About
Community-Engaged Alliance (CEA) invites higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations from across Southwest Indiana to participate in a workshop on March 20, 2025, from 9:30am to 2:30pm in the Welborn Community Room and Collaboration Hub. This interactive session was designed to enhance collaboration on addressing existent community needs. It builds on findings from the Welborn Baptist Foundation’s 2024 GENP Survey that most local nonprofits in the area are convening to discuss community challenges. What is not evident, however, is the extent to which higher education institutions are involved in these conversations. This workshop will explore how partnerships with higher education can amplify the efforts of regional nonprofits. By integrating the unique resources and expertise of colleges and universities into community-driven discussions, the workshop will empower nonprofits to tackle local issues more effectively while enabling higher education institutions to align their projects and programming with local needs.
Through facilitated dialogue and a creative problem-solving framework, participants will identify practical strategies for deeper collaboration and reciprocal benefits. The session will provide opportunities to strengthen cross-sector connections, share insights, and co-design actionable solutions. Lunch will be provided by Vanderburgh Community Foundation to create additional networking opportunities in an informal setting. This workshop is an essential opportunity for leaders from community organizations and higher education in Southwest Indiana to build bridges, identify capacities, recognize instances of interest confluence, leverage strengths, and create impactful change together.
