The Empowering Good program equips local nonprofits with the tools necessary to succeed in the post-pandemic environment. The project is targeted at helping small and diverse Orange County nonprofits in impact measurement, innovation, financial management, fundraising, and risk management. There is no charge for the nonprofit.
It is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act locally, and led by the Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership in partnership with Orange County government and the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College. Orange County has committed $4 million over a three year period, according to a program overview.
According to county officials, thirty-two Orlando area non-profit organizations are currently participating in the first cohort. The next cohort of Empowering Good will begin in March 2023, and applications are currently open until January 13, 2023.
There are two upcoming virtual information sessions available to those who may be interested in learning more on Tuesday, November 29th from 1-2pm and on Thursday, December 8th from 10-11am.
According to Orange County, the first Empowering Good cohort includes organizations with the following characteristics:
- 100% reported major pandemic disruption to their organization (either in their ability to deliver their services or in lost revenue).
- 86% are small grassroots, minority-led and/or female-led organizations.
- 78% have a budget of less than $250,000; 58% with a budget of $100,000 or less.
“We really trust the Edyth Bush Institute primarily because it has a long standing within our community to be able to execute broad plans that make a difference in our community,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings.
