By Yolanda Pawar
One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) proudly hosted its
Social Good Accelerator (SGA) Pre-holiday Brunch for Nonprofit Leaders on
Saturday, November 30th, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at The Bahamas
National Trust’s historic Retreat Garden, in Nassau. The event brought together
twenty-two local nonprofit organizations and sector stakeholders, both in person and
via Zoom, for an afternoon of collaboration, active listening by, positive reflection, and
feedback. Attendees shared their challenges, mission goals, and expectations about
the role and potential of the sector and provided valuable input regarding the
continued development of the SGA.
The Inaugural SGA Noprofit t Leaders’ Retreat
This brunch event was a follow-up to the inaugural SGA Nonprofit Leaders’ Retreat,
held in September at the CTI campus in Rock Sound, Eleuthera. The meet-up in
Nassau provided an opportunity to welcome additional contributors, new
perspectives, and more organizations to the growing circle of nonprofits engaged in
the groundwork phase of developing the SGA.
The Vision and Purpose of the SGA
Led by OEF, the SGA is a dynamic initiative designed to support and strengthen
nonprofit leaders and organizations to increase the capacity and impact of the
country’s third sector. The program provides essential resources, including training,
mentorship, and strategic guidance, to strengthen the nonprofit sector and amplify its
mission-driven impact.
Insights and Reflections from the September Retreat
Dr. Kim Williams-Pulfer, Board Director for OEF, provided reflections from the
September Retreat and a comprehensive report on the findings from the workshops
facilitated, as well as the sentiments expressed by attendees. Highlighting the
essential role that nonprofits continue to play in community empowerment and
national development, Dr. Williams-Pulfer shared the framework for how the SGA will
be developed moving forward, guided by the needs and opportunities identified from
within and provided to OEF through various types of engagement. She emphasized
the need to foster emergent learning and to return the information and learning back
to the system and its stakeholders.
Ongoing Dialogue and Strategic Planning
President and CEO of OEF, Keyron Smith led discussions with participants and
outlined plans for building the sector through ongoing dialogue and initiatives rooted
in the SGA and engineered to support professional and institutional growth.
“Through initiatives like these, OEF is fostering a culture of shared learning,
collaboration, and impact across The Bahamas,” he explained. This brunch was not
only a celebration of our collective work but also a moment to strengthen our vision
for 2025. By bringing nonprofit leaders together, we are laying the foundation for a
more connected, innovative, and impactful nonprofit sector,” expressed Smith.
The Nonprofit t Mapping Project
In attendance and representing the Organization for Responsible Governance
(ORG), Steffon Evans announced plans for ORG’s Nonprofit Mapping Project. In the
coming year, this project will be used to create a register of the country’s nonprofits
and collect important data to help identify, connect, and track nonprofits throughout
the country. He encouraged attendees to support this project, which will enhance the
visibility and coordination of nonprofit work in the Bahamas and add to the data pool
for all stakeholders.
Nonprofit leaders attending enjoyed fellowship and networking in a festive, relaxed
setting while reflecting on the wins and challenges of the past year. OEF provided a
delicious complimentary, Bahamian-style brunch, and the event culminated with a
presentation by Chantal Curtis of the BNT and a guided tour of the beautiful 11-acre
Retreat Garden, led by BNT’s Anwar Rolle. Participants had the opportunity to learn
more about the BNT’s vital conservation efforts across The Bahamas, then explored
the rare and exotic palms collection, local medicinal plants, and other ecological
treasures at The Retreat Garden.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The meet-up provided valuable input from the nonprofit community. It underscored
the importance of strengthening the capacity and impact of the Bahamas’ nonprofit
sector through collaboration, shared vision, strategic planning, and teamwork. This
gathering was one of several more events planned for 2025 to connect local
nonprofits and continue planning for the rollout of OEF’s Social Good Accelerator
and its programs.
