Learning Opportunity

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.

Through Strengths-Based Leadership and the Working Genius FrameworkIn our ever-evolving nonprofit landscape , effective leadership from any chair—whether it’s the CEO, a mid-level manager, board member or front line staff—has never been more critical. This session will focus on the power of strengths-based leadership, with a particular emphasis on the Working Genius framework as a tool for identifying and leveraging individual and team strengths. By honing self-awareness, leaders can ethically and effectively guide their teams and organizations, ensuring that their leadership provides pathways for more joy and more productivity in carrying out their mission.Participants will explore how understanding and harnessing the six types of Working Geniuses—each representing a unique strength—can significantly enhance fundraising efforts, board relations, and leadership dynamics. Additionally, the session will highlight how the Working Genius framework makes the invisible visible within teams, uncovering hidden dynamics and providing practical strategies for improving morale and having hard conversations. This commitment to self-awareness and strengths-based leadership not only benefits those we lead but also serves the broader community, amplifying the good we do in the nonprofit sector.Learning Objectives:1. Integrate Strengths-Based Leadership Using the Working Genius Framework:○ Participants will learn how to apply strengths-based leadership principles by utilizing theWorking Genius framework […]

Two-day intensive workshop integrates the fundamental principles of leadership, strategy, and communication.JBL Strategies’ unique Strategic Leadership Essentials ® (SLE) model integrates the fundamental principles of leadership, strategy, and communication and shows how they can and should be aligned. The class is designed specifically to work with executive directors and leaders in decision-making positions within nonprofit organizations. This affordable, interactive program integrates personal leadership approach with an organization’s strategic direction and the communication strategies necessary to engage stakeholders and operationalize strategic direction to achieve greater mission impact in the communities they serve. The emphasis is on customized learning, peer exchange and clarity of purpose. It gives participants an opportunity to step back, reflect and take charge.Nonprofit Austin is collaborating with JBL Strategies to offer this unique model, comprising of a two-day intensive workshop. Participants receive a comprehensive course workbook, and two one-on-one personalized coaching sessions – during which participants have an opportunity to discuss their specific challenges and needs with course leaders Craig Snook and Jane Baxter Lynn (in-person or remotely), developing practical ways to address them.The program is limited to 14 participants – with only one person from each organization - to encourage idea-sharing, open conversation, and on-going peer collaboration. […]

Join us as we learn more about the Austin Community Foundation (ACF).Join us as we learn more about the Austin Community Foundation (ACF). Gain insights as we hear from Nakia Edmond, Community Impact Coordinator for ACF who will describe the foundation’s philanthropic purpose including their grant-making mission to improve the quality of life for Central Texans. Bring your questions as we learn more about ACF’s grant programs: Community Grants, the Hispanic Impact Fund, The Black Fund, and the Women’s Fund.Nonprofit Austin reserves the right to postpone this learning opportunity if thereis inadequate registration.

This session will review organizational identity, and why its blueprint is so important for nonprofit organizations.Culture is often ignored but it is the springboard for healthy norms, in all organizations. Today, many organizations are experiencing an identity crisis because little to no attention is spent really understanding the organizational identity blueprint and how by truly defining it, it creates a pathway to ensuring the mission, vision and values truly become part of the ethos of the organization.Nonpropfit Austin reserves the right to postpone this opportunity if there is not adequate registration.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------More about our facilitator: Pamela Benson Owens is the President and CEO of Edge of Your Seat Consulting, Inc and is currently serving as the Acting Executive Director of Six Square. For 23+ years Pam has owned Edge of Your Seat Consulting, a unique consulting firm that is dedicated to assisting for-profit and nonprofit organizations. The firm’s major focus is to provide methodologies that help manage perceptions and narratives about complex and challenging issues with courage and strategic passion. Pam feels she is most effective when she partners with organizations from the inside out in order to streamline the hierarchical needs, create infrastructure, coach teams, shift organizational cultures and, of most importance, […]

Join us for a 90-minute discussion on internal controls for smaller organizations.Learn the design and implementation of internal controls and strategies for preventing fraud and errors. Participants will explore how to establish a robust control environment through a risk assessment lens. Leave with practical guidance that balances the need for oversight with the realities of being a smaller operation. Additionally, this class will provide practical guidance on how to prioritize and allocate resources to areas of highest risk, ensuring that internal controls are both effective and sustainable. Discussion led by Holly Raymond.Nonprofit Austin reserves the right to postpone this opportunity if there is not adequate resgistration.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------More about our facilitator, Holly Raymond: The success of Upbring's mission depends largely on two key components: finances and operations. Holly Raymond understands not just the importance of efficient operations and sound finances, but how to maximize both. As the Chief Financial Officer of Upbring, Holly directs finance, facilities, budget and procurement functions as well as information technology and human resource administration for the organization. Since joining Upbring in 2017, Holly has implemented structural modifications, strengthening financial operations that has resulted in a 25% overall organizational growth. In her prior role, as Senior Vice President of Finance, […]

