It takes partnerships and cooperation to reach a common goal.

Just ask local nonprofit organizations.

Their goal is to make the community they live in better.

But what if you give these organizations the tools to collaborate with other 501(c)3s to make that goal reach farther?

The Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corporation did just that on Wednesday during its first nonprofit expo in Carbon County. The expo was the result of the Leadership Carbon Class of 2018’s project to identify nonprofits in the county.

Twenty-two nonprofit organizations gathered at the Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company to showcase what they have to offer and find ways to make their ideas reach more people.

Alice Wanamaker, CCEDC’s assistant vice president, said that the expo will benefit the community because new collaborations are forming.

“They are getting to talk to the community and each other to learn how they can improve services to the communities they serve,” she said, adding that everyone was excited for the opportunity to be able to work together.

The positive bonds being formed were evident as residents and nonprofit representatives alike chatted at tables to learn just what is available in Carbon County.

Barbara Franzosa of Kidder Township Hike and Bike Trails and Float Your Boat said the expo is a great resource for nonprofits.

“We’ve gotten about a dozen ideas to help our organizations,” she said.

Sherry Castrine, development coordinator for the Domestic Violence Service Center, which aims to help victims of domestic violence, echoed Franzosa’s sentiments.

“This expo has been wonderful,” she said.