Family Enrichment Services (FES) and Feeding the Fosters (FTF) adjust their focus from individual to the collective well-being of the foster care community by choosing collaboration over competition.
In the landscape of Pinellas County nonprofit organizations, there is no shortage of organizations doing good work, making an impact, and supporting vulnerable families in need. Because of that, it can be challenging for organizations to distinguish themselves and get attention and funding in such a competitive space. This is the story of Family Enrichment Services (FES) and Feeding the Fosters (FTF), two nonprofit organizations in the foster care arena that shifted the conversation from individual needs to the collective well-being of the foster care community.
Natalie Cuddy, Family Enrichment Services
A Simple Idea Sparks a Powerful Partnership
The journey began when Natalie Cuddy, executive director of Family Enrichment Services (FES), reached out to Diana Kopec, president of Feeding the Fosters (FTF), with a simple yet profound idea: let’s work together. Both women shared the belief that building a partnership network would better serve their clients and create messaging and referral efficiencies for each organization.
Complementary Missions
While FES focuses on stabilizing childhood trauma through in-home counseling services and providing emotional support to foster families, FTF tackles the issue of family meal time by delivering nutritious meals to children in foster care. Recognizing that the organizations shared a population and missions that complemented each other, Natalie and Diana saw an opportunity to combine forces to reach larger audiences and amplify their message.
Diana Kopec, Feeding the Fosters
Breaking the Fundraising Barrier
One notable challenge faced by both organizations was the lack of capacity to undertake fundraising events independently. Feeding the Fosters was a relatively new, all-volunteer organization. Thanks to a strong presence on social media and consistent community engagement efforts, the interest in FTF services grew quickly. Yet, the organization couldn’t tackle a fundraising event in the near future.
On the other hand, FES has been established in our community for 18 years and has completed both a strategic planning process and board development work. However, as a provider of discreet trauma-based services, it struggled with name recognition and community support.
Realizing the combination of internal strengths and weaknesses made them stronger, the women formed a strategic partnership that emphasized collaboration over competition. Diana Kopec expressed excitement at the prospect of working together, highlighting the rarity of finding a partner willing to share financial resources for the greater good.
A Surprising Win-Win Scenario
FES and FTF tested their collaborative spirit when the organizations tied in a funding support scenario. Instead of choosing a typical revote to determine a single winner, they chose collaboration over competition. The funds were divided equally between the organizations, demonstrating a surprising win-win situation that prioritized the needs of the foster care community as a whole. One attendee remarked, “That never happens; the decision to split the money was a testament to leaders genuinely interested in partnership.”
Throughout 2023, PCF will share stories from local government, higher education, and private businesses that inspire you to lead in caring and empathetic ways. Philanthropy, in all forms, is generosity, and we want to celebrate the examples surrounding us in Pinellas County. In whichever culture you work or lead, be a voice to build or refine it with kindness. #CultureOfCaring
Gratitude and Learning
Diana emphasizes the importance of gratitude as a small and new nonprofit and as an individual with a nonbusiness background. She quickly shared that she learned a lot and benefited from Natalie’s years of leadership experience, stating, “I didn’t know what a memorandum of understanding was or the importance of one. I really appreciated that Natalie was looking out for the best interest of both partners.”
Natalie praises Diana as a great fundraising role model. “I had always been scared of asking people for money, but seeing Diana do it with such confidence and conviction about our missions gave me the courage to try and even succeed.”
The partnership showcased the organizations’ commitment to serving the community and became a source of inspiration for learning and growth.
Positive Feedback and Community Support
The collaborative luncheon hosted by FES and FTF provided a platform to share their stories and impact. Natalie and Diana say the luncheon experience was wonderful and that they continue to receive positive community feedback, donations, and requests for information and services. Natalie shares, “When you are leading an organization every day, you are somewhat removed from that frontline appreciation and validation. We heard clearly from luncheon attendees and sponsors that our services are needed and appreciated.”
Looking to the Future
Diana Kopec and Natalie Cuddy commit to expanding their collaborative efforts in the coming year. The focus for 2024 includes growing the luncheon with a theme centered around the foster care community and its diverse needs. By widening the focus, they aim to address the overlapping needs of their client populations and avoid prioritizing one need over another.
Conclusion
This is a story about a business partnership that turned into a friendship, with two leaders becoming true champions for the work of the other. The story of Family Enrichment Services and Feeding the Fosters serves as an inspiration for the nonprofit sector. By choosing collaboration over competition, these organizations have demonstrated the immense power of working together for the greater good. As nonprofit organizations continue to face challenges, the collaborative approach demonstrated by these leaders showcases the potential for creating change and sustainability. Together, they thrive, multiplying their capacity to serve and support the foster care community. Smaller organizations can be successful fundraisers, and organizations that have long functioned behind the scenes still have a place in the spotlight. As FES and FTF continue their journey, the impact on the foster care community grows, proving that when nonprofits join forces, they amplify messages, raise awareness, and achieve transformative change. Together, they thrive.
Create a Culture of Caring
If your organization is ready to create a more caring culture, Coleen Chaney will be happy to assist you with options.
#CultureOfCaring