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Applications ARE OPEN!
Since the application must be completed in one sitting – it cannot be saved – we have provided this downloadable, printable preview of the questions so you can be thinking about your answers prior to beginning the process. We will consider the first 15 qualified, completed applications received. Thank you for your interest!
Prior to starting the application, please read this important information regarding how IKF likes to operate.
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What are some examples of how I can best use IKF's help?Some of our favorite projects are listed below to help illustrate where goals, skillsets, and buckets aligned beautifully and IKF helped amplify a client's impact (and everyone had fun doing it): One part of a client's strategic plan was to start a telemedicine program. In one short call, IKF helped to re-frame their existing thinking. The program launched pre-COVID, and the client was ready when the pandemic hit. Another client knew a $10K grant was up for grabs - all that was needed was a winning, 5-minute video submission. IKF crafted a fresh, heartfelt script, suggested the scene/backdrop, and layered in existing footage. The client won! One client had already gone through a rebranding exercise. IKF amplified that work by brainstorming tag lines, suggesting ideas for social media, and contacting media outlets. Another client was interested in a media blitz surrounding a 45th-anniversary event. IKF worked with local media contacts to garner placement in Walter, Midtown and Raleigh Magazine. Several clients have requested an increased social media/digital presence. IKF's response was to create mini arsenals of 30-60 second video clips that served to support donor engagement and to thank volunteers, donors, and stakeholders. One client had already secured a venue, a caterer, and a speaker for their fundraiser. IKF amplified the event and impact by making suggestions and organizing an additional fundraising activity.
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What types of things does IKF prefer not to do?It is also valuable to give examples of work we do not do: We are not a funding organization. Our work is strictly in-kind. We do not replace volunteers. Tasks that are necessary to run a nonprofit - stuffing envelopes, making donor calls, etc. - are best done by a nonprofit's volunteers. We are taking a break from creating branding videos. While IKF acknowledges that longer, informational videos have become important vehicles, we are on hiatus for 2023 - 2024 from creating longer branding or informational videos. We do not write strategic plans. IKF can help implement portions of a strategic plan if it's a good fit for our skillsets and interests, but the plan writing is best done by a nonprofit's Board or a hired agency. We do not provide operational assessments. IKF is able to look at an existing operational assessment and potentially help if a specific portion is a good fit for our skillsets and interests. We neither serve as nor recruit Board members. IKF recognizes the often-ubiquitous need for Board development and recruiting and believes this work is best done by the current Board or a hired agency.
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What is a "qualified" organization?A qualified organization is one that is a 501(c ) 3, or is in the process of obtaining this status, and serves the citizens of Wake, Durham, and/or Orange County. It may be a state-wide organization, but it must be headquartered in one of those three counties.
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Who does In-Kind Friends service?IKF serves nonprofits that are headquartered in AND serve Wake, Orange and/or Durham counties. If your organization does not meet these criteria, then we are unable to accept your application. Thank you for your time and interest in IKF!
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What is your typical client work cycle?June 1: Call for Applications (closes after 15 qualified applications are received, or on the close date, whichever comes first) July 15: Application Closes Mid-September: Semifinalists Notified September 13: Semifinalists Virtual Meet & Greet with IKF Board Members. Should your organization move to this stage, you will have a 45-minute Virtual Meet & Greet between 8a - 3p with IKF Board members. September 15: Finalists Notified September 27: Finalists present to the IKF Board of Directors Early October: Client(s) selected Oct - Dec: Statements of Work defined and Memorandum of Understanding Signed Jan - June: IKF executes agreed-upon Statements of Work First Week of June: Wrap up, including client presentation
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Do I have to be a certified non-profit to work with In-Kind Friends?IKF serves organizations that are a 501c3, or are currently in the process of obtaining this status. If your organization does not meet this criteria, we are unable to accept your application. Thank you for your time and interest in IKF!
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How long does the application take?When it opens June 15th, the application will take approximately 30-45 minutes and must be completed in one sitting. Answers cannot be saved and finished later. Therefore, we recommend that you download the preview questions ahead of time and have your answers ready. We will consider the first 15 qualified, completed applications.
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