San Fernando Valley Nonprofit Increases Its Impact Through Unique Collaboration

Rhea-AI Summary

Alliance for Community Empowerment (ACE), a San Fernando Valley-based nonprofit, has enhanced its impact through a unique collaboration with Catchafire, facilitated by U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance. ACE, which assists low-income communities, began using Catchafire in 2022 to access skilled volunteers for various projects. This partnership has led to significant improvements, including the hiring of a full-time marketing expert who was initially a volunteer.

U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance provided grant funding to support organizations like Catchafire, which in turn helps nonprofits like ACE. This collaboration has enabled ACE to refine its communication strategies, develop leadership skills, and implement necessary changes. The partnership exemplifies how capacity-building resources can empower smaller nonprofits to make a more significant difference in their communities.

Positive

• U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance provided grant funding to support capacity-building resources for nonprofits
• The collaboration led to ACE hiring a full-time marketing expert, expanding their capabilities
• ACE's staff has grown to 65 employees, indicating organizational growth

Negative

• None.

U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance provided grant funding to an organization that helped transform Alliance for Community Empowerment

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 30, 2024 / U.S. Bank

Michelle Miranda is the founder and CEO of Alliance for Community Empowerment, which assists people in low-income communities.

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

For more than a decade, Alliance for Community Empowerment (ACE) has assisted thousands of individuals in overcoming barriers by addressing the core issues facing their low-income communities through education, workforce development and other support services.

The San Fernando Valley, California-based ACE staff has grown to 65 employees but the team occasionally needs outside support that it might not otherwise have if it weren't for a capacity building resource like Catchafire, which facilitates access to volunteers with professional skills looking to support community development leaders and nonprofits who may be under-resourced and overextended.

ACE began using Catchafire in 2022 and has tapped into resources for various projects ranging from human resources to change management and new data system implementation to marketing. The marketing expert's volunteer contribution was significant enough that ACE hired the volunteer full-time, and the nonprofit is now in the process of further expanding its marketing department.

"For smaller nonprofits like ACE, partnerships like these can be a lifeline because they provide access to highly skilled professionals who can offer expertise that may otherwise be out of reach," said ACE CEO and founder Michelle Miranda. "Utilizing volunteers and resources has provided our team with comprehensive project management skills and training, helped us develop our leaders, and given us guidance on implementing and navigating changes."

U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance, the community investment and tax credit division of U.S. Bank, became a thread in ACE's story by providing grants and capacity building to support aligned organizations like Catchafire.

"We're pleased to support programs that give back and bridge gaps for nonprofits like ACE," said Torrence Moore, managing director of Impact Finance's Business Impact Group. "Success stories like this one are a great example of the impact this can have on organizations and the communities they serve."

Miranda said connecting with a volunteer who had extensive marketing experience allowed ACE to refine communication strategies and improve how it supports individuals.

"U.S. Bank's collaboration with Catchafire not only supports nonprofits in achieving their missions but also fosters long-term sustainability by helping us build the foundational structures needed for growth," she said. "This type of collaboration is vital in empowering smaller organizations to make a more significant difference in the communities they serve."

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Contact Info:
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SOURCE: U.S. Bank

View the original press release on accesswire.com

FAQ

How has U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance (USB) supported Alliance for Community Empowerment?

U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance provided grant funding to support organizations like Catchafire, which in turn helps nonprofits like Alliance for Community Empowerment (ACE) access skilled volunteers for various projects.

What benefits has ACE gained from its collaboration with Catchafire and U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance?

ACE has gained access to skilled professionals, improved project management skills, leadership development, guidance on implementing changes, and refined communication strategies. They also hired a full-time marketing expert who was initially a volunteer.

When did Alliance for Community Empowerment start using Catchafire's services?

Alliance for Community Empowerment (ACE) began using Catchafire's services in 2022.

What types of projects has ACE utilized Catchafire for?

ACE has utilized Catchafire for various projects ranging from human resources to change management, new data system implementation, and marketing.