Foundation Hosts Summit on Economic Crisis

February 12, 2009

Over 150 individuals representing nonprofit and faith-based organizations across South Carolina attended a one-day summit in late January hosted by the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina. The gathering, held at South Carolina Archives and History facilities in Columbia, was prompted by the current economy and addressed immediate issues related to the economic downturn and the impact it is having on nonprofit organizations across the state.

“These organizations and hundreds of others are looking for any suggestions or help with their financial challenges,” said Tom Keith, president of the Foundation. “The situation for many nonprofits, both large and small, is devastating and they need to find ways to weather the storm.”

Featured speakers for the day were “Notes from a Non-Profitable Life” author and former Southeastern Council of Foundations CEO and President Martin Lehfeldt and Nell Walker, professor of management at Winthrop University’s College of Business. Additional speakers included Weathers Group’s Charles Weathers on strategic planning and board governance, Jackie Breland & Associates, P.A.’s Jackie Breland on financial management and fund raising and Tom Keith, foundation president, on mission impossible.

“It was an inspirational day for me and many others.” said Johnny Ford, executive director of Teach my People of Georgetown County. “It is comforting to know that organizations like the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina care about organizations like us outside of just grants.”

This is one of many meetings the Foundation will host throughout the 2009 year. In addition to the workshops offered through the Foundation’s Learning Academy, the Foundation convenes nonprofit organizations around timely issues and offers training opportunities around these issues or other identified areas.

“We wanted to hear what was on people’s mind and share ideas about what could be done now,” said Katrina Spigner, senior program officer for the Foundation. “We are here for organizations, not only with money, but also with convening and discussing complicated challenges.”

Pictured: Summit Speakers Charles Weathers, Nell Walker, Martin Lehfeldt, Tom Keith and Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina Senior Program Officer Katrina Spigner.

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