November 6, 2024
In our latest blog post, Egyptian Theatre Marketing Intern Tori Smith sits down with Ben Bingle, Director of the DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership (DCNP), to explore the vital role DCNP plays in supporting the local nonprofit community. Ben shares insights into his responsibilities, DCNP’s early goals and evolution, and his vision for future internship cycles. With over 180 member organizations and impactful initiatives like Give DeKalb County, DCNP has become a cornerstone for nonprofits in our region. The Egyptian Theatre is thrilled to play host to DCNP’s 10-year anniversary celebration this Thursday night, marking a decade of community impact and collaboration. This interview highlights how partnerships like ours are nurturing the next generation of nonprofit leaders. Dive in to learn more about the impact of this partnership and Ben’s advice for aspiring interns.
TORI: Can you tell us about your position and involvement with the DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership (DCNP)?
BEN: As the Director of the DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership (DCNP), I oversee initiatives that strengthen and support the local nonprofit community. My role involves program design and implementation, relationship-building and outreach, and coordination and collaboration with a network of over 180 member organizations. I lead efforts like our annual giving day, Give DeKalb County, and develop programs that build nonprofit capacity through training, professional development, funding, networking, and coordination. In addition, I work closely with our Steering Committee and sub-committees to ensure that DCNP represents the members we serve and that our priorities reflect that.
T: What were some of the early goals that influenced the formation of this partnership, and how did they evolve?
B: I give a lot of credit to the early innovators who conceptualized what DCNP would eventually become. The early goals focused on providing joint training, fostering collaboration among organizations, and some shared resources like searchable grant databases. Over time, these goals evolved to include initiatives like Give DeKalb County, which has raised over $10 million for local nonprofits since 2014. DCNP has grown because of supportive stakeholders who believe in our mission. The list is long, but I suspect those individuals and organizations know who they are. From donors and partners to our Steering Committee and the DeKalb County Community Foundation Board of Directors, DCNP is better off because of their support.
T: What are your aspirations for the DCNP for the next cycle of interns?
B: Every semester of the Internship Program brings excitement. I always hope the program creates meaningful, immersive experiences for the interns and that they gain a deep understanding of nonprofit work, while building tangible skills. In addition, I hope that organizations benefit from the interns’ involvement. A lot can be learned by mentoring students and being open to new ideas and fresh perspectives. In the end, we want this to be a mutually beneficial experience for all involved.
T: What advice would you give to future interns to make the most of their time with DeKalb’s host organizations?
B: Take full advantage of every learning opportunity. Be proactive in your role, ask questions, and embrace the chance to connect with leaders who have dedicated their careers to service. Internships are a time to explore, so do not hesitate to take initiative or propose ideas that align with the organization’s mission. Building relationships and networking within the nonprofit sector can also open doors for future opportunities. Most importantly, view every experience as a building block in your journey of professional and personal growth.
T: Given that the Egyptian Theatre has previously hosted a large number of interns from this program, how have the DCNP and theatre grown together, particularly in terms of mentoring and developing future leaders?
B: The Egyptian Theatre has been a tremendous partner in mentoring and shaping future leaders. Our partnership has provided interns with immersive, hands-on experiences in the arts, communications, marketing, event coordination, and nonprofit management. Additionally, the Egyptian Theatre staff is always willing to share their experiences and brainstorm with other internship hosts, which essentially serve as a resource to them (just like DCNP). Over the years, the Theatre and other collaborators have provided input to help us refine our approach to internship programming, emphasizing leadership development and the value of community impact. Finally, they understand the importance of retaining talent locally. They have hired multiple interns who are now part of their staff, a tremendous outcome of the Internship Program. We are grateful for the Egyptian Theatre’s involvement and the partnership of everyone involved in this valuable program.
