Apparo celebrates second G.A.I.N. cohort, powered by Lowe’s, with 6 Charlotte nonprofits
The inaugural GAIN cohort received nearly $2 million for tech transformations
(CHARLOTTE, NC) —
Apparo recently announced that 10 Charlotte nonprofits graduated from a technology transformation program, G.A.I.N. (Growth, Agility and Innovation for Nonprofits) powered by Lowe’s, and received a total value of nearly $2 million in technology, services, and support. Through 6,700 hours of pro bono service delivered by Apparo and 124 volunteers, the nonprofits received technology upgrades, training, consulting and change management support to overcome challenges so that they can do more to fulfill their missions. Apparo is a Charlotte-based nonprofit that partners with corporations to leverage technology and improve nonprofit business processes so they can create more positive social change in the community.
The graduating nonprofits are: A Better World, Carolina Raptor Center, JazzArts Charlotte, Memory & Movement Charlotte, RunningWorks, S.T.A.R.S. Math & English Academy, Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte, The Independence Fund, Young Black Leadership Alliance, and Youth Development Initiatives.
At the celebratory event, held at Microsoft’s Charlotte campus, Lowe’s announced it is extending its commitment to the program and will support a second cohort of Charlotte nonprofits. Those nonprofits are: OMITT Innovative Solutions, Profound Gentleman, Digi Bridge, Changed Choices, Veterans Bridge Home, and ASPIRE Community Capital.
“Lowe’s has a storied history of supporting its communities,” said Seemantini Godbole, Lowe’s executive vice president, chief digital and information officer. “Our partnership with Apparo helps us continue these commitments and we are thrilled to support a second G.A.I.N. cohort this fall.”
Kim Lanphear, CEO of Apparo, adds, “We deeply value our funding partners and volunteers who make it possible for Apparo to transform the way that nonprofits function, so that they can do more to help people thrive in our community.”
Celebrating the half-way mark and discussing what’s next with Apparo’s second G.A.I.N cohort, powered by Lowe’s
On June 15th, Apparo gathered at the Lowe’s Tech Hub with the second G.A.I.N. cohort of nonprofit leaders, as well as their corporate mentors. At the commemorative lunch, Apparo spoke with nonprofit leaders about what the remainder of the G.A.I.N. journey will look like, as well as about the impactful work that has been done so far. Apparo’s Allison Grant shared with the group that already, 1,300 hours of staff time will be saved throughout the cohort as a result of the work completed in the first phase of this journey. With the support of 35 engaged volunteers and 16 corporate partners, Apparo has helped deliver $330,000 of value to nonprofit partners since the journey began. Lowe’s announced plans to continue supporting Apparo in the third G.A.I.N. cohort, following these project wrap ups in October. Apparo, the nonprofit cohort, mentors, and Lowe’s sponsors are eager for the remaining half of this technology journey and to continue amplifying nonprofit missions.
