BISMARCK, N.D. – July 19, 2016 – The Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network (YPN) is now accepting applications for an area nonprofit organization to partner with for the next year as part of the Network’s ongoing strategic plan.

Only network members may submit applications, but area nonprofits are encouraged to seek out a member to apply on their behalf. Click here for an application. Applications are due August 12 and will be reviewed by a committee of YPN members.

The partnership – running from September 2016 to September 2017 – will give the selected nonprofit an opportunity to connect with young professionals from around Bismarck-Mandan, while providing network members with service opportunities throughout the year. All YPN fundraising efforts for that year will go towards the chosen nonprofit organization.

“Our membership is service orientated and working with a local nonprofit charity, allows our members to give back to the place they call home,” said Stacey Thomas, YPN president.

The YPN nonprofit partnership started in 2014 and last year the selected nonprofit partner was the American Red Cross. This partnership allowed the local Red Cross to connect with young professionals from around Bismarck-Mandan and provided YPN members with service opportunities throughout the year. The YPN directed all fundraising and volunteer efforts from 2015-2016 towards the organization.

“The American Red Cross was incredibly lucky to be chosen as the Nonprofit Partner of the year. Over the course of our partnership, young professionals volunteered more than 100 hours and helped to raise more than $5,000 in assorted donations and sponsorships in support of our mission,” said Jarrod Anderson, Executive Director of the American Red Cross. “Beyond that, the Red Cross was able invited to be a part of the conversations that young people are having about the future of Bismarck – we were able to grow our community relevance and talk to young community-builders about the growing importance of resiliency and preparedness in a changing world.”

Please note: The top three applicants will be asked to present at the September 6th Leadership Team meeting at 5:30pm. More information will be sent out prior to this date.