New Grant Program Aims to Build a Better Nonprofit Community

NORTHBROOK, Ill., January 11, 2013 /3BL Media/ – Nonprofits from around the country recently had the unique opportunity to help develop a grant program with the sole focus of making their organizations more effective. The grant program launched in conjunction with The Allstate Foundation’s sixtieth anniversary at a summit in Chicago that focused on building the capacity of nonprofits and a discussion on innovations in the nonprofit community.

The summit brought together more than 100 nonprofit leaders that provide services in The Allstate Foundation focus areas including: financial empowerment for domestic violence survivors, teen safe driving and safe and vital communities. At the summit, experts in social media, program measurement, board development, generational and demographic diversity, and service innovation were featured. As a culmination to the event, The Allstate Foundation staff asked attendees what resources they needed to build better organizations. This information was then used to develop a new grant program designed to meet those needs.

“The current economy and scaled-back donations have left the nonprofit community searching for creative ways to reach the clients and communities they serve,” said Vicky Dinges, vice president of public social responsibility at Allstate. “Our summit brought together a diverse set of leaders from national and local nonprofits to discuss trends in the nonprofit sector and develop solutions to many of the social crises facing our nation. This conversation and tremendous need is what spurred The Allstate Foundation to create this $600,000 grant program, designed to give these 14 organizations the funds needed to improve delivery of services to thousands of Americans.”

Among the diverse nonprofits that benefitted from the program included The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence that received a grant to focus on board and executive leadership training. While another, Bridge Communities, Inc. will use funding to develop a new cloud-based system to enhance their client management services. The new system will allow them to seamlessly work with programs developed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to better assist their clients.

“It’s rare for a corporate foundation to provide funds for ‘overhead costs’ such as leadership training, developing social media expertise, or building digital infrastructure” said Dinges. “However, by providing these funds, our partners will be stronger and better advocates in their communities and able to supply their clients with more strategic services.”

Grants from between $20,000 and $60,000 were awarded to 14 organizations across the country. . For a complete list of nonprofits that received funding visit www.allstatefoundation.org/60th-Anniversary-Special-Grants

About The Allstate Foundation

Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL). Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the country, The Allstate Foundation brings the relationships, reputation and resources of Allstate to support innovative and lasting solutions that enhance people’s well-being and prosperity. With a focus on teen safe driving and building financial independence for domestic violence survivors, The Allstate Foundation also promotes safe and vital communities; tolerance, inclusion, and diversity; and economic empowerment. For more information, visit www.AllstateFoundation.org.

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