations locally and attract creative talent.
Moreover, he acknowledged the essential services provided by nonprofits, such as domestic violence shelters, and referenced collaborations like the music-based Career and Technical Education program with Shelton School District.
The luncheon served as an important reminder of how collective efforts in giving and stewardship can result in significant community transformations. It underscored the role many businesses play through corporate giving strategies, which may include volunteer hours, corporate stewardship, and sponsorship contributions, thus highlighting the various ways companies positively impact their communities
Give Local runs from November 11 to 22. You can find more information and see participating nonprofits here.
Save the date! Our next luncheon is on November 21 at Mason PUD 3. More details coming soon!
