What do you do when large group gatherings aren't safe and your carefully laid fundraising plans are no longer possible? Follow the example of Kids' Chance of Georgia (KCGA) and enlist a trusted partner to help solve the problem.

Cheryl Doucette, Kids Chance of America (KCOA) Membership Director, recently interviewed Lynda Smith, KCGA Executive Director, and Ann Bishop, past president and board member, about KCGA's relationship with the Workers' Compensation Section of the Georgia Bar.  “Lynda and her Board of Directors identified a need and created innovative solutions to fill the void left by the pandemic,” said Cheryl. “They leveraged their strong partnerships to help them pivot to meet the needs of the many they serve.”

A Change of Plans

KCGA usually has a robust events schedule, hosting 8-10 large fundraising events a year. These events include the broader KCGA community as third-party event sponsors or volunteers. The events are also a point of connection with the Workers' Compensation community—KCGA is the charity of choice for many related organizations. In past years, these events have raised $200,000-$300,000 in net proceeds.

In 2020, almost all the events were canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions. KCGA was facing a significant potential deficit. Lynda decided to act. She invited the organizations that typically host or sponsor events—large employers, medical providers, and additional workers' compensation industry partners—to a virtual silent auction, holiday concert, and car raffle. The Workers' Compensation Section of the Georgia Bar stepped up to take the lead.

A Longstanding Partnership

The relationship between KCGA and the Workers' Compensation Section of the Georgia Bar goes back to the state organization's founding. “This all started with Bob Clyatt in the 80’s,” said Ann.

In 1988, as a past Chairman of the Executive Committee for the Workers' Compensation Section of the Georgia Bar, Bob was struck by the devastating effects of a work-place injury on the entire family. He gathered a group of lawyers, judges, and business leaders to begin Kids’ Chance of Georgia to serve the children of injured workers and help make their educational goals possible. “Kids’ Chance of Georgia galvanized the Workers' Compensation community. It was a cause that everyone could get behind,” said Ann.

The partnership continued to grow throughout the years through the Annual Workers' Compensation Institute for Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) Seminar, which is held in conjunction with a Kids' Chance dinner, presented by volunteers from the Workers' Compensation Section of the Georgia Bar. This lasting partnership provides a prominent platform for Kids' Chance, uniting the local workers' compensation industry in support.

“We have seen the Workers' Compensation Section of the Bar step up time after time to take the lead on fundraising efforts,” said Lynda. “They are always supportive.” They also help with publicity, serve on the KCGA Board of Directors, and help to make referrals for scholarship students. In addition, the Workers’ Compensation Section of the State Bar of Georgia sponsors two KCGA scholarships.

Working Together to Make It Work

The Workers' Compensation Section of the Georgia Bar had held successful raffles in the past, so they were the go-to group to organize the KCGA car raffle. The car itself was donated by another partner, Choate Construction Company. The raffle raised $8,000. The Silent Auction was held over a three-day period and raised over $11,000. Most of the item donors also agreed to ship them to the winners, a huge benefit for KCGA.

The Holiday Concert netted $28,000, and again, the Workers' Compensation Section of the Georgia Bar was critical to its success. They helped secure sponsors and talent for the show. One of the members had a number of contacts in the entertainment industry and was able to enlist performers. Celebrity and Georgia native, Madeline Peyroux, has taken a special interest in Kids' Chance and allowed her Ha Ha Holiday single to be used at no charge. KCGA highlighted students and alumni at the event.

Make Your Own Powerful Partnerships

When you build a network of supportive relationships, you don't have to fundraise alone. “A balance of solid support including the legal community, business and industry, medical providers, insurance carriers, safety professionals, labor unions, case managers, and regulators will ensure a sustainable organization,” said Lynda. “Work to forge relationships with these groups and commit to nurturing those bonds.”

Ann offers a practical tip for state organizations who want deeper partnerships with the workers' compensation industry: “The best way to forge strong ties is to create a volunteer council to help your state make contacts in the various sectors in the Workers’ Compensation Industry. Work to build strong relationships with key stakeholders—it can make a huge difference.”

Look around your community of supporters and you'll find potential partnerships to cultivate. Offer multiple ways to engage, including sponsorships, volunteer opportunities, and board service, and you may find your organization becomes the “charity of choice” for workers' compensation professionals in your state, too.