This learning opportunity will provide an overview on how busy nonprofit organizations can monitor and influence state policy as efficientlyThe 89th Regular Texas Legislative Session will convene on January 14, 2025. Although most nonprofit organizations are not positioned to maintain a regular and active presence at the Capitol, many may find that the policy and budgetary decisions made by the Legislature impact their work and/or the populations they serve. Luckily, there are free online tools that make it possible for nearly anyone to monitor what is happening at the Capitol from afar, and there are also numerous opportunities each session to engage with state policymakers at the Capitol in person. This learning opportunity will provide an overview on how busy nonprofit organizations can monitor and influence state policy as efficiently as possible.Nonprofit Austin reserves the right to postpone this learning opportunity if thereis inadequate registration.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Christine Gendron is an experienced and entrepreneurial leader, a systems thinker, connector, collaborator, and capacity builder. She has nearly 20 years of leadership experience serving as a resource for nonprofits, policymakers, government, and philanthropy organizations on strengthening outcomes for children, youth, families, and underserved populations.Christine previously served as the Executive Director of a statewide association and […]

This Special Program is a 3-hour workshop to help nonprofit leaders to cultivate new business relationships and fortify existing ones.This Special Program is a 3-hour workshop to help nonprofit leaders to (1) cultivate new business relationships and fortify existing relationships; (2) use curiosity to understand others goals, needs, and concerns, so they can bring confidence and comfort to donor, board, and other external relationships; (3) employ simple but effective techniques for fostering chemistry and trust; and (4) uncover new opportunities, and win-win situations that accelerate momentum.The presenter, Rodney Schlosser, is a 20+ year executive responsible for his company’s senior relationships. He is senior vice president/business development at Asurion, and a billion-dollar vendor to the mobile, cable, telco, and consumer electronics industries, based in Nashville. Versions of this workshop have elicited kudos from participants in UT Austin’s HDO/executive education program and prior workshops for nonprofits, foundations, and professional services firms. He’ll cover what strategies have worked, failed, and how he’s adapted as technology has changed the way people interact. He’ll also explain how many of these same principles have applied to his leadership of several non-profit boards, and his current civic work as a Vice Chair of the DART (Dallas Area […]

This Special Program is a 3-hour workshop to help nonprofit leaders to cultivate new business relationships and fortify existing ones.This Special Program is a 3-hour workshop to help nonprofit leaders to (1) cultivate new business relationships and fortify existing relationships; (2) use curiosity to understand others goals, needs, and concerns, so they can bring confidence and comfort to donor, board, and other external relationships; (3) employ simple but effective techniques for fostering chemistry and trust; and (4) uncover new opportunities, and win-win situations that accelerate momentum.The presenter, Rodney Schlosser, is a 20+ year executive responsible for his company’s senior relationships. He is senior vice president/business development at Asurion, and a billion-dollar vendor to the mobile, cable, telco, and consumer electronics industries, based in Nashville. Versions of this workshop have elicited kudos from participants in UT Austin’s HDO/executive education program and prior workshops for nonprofits, foundations, and professional services firms. He’ll cover what strategies have worked, failed, and how he’s adapted as technology has changed the way people interact. He’ll also explain how many of these same principles have applied to his leadership of several non-profit boards, and his current civic work as a Vice Chair of the DART (Dallas Area […]

What makes one message more convincing or motivating than others? How can you most effectively persuade others and have your message heard?What makes one message more convincing or motivating than others? How can you most effectively persuade others and have your message heard?In our fast-paced world, knowing the answers to these questions is crucial. From simple email requests to complex presentations - we constantly engage in communication that has the power to invite others to respond favorably to the information we’re providing. Building persuasive communication tools and understanding what actually makes communication persuasive to begin with is key.In this 90 minute training, you’ll learn:• To structure and express your ideas in convincing and persuasive ways that will ensure that others care about what you're saying and expend their efforts to help your cause• Tips, tricks, and tools for getting even the most resistant audience on board• The most common pitfalls when it comes to persuasive communication, and how to avoid them• How to tailor messages to specific audiences• Key factors that impact persuasivenessNonprofit Austin reserves the right to postpone this learning opportunity if thereis inadequate registration.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Lacy Alana is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, corporate trainer, multidisciplinary artist, and creator of […]

