Joint Office launches '901' training series and convenings to boost nonprofit capacity

Valerie Matthews, director of the Joint Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, told commissioners the office surveyed about 65 nonprofit organizations to learn what they need to capture outcomes and pursue grants. "We surveyed, about 65 nonprofit organizations, and the survey was very robust," Matthews said while outlining technical-assistance plans.

Matthews described a slate of capacity-building activities, including a monthly '901 power lunch and learn' series (June–December) hosted with the University of Memphis that will deliver 90-minute TA sessions tailored to nonprofit needs. She also described three main convenings — the countywide Safe for Memphis 365, a smaller Impact/CVI group focused on high-risk interventions, and a Public Safety Task Force that brings lawmakers and policymakers together quarterly to translate community solutions into policy recommendations.

Deputy director Tamika Williams and other staff emphasized the joint office's role as convener and educator: informing nonprofits about upcoming legislation, clarifying city-versus-county responsibilities, and supporting organizations to become better stewards of funds so they can document outcomes and expand access to state, federal, and local grants.

Matthews said the convenings aim to produce five community-led projects addressing topics from youth empowerment to gun-safety education and to integrate those solutions into a five-year strategic plan for the joint office.

The joint office will bring academic partners, funders and practitioners together and will also add a line item to the county budget for the joint office in the next fiscal cycle.