Member Highlight: Federated Charities

Federated Charities was founded in 1911 and since the mid-1940s has offered professional, leasable space in an historic, 23,000SF building in the heart of downtown Frederick. We offer traditional 12-month and multi-year leases to 501c3 organizations and free space for emerging and small organizations in our co-work incubator. We also offer professional development, fiscal sponsorship and consultation for organizations at all stages of their growth.

What is your favorite feature in your space?

Federated Charities Dog Sculpture — photo, courtesy of Jason Turner and Frederick Magazine

Our building is instantly recognizable because of the large iron statue of a dog that stands guard at our entrance and has done so since 1858 when the building was a private home. Many of the architectural features on the interior and exterior remain in place so it is also one of the loveliest commercial spaces in the city. The building was given to our organization by private bequest and the intention that it be used in perpetuity for charitable services in the community.

What has been your biggest challenge with your center?

The biggest challenge is how the suites were numbered during a renovation and addition project in the 1990s that also created a split level on each floor. It can sometimes be challenging for clients to find the space they’re looking for, particularly since we do not offer a centralized check-in area.

What are your favorite resources that you would recommend to others?

One of my favorite professional resources (after the resources offered by the NCN of course!-) is BoardSource. Their infographics are great for board members to digest quickly and easily as reminders of their role. As an ED, professional resources include a variety of online digests and news feeds that help me extrapolate trends and opportunities as well as a support network of fellow professionals who chose this crazy world…bonus to the blogs who use their mad skillz to remind us of the humor in almost every situation.

Center Name: Federated Charities

Center Website: www.federatedcharities.org

About Our Blogger:

Katie Edwards

Katie connects NCN members with the resources they need to make their projects a success. She holds an M.P.A. in Nonprofit Management from Indiana University, where she studied nonprofit co-location as part of her coursework. Katie’s research background and her first-hand experience with the Co-location Task Force for the Indianapolis’ Early Intervention and Prevention Initiative give her a unique perspective on shared spaces and nonprofit centers.