Colin Kendrick will share his insights and lessons learned in creating and growing Sonic Guild from Austin to a national organization.Colin Kendrick, founder of Sonic Guild, formerly Black Fret, will share his insights and lessons learned in creating and growing Sonic Guild https://www.sonicguild.org/ from Austin to a national organization with chapters in Austin, Seattle, Colorado and more. Sonic Guild's mission is to build communities to support the creation and performance of extraordinary new music via “A nationwide network of chapters providing financial and professional support to our finest local musicians to enable them to create and perform new music.’ Since its founding in 2013, it has distributed more than $7,000,000 to over 250 bands and local music businesses.His focus will be on what it takes to be an entrepreneurial nonprofit; defining the need andone’s role in addressing that need; the fully loaded cost of doing business; scaling impact with a long-term cost model; developing community partners and stakeholders; networking, donor and stakeholder stewardship; and the realities of directing one’s passion to achieve success.Richard Florida, best-selling author of The Rise of the Creative Class wrote “Sonic Guild helps build powerful communities that fuel the creative economy, social cohesion, and civic pride—all by investing in their local musicians.” […]

Nonprofit marketing can take many forms and have different goals. Join us to learn what might work best for your organization.Wouldn’t it be great if every nonprofit had a dedicated team of professionals focused onimplementing a detailed marketing plan? One that raises the visibility of the organization,attracts donors, and improves community engagement? Yes, please!The reality, unfortunately, is that most nonprofits run on a shoestring budget with minimal staff. Those organizations need guidance so they can do the most with what they have.This 3-hour interactive workshop will address important questions, like:How can nonprofits navigate the challenge of limited resources and still create impactful marketing campaigns?What are some key considerations for developing a comprehensive marketing plan?How does marketing affect fundraising and vice versa?Are there differences in how you market a nonprofit organization vs. a for-profitcompany?What are the biggest issues facing nonprofit marketing today and in the future?With hands-on exercises, we’ll also cover:Why Marketing MattersBranding and Target AudiencesMarketing for Campaigns & EventsBest Marketing Channels for NonprofitsNonprofit marketing can take many forms and have different goals. Join us to learn what might work best for your organization._____________________________________________________________________________________________________About the presenter: Michel Hudson, CFRE, CEFL, has more than 30 years’ experience guiding nonprofits and associations, in […]

Join us to discuss how to leverage resources to build and sustain nonprofit board.If you’re looking for a talented group of individuals to serve on your board, you are not alone. In fact, the competition is pretty stiff.  Today, there are 1.8 million US nonprofits seeking people to take up the demands, challenges and hard work required to sustain a relevant organization that fulfills its mission.     The good news is that there are many people willing and able to lend their support.  By building a sound structure, your organization will have the edge on the competition, will create attractive volunteer opportunities and will be rewarded with engaged and satisfied board members.     After this one-hour webinar, participants will   • Examine the board building process • Create a recruitment plan that will help ensure you have members with the right skills, expertise and community connections • Explore the benefits of a governance committee • Be able to cultivate candidates—help them find you • Identify board and committee recruitment tools and resources. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________About the presenter:Wendy Biro-Pollard is a Certified Volunteer Administration (CVA) and BoardSource Governance Consultant. She has conducted webinars, keynotes, workshops, and retreats for individuals in the public-private sector, […]

Designed to help you understand what policies and procedures are needed, and how to develop them so they clearly communicate your mission.Policies and procedures serve many purposes. They provide direction to staff, volunteers, and the board, clarify expectations about the way your organization runs, help avoid inconsistencies, and protect your nonprofit from possible legal action or fraud. Policies and procedures can affect various parts of a nonprofit’s work, including governance, accountability, and operations.Well-written policies and procedures are the framework that holds your organization together, and they help make everything run smoothly and efficiently.This course is designed to help you understand what policies and procedures are needed, and how to develop them so they clearly communicate what you do and why you do it.During this interactive 2-hour workshop, participants will:• Discuss the importance and requirements of policies and procedures;• Learn about standard policies for nonprofits;• Work through policy examples; and• Receive tips for policy manuals that are easy-to-understand and user-friendly.______________________________________________________________________________________________________About the presenter:Michel Hudson, CFRE, CEFL, has more than 30 years’ experience guiding nonprofits and associations, in the roles of staff, volunteer, board member, and consultant.Her company, 501(c)onsulting TