SIPI announces return of popular community impact program for non-profits this month

FLINT, Michigan — In September, Social Impact Philanthropy & Investment (SIPI) announced the return of Community Impact Sessions, a six-session program created to empower organizations in Flint with hopes of effectively designing a Strategic Action Plan for Impact (SAPI) and driving influential change.

“We fervently believe that anyone, with the right support, can contribute to meaningful change,” said Jordan E. Brown, Vice President of SIPI.

SIPI is a company dedicated to empowering local nonprofits and cause-based businesses to help bring the innovative ideas of change-makers to life. To do this, SIPI offers unique programs and support strategies tailored to the values and interests of various organizations in the Flint community. SIPI also works alongside its organizational partners to help innovative organizations build capacity for impact and sustainability. 

“Our focus revolves around two pivotal pillars: empowering individuals and strengthening organizations, and it is through these avenues that we aim to create lasting change,” said Steve Wolbert, CEO of SIPI.

Bringing back the Fall 2023 Community Impact Sessions is deeply rooted in these two pillars. This year’s program goal is to help shape a promising future for Flint's nonprofit sector by co-constructing strategic action plans.

"The Fall 2023 Community Impact Sessions offer a unique opportunity for nonprofits to revitalize their missions, build valuable relationships, and receive the support they need to turn their plans into action," said Brown, in a recent press release.

Community Impact Program Details:
  • Dates: Every Tuesday through October 31
  • Time: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
  • Location:
    • First session at the Flint Development Center (FDC)
    • Subsequent sessions to visit various participating organizations in Flint
  • Address: 4121 Martin Luther King Ave., Flint, MI 48505
 
Diante Lyles of Flint Flames Youth Basketball Organization, Ridgway White of CS Mott Foundation, Steve Wolbert of SIPI, and Shon Hart of Involved Dad at the Flint Development Center.Senior leaders will be coached throughout the program, focusing on strategic goal setting, planning, and implementation. Each session will allow participants to collaborate with other local change makers looking to maximize their impact in the community by gaining access to valuable insights, tools, and resources. 

“SIPI prioritizes the establishment of trust as the fundamental bedrock upon which fruitful collaborations between organizations and consultants can flourish. We fervently believe that anyone, with the right support, can contribute to meaningful change,” said Brown.

Wolbert says, “The privilege of forging deep, personal, and professional connections with these change-makers is immensely rewarding, and supporting their invaluable work is a source of genuine honor.” 

According to Wolbert, the most significant thing SIPI offers is a sense of trust through building strong partnerships with community-based organizations.

“While we may not claim to be a powerhouse, our strength lies in our partnerships. SIPI has diligently cultivated trust-based relationships with community-based organizations and their leaders. This trust allows us to establish a network that, in turn, brings significant opportunities to the Flint community through collaborations,” said Wolbert.

Local businesses looking to support SIPI’s community initiatives can reach out to the organization to connect with organizations aligning with their values and goals to help foster mutually beneficial relationships that uplift the community.

“And for those eager to volunteer but unsure where to start, reach out to us. Flint is teeming with remarkable opportunities for involvement, and we have the privilege of being connected to many of them. Your desire to contribute can find a meaningful home here,” said Brown.

For more information and to register for the Fall 2023 Community Impact Sessions, click here to RSVP.
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Read more articles by Brianna Nargiso.