Shavlik Family Foundation : the “ Go-To ” for Nonprofit Innovation
Collaboration :
Shavlik Family Foundation : the “ Go-To ” for Nonprofit Innovation
Say you ’ re a Minnesota nonprofit with a “ wealth of information ” sitting in numerous computer files , but , you ’ re not seeing increased memberships , volunteers and donations . Improving your technology would mean greater efficiency and broader reach , but you don ’ t have extra dollars to spare . Consider a grant .
The Shavlik Family Foundation , of White Bear Lake , awards approximately 15 to 20 grants each year ranging in size from $ 1,000 to $ 30,000 , totaling $ 250,000 to $ 300,000 annually . The grants support innovative program initiatives or technology that improves operations , efficiency , fundraising , communications ,
Rebecca Shavlik , Executive Director data collection or clients ’ access
to opportunities . Founded by Rebecca and Mark Shavlik with part of the proceeds from the acquisition of their company Shavlik Technologies in 2011 , the Foundation focuses on investing in technology for the Minnesota nonprofit community to align with the expertise of its founders .
Executive Director Rebecca Shavlik says , “ Our focus is on how nonprofits can use technology to improve operations , service delivery , or access for the populations they serve . Every year we receive between 100 and 150 grant applications from the entire Twin Cities Metro Area and outstate communities , such as Duluth , Detroit Lakes , Rochester , Willmar , Morton , Waite Park and Bemidji .”
Partnering for Innovation
Shavlik Family Foundation has granted funds for web portals , media and communication technology , learning labs , infrastructure and databases . Some examples of funding include : Ecumen in Detroit Lakes for user-friendly equipment in a community business center tailored for seniors ; to Dakota Wicohan in Morton for webinar capabilities used to teach language and oral histories to both Upper and Lower Sioux communities in Minnesota ; to Wacosa of Waite Park for website content changes to adapt to requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act ; and to Cornerhouse of Minneapolis for a forensic interview training portal for legal professionals , protection workers and social service investigators .
“ Technology upgrades have allowed us to improve communications and coordinate services more effectively on behalf of our clients . We ’ re a fairly small organization and most staff ‘ wear many hats ’ on a daily basis ; tools like mobile devices and electronic calendaring allow us to connect more easily and devote more time and resources to serving clients ,” says Trisha Kauffman , Executive Director of Solid Ground .
The Foundation has granted funds to Northeast Metro nonprofits as well . Lakesore Players Theatre , in White Bear Lake , applied to fund a new website that would increase web traffic , ticket sales and donations . Shavlik says , “ Lakeshore exceeded their goals with this change .”
“ For Merrick , in Vadnais Heights , we funded Android tablets and IT infrastructure to support new wireless devices . Staff can now input their clients ’ activity in real time , eliminating the need for double-entry which means better accuracy . Also , this allows staff to continue to safely supervise disabled adults employed in their Day Training and Habilitation programs because the tablets are in-hand , and they don ’ t need to step away to enter data elsewhere .”
One local nonprofit has received two grants . In 2013 , Solid Ground of White Bear Lake needed a new website because their organization ’ s name had changed . Shavlik says , “ Building it on WordPress allowed staff to manage content . In addition , the organization added search engine optimization ( SEO ) and secured donation pages to the site .
“ In 2014 , Solid Ground wanted to move to cloud-based solutions to support off-site staff and their need for remote access – giving them capabilities for file sharing , shared calendars , task lists , web apps , online conferencing and online access . The new system has three levels of redundancy built in and is also HIPAA compliant which is a requirement due to sensitive client data . Data migration from existing systems was done with a consultant . In addition , the organization upgraded their accounting software , replaced several workstations , added a projector for meetings and tablets for Advocates who take notes when meeting with clients off-site .”
Note to Nonprofits
Shavlik Family Foundation accepts grant proposals between November 1 and December 15 , for grants awarded the following March . Visit the Foundation website ( below ) for requirements . Shavlik advises , “ To stand out you need a very strong implementation plan , and you need to show how what you are asking to fund ties back to your planning and your mission . Also , it ’ s important to show how the investment will create a measurable return on investment – either for your organization or the community you serve .”
24 Vadnais Heights Business Guide & Community Profile
Collaboration:
Shavlik Family Foundation:
the “Go-To” for Nonprofit Innovation
S
ay you’re a Minnesota nonprofit with
a “wealth of information” sitting in
numerous computer files, but, you’re
not seeing increased memberships,
volunteers and donations. Improving your
technology would mean greater efficiency
and broader reach, but you don’t have
extra dollars to spare. Consider a grant.
The Shavlik Family Foundation, of White
Bear Lake, awards approximately 15 to
20 grants each year ranging in size from
$1,000 to $30,000, totaling $250,000 to
$300,000 annually. The grants support
innovative
program
initiatives or
technology
that improves
operations,
efficiency,
fundraising,
communications,
Rebecca Shavlik, Executive Director data collection
or clients’ access
to opportunities.
Founded by Rebecca and Mark Shavlik
with part of the proceeds from the
acquisition of their company Shavlik
Technologies in 2011, the Foundation
focuses on investing in technology for the
Minnesota nonprofit community to align
with the expertise of its founders.
Executive Director Rebecca Shavlik says,
“Our focus is on how nonprofits can use
technology to improve operations, service
delivery, or access for the populations
they serve. Every year we receive between
100 and 150 grant applications from
the entire Twin Cities Metro Area and
outstate communities, such as Duluth,
Detroit Lakes, Rochester, Willmar, Morton,
Waite Park and Bemidji.”
Partnering for Innovation
Shavlik Family Foundation has granted
funds for web portals, media and
communication technology, learning
labs, infrastructure and databases. Some
24
examples of funding include: Ecumen in
Detroit Lakes for user-friendly equipment
in a community business center tailored
for seniors; to Dakota Wicohan in Morton
for webinar capabilities used to teach
language and oral histories to both
Upper and Lower Sioux communities
in Minnesota; to Wacosa of Waite Park
for website content changes to adapt
to requirements of the Americans with
Disabilities Act; and to Cornerhouse
of Minneapolis for a forensic interview
training portal for legal professionals,
protection workers and social service
investigators.
“Technology upgrades have allowed
us to improve communications and
coordinate services more effectively
on behalf of our clients. We’re a
fairly small organization and most
staff ‘wear many hats’ on a daily
basis; tools like mobile devices and
electronic calendaring allow us to
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