Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara
Project Purpose
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara (BBBSN) has been taking steps to partner with local Niagara businesses to have them encourage and help facilitate their employees becoming volunteer mentors. This will both increase employee engagement and help connect them to the community. We have been seeing varying results and need to better understand the best practices around business-led employee engagement and develop a blueprint for how we can best work with the employees and leaders of Niagara businesses.
Description of Success
By the group's ability to develop tools and an approach to which business leaders and potential “Bigs” will positively respond.
The Corners Run Crew
Project Purpose
The Corners Run Crew is a volunteer-led running group that regularly meet in the Niagara region multiple times per week (with upwards of 100+ people participating). In North America, 2/3 of women runners have reported feeling unsafe on runs due to verbal harassment or worse. Escalating attacks, including murder, have been reported against runners more frequently, and it is the hope of the Corners Run Crew and CLDP to create a strategy for changing the public perception and action around gender-based violence against runners, ultimately creating a safer Niagara for all.
In Scope:
- Creation, distribution, and initial gathering and analysis of survey for the Corners to gauge members’ baseline feelings about safety while running in the community
- This will also be created to support future surveying of the Crew
Description of Success
Most of the Corners’ feedback and measures of success are anecdotal, or in the form of recognition through remarks and awards from municipal leaders and partner organizations. That said, the first survey will be distributed in January 2025 and will act as a baseline. Further surveys, anecdotal evidence or partnerships will be measured against the original survey to provide a greater understanding of success and return on investment. Over the next few months, the Corners’ will be advocating for more safety measures and will build upon existing measures through social media, weekly runs and additional events and initiatives.
ATTCH Niagara
Project Purpose
To support ATTCH Niagara in increasing awareness of its trauma-focused programming and generating sustainable ideas for fundraising events to enhance its capacity to provide accessible therapy services for individuals who cannot afford them.
In Scope:
- Generate creative, actionable ideas for a fundraising event in October/November 2025
- Develop a comprehensive awareness campaign strategy to highlight ATTCH Niagara's mission, services, and impact
- Provide a detailed report summarizing proposed awareness and fundraising strategies
Description of Success
- Delivery of a well-structured awareness campaign and fundraising strategy document that aligns with ATTCH Niagara's needs
- ATTCH is looking for a long-term, sustainable fundraising idea. For the time being, there are no target funds to be raised, but the success metric will be the longevity of this idea
- Successful execution of the fundraising event, demonstrated by measurable outcomes such as attendance, funds raised, or increased engagement on social platforms
- Enhanced visibility of ATTCH Niagara within the Niagara region, evidenced by increased inquiries or partnerships
Wellspring Niagara
Project Purpose
In alignment with Wellspring Niagara’s mission, the objective of this project is to create a financial sustainability plan to ensure the organization has the means to meet the ever-growing needs of the community, over the next five to 10 years.
In Scope:
- Creation of plans to provide oversight, accountability, tracking, and reporting on all program adjustments
- Project Management:
- Workplan development and management
- Risk and issue management
- Regular project and status reports
- Impacted and affected parties' analysis, support, and management
- Ensure sustainability through transition of ownership
Description of Success
Create a detailed Financial Plan that can be implemented immediately, that outlines clear actions and processes to follow for the identified timeframe, to maintain the financial health and maintenance of the organization. Establish best practice routines with standardized protocols and processes.
Niagara Health WMS
Project Purpose
Withdrawal Management Services is seeking support in researching, proposing, and establishing a fundraising campaign that focuses on improved client engagement during their admission. Funding for the program is limited and does not extend to resources or supplies beyond basic care needs. This has led to early client discharges which can lead to an inevitable relapse in their recovery process.
In Scope:
- Fundraising proposal to help expand resources beyond basic care needs
- Bridging of services with other community agencies (eg. proposing partnerships, providing contacts, facilitating introductions where applicable)
- Recommendations for activities/supplies to increase client engagement
- Recommendations for ongoing client feedback (eg. tailored discharge questionnaire)
Description of Success
- Additional funds/resources secured as a direct result of fundraising campaign
- New connections/relationships established between WMS and other community agencies
- Clients report more positive care experiences, increased success in sobriety. Measured through feedback questionnaire
- Staff report greater fulfillment in their work. Measured through feedback questionnaire
REACH Niagara
Project Purpose
The overall goal of this project is to increase awareness of REACH Niagara through the creation of a plan for a community event. The plan will include a realistic budget, actionable steps and attainable goals for an annual event.
In Scope:
- Event concept and agenda
- Branding and marketing concepts
- Sponsorship package suggestions
- Expected budget and donation need
Description of Success
Success of the project will be measured by the creation of a thorough event plan that includes detailed logistics, innovation and creativity; as well as actionable items to run a successful event.
Positive Living Niagara
Project Purpose
Develop a four-year strategic plan for Positive Living Niagara, including a refresh on mission, vision, and values. Plan and execute robust community engagement to inform the plan.
In Scope:
- Environmental Scan
- Community Engagement Plan
- Stakeholder Map
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Communications Plan
- Engagement Summary
- Current State Assessment
- Develop priorities, mission, vision, and values
- Develop strategic plan
Description of Success
Success will be measured as the completion of a strategic plan that reflects the needs of the organization and the results of the engagement. The plan will be relevant and responsive in alignment with services provided by PLN and delivered in a timely manner
2024-25 Cohort Community Projects
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara
The Corners Run Crew
ATTCH Niagara
Wellspring Niagara
Niagara Health WMS
REACH Niagara