Learning Opportunity

Five-week course empowers executive directors with nonprofit financial best practices to enhance their contributions effectively. Join our comprehensive five-week course tailored for executive directors, equipping them with vital nonprofit financial strategies. Delve into core roles, money management with boards and staff, financial reports, fraud prevention, and more. Includes 1:1 advisory sessions, light weekly homework, and abundant written resources.   Week 1: Core roles and duties - 04/03/2024 Explore essential topics for executive directors and financial staff, covering roles, legal requirements, fraud prevention, liability, and more, ensuring a solid foundation for effective nonprofit management. Week 2: Money and Your Relationship with Board and Staff – getting it right - 04/10/2024 Discover strategies for cultivating strong relationships between executive directors, staff, and boards to ensure effective financial management. Delve into budgeting, reporting, accountability, and fostering engagement for optimal organizational performance. Week 3: Financial Reports - 04/17/2024 Explore the significance of financial reports in nonprofit management during Week 3. Learn why they are essential, who receives them, and how to interpret key documents like balance sheets and profit and loss statements. Discover effective dashboard strategies to engage board members and staff in meaningful financial discussions. Week 4: Fraud prevention, audits; separation of duties […]

Unleash effective communication! Craft a winning strategy in our series. Learn audience targeting, storytelling, and impact evaluation.Unlock the power of effective communication! Join our upcoming series where you'll learn how to craft a winning communications strategy from the ground up.Week 1 : What is a communications strategy? Why do I need one? Where do I begin?04/18/2024Conducting an internal communications auditThe essential building blocks of a comms strategyWeek 2: Who am I trying to reach and why?04/25/2024Knowing your target audiences is essential to developing contentAnswer 3 critical questions about your audiencesWeek 3: Communicating your organization's story to increase impact05/02/2024The case for storytelling and where all stories beginConsidering the head + heart of your issuesHow to conduct a content brainstorm with your teamPromotion strategies, including social mediaEvaluating impactDon't miss out on this opportunity to supercharge your communication skills. Register now and unleash your organization's full potential!Instructor:Lauren CookFounder + Lead StrategistConnectingourstories.comLauren is a writer, strategist, storyteller, and above all, a believer in the power of connecting. She believes when we connect with individuals, ideas, and the natural world around us, we can change ourselves and strengthen our communities.For nearly 20 years, Lauren has worked at the intersection of public policy, advocacy, storytelling, and […]

Funder Focus Series w/ Susannah ErlerFunder FocusSign up to learn about The City of Austin’s Cultural Arts Funding Programs: Thrive, Elevate and Nexus. These programs support the arts and prioritize equity through a combination of seed funding, broad sector support, and targeted investment. We will be joined by members of the COA Economic Development Department’s Cultural Funding team. Be sure to bring your questions to share during the audience Q & A segment.Funder Focus Host:Susannah Erler, Director, Greater Good StrategiesSusannah Erler started in a public radio career (including being Director of a National Public Radio affiliate) which later morphed into her current calling to support nonprofits. She earned her master's degree in Business with an Arts Administration (Nonprofit) specialization, is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and is a Mission Capital Certified Interim Executive Director (ED). Susannah grew up in Austin (but ask her about some of the other places she has lived too) and helps nonprofits in her role as Director of Greater Good Strategies.

Funder Focus Series w/ Susannah ErlerFunder FocusJoin us as we learn more about the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. Gain insights as we hear from CEO Austin Dickson who will describe the foundation’s work to foster a thriving Hill Country, including making grants to nonprofit organizations in 10 Central Texas counties: Bandera, Blanco, Edwards, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Mason, Real and Uvalde. Bring your questions as we learn more about the Foundation’s efforts including their Community Impact Fund (whose grant cycle will be opening to applications at the end of May 2024).Funder Focus Host:Susannah Erler, Director, Greater Good StrategiesSusannah Erler started in a public radio career (including being Director of a National Public Radio affiliate) which later morphed into her current calling to support nonprofits. She earned her master's degree in Business with an Arts Administration (Nonprofit) specialization, is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and is a Mission Capital Certified Interim Executive Director (ED). Susannah grew up in Austin (but ask her about some of the other places she has lived too) and helps nonprofits in her role as Director of Greater Good Strategies.

Free virtual Orientation to Grant Research Center Tools to learn how to use these tools and gain access to the NPA Grant Research Center.Want to focus on ways the Foundation Directory Online (FDO) database or Guidestar Pro can support your nonprofit work? Nonprofit Austin at ACC is ready to help you leverage Grant Research Center tools to find funding, conduct research and take your 501(c)3 work to the next level.Sign up for this free virtual Orientation to Grant Research Center Tools to learn how to use these tools. After taking this orientation, you will be eligible to sign up to use the tools at the Grant Research Center’s physical space.

