The Spirit of Giving Network is a collaborative, non-profit organization with a focus on children and families in South Palm Beach County. It is a forum where non-profits and community supporters share information, resources and best practices. Currently, there are more than 30 nonprofit member organizations meeting on a monthly basis. The group’s objective is to streamline the delivery of services to the community by working collaboratively to solve issues and improve operations through internal and external partnerships. To achieve these objectives four Guiding Principles are used:

· Purposeful Communication - Deliberately and intentionally creating opportunities to share information & resources.

· Relevance - Meetings and group activities must be meaningful and beneficial to members.

· Commitment - All members must commit to and fulfill their obligations to the Network in order for it to succeed.

· Collaboration/Partnerships - Create formal partnership agreements with local agencies, community partners and individual supporters to maximize the distribution of resources and support among Spirit of Giving Network members.

Currently, the Spirit of Giving Network has two significant projects during the year, the Holiday Gift Drive and the Community Back to School Bash:

Holiday Gift Drive - This project, in partnership with the Junior League of Boca Raton, provides over 2,300 children, within the member organizations, a special holiday gift wish.

Community Back to School Bash - Provides member organizations’ children the opportunity to begin school with new backpacks and supplies so that they have the tools they need to learn. At the event, each child is paired with a personal shopper who guides them through a “store” of new school supplies. The child is allowed to "shop" for their own supplies based on their preferences. While the children shop, the parents explore a variety of informational booths. A hot meal and free haircuts are also provided.

Non-Profit Wish List - This comprehensive list is published so that community supporters can have a quick reference of the specific needs of our non-profit organizations.

Executive Project - The Executive Directors of the member organizations select an annual project that has some value to each organization and the community at large. In 2009-2010, the focus will be on researching and reporting on service paths by need and generating a "road map".

For more information: www.spiritofgivingnetwork.com