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Community Practice Feature: Modeling Partnership for Nonprofit Success

posted by TrueNorth Companies on Monday, December 2, 2024

Despite a growing need for public services, many nonprofits are feeling the need to prioritize financial sustainability over investing in tools and talent to advance their mission goals. A 2023 report by the National Council of Nonprofits points to rising staff turnover and unfilled public-facing roles as major concerns, with 72% of respondents citing salary competition and 66% pointing to budget constraints as key challenges. Funding is also a concern, with 70% of nonprofits indicating that they expect charitable giving to decrease or remain flat. 

In response, TrueNorth’s social services specialty focus is designed to work closely with nonprofit clients, equipping them with the tools and resources they need to tackle inflationary pressures, overcome staffing challenges and ensure long-term organizational success.

Ensuring nonprofit resilience with Young Parents Network (YPN):

Nonprofits like Young Parents Network (YPN) know the pressure of balancing operational costs against philanthropic objectives. Executive Director, Alejandro Pino explains, "It can be easy to forget that nonprofits are businesses too, with revenue and expenses that need meticulous management." This is where TrueNorth can provide value, curating property and casualty insurance, employee benefits, and risk management services to ensure organizations like YPN can focus on their core mission without compromising financial stability. 

One key aspect of this partnership is the emphasis on personal relationships and strategic planning. Pino recalls his first interactions with TrueNorth, highlighting the seamless integration of their team into YPN's operations.

"TrueNorth's approach goes beyond mere transactions," he notes. "Their people-centric model means we're always working with a team that understands our unique needs and goals." 

This holistic strategy has propelled YPN forward, allowing the organization to navigate and manage complexities with confidence. TrueNorth's involvement isn't limited to insurance; their team members actively serve on YPN's board, bringing a wealth of knowledge and dedication to the table, strengthening the bond between both organizations. 

In addition to professional service offerings, TrueNorth’s financial contributions have enabled YPN to expand its outreach programs and sustain vital initiatives like the Eastern Iowa Diaper Bank. "It's difficult to quantify the impact," Pino says, "but every dollar from TrueNorth directly translates into better services and outcomes for the families we support." 

Looking ahead, the partnership between YPN and TrueNorth is set to deepen further, with both organizations committed to fostering a resilient and thriving community. "We share a vision of interconnectedness," Pino reflects. "By working together, we're not just enhancing YPN's capabilities; we're building a stronger, more supportive environment for everyone."

Defining what it means to be shareholders in the community with Four Oaks

Recently celebrating 50 years of service to Iowa’s children and families, Four Oaks is a statewide agency impacting nearly 27,000 individuals every year. The Four Oaks Enterprise, comprised of Four Oaks and the Affordable Housing Network, Inc., serves children and families by addressing a variety of barriers to success throughout the state of Iowa. 

Today, Four Oaks and TrueNorth are celebrating a 25-year partnership. Over the years, Four Oaks’ growth has pushed TrueNorth to continuously deliver strategic guidance that meets the nonprofit’s evolving needs - as both an insurance broker and a valued community stakeholder.

“TrueNorth is defined by their commitment to understanding the children we support and honoring their needs,” says Mary Beth O'Neill, President & CEO of Four Oaks. “They consistently go above and beyond what you would expect from a typical broker, grasping the unique and varied risks we face based on who we serve.”

This specialized care enables Four Oaks to focus on their core mission of helping children and families find and expect success.

Beyond providing investment and insurance services, TrueNorth has sponsored Four Oaks’ annual fundraisers and coordinated volunteer efforts that support the organization with programming and services, including TotalChild ®, after-school and summer camp programming for Achievement Academy. "Their commitment has been instrumental in enabling us to reach and uplift children and families throughout Iowa through our extensive continuum of care,” says O’Neill. “Together, we are building a brighter future for the communities we serve." 

As nonprofits evolve and face new challenges, TrueNorth's partnerships with Four Oaks and YPN provide a powerful model for success. By leveraging strategic alliances, innovative risk management, and a shared commitment to the community, these collaborations demonstrate that the right support can enhance good work, extend philanthropic reach, and broaden our collective impact.

TrueNorth has spent the last twenty-plus years creating partnerships, building industry acumen and engineering solutions that extend beyond the insurance policy. 

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This article was reposted from thegazette.com, click here to view the original article.

ABOUT YOUNG PARENTS NETWORK (YPN)

YPN was founded in 1985 by community leaders who recognized that there was a lack of support for young families in Cedar Rapids. Since that time YPN has taken on a leadership role in East Central Iowa as the provider of ongoing comprehensive year-round programs that meet the most critical needs of thousands of families within our community. Many parents are not prepared for the challenges of raising a family and your support powers the programs that offer them hope. We invite you to browse YPN’s holiday wish list at www.ypniowa.org/give. 

ABOUT FOUR OAKS

Four Oaks is one of Iowa's largest child welfare agencies, dedicated to assuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed. Through a continuum of care that includes residential treatment, family services, foster and adoptive support, and educational programs, Four Oaks provides comprehensive solutions that strengthen families and communities across Iowa. For more information, visit www.fouroaks.org. This holiday season, Four Oaks is partnering with Foster SQUAD and other nonprofits to host a series of holiday parties for foster children throughout the state of Iowa. We invite you to browse and contribute to holiday wish lists by visiting www.fostersquad.org/santa.