Coalition forming for non-profits

Augusta — A group of nonprofits is getting together to form a coalition to meet the biggest challenges they all face: donations, sponsors, volunteers and grants are becoming more difficult to get. Spirit of the Arts Foundation and several other nonprofits have decided to see what they can do to help each other. They will meet on Oct. 31 at 7 p.m. in the community room, at the back of the building, at the Trico Federal Credit Union, 47 Rt. 206 in Augusta. They are asking for a $5 donation to pay for the room. Some of the topics covered will be fundraising, social networking, public relations and marketing, grant writing, media, and events as fundraisers just to mention a few. Organizers say that this is a giving and helping group, not a taking group. "Please come forth to help, not just to be helped." Membership is open to all NPOs, large and small, grass roots or long established, local, regional or national. The group intends to provide networking opportunities for members; periodic “expert” speakers and an occasional social networking event. There is a monthly fee of $10 to participate, to pay for a venue and materials. For more information contact Sandy Mitchell at 973-875-2068 or e-mail sandy@MitchellClan.com.