Community Shares Tennessee: Company Profile

Background

Community Shares Tennessee is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit federation established in 1985, dedicated to supporting social, economic, and environmental justice across the state. By facilitating cooperative fundraising efforts, primarily through workplace giving campaigns, Community Shares provides reliable funding to over 35 Tennessee-based nonprofit organizations. These member groups address a wide array of issues, including arts and media, animal welfare, advocacy for people with disabilities, environmental protection, and justice and equity initiatives.

Key Strategic Focus

Community Shares focuses on:

Workplace Giving Campaigns: Partnering with public and private workplaces to include Community Shares in their employee giving programs, thereby increasing funding for member organizations.

Membership Development: Strengthening the capacity of member groups by providing training, technical assistance, and fostering a robust network of social change organizations.

Community Outreach: Raising awareness and advocating for member groups through social media, events, and educational campaigns.

Financials and Funding

Community Shares operates as a nonprofit entity, primarily funded through:

Contributions: In the fiscal year ending June 2024, the organization reported $382,090 in contributions, accounting for 90.4% of total revenue.

Program Services: Generating $32,095, representing 7.6% of total revenue.

Investment Income: Earning $8,432, which is 2.0% of total revenue.

Total revenue for the fiscal year was $422,617, with expenses totaling $404,054, resulting in a net income of $18,563.

Leadership Team

The leadership team includes:

Barbara Mott: President

Tony Garr: Vice President

Candia Layne: Treasurer

These individuals serve in a volunteer capacity, receiving no compensation for their roles.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

Community Shares operates within the nonprofit sector, focusing on social change and justice initiatives in Tennessee. The market includes various organizations dedicated to similar causes, each employing unique strategies to achieve their missions.

Competitor Analysis

United Way of Greater Knoxville: A prominent nonprofit conducting workplace giving campaigns to support a broad range of local initiatives. Their extensive network and brand recognition position them as a significant competitor in the region.

Tennessee Alliance for Progress: Focuses on social justice and environmental issues, engaging in advocacy and community organizing. Their grassroots approach and policy influence overlap with Community Shares' objectives.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Community Shares collaborates with various organizations to enhance its impact:

Knoxville Brewers' Jam: An annual event where proceeds benefit Community Shares, supporting their mission and member groups.

Workplace Partners: Engages with numerous employers across Tennessee to facilitate employee giving campaigns, thereby increasing funding for member organizations.

Operational Insights

Community Shares differentiates itself through:

Focus on Social Change: Emphasizing systemic change over charity, addressing root causes of social issues.

Member Group Support: Providing training and technical assistance to strengthen member organizations, fostering a robust network of social change entities.