UW Snowy Range Nonprofit Institute Receives Grants to Aid Organizations

Aug. 4, 2005 -- Grants to the University of Wyoming Snowy Range Nonprofit Institute (SRNI) will fund scholarships and help nonprofit agencies and their professionals in Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain region.

The SRNI, a Laramie-based professional development organization for nonprofit practitioners and volunteers, recently received grants from the Wyoming Community Foundation and First Interstate Bank of Laramie. The UW Outreach School coordinates the SRNI.

"The scholarship support provided by these donors extends the institute's reach by making it accessible to nonprofit practitioners who might otherwise be unable to participate," says Debra Beck, SRNI curriculum director. "Budgets in most nonprofits are tight; and finding funds for professional development, however timely, can be a challenge. The scholarships alleviate some of that burden and thus provide opportunities to learn and extend their peer network."

One sponsored program, the fourth annual institute, "Community Power from the Inside Out," will be offered Aug. 7-9, at the UW College of Law building. This year's program features an opening talk by former ambassador Francois and Mrs. Margaret Dickman; a keynote address by Bookda Gheisar, executive director, Social Justice Fund Northwest; and an optional major giving practicum. Multiple opportunities to interact with nonprofit colleagues from Wyoming and the Colorado Front Range also will be offered, Beck says.

Qwest Communications, Peak Promotions, the Wyoming Wildlife Heritage Foundation and the UW Outreach School also sponsor the institute.

All Wyoming nonprofit personnel are encouraged to attend the event. For more information about the institute, call 1-877-733-3618 ext. 2, or visit the Web site www.srni.org.

Posted on Thursday, August 04, 2005