Sign up for this free 60-minute virtual roundtable, led by Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Grant Writer Susannah Erler.Sign up for this free 60-minute virtual roundtable, led by Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Grant Writer Susannah Erler. She says: “nonprofit professionals, bring your grant questions and ask me anything; and maybe we’ll get some crowd-sourced answers from participants too.” Together we are stronger – the goal is to help you ‘Get that Grant’ to support nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations.

Free virtual Orientation to Grant Research Center Tools to learn how to use these tools and gain access to the NPA Grant Research Center.Want to focus on ways the Foundation Directory Online (FDO) database or Guidestar Pro can support your nonprofit work? Nonprofit Austin at ACC is ready to help you leverage Grant Research Center tools to find funding, conduct research and take your 501(c)3 work to the next level.Sign up for this free virtual Orientation to Grant Research Center Tools to learn how to use these tools. After taking this orientation, you will be eligible to sign up to use the tools at the Grant Research Center’s physical space.

Funder Focus Series w/ Susannah ErlerFunder FocusSign up to learn more about The Central Texas Community Foundation. Amy Merida, Executive Director of the CTXCF will share details about how this community foundation supports the quality of life in the area and about how funds and resources are distributed to nonprofit organizations that support the community.Funder Focus Host:Susannah Erler, Director, Greater Good StrategiesSusannah Erler started in a public radio career (including being Director of a National Public Radio affiliate) which later morphed into her current calling to support nonprofits. She earned her master's degree in Business with an Arts Administration (Nonprofit) specialization, is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and is a Mission Capital Certified Interim Executive Director (ED). Susannah grew up in Austin (but ask her about some of the other places she has lived too) and helps nonprofits in her role as Director of Greater Good Strategies.

Funder Focus Series w/ Susannah ErlerFunder FocusSign up to learn more about Applied Materials’ grant-giving process and about what makes a strong application from our guest, Michele Walker-Moak the Community Affairs Manager for Applied Materials. The focus areas for Applied Materials, Inc. and the Applied Materials Foundation include: Education, Civic Engagement, Arts and Culture and the Environment. Support is also given via the Applied Materials Momentum Fund and via the Foundation’s signature women and girls’ empowerment initiative, Generation Girl.Funder Focus Host:Susannah Erler, Director, Greater Good StrategiesSusannah Erler started in a public radio career (including being Director of a National Public Radio affiliate) which later morphed into her current calling to support nonprofits. She earned her master's degree in Business with an Arts Administration (Nonprofit) specialization, is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and is a Mission Capital Certified Interim Executive Director (ED). Susannah grew up in Austin (but ask her about some of the other places she has lived too) and helps nonprofits in her role as Director of Greater Good Strategies.

One-hour free overview to Matrix Model for Sustainability presented by Steve Zimmerman.One-hour free overview to Matrix Model for Sustainability presented by Steve Zimmerman, a co-author of Nonprofit Sustainability: Making Strategic Decisions for Financial Viability to introduce potential registrants to our five-part series of 90-minute sessions on October 10, October 24, November 7, November 21, and December 5 – all from 9:30 AM to 11 AM. See October 10, 2024 session for series’ pricing that allows up to 3 participants per agency.This five-part series guides participants through the process of visualizing their business model utilizing the matrix map, a visual depiction of an organization’s business model – or how every program contributes to the organization’s sustainability, impact, and profitability. Together, they will learn how to assess mission impact, determine profitability, and plot the map. More than a picture, the matrix map offers strategic imperatives to drive decision making to strengthen sustainability. Participants will receive templates throughout the process to implement on their own and will have access to extra engagement during the process to answer their questions.What is “sustainable” is constantly changing as the environment in which nonprofits operate changes. Sustainability is an orientation, not a destination. As such, truly sustainable […]

One of the most important roles you play as a nonprofit leader is that of a spokesperson for your organization and your mission.One of the most important roles you play as a nonprofit leader is that of a spokesperson for your organization and your mission. Whether you are talking to prospective donors, board members, volunteers, or to elected officials, a clear and compelling pitch is often critical to your success. This learning opportunity will provide guidance on what makes a pitch effective, as well as opportunities to practice your pitch and strengthen it.Please note Nonprofit Austin reserves the right to postpone this learning opportunity if there is inadequate registration.

