Non-profits and community based organizations (CBOs) address important community issues in Miami-Dade County. The value to our economy is $41.3 million according to IRS figures from May 2006. We realize their value is even greater in terms of helping the less fortunate residents in our community. With shrinking public dollars and increasing demand, the role of CBOs continues to grow and their effectiveness becomes even more critical.
To assist and enhance the services offered by these organizations, the Community and Economic Development Initiative was created. Through this Initiative, directors, managers and other nonprofits and CBOs leaders, staff and volunteers are attending free workshops and seminars that provide technical assistance and training for delivering community services, as well as information on complying with local, state and federal program policies and procedures.
The Initiative was kicked-off October 31, 2007, with a one-day hands-on workshop, Mayor's Community and Economic Development Workshop, which focused on nonprofit effectiveness and capacity building. Since then, about a dozen successful events have provided CBOs with information on everything from Strategic Business Planning to Marketing Tools.
The Mayor’s Business Development Expo - Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Meet, greet, and connect with governmental purchasing professionals from Miami-Dade County departments and various South Florida governmental agencies. View Invitation  (1.24 MB)
Community Response
Maria Rodriguez,President
Youth Co-Op, Inc.
 "The commitment of Mayor Alvarez to the community-based and faith-based organizations of Miami-Dade is evidenced, not only by his personal involvement, but also by ensuring that essential capacity-building resources are accessible to these non-profit agencies. One such example is a series of Mayoral Workshops during which our agency has gleaned vital lessons on building award-winning grant proposals - from writing compelling statements of need to preparing zero-based program budgets. Throughout the series, several members of our staff have realized the benefits of their participation in these workshops and have been able to incorporate the vital information they learned into their daily responsibilities. Our agency has especially benefitted from the opportunity that each workshop has presented to network with other non-profits in the community to form strong linkages and create meaningful collaborations which improve the services we offer to those individuals and families in Miami-Dade whom we are privileged to serve. "
Leroy Jones, Executive Director
Neighbors And Neighbors Association
"On behalf of Neighbors And Neighbors Association (NANA) it is truly an honor to be a non-profit partner for Mayor Carlos Alvarez's Community and Economic Development Initiative. Mayor Alvarez vision to improve the economic conditions of the residents and small business owners of Miami-Dade County is truly making a world of difference."
Linda Schotthoefer, Executive Director
The Center on Nonprofit Effectiveness (C-One)
"Miami-Dade residents depend on nonprofits every day for critical services and quality of life. The Mayor's Community and Economic Development Initiative is raising the bar on nonprofit effectiveness in Miami-Dade County. The Center on Nonprofit Effectiveness (C-One) applauds the Mayor's Community and Economic Development Initiative for proactive training, technical assistance and support for local nonprofits. Since it's inception on October 31, 2007, hundreds of nonprofit leaders have benefitted from the free training and information available through the Mayor's Community and Economic Development Initiative. The Initiative demonstrates how public and private entities can work together to ensure strong nonprofits and results for community residents."
Kathryn Reid Kassner, Administrator
Bay Oaks
"At the Mayor's workshops we were able to identify grant opportunities that we may not have availed ourselves of otherwise. Such funding streams are imperative to our continued growth. In addition, we have incorporated several business practices from the Mayor's Strategic Planning Workshop which has helped our business run smoothly. We are very grateful to the Mayor for making these workshops available."
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