Within the complex world of nonprofits there exists a separate, supportive world - the world of grants.

Subsidized by philanthropic foundations, organizations and businesses, financial grants serve a very practical purpose. But also associated with grants are this connectivity piece and a very specific affirming element.

"Anytime we receive a grant it's a communication of trust," said Melinda Clark, who's been the CEO of North Star Initiative (NSI) for three years. "It means that people and organizations see the importance of our mission. It means we can do amazing work for (human trafficking survivors), and they're flourishing. It's a vote of confidence and support for our mission."

On Oct. 20, NSI, a Lititz-area nonprofit dedicated to assisting individuals who have been victims of human trafficking, received a $15,000 grant for daily operations from B.J.'s Wholesale Club, which is headquartered in Marlborough, Mass., and operates a local location at 110 Centerville Road, Lancaster. The grant process, which was initiated by a local supporter and volunteer of NSI, took about four months to complete.

After B.J.'s Wholesale Club invited NSI to apply for the grant, NSI composed a formal grant proposal and submitted it, after which the request was granted.

"It's a big part of our annual budget and a grant we haven't gotten before," said Clark. "To have a local tie to a national business is meaningful. I'd say that it's larger than average. It's a really big deal to us."

"B.J.'s has a deep commitment to supporting families in the communities where we live and work," said Kirk Saville, B.J.'s Wholesale Club's head of corporate communications. "We are honored to continue supporting the organizations our team members care about most and to live our purpose of taking care of families who depend on us."

With assistance and input from Clark, NSI development director April Miller wrote and composed the B.J.'s Wholesale Club grant application in about six hours.

To this point of 2025, NSI has applied for 13 total financial grants, five of which were approved and four of which were declined, while the status of the other four have yet to be determined. NSI is planning to apply for three more grants before the end of the year.

"April was primarily responsible for this B.J.'s Wholesale Club grant," said Clark. "We want to make sure it's a match. In B.J.'s case, we were recommended to them; they invited us to provide an extensive application of what the money would be used for. We had to be clear we were doing things that fit their purposes. By their bylaws, they have to make donations. We have to be a committed nonprofit doing good work in a cause. We want human trafficking to end. If we can show we're truly making a difference, we're also providing an opportunity that grant makers are looking for."

Grants represent about 10% of NSI's annual operating budget. The largest source of NSI's funding - about 50% - comes from the local community, including business donations, private donations and fundraising efforts.

Typically, the grants that NSI receives range between $3,000 and $50,000.

"There are so many grant-making entities," said Clark, a resident of East Hempfield Township. "There are a lot of philanthropists who have some funds and are looking for specific causes. They have a heart to be generous to the causes that matter to them. It's become competitive because there are so many nonprofits. There are always opportunities for generosity to causes that matter to you."

"The grant programs are important to us, and they can come in chunks," added Clark. "Grant funding is exciting, and it makes a difference, but a lot of grant makers don't fund daily operations."

With a focus on assisting survivors of human trafficking in Lancaster and Berks counties, NSI provides services like job training, an emergency shelter, restoration and continuing support of graduates. NSI employs 24 workers, seven on a full-time basis and 17 on a part-time basis, and benefits from the service of as many volunteers.

"A grant like this is really an expression of confidence," said Clark. "This work is so crucial, and the way we do it is excellent. Anytime we receive a grant it's affirmation. But everything we do is because of community funding. Most of our funding comes from local people. We exist because the whole community is behind us."

For additional information, visit http://www.northstarinitiative.org.