GCEDC manager to teach through CBIS

Spira addresses starting non-profits, fund raising subject

MOSES LAKE — Two new classes may help non-profit organizations in the never-ending quest for funding.

Through Big Bend Community College's Center for Business and Industry Services, Caroline Spira, Grant County Economic Development Council manager of communications and research, will be teaching a two-hour class on starting a non-profit charitable organization Feb. 23 at 6:30 p.m.

The second, on fund raising tactics for non-profit organizations, will take place March 15 at 6:30 p.m.

"CBIS has been looking for instructors to offer community classes," Spira said. She talked with CBIS director Shelley Glendenning and small business development counselor Allan Peterson about what she could teach, noting that she has a masters degree in public administration and a graduate certificate in non-profit management.

"(Peterson) said, 'Well, you know all of these things,'" Spira remembered, adding with a smile, "And I went, 'That's true.'"

With all of the community's efforts, from Vision 2020 and Boys and Girls Club and churches and the like, there's always something more that a person involved would want to know, she said.

"Non-profit organizations fall under different tax codes with the federal government," she pointed out. "Just because it's called a non-profit, does not mean it actually doesn't make any profit. At the same time, some people might be confused because it's often referred to as a tax-exempt organization. Non-profits do pay taxes."

These are the first classes Spira will be teaching; she said she is more than willing to offer different topics. The classes are outside Spira's regular work with the GCEDC, she said.

"What a wonderful world it would be if there was always money for charitable organizations," Peterson said. "This explores some basic fund raising, ways to raise money and news ways to get what you need from donors."

"I think that both of these classes have really good value for people in the community," Spira said.

The first is not only for those people looking to start a non-profit organization, but would also be helpful for someone who started working for one, someone who has been asked to be on a board or even someone who's been doing it for years to remember the steps needed to get started.

"There could be a chance in your organization's structure and vision, but if they don't go back and check in the articles of incorporation, maybe that change in vision means a change in purpose," she said. "An organization that goes through that would have to re-file."

The second class will look at different ways to raise money and how to develop a fund raising plan, and donors from around the community, outside it, corporate donors, foundations and even government donors, at a time when the last month has seen a huge worldwide fund raising drive due to tsunami relief efforts.

"Maybe a small organization here would say, 'If I only had just a tiny little bit of that (type of money amount), I could do so much good in my community,'" Spira said. "So we're going to look at ways that we can find that little bit of money for here … When we see how much people are willing to give for a really good cause, then we can say, 'I have a really good cause right here in my community. How do I get the funds to make something good happen?'"

The classes are $29 each, and people can sign up by calling 793-2374. The classroom fits about 30 people. Registration will last until about two days before each class.