Live Music • Tours • Grilled Lunch • Professional Headshots • Networking | | |
Christie's June Reflections:
Why Our Open House is a Celebration of You
Every year, when we throw our doors wide open for the Annual OneSource Open House, we’re doing more than lighting up the grill and inviting our partners to celebrate summer with us. What we’re really doing is sending the message: You are not alone in your work!
Whether you’re a long-time OneSource member or looking into the possibility of joining, this event is for you. It’s open to everyone—members, nonmembers, and anyone who cares about the health and impact of the nonprofit sector. Because we believe that access to professional services, consulting, leadership development, and a strong circle of support shouldn’t be a luxury. Every nonprofit—no matter its size—deserves a community that has their back.
Our Open House is more than an event—it’s a celebration of community. Yes, you’ll get a chance to learn about resources that can help keep your organization sustainable and strong. But more than that, OneSource is a space for nonprofit professionals to come together. To network. To collaborate. To share stories and swap ideas. To offer a little wisdom and a lot of encouragement.
And of course, we’ll have grilled-out goodies and our own DJ Slick Rick to keep tummies full and the mood festive.
Please join us! See what OneSource is all about. Meet the people who understand the heart and hustle of nonprofit life. And maybe—just maybe—you’ll discover something magical for your agency along the way.
See you there!
Christie
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OneSource Self-Care Monthly Giveaways:
Cincinnati Nature Center Passes Still Available!
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Thanks to our generous friends at Cincinnati Nature Center, we still have a limited number of FREE passes to share with nonprofit employees as a thank-you for your tireless work in our community. These passes allow you to have a carload of family and/or friends join you to experience a day in the woods.
This is your chance to decompress, recharge, and reconnect—with yourself, your loved ones, and the outdoors!
Stay tuned to social media for the next exciting Self-Care giveaway, courtesy of the one and only Stacy Sims at The Well! Follow us below to ensure you don't miss the magic she has to offer all of us in the nonprofit community.
| | Equipped to Empower: How Cincinnati ToolBank Helps Nonprofits Build Stronger Communities | | |
At its core, the Cincinnati ToolBank exists to equip change-makers. With tools, training, and tireless dedication, this one-of-a-kind nonprofit arms fellow nonprofits with the resources they need to serve their communities more effectively—and sustainably.
From building wheelchair ramps to revitalizing vacant lots, the ToolBank helps organizations do more with less. Its tool lending program offers year-round access to high-quality tools—everything from drills to ladders to wheelbarrows—empowering nonprofits to stretch tight budgets and amplify their impact.
But their mission doesn’t end with tools. In 2024, the ToolBank launched its Training Center, offering workshops on home repair, carpentry, and general maintenance. These sessions support young adults, community members, and nonprofit staff in developing practical skills that build confidence—and careers. A Summer Camp series introduces youth to the trades through hands-on learning and tool safety.
This year, the ToolBank expanded its reach with its first Mini-ToolBank in Bond Hill, bringing tools and support directly to the neighborhood. And for those eager to give back, the Building Change program invites volunteers and corporate groups to build items like raised garden beds and picnic tables, which are then donated to local organizations.
A transformative investment from the Bank of America Neighborhood Builders grant has helped expand staff, grow training programs, and build strategic partnerships across the region.
Like many nonprofits, the ToolBank faces challenges: limited capacity, visibility, and growing demand. That’s where OneSource stepped in—offering leadership training, team development, and strategic guidance. “OneSource has been like a Swiss Army knife for our organization—versatile, practical, and always there when we need it,” says Executive Director Kat Pepmeyer.
At the ToolBank, empowering nonprofits isn’t just a philosophy—it’s a blueprint for community success.
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Need It? We’ve Got It:
Toys, Vouchers & Furniture Finds
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Great Toys for Great Kids
Toys for Tots is providing a truckload of toys to be distributed to kids this summer! There are new elements this year so be sure to check out the new requirements. Free toys can be requested by agreeing to the program requirements and submitting the online Toys for Tots request form.
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Order Your OneSource Vouchers Today!
OneSource vouchers to the Common Good Store and Furniture Bank are more than just coupons—they’re lifelines! They help families and individuals in crisis get access to essential items like small appliances, cookware, pet and baby supplies—things most of us take for granted, but that can make the difference between surviving and truly living to someone going through tough times.
When you invest in a OneSource membership, you're not just getting professional services to keep your agency strong—you're fueling dignity, stability, and hope for our neighbors.
