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It’s nearly impossible in today’s economy to find a company that is not being asked to do more with less. Businesses are scrutinized both internally and externally for how they allocate their resources, making it much harder for nonprofits to find corporate allies. And even in the best of times, partnership programs must be well organized and simple for companies to implement, or there will be a reluctance to adopt them.

Corporate partnerships are essential for the success of the Stride Center, an incredible organization breaking the cycle of poverty and changing lives by providing adults with IT certification, hands-on internships, career and life skills training, and eventually, job placement. But as of October 2008, the Stride Center had only a few informal corporate partnerships, making it difficult for promotion or expansion. Then, Full Circle Fund’s Technology Circle selected the organization as a grantee and has since created and launched a robust, multi-faceted partnership model that takes into consideration the unique challenges and opportunities for both corporations as well as nonprofits.

Led by Member Chris Peters, Full Circle Fund’s Project Team worked closely with Stride Center Executive Director Barrie Hathaway and Associate Director Michelle Shutzer (also a Full Circle Fund member). First, the team led focus groups with corporations, illuminating ways that this partnership program could be revised and communicated to other companies. With that knowledge, they defined and created a workable corporate partnership model and helped the Stride Center articulate the distinct components. The model allows companies to engage from different angles: ReUse, Volunteerism, Philanthropy, Employment, or Visibility. With that in place, the team produced a video to help them showcase and promote the model, while also getting their current partners to stand up as champions. The team’s work culminated in helping the Stride Center produce the “Opportunity Partners Program” launch event, which was enhanced with social media elements such as a live webcast made possible by member Ryan Turner.

The launch event articulated the more formalized menu of opportunities that benefit current partners like Microsoft, Hitachi Data Systems, Chevron, and Wells Fargo. These partners gave compelling testimonials about their transformational partnerships with the Stride Center and emphasized that their company would be maintaining or increasing its involvement in the future. Keynote speaker California State Treasurer Bill Lockyer encouraged the nearly 100 guests representing potential corporate partners to get involved with the Stride Center. He also spoke of a personal experience, relating the story of a struggling family member whose hope and ambition was revitalized by the Stride Center’s programs. From a professional viewpoint, he drove home the necessity of employment, job training, and financial stability for all Californians.

“I can’t say enough about the Stride Center; it has changed my life,” says a Stride Center Graduate in the new video, by Full Circle Fund member, Tech Circle Chair, and Academy Award nominated producer Marc Smolowitz. Said another student, “The Stride Center has helped me to see a brighter future than I’ve ever been able to see before.”

> View Stephen Roth’s photos from the event and the Stride Center’s Digital Story.

> Check out Full Circle Fund’s photostream on Flickr.

Posted in Bill Lockyer, Barrie Hathaway, Stride Center, Amy Lesnick, grantees, event, technology