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 .”
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