EVOLVE Business and Professional Magazine November 2019 | Page 14

Why Your Giving Matters …
The Nonprofit Perspective
I
by Danielle Anderson
f you have ever attended a charity banquet, volunteer
appreciation dinner or fundraising event, you may have heard
the phrase, “Thank you for your time, talent and treasure.”
Glancing around at the smiling faces or the elegance of the
event, it appears to operate effortlessly, like a well-oiled machine,
designed to thank philanthropic donors and community volunteers.
But behind the scenes, carefully counted dollars and months of
work have been dedicated to ensuring the organization’s projects,
programs and events are executed flawlessly.
According to Florida’s Nonprofit Alliance, Florida is home to
over 80,000 registered nonprofits vying for your attention, nearly
2,000 of which are located in Volusia County.
As you consider where you will serve and how much your
financial contributions will be, you may not realize how important
your support is to Volusia’s local nonprofit organizations, but you
and your organization’s contribution matters.
Building a Foundation by Finding the Talent
Building and maintaining a well functioning board of directors
is critical to a nonprofit’s success. The board works collaboratively
to fulfill fiduciary responsibilities for the organization–ensuring the
organization’s mission is carried out in compliance with state and
federal regulations, and the organization’s bylaws.
In addition, individuals serving on the board provide specific
skill sets, such as finance or communications expertise, to match the
needs of the organization. They are also often called upon to help
the organization build relationships and facilitate solicitations.
The chair of the board leads the group. She or he sets goals and
objectives for the board, ensures targets are met, and that all of
the directors are assigned to a committee. Additionally, she or he
typically works most closely with the executive director or chief
executive operating officer.
BoardSource, a globally recognized nonprofit board
leadership resource tool notes the collaborative relationship
between a board chair and the executive director or CEO is an
| 14 | EVOLVE BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL MAGAZINE
important component of
establishing consistent
governance for an
organization with a shared,
mission-driven purpose.
That model of
collaboration has been a
success for retired principal
and educator Judi Winch,
who followed her passion
for helping children and now
serves as the executive director
for Food Brings Hope.
The Volusia-based
nonprofit reaches 37 schools
in Volusia and Flagler
Food Brings Hope’s Middle School
counties with food, tutoring,
TeenZone students spent a day touring
mentoring, after-school and
the Plantation Bay Golf and Country
cultural activities.
Club Community and learning about
Recruited nearly
the various opportunities and careers
five years ago by the
available in the home building industry.
organization’s founder
and board chair, Forough Hosseini, Executive Vice President of
Information Systems for ICI Homes, Winch works
closely with Hosseini to carry out the vision and
mission of helping children.
“I needed to learn what her mission was and
what direction she wanted to go,” said Winch. “It’s
amazing because she is such a giving person, and
such a business person, that she can make it work.
She’s a phenomenal woman who wants to help.”
Supporting the mission and vision is the
responsibility
of the board of directors, and Winch
Judi Winch
says board members have discovered more than
an interest but a passion for the nonprofit while sharing their