Inspiring our community to pay their blessings forward and support families facing a medical crisis. www.steps-together.org

How it all began… Team In Training – Philly Marathon - 2004

…And never stopped. Cancer Support Community of Central New Jersey Progin’s Players Steps Together…the community project Steps Together…the 501(c)(3)

The goals… Reduce isolation of families in crisis and keep them at the forefront of our community. Create an outlet for those who feel helpless. Organize the community response. Provide financial assistance. Inspire fitness.

The Blind 501(c)(3) Process… Long Application Assistance of Attorney Articles of Incorporation By Laws Local Politicians

Imagine by Rosalia Viana Growth & Impact 2012: $27,503 to 5 families, 3 nonprofits 2013: $35,033 to 9 families 2014: $93,451 to 21 families 2015: $122,223 to 25 families 2016 as of March 1st : $11,133 to 7 families TOTAL ALLOCATIONS = $289,343 Imagine by Rosalia Viana

Where do our funds come from? Events: United Walking & Running Team 100 Laps of Healing Cornhole Tournament

And more special events… Fashion Show Elf on the Shelf Many community events… Ice cream for breakfast Marathons one offs Head shaving Boot camps Vendor boutiques Yoga

Trickle In Income… Corporate matches General donations Two grants to date Church & Dwight Hillsborough Township

My role as Executive Director… Website designer Social media manager Email outreach Volunteer coordinator Beneficiary point of contact Community point of contact Marketing (assistance from graphic designer) Until 2016, managed book keeping.

Challenges Donor advised funds & pass through funding Learning to work with the LGCCC Modifying area of support Accountability of funds Allocations of funds Emergency funds Support without dependability

End of year email – My mistake. “An inevitable part of the process of forming a nonprofit is identifying those few individuals who will serve as the organization’s first board. This moment may, in fact, be the critical first misstep on the road to rocky governance. Why? Because at that moment when the first few board members are identified, expedience often rules our choices. “I need to list the names of people willing to serve on the organization's first board of directors. Can I use your name?” At that fateful moment the frequent response is not “What does that mean?” but “Sure.””

End of year email – My apology. “Executive directors are not the only hopeful parties. Board members also have their wish list and vested interest in understanding what is wanted of a board. It is hard to sit through meetings and constantly wonder what the organization really wants from the board. Are we doing the right thing? Should we be doing more? Am I the right person for this? Board members want the gratifying sensation that they have done good work, they have had a chance to give back…everyone wants a chance to be smart and have his or her talent and time respected.”

Strategic Planning ?!? TheCauseConnection.com > Executive coaching for nonprofit leaders. Board Development: Community Professionals / Not emotionally involved Obtain Directors and Officers Insurance Policy Develop Annual Budget Paid Staff Donor Tracking Founder’s Syndrome

Questions? www.steps-together.org/help