Every OneSource membership directly sustains these vital resources, ensuring that nonprofits can meet the urgent, everyday needs for the people they serve.
| | Fresh Furniture Bank Finds: Curated by Patrick & Brian | | |
If you’ve visited the Furniture Bank lately, you know the vibe has totally leveled up, thanks to OneSource’s very own Warehouse Masters—Patrick Newell and Brian Crawford—who are out there every week hunting for high-quality pieces, gathering them with care, making them shine in our showroom and delivering them with care.
Patrick and Brian are pictured to the left enjoying a well-deserved break on a beautiful retro green loveseat accented with hot pink side table. (And yes...at the time of this newsletter publication, these are available for purchase! Call us for details.)
Big thanks to Patrick, Brian and Mary McCart (not pictured but a big part of the magic) for keeping the Common Good Store & Furniture Bank stocked with dignity-restoring essentials—and doing it all with an attitude of fun and care.
REMINDER: Employees of member nonprofits can now shop for themselves at nonprofit prices!
The Furniture Bank is open Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm; the online store is open 24/7.
| | New! Sustainability Planning Services | | |
OneSource is committed to helping nonprofits build lasting impact. Through sustainability planning, we work alongside organizations to create practical strategies that ensure financial stability, operational resilience, and mission-driven growth. From diversifying funding streams to integrating innovative partnerships, we empower nonprofits to thrive in an ever-changing environment.
If your nonprofit would like to explore embarking on this important work with us, reach out to Ashley Afya, Director of Consulting Services to schedule a free information session.
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Calling All Changemakers:
Apply Now for EXCEL & ADVANCE
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Are you or members of your team ready to lead with more confidence, clarity, and impact? The time is now. Nonprofits need bold, skilled, visionary leaders at every level.
EXCEL and ADVANCE—the two of flagship programs of the Nonprofit Leadership Institute—are accepting applications, but seats are now quite limited.
These are not cookie-cutter courses. They're built specifically for nonprofit leaders like you who are juggling a million priorities but still dream big.
Whether you're a nonprofit executive (EXCEL) or honing your skills as a nonprofit supervisor or manager(ADVANCE), these programs will enhance your skills, expand your network, and supercharge your organization’s ability to make a difference.
| | OneSource Member Discount: Get Yours! | | |
Founded in 2013 by the Cincinnati Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired (CABVI), VIE Ability creates professional-level job opportunities for individuals who have lost their vision later in life after building established careers.
When you shop with VIE Ability, you’re not just purchasing office and school supplies—you’re making a meaningful social impact. With a selection of over 50,000 name-brand products, including ink and toner, janitorial essentials, and breakroom supplies, you’ll enjoy competitive pricing and reliable service. Plus, OneSource members receive discounted pricing! VIE Ability's customers benefit from a dedicated account manager, live customer support, and local delivery. Learn more and sign up your nonprofit for a VIE Ability account here!
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Health insurance continues to be a concern for nonprofits. While offering insurance helps with employee recruitment and retention, finding affordable options can be complex and difficult.
Assured Partners offers a monthly session to learn more about health insurance options. Join them on June 18 to learn more about Group Rating and Underwriting impacts your rates. You can also reach out to to Nick Beatty at Assured Partners to schedule a meeting. Link to session:
Join the meeting
Meeting ID: 240 944 386 960
Passcode: vY9vq7Pk
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AI is essential for nonprofits because it helps us to do more with less, a necessity when budgets are tight and missions are big. AI is a game-changer in the nonprofit world and Cincy AI Week is the perfect way to learn how to incorporate it into your agency's work.
Cincy AI Week, the Midwest’s largest AI conference, is June 10-12, 2025, at Union Hall and venues across Over-the-Rhine. This community-powered event brings together business leaders, technologists, and AI enthusiasts for a week of summits, workshops, and networking—plus community-hosted events throughout Greater Cincinnati. Learn more and register here.
| | | | Grants, Training & Events Calendar | | |
June 10-12 Cincy AI Week Conference
June 10 Cincinnati Public Library Virtual Class: Introduction to Proposal Writing
June 15 Andrew Jergens Foundation LOI Deadline
June 15 The Thomas J. Emery Memorial LOI Deadline
June 15 William O. Purdy, Jr. Foundation Fund LOI Deadline
June 17 Legal Landscape for Nonprofits: What’s Changed, What We Know, and How to Get Your House in Order
June 18 Grants Professional Association: Building Better Partnerships with Funders
June 18 Group Health Insurance Group Rating/Underwriting with Assured Partners
June 26 OneSource Open House
July 1 David C. Herriman Fund Proposal Deadline
July 3 ProBono Partners Employment Helpline
July 8 Cincinnati Public Library Virtual Class: Introduction to Finding Grants
July 10 Cincinnati Public Library Virtual Class: Introduction to Foundation Directory Online
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