Some of the most valuable resources for nonprofit leaders are often sitting right across the table.
That idea was at the heart of today’s Nonprofit Connect, where nonprofit leaders came together not just to network, but to share resources, talk openly about challenges, and help one another build connections that move their missions forward.
Built Around What Nonprofits Need
The Frisco Chamber hosts Nonprofit Connect twice each year because we recognize the important role nonprofits play in a strong business ecosystem and a thriving community.
Just as important, the program continues to evolve based on what nonprofit leaders tell us they need.
Our Nonprofit Connect Committee helps guide each gathering, listening to feedback from the nonprofit community and identifying topics, questions, and resources that can make these conversations valuable. Today’s discussion about free or low-cost resources, for example, grew directly from conversations at our previous Nonprofit Connect.
That feedback helps us create a space where nonprofits can learn from experts, but also from one another
Looking Beyond the Usual Circle
During a fireside chat, Caren Lock of TIAA offered nonprofit leaders a perspective from the corporate side of philanthropy and board service.
One of her strongest pieces of advice was to broaden the search for board members, volunteers, and supporters
Rather than continually reaching into the same networks, Lock encouraged organizations to look beyond their existing circles and even beyond Frisco. Thinking more broadly across Collin County and the region can introduce nonprofits to people whose personal interests align closely with their missions.
She also encouraged nonprofits not to focus solely on a potential board member’s company or title. Passion and authentic connection to the mission can be far more valuable.
Those relationships matter when approaching corporations, too.
Lock stressed the importance of doing the homework before making an ask. Companies often have specific philanthropic priorities and community engagement strategies. Understanding those priorities can help nonprofits focus their limited time and resources on companies whose giving goals genuinely align with their mission.
She also shared a timely reminder as the end of the calendar year approaches: Many companies offer employee matching programs. Nonprofits can encourage supporters to check whether their employers match charitable gifts or volunteer hours and make sure those opportunities are used before year-end
Resources Worth Sharing
Then the conversation moved from the front of the room to the tables.
Nonprofit leaders were asked to share their favorite free, low-cost, or best resources, and the ideas came quickly.
Participants exchanged information about discounted technology, fundraising platforms, grant-writing education, meeting spaces, marketing tools, digital business cards, community ticket programs, grant opportunities, and other resources that can help nonprofit organizations stretch limited budgets further.
Resources discussed included TechSoup, Zeffy, Canva Pro, Collin College grant-writing courses, free meeting spaces, and tools for scheduling, fundraising, and networking.
But the value was not simply in creating a list of websites or tools.
It was hearing another nonprofit leader say, “We’ve used this, and it worked for us.”
That kind of peer-to-peer knowledge can save organizations time, money, and plenty of trial and error.
From “Here’s What Works” to “Here’s Where I Need Help”
The second table question changed the conversation:
What’s a challenge or problem you could use help with?
Nonprofit leaders talked about challenges many organizations share, including fundraising, marketing with little or no budget, managing social media, strengthening events, expanding an organization’s reach, securing grants, and coordinating meetings.
Instead of ending the conversation there, participants shared ideas, experiences, and potential connections.
One organization needed advice about taking a fundraising golf tournament to the next level. Another was looking for ways to manage social media without a dedicated marketing employee. Others wanted to reach beyond geographic boundaries or find new approaches to fundraising.
Those conversations naturally carried into open networking, giving participants the opportunity to find the person in the room who might have an idea, resource, introduction, or experience that could help.
And that is exactly what Nonprofit Connect is intended to do.
Stronger Organizations Strengthen Our Community
Nonprofits are an important part of Frisco’s business and community ecosystem. They employ people, purchase goods and services, develop leaders, address community needs, and contribute to the quality of life that helps make Frisco a place where people and businesses want to be.
Supporting their success takes more than one event or one organization. It takes collaboration.
Nonprofit Connect creates a space for leaders to ask questions, share what they know, and build relationships that continue after everyone leaves the room. The Frisco Chamber’s mission is to protect and promote commerce through advocacy, resources, and connections, and sometimes the most valuable resource we can provide is the opportunity to connect people who can help one another.
Thank you to Caren Lock, TIAA, our presenting sponsor, the Nonprofit Connect Committee, and every nonprofit leader who came ready to share today.
Our next Nonprofit Connect will take place in spring 2027, and just like today’s gathering, the conversation will continue to be shaped by what our nonprofit community tells us it needs.
When organizations share resources instead of reinventing the wheel, ask for help instead of tackling every challenge alone, and make connections beyond their usual circles, the entire community benefits.
If you aren’t on the Nonprofit Connect email list, reach out to me to get added.
