During a recent government meeting, Lawrence Blackledge, vice president of Code for Good West Michigan, presented the nonprofit's initiatives aimed at supporting local organizations in need of technical assistance. Officially recognized as a nonprofit by the state and federal government, Code for Good West Michigan has successfully organized two major events annually: \"Lead for Good\" and \"Weekend for Good.\"
The \"Lead for Good\" event features a panel discussion focused on technology and community engagement, while the \"Weekend for Good\" is a three-day event where volunteers collaborate with local nonprofits to address their technical needs. This year, the organization engaged 67 volunteers and assisted 11 nonprofits, contributing an estimated $272,000 worth of services.
Blackledge highlighted the importance of these events, noting that many participating nonprofits lack the resources to tackle their technical challenges independently. The organization operates on a budget of just under $10,000, funded by local businesses, and includes a raffle as a small incentive for volunteers.
As part of their efforts to enhance their fundraising capabilities, Code for Good West Michigan is currently seeking approval from the Charity Gaming Commission for a charitable gaming license, which would allow them to conduct raffles and other gaming activities to support their initiatives. The meeting underscored the organization's commitment to fostering community collaboration and providing essential support to nonprofits in the West Michigan area.