Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BEST Project?
BEST stands for: Building Excellence, Sustainability and Trust. The BEST Project (or BEST) was created by the local funding community to address nonprofit capacity and sustainability issues. BEST currently provides a range of services to Genesee County nonprofit organizations through the use of nonprofit consultants and technical assistance providers, staff and partners. Services currently include: Nonprofit Management Information & Referral; Professional Development & Events; Assessments; Technical Assistance Awards; and, Capacity Building Awards.
Agencies: What is the eligibility criteria for participation in BEST programs?
Eligible agencies must provide services in Genesee County, Michigan. Agencies classified as 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible to apply for all BEST services. Other groups and organizations working on issues impacting the community can contact BEST staff for more details about program eligibility. Participation in BEST programming requires a leadership commitment to continuous improvement, organizational learning, and transparency.
Contact BEST staff to set up an Introductory Consultation.
Individuals: I want to get involved in the nonprofit sector, how can BEST help?
The BEST Project offers a variety of professional development workshops and networking events for individuals interested in the sector. Sessions include Serving on a Nonprofit Board which provides an overview of the roles and responsibilities of board members and opportunities to connect prospective board members with agencies seeking new leaders.
The BEST Leadership Institute is a one-year, comprehensive program for people who want to develop their professional leadership skills and give back to the community through the nonprofit sector. As part of the program, participants will receive an in-depth leadership analysis, individualized coaching, advanced nonprofit education, and peer networking opportunities.
Applicants must have: at least two years of experience in the nonprofit sector (staff, key volunteer, active board member); current direct involvement (paid or unpaid) with one or more nonprofits; and, must be a Genesee County resident or work with a Genesee County nonprofit.
Be sure to sign up for the BEST email list to receive updates about available programs and events.
Interested in volunteering? Sign up with Resource Genesee to learn about the latest volunteer opportunities?
What is the purpose of the BEST Project?
The BEST Project is a strategic initiative to build the leadership and adaptive capacity of nonprofits in Flint and Genesee County. BEST resources support assessments of current capacities and funding technical assistance and capacity building projects aimed at strengthening long term effectiveness and sustainability. BEST also provides education programs through our Professional Development & Events calendar and through customized workshops and retreats.
The overall goals of the BEST Project are as follows:
Goal 1: Increase the effectiveness and sustainability of Genesee County organizations through BEST programs and services.
Goal 2: Improve motivation for and understanding of organizational capacity building including an active learning community among program participants.
Goal 3: Provide high quality consulting and technical assistance services to Genesee County organizations.
In the first six years, BEST served organizations through the First and Second Cohort—a comprehensive, three-year assessment and capacity building model. In 2007, through a partnership with the Michigan Nonprofit Association, BEST began serving organizations beyond the Cohort model through the MichiganNOW! program. Since then BEST has incrementally expanded programs and services to serve over seventy organizations and received over $300,000 in funding from sources outside of Genesee County.
What is the Flint Funders Collaborative?
The Flint Funders Collaborative founded the BEST Project and is comprised of the leading philanthropies in Genesee County: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation; Community Foundation of Greater Flint; Ruth Mott Foundation and the United Way of Genesee County. Representatives from each of these institutions serve on the Advisory Board. The BEST Project is a program of the United Way of Genesee County.
Does participation in the BEST pilot project affect eligibility for other program grants from members of the Flint Funders’ Collaborative?
Organizations may apply for new or continuing funds from each of the funders to support programs and services that are not connected with their BEST Assessment or Capacity Building grants.
Can anyone attend sessions listed on the Professional Development & Events calendar?
Workshops and information sharing sessions are offered on a variety of nonprofit management and leadership topics as well as on other topics that are central to understanding the specific challenges faced by residents in Flint and surrounding areas. Presenters for these sessions come from the BEST pool of consultants, state-wide organizations such as the Michigan Nonprofit Association, and national experts.
These offerings have been widely attended by staff and board members from participating nonprofit agencies as well as by the consultants who work with them. All workshops include opportunities for networking and content that participants can "take to action" immediately.