In May 2023, after a three-year pause because of the pandemic, Mary’s Pence welcomed 29 representatives from 14 grassroots organizations across the United States to an annual Grantee Gathering in Minnesota. The theme, “The Power of Grassroots Action,” set the tone for a motivating and transformative experience. To ensure grantees could participate fully, Mary’s Pence provided travel, lodging, meals, and more – all at no cost to their organizations.
At Mary’s Pence, we deeply value community and solidarity, and this grantee get-together exemplifies our commitment to those principles. We invited two representatives from each grantee organization to spend a few days in Minnesota learning, networking, and discovering each other’s work. The sense of community was immediate and profound. As one participant described it, “It felt like coming home.”
Shoareged, from It Takes a Village Collaborative, highlighted the value of these interactions, saying, “The opportunity to collaborate, share experiences, and grow collectively is invaluable. It reinforces that we are not alone in our daily struggles.”
Nonprofit leaders and workers, and, certainly, Mary’s Pence grantees, are driven by a deep commitment to social justice and systemic change. Their passion for their mission often means they willingly take on challenging working conditions, including managing limited resources, navigating stressful situations, and filling in gaps when staff are limited. Yet, their dedication to go above and beyond to help others fuels their work.
Despite the inherent challenges, the nonprofit sector remains resilient but at a high cost for its leaders and workers. The 2021 Nonprofit Employee Benefits Survey highlights that nearly half of nonprofits (48%) in the U.S. face burnout, with employee turnover at 19%, higher than the national average (12%). This emphasizes the importance of fostering belonging, solidarity, and connection opportunities, like the one the Mary’s Pence Grantee Retreat provides. By creating spaces where nonprofit workers feel supported and valued, we can help alleviate the anxiety and feelings of loneliness and burnout and sustain their vital contributions to social change and justice.
Heidi, from Immigrant Rights Action, captured the essence of the retreat, saying, “There’s something about being surrounded by others who can uplift and root for each other. It’s a powerful experience.” This retreat is not just an event; it’s a safe space for those on the frontlines of social change, where grantees can recharge, refocus, and reaffirm their commitment to building a better world.
Building Skills and Sharing Knowledge
Change is a collective effort that requires a lot of different resources, and grassroots organizations need more than just financial support—they need practical tools and knowledge to sustain their work. Our gathering offers workshops on essential and capacity-building topics like management, communications, grant writing, and addressing burnout.
Participants engage in sessions designed to foster empathy and collective power, such as ‘Who is in the Room’ and ‘Pitch a Problem.’ These sessions create an environment where grantees can celebrate, listen, and support one another in ways only fellow changemakers can.
Your Support Creates This Space
The Mary’s Pence Grantee Gathering is a vital part of our mission to empower grassroots organizations. But, the impact of this gathering —and the lasting connections it fosters—would not be possible without the support of donors like you.
As we prepare for our 2024 Grantee Gathering, please remember that your donations make this work possible. With your support, we can continue to offer this invaluable experience to grassroots community leaders, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and connections they need to thrive.
Join us in creating spaces where passion meets action, where struggles are shared and overcome together, and where the seeds of social change are nurtured and grown. Donate here today to Mary’s Pence and be part of the powerful movement for grassroots social justice action. Together, we can make a difference that resonates far beyond the Grantee Gathering.