As part of its ongoing effort to connect nonprofits, community partners and donors, the Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) hosted its second annual Nonprofit Symposium at the end of March. Throughout the inspired event, one theme stood out clearly: Collaboration makes a difference.

Over 100 attendees with leaders from more than 75 local nonprofits came together for a day of education and inspiration, kicked off with a keynote by Wendy Manitta Holmes focused on trust, resilience and the power of your brand.

Guests attended breakout sessions focused on current best practices in grant writing, fundraising trends, donor relationships, branding and long-term sustainability. For many organizations, the opportunity to learn from a variety of experts and to connect with peers was one of the most valuable parts of the event.

“I really enjoyed my first DCCF nonprofit symposium,” stated Laura Stack, Founder and CEO, Johnny’s Ambassadors Youth THC Prevention. “It was a great day of connection and learning. I attended several valuable sessions and even discovered a new funding source I was unaware of.”

That spirit of teamwork could be felt throughout the day as attendees exchanged ideas, laughed, built new relationships and explored future partnerships and collaborations. They even had opportunity to connect with several vendors that provide services in the nonprofit space––including a fun photo booth for group pictures.

From food banks to therapeutic riding centers to housing accessibility organizations, the real heroes of the day were the nonprofits working year-round to strengthen Douglas County.

“What was very evident was the incredible support, love and dedication DCCF showed for these nonprofits,” commented  Heart2Hand CEO Rob Nelson. “The care and compassion they put into supporting those elevating lives in Douglas County is something the nonprofit community is incredibly grateful for.”

And there is much more to be excited about. Acording to Executive Director Kirsten Swanson, in 2025, DCCF expanded support for nonprofit partners through more than 100 hours of coaching, strategic leadership and consistent, transparent grant making that impacted seniors, veterans, first responders, youth mental health, and the IDD community. “We strengthened partnerships and enhanced donor services by accepting complex gifts and introducing a fee-for-service model, too” she said.

Looking ahead to 2026, DCCF will launch an endowment campaign, establish a donor-advised fund program, and create a nonprofit agency fund to deepen local philanthropy, and build a more sustainable, impactful future for Douglas County.

When nonprofits come together to share resources and knowledge, everyone benefits. Learn more at dccf.org.

 

By Nicole Stark; photos courtesy of Douglas County Community Foundation