Cooper Foundation

06/15/2026

This month, we're highlighting Candid's Introduction to Proposal Writing, a self-paced course that combines short videos, readings, and downloadable worksheets. Strengthen your grant-writing skills by developing a framework you can revisit and update as your organization and our community evolve.

Read our latest Candid Newsletter by clicking the Candid Community link in our bio - and while you're there, signing up for future Nonprofit Newsletters. Stay tuned for our July newsletter highlighting upcoming live webinars and exploring how to optimize your Candid profile so funders can find you more easily.

06/10/2026

As we take a break from Nonprofit Network meetings this summer, we hope you can join us for a relaxed in-person gathering where the nonprofit community can mingle, share ideas, and build connections. It's all about good vibes, great conversations, and expanding your network in the nonprofit community.

Food and drink will be plentiful. Whether you're a veteran or just curious, this is your chance to unwind and meet like-minded folks. Don’t miss out on the fun— enjoy good food and drink - and make some new friends!

When: Tuesday, June 30th | 4:30–6:00 pm
Where: Cooper House, 1801 Austin Ave.

RSVP via the link in our bio!

06/01/2026

Candid’s June live webinars offer several opportunities to strengthen your organization's fundraising and grant-seeking skills through both live webinars and on-demand learning. Join upcoming sessions on fundraising strategies, navigating federal funding changes, and using Candid's tools to identify grant opportunities.

Whether you're new to fundraising or looking to expand your funding strategy, these resources can help your organization build resilience and capacity. Stay tuned for our next newsletter highlighting the basics of crafting a solid grant proposal.

Register for upcoming webinars using the Candid Learning link in our bio.

05/28/2026

At last week’s Nonprofit Network workshop, we talked about how impact storytelling builds trust when nonprofits share both the data and the human experience behind their work. This article reinforces that idea: donors and communities want authenticity, accountability, and evidence that organizations are listening and learning. Strong storytelling isn’t just marketing — it’s relationship-building.

Every few months, another nonprofit headline grabs attention for the wrong reasons: questions about executive compensation, concerns about donor dollars, leadership misconduct or organizations making bold claims without clearly explaining the impact behind them.

05/22/2026

Big thank you to Kelly Atkinson and Rebekah Powell-Lewis of Leap Development for guiding us through "Communicating our Stories of Impact" during our May Noprofit Network session. And an EXTRA SPECIAL THANKS to Estrellita Doolin, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels Waco, for rising to the technological challenge and assisting with audio!

Sign up for our Nonprofit Newsletter (link in the bio) for resources to help you build your organization's story and share it with volunteers, donors, and the wider community. Nonprofit Network is taking a break until September - but stay tuned for a social gathering at the Cooper House in late June!

05/18/2026

Starting a nonprofit can feel overwhelming, but Candid has resources available to help organizations build a strong foundation from the beginning. Candid is jam-packed with resources that support early-stage nonprofits in developing capacity, connecting with funders, and navigating the path toward long-term sustainability.

Read our latest Candid Newsletter by clicking the Candid Community link in our bio - and while you're there, signing up for future Nonprofit Newsletters. Stay tuned for our June newsletters highlighting upcoming webinars and how to write grant proposals.

05/12/2026

Join us for the May 21st Nonprofit Network!

Topic: From Data to Buy-in: Telling your Story of Impact
Presented by Kelly Atkinson, LEAP People Development

Thursday, May 21st | 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Goodwill East Waco Community Connect
1000 E Waco Dr, Waco, TX 76704

Breakfast eats by Sison Tacos and hot coffee from Be Kind Coffee will be provided.
Registration link in bio.

05/08/2026

Thank you to the nonprofit staff and board members who joined us for The Cooper Foundation’s Board Governance training last night at the Bledsoe-Miller STEAM Center!

We appreciated the thoughtful conversations around board roles, accountability, governance best practices, and building strong, effective nonprofit leadership. It was encouraging to see so many organizations investing in stronger boards and stronger communities.

A special thank you to our gracious hosts at the Bledsoe-Miller STEAM Center for providing such a welcoming space, and to Cha Community for an incredible meal that introduced attendees to kimchi, dumplings, and galaxy lemonade — a tasty and memorable evening!

Stay tuned for two more sessions this fall.

05/04/2026

Candid’s May live webinars introduce the essentials—grant writing, budgeting, fundraising, and impact measurement—designed to help nonprofits get oriented with Candid’s tools and approach.

For Waco nonprofits, these sessions offer an accessible first step toward building the skills and visibility needed to grow beyond the local funding landscape. Stay tuned as we highlight valuable resources for Nonprofit Startups and more Early Stage resources later this month.

Register for upcoming webinars using the Candid Learning link in our bio.

04/29/2026

What is Candid?

This summer, we’re excited to re-introduce you to Candid—a powerful resource designed to help nonprofits strengthen their capacity and expand access to funding opportunities. In the coming months, our newsletters will guide you through Candid Learning, highlighting practical tools, trainings, and resources you can start using right away to build skills and confidence.

This is just the beginning: in the fall, we’ll take a deeper dive into Candid Search through an in-person workshop, followed by regular coffee hours at the Cooper House where you can receive hands-on support as you search for new funding opportunities.

Sign up for our newsletter via the link in our bio!