Join us for a dynamic session led by Yes And Brain creator, Lacy Alana.Whether you’ve made a blunder in a meeting, are dealing with a staffing predicament, or are navigating a full-blown organizational meltdown, you’ve undoubtedly experienced organizational crises or moments when it feels like things just keep going wrong. In this 90 minute training, you’ll learn tools, techniques, and frameworks to help you stay cool during crises and mistakes and to plan your next steps. This engaging workshop that will leave you feeling more confident to handle whatever comes your way, both in and out of the office.You’ll learn:• Tools for keeping yourself together in high -stress moments• The most common ways that crisis / mistake recovery goes wrong (and how to prevent it)• How to approach crises systematically to identify your next logical steps• How to serve as a guidepost for others during crises• How to develop a recovery plan for you and your organization when mistakes or crises arisePlease note Nonprofit Austin reserves the right to postpone this learning opportunity if there is inadequate registration.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------More about our facilitator:The Yes And Brain framework is the creation of Licensed Clinical Social Worker, corporate trainer, and multidisciplinary artist, Lacy Alana. […]

This 3-hour online workshop equips nonprofit leaders with the skills and strategies necessary to expand their networks in meaningful work.This 3-hour online workshop aims to equip nonprofit leaders with the skills and strategies necessary to expand their networks in meaningful, value-added ways. Participants will develop 12-month goals and an actionable plan to enhance their networking capabilities. The workshop features interactive activities, case studies, and practical tools. Learning Objectives: • Understand the importance of networking for nonprofit organizations. • Develop realistic goals to expand your network. • Create an actionable networking plan for your NPO. • Enhance networking skills through practical exercises. • Access valuable resources and tools for ongoing network development.Please note Nonprofit Austin reserves the right to postpone this learning opportunity if there is inadequate registration.

Free virtual Orientation to Grant Research Center Tools to learn how to use these tools and gain access to the NPA Grant Research Center.Want to focus on ways the Foundation Directory Online (FDO) database or Guidestar Pro can support your nonprofit work? Nonprofit Austin at ACC is ready to help you leverage Grant Research Center tools to find funding, conduct research and take your 501(c)3 work to the next level.Sign up for this free virtual Orientation to Grant Research Center Tools to learn how to use these tools. After taking this orientation, you will be eligible to sign up to use the tools at the Grant Research Center’s physical space.

An overview of strategic planningAlmost every organization has a strategic plan, but how many are truly strategic? Join Nonprofit Austin as our facilitator, Steve Zimmerman, offers an overview to strategic planning.This interactive three-hour training provides an overview of what we mean by the phrase “strategic planning,” and how organizations can utilize the opportunity to build ongoing strategic thinking and decision-making among board and staff. Participants will be introduced to the organizational model which highlights the interconnectedness of everything an organization does and have a way to move through a process allowing them to build a strategic direction in a thoughtful way that allows the organization to adapt for our ever-changing world and continue to deliver high impact, financially sustainable programs.Nonprofit Austin reserves the right to postpone this learning opportunity if there is inadequate registration. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------More about our facilitator, Steve Zimmerman:Steven Zimmerman, CPA, MBA is the Principal of Spectrum Nonprofit Services where he provides training and consulting for community-based organizations, foundations and government agencies throughout the country. Steve has written and presented extensively in the areas of strategy and finance. He is the co-author of two books on nonprofit sustainability published by Jossey-Bass, The Sustainability Mindset: Using the Matrix Map to […]

A three-part series based on the book titled, The Board-Building Cycle by Susan S. Meier.A three-part series facilitated by Wedny Biro-Pollard, CVA.Based on the book titled, The Board-Building Cycle by Susan S. Meier.• STRATEGIC RECRUITMENT - Identify, Cultivate, RecruitHow to build a board of capable, diverse and enthusiastic people with the right mix of skills, experiences and backgrounds. Focuses on identifying potential board members, cultivating their interests and recruiting them to serve.• EFFECTIVE BOARD ENGAGEMENT - Orient, Involve, EducateHow to engage new and existing board members in creating a culture of inclusion that values the input of all members. It is the board’s responsibility to provide ongoing education about the organization and its programs, the external operating environment, and the board’s leadership role.• INTENTIONAL REVITALIZATION - Evaluate, Rotate, CelebrateStimulating thoughtful conversation about effective governance, understanding the board’s performance through self-assessment and regularly looking for opportunities to strengthen the way the board worksPlease note Nonprofit Austin reserves the right to postpone this learning opportunity if there is inadequate registration.