On Thursday, October 22, the Jefferson Community Collaborative welcomed nearly 100 nonprofit partners to the Brentwood Civic Center for a morning of learning, discussion, and connection centered on the theme, “Connect, Learn, Strengthen: Capacity Building Resources for Nonprofits.”
The meeting provided an opportunity for nonprofit organizations to explore resources, share insights, and learn about opportunities to strengthen their operations, build organizational capacity, and enhance their ability to serve the community.
Connecting Community Health and Well-Being
The meeting opened with Dr. Trisha Gadson, President & CEO of the Jefferson Regional Foundation (JRF), who highlighted the meeting goals of learning about available nonprofit resources, understanding how to access technical assistance, and connecting with fellow nonprofit leaders and capacity-building providers. She also reviewed resource materials from the three capacity-building organizations presented. Also, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Gadson highlighted resources from Cancer Bridges, and AHN Jefferson Hospital. As the November 3rd election was only a few days away, additional nonpartisan voting resources were highlighted. Dr. Gadson emphasized that active civic engagement has a connection to healthier communities.
Exploring Capacity-Building Resources
A central focus of the morning was connecting nonprofit partners with organizations offering capacity-building support. Representatives from Elevate NP of Southwestern Pennsylvania, the Program to Aid Citizen Enterprise (PACE), and The Forbes Funds participated in a panel discussion facilitated by JRF’s Kelleigh Boland.
From left to right: Julia Och, Dr. Hannah Karolak, Sharon L. Jefferson
Panelists included:
- Sharon L. Jefferson, Program Manager, Program to Aid Citizen Enterprise
- Hannah Karolak, Chief Program Officer, The Forbes Funds
- Julia Och, Pathways Program Manager, Elevate NP of Southwestern PA
Panelists discussed what capacity building means, why it matters, and how their organizations help nonprofits strengthen their work. They shared information about available services, the organizations they support, when nonprofits should consider reaching out, and how to get started.
Learning Through Collaboration
Following the panel discussion, attendees participated in table conversations to reflect on what they heard and consider how the resources presented could support their organizations.
Discussions focused on the current challenges facing nonprofit organizations, the information most beneficial to their work, and additional resources or support needed to strengthen their capacity.
Each table also submitted questions for the panelists, creating an opportunity for continued conversation and engagement beyond the meeting. Additional questions posed to the panelists are listed on the Jefferson Community Collaborative Message Board where panelists will provide additional information. These questions have been posted to the Jefferson Community Collaborative Message Board under Nonprofit Partner Resource Sharing, with the topic Strengthening Nonprofit Capacity Through Collaboration and Organizational Development. The post provides an opportunity for panelists to share additional insights, respond to questions, and offer resources that may be helpful to nonprofit partners. Nonprofit partners can visit the Collaborative Message Board – Jefferson Community Collaborative to learn how to create an account and engage with panelists and fellow partners.
Following insights from capacity-building providers, JRF also shared information about Jefferson Votes, encouraged attendees to complete the meeting survey, and highlighted the next Jefferson Community Collaborative meeting scheduled for Thursday, February 18, 2027.
Strengthening Our Nonprofit Community
The October Collaborative meeting reinforced the importance of bringing nonprofit organizations and resource providers together to share knowledge, build relationships, and identify opportunities for collaboration.
Through the Jefferson Community Collaborative, JRF remains committed to connecting partners with valuable resources, encouraging shared learning, and strengthening the capacity of nonprofit organizations to meet community needs.
When nonprofit organizations have access to the tools, relationships, and support they need, our entire community benefits.