2024 CFAAC Annual Report - Flipbook - Page 35
ECOSYSTEM OF IMPACT
Nonprofits Supporting Other Nonprofits Help
to Propagate a Garden of Good
As St. John’s College first woman president, Nora
Demleitner knows the power of community—and
the importance of strengthening it. That’s one
of the reasons why she supports CFAAC and
other local organizations, using her leadership to
cultivate collaboration and connection.
“I think it's an ecosystem,” she said of the
county’s nonprofits. “We all provide different
facets of cultural life and community support,
whether for young people, older people, or
different constituencies in a community. I think
it's essential to support each other in many
different ways, including financial contributions
and building partnerships that expand our
collective impact.”
St. John’s College demonstrates its community
commitment by sponsoring CFAAC’s Celebration
of Philanthropy Awards Luncheon while Nora
personally contributes to CFAAC’s Community
Leadership Fund and shares her expertise as a
CFAAC educational program panelist.
for student involvement. That’s why it’s really
important for us to attend and bring that
knowledge back to campus. And of course, the
honorees are always so inspiring.”
For Nora, the Community Foundation is
also a window into the broader nonprofit
landscape — one that is full of both challenges
and opportunities. While she sees issues like
nonprofits duplicating efforts, she also sees
the potential for greater collaboration and
community impact, especially by giving through
the Community Foundation.
“I see a lot of opportunities because I think
people in this country are incredibly generous
and do want to support others,” she said. “And
the Community Foundation does so much great
work in our community, distributes funds to so
many different constituencies and groups, and
spearheads efforts in the community. It's really
providing that larger leadership and bringing
them under one umbrella.”
“I enjoy giving to the Community Foundation
because it allows my husband and I to support
different organizations, and ultimately, for the
Community Foundation to make decisions about
where the greatest need is in the community,”
she said. “I think community foundations provide
that larger leadership — they can bring together
different funding groups, help build some
excitement in the community, and support the
leaders of nonprofits through great programming.”
According to Nora, sponsoring and attending the
Celebration of Philanthropy Awards Luncheon
provides inspiration, connections, and valuable
knowledge for her, the staff, and students —
making it a meaningful partnership for the college.
“Honestly, I learn so much from your luncheon
every year,” she said. “It’s a great event that brings
people together. This year, in particular, sticks
in my mind because I met so many new people
and learned about so many fabulous projects —
some of which have now become opportunities
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