ECOSYSTEM OF IMPACT: NONPROFITS SUPPORTING OTHER NONPROFITS HELP TO PROPAGATE A GARDEN OF GOOD

As St. John’s College first woman president, Nora Demleitner knows the power of community—and the importance of strengthening it. That’s one of the reasons why she supports CFAAC and other local organizations, using her leadership to cultivate collaboration and connection.

“I think it's an ecosystem,” she said of the county’s nonprofits. “We all provide different facets of cultural life and community support, whether for young people, older people, or different constituencies in a community. I think it's essential to support each other in many different ways, including financial contributions and building partnerships that expand our collective impact.”

St. John’s College demonstrates its community commitment by sponsoring CFAAC’s Celebration of Philanthropy Awards Luncheon while Nora personally contributes to CFAAC’s Community
Leadership Fund and shares her expertise as a CFAAC educational program panelist.

“I enjoy giving to the Community Foundation because it allows my husband and me to support different organizations, and ultimately, for the Community Foundation to make decisions about
where the greatest need is in the community,” she said. “I think community foundations provide that larger leadership — they can bring together different funding groups, help build some
excitement in the community, and support the leaders of nonprofits through great programming.”

According to Nora, sponsoring and attending the Celebration of Philanthropy Awards Luncheon provides inspiration, connections, and valuable knowledge for her, the staff, and students —
making it a meaningful partnership for the college.

“Honestly, I learn so much from your luncheon every year,” she said. “It’s a great event that brings people together. This year, in particular, sticks in my mind because I met so many new people and learned about so many fabulous projects — some of which have now become opportunities for student involvement. That’s why it’s really important for us to attend and bring that knowledge back to campus. And of course, the honorees are always so inspiring.”

For Nora, the Community Foundation is also a window into the broader nonprofit landscape — one that is full of both challenges and opportunities. While she sees issues like nonprofits duplicating efforts, she also sees the potential for greater collaboration and community impact, especially by giving through the Community Foundation.

“I see a lot of opportunities because I think people in this country are incredibly generous and do want to support others,” she said. “And the Community Foundation does so much great work in our community, distributes funds to so many different constituencies and groups, and spearheads efforts in the community. It's really providing that larger leadership and bringing them under one umbrella.”