Building Community, One Person at a Time
Building community in Cleburne County starts with social networking. But rather than going high-tech, members of the Cleburne County Community Foundation (CCCF) board are going high-touch. “We’re getting out and talking to people the old fashioned way,” explained Executive Director Brenda Hill. “It’s about people talking to people.”
By hosting monthly forums for nonprofit leaders, CCCF is creating opportunities for networking and idea sharing. For example, at one meeting a match was made between the local Humane Society, which needed volunteers, and the local Girl Scouts, who were seeking new volunteer projects.
CCCF also participates in the annual Heber Springs Business Expo, a chance to meet new people and explain what the foundation is all about. Their booth features photos of people who are making a difference in the community through philanthropy. “I heard several people say, ‘My face is going to be up there someday,’” said Hill.
And the CCCF board has decided to cancel one board meeting per quarter; instead, each member invites a friend or colleague to lunch to share information about the foundation. “It’s a way for board members to share why the community foundation is important to them,” Hill said. And that personal touch is paying off as new people are inspired to get involved and give back.