Gill to Train Vermont GLBT Fundraisers and Donors

A national philanthropic organization is bringing a series of training workshops to Vermont.

The Gill Foundation has selected the Green Mountain State as a site for its OutGiving InCommunity program for 2000. The Samara Foundation of Vermont will be the host organization for the series.

Each year, the Colorado-based Gill Foundation chooses approximately eight non-urban communities as locations for a series of workshops designed to provide participants with a well-rounded understanding of many types of fundraising.

In an unusual move, organizers have designated the entire state of Vermont as a site for the upcoming cycle.

The Samara Foundation learned in December that their application to host had been accepted.

In the hosting role, Samara is responsible for setting up organizational meetings early this year. GLBT and ally organizations will gather to discuss Vermont’s needs and compare those to the workshops offered.

Sessions will be scheduled throughout the year and representatives of Vermont organizations will be invited to participate.

Additionally, the workshops will include some aimed specifically at donors. The goal is to encourage more and smarter giving to community organizations.

Samara’s hope is that organizations across the state can benefit from savvier fundraisers and educated donors. “This is not a zero-sum game,” said Samara executive director Bill Lippert. “It’s not about non-profits competing for dollars. It’s about getting our resources working for our community.”