2018 Ian Helms Award Winner: CVIC of ND
2018 Ian Helms Award Winner
The Dakota Foundation has announced that the Community Violence Intervention Center (CVIC) is the 2018 recipient of the Ian K. Helms Award for Social Entrepreneurship, which includes a grant of $50,000 to develop a data software project.
Working with Insight Technologies, CVIC will develop and implement a software package called OptimizeNP, which will enhance the organization’s ability to collect and analyze data to identify community and client needs and to assess program effectiveness in meeting needs and reducing local violence.
“The Dakota Foundation seeks to facilitate economic independence among individuals and foster disciplined growth in social ventures,” said Bart Holaday, chairman of The Dakota Foundation and a Jamestown, ND, native. “CVIC’s OptimizeNP data project perfectly represents the intersection of these two ideals, and we’re very excited to participate in the CVIC’s continued growth and outreach.”
Once completed, it is anticipated that OptimizeNP will save significant staff time in compiling program data, equal to 2.5 full-time positions a year. Ultimately, CVIC intends to market OptimizeNP to other similar organizations across the state and nation.
“As we develop innovative ways to better serve our community, we look forward to developing a social venture that can create revenue for CVIC and meanwhile help others to strengthen their organizations. It becomes a winning innovation for all involved,” Kristi Hall-Jiran, CVIC President/CEO, said. “We are deeply grateful for the generous investment by The Dakota Foundation.”
The Dakota Foundation, based in Colorado and North Dakota, awards up to $100,000 in capital to philanthropic organizations to launch social ventures. CVIC has the option to receive an additional $50,000 as a program-related investment in 2019. The Ian K. Helms Award is named in memory of Captain Ian K. Helms, a 2008 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. Helms was a Distinguished Graduate of the Academy and was Wing Commander (the highest-ranking cadet). He received a graduate degree from Oxford University while studying on an Alberta and Sidney Holaday Scholarship at Exeter College. Captain Helms flew a B-1 bomber in combat, supporting U.S. military efforts in the Middle East. He tragically succumbed to cancer in 2016. In honor of Helms’ legacy of leadership, patriotism and devotion to service, The Dakota Foundation created the award in his name.
About CVIC
CVIC is a private, nonprofit organization that serves as a catalyst offering energy, momentum and vision toward ending violence in our area, as well as comprehensive services to victims of violence. All services to victims are free and confidential. For additional information, call 746-0405 or visit www.cviconline.org.