BETHLEHEM, Pa. — As each of the experts imparted strategies on how nonprofits can improve their mission individually and with government assistance Wednesday, Matt Sommers nodded.
Sometimes, the nod was an acknowledgement of his experiences as development coordinator of the Boys & Girls of Allentown. Roads he’s traveled; some smooth, others not.
Other times, his nod was triggered by words of enlightenment from those in the know.
Sommers was not alone. The nods were in great supply throughout the day-long, inaugural Lehigh Valley Nonprofit Impact Conference at Wind Creek Event Center.
“This is about collaboration, about the need to learn how to build better relationships with nonprofits and funders,” Sommers said.
"That's what this [conference] is for, to connect and talk to one another. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel; your answer, your solution, is already in this room.”Sabrina Walker Hernandez
“We need to not just create relationships — like ‘Here’s the money’ and then we don’t hear from you. We need to develop relationships that build upon programs, not just funding programs.”
Titled “Creating Connections for Collective Good” and hosted by the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley, the event brought together 300 participants designed to bring nonprofit and community leaders together.
The conference featured 17 one-hour sessions on topics that included focus on youth success, volunteer management, municipal and nonprofit partnerships, ways to increase success with grants, developing cultural humility, navigating generational differences and transforming workplaces through DEI, and more.
‘You don't have to struggle alone’
The event also attracted Lehigh Valley businesses that provide services that can assist nonprofit endeavors.
“We’re doing this conference based on a study we did in the sector to know and understand what our nonprofits need to help them build capacity,” Volunteer Center Chief Executive Officer Karen Smith said.
“What you’re struggling with, someone in this room has the solution.”Lehigh Valley Nonprofit Impact Conference Keynote speaker Sabrina Walker Hernandez
“We’ve been working on this conference for a year. One of the things that came out loud and clear was the opportunity to bring people together, to connect and convene, and have some opportunity to hear from other speakers and make new connections in the sector.”
Keynote speaker Sabrina Walker Hernandez enthusiastically engaged the large gathering for more than an hour.
A specialist in strategic planning, board education and leadership development, Hernandez weaved in and out of the tables in the banquet room, trumpeting to nonprofit members the advantages of collaboration.
“What you’re struggling with, someone in this room has the solution,” said Hernandez, who launched her company, Supporting World Hope, while being treated for two blood cancers in 2019 in Texas.
“You don’t have to struggle alone. That's what this [conference] is for, to connect and talk to one another. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel; your answer, your solution, is already in this room.”
‘Greater impact in the community’
Among the strategies Hernandez shared with the nonprofits was to be willing to move out of one’s comfort zone to make a connection.
“Throughout this conference, you’ll hear about stepping outside of your comfort zone. See that person smiling, go up to them, exchange information. It may sound uncomfortable, but do it anyway.”Lehigh Valley Nonprofit Impact Conference Keynote speaker Sabrina Walker Hernandez
“Throughout this conference, you’ll hear about stepping outside of your comfort zone,” she said. “See that person smiling, go up to them, exchange information. It may sound uncomfortable, but do it anyway.”
The event focused on three themes — individual skill building, organizational skill building and collaborative models.
“One of the themes focuses on how your organization can work with other organizations to do more work and have a greater impact in the community,” Smith said.
A session titled “Municipal & Nonprofit Partnerships: Fostering Collaboration for Mutual Benefit Location” offered instruction on connecting nonprofits with government agencies on the local, state and federal level.
Hosted by Sean Ziller, Bethlehem's deputy director of economic development, the session addressed topics such as helping strengthen partnerships by sharing data.
‘Green infrastructure’
A panel discussion was held with members of the community and economic development teams from Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton.
Discussion touched on many topics, including how to apply for grants.
“The more we know about you — what you’re doing — the more we can share and advance your mission. We can connect you with municipal partners and have conversations about your successes and help grow your mission.”Sean Ziller, Bethlehem's deputy director of economic development
“We want to know how nonprofits serve their communities, the number of people they serve, so we can understand your specific needs,” Ziller told the nonprofits in attendance.
“The more we know about you — what you’re doing — the more we can share and advance your mission. We can connect you with municipal partners and have conversations about your successes and help grow your mission.”
The Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley is headquartered in Bethlehem. It has served the Lehigh Valley and surrounding communities for more than 35 years.
The organization has been a capacity builder, resource provider and connector for the nonprofit and business communities, as well as individuals who want to support the community.
The volunteer center also provides extensive training programs that include board service, volunteer engagement, professional training and nonprofit skills building.
