For many years, the Winona Community Foundation has helped local charitable projects or groups get off the ground by providing fiscal and administrative infrastructure they need to operate through the use of a fiscal sponsorship agreement. A fiscal sponsorship agreement works for start-up nonprofit organizations, seasonal nonprofit organizations, and short-term projects or initiatives. Fiscal sponsorship allows an organization or project to utilize the benefits of the Winona Community Foundation’s nonprofit status while raising funds for their mission or project.
One of many organizations who used a fiscal sponsorship agreement is Sandbar Storytelling Festival. Sandbar Storytelling Festival’s mission is to bring the art of storytelling into the greater community through exciting performances from a diverse group of storytellers. The idea for the festival originated with Winonan Hywel “Taff” Roberts, president of the Sandbar Storytelling Festival. Thinking back on his own life experiences, Roberts was inspired to explore a gathering that would promote the art of storytelling “as a way of teaching, understanding, respecting, and appreciating other cultures, nations, races, and religions.”
In 2021, the organization began working with the Winona Community Foundation as a fiscal sponsor. Since then, they have held three seasons of storytelling performance given by dozens of storytellers from around the globe. Additionally, in early 2024, Sandbar Storytelling Festival held its first workshops for children. Twin Cities storyteller Katie Knutson performed at Winona’s East End Rec Center, Winona Public Library, Saint Mary’s University and more to teach children the art of storytelling, By the end of the workshop, the students had developed their own stories and were invited to share them with their parents or other community members. Board Secretary Judy Myers shared afterwards, “It was great to see the joyful faces of everyone who attended. It’s unavoidable…people love stories, and they love to see their children responding to them.”
Through their own hard work, fundraising and community involvement, Sandbar Storytelling Festival has recently launched as their own independent 501(c)(3) non-profit. Sandbar still works with the Foundation using a designated fund to support their operations, and plan to continue their mission for many seasons to come.
As a brand-new organization, the Winona Community Foundation was integral in setting us on the right path for attaining our 501(c)(3). Their expertise and willingness to assist us daily made it possible to conduct business with regularity. WCF continues to provide information and advice as needed as well as affording us the opportunity to invest for the future of our organization. We are extraordinarily grateful to Nancy, Mandi, and Emily for their steadfast dedication to our mission of promoting the art of storytelling for all ages.
-Judy Myers, Secretary, Board of Directors, Sandbar Storytelling Festival
To learn more about Sandbar Storytelling Festival, visit sandbarstorytellingfestival.org.
The Winona Community Foundation is a catalyst for igniting generosity and building the vibrant and enduring place we call home. We a range of charitable options and funds for individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits to accomplish their philanthropic goals. To make your impact on the causes you care about in our community, call 507-454-6511 or visit www.winonacf.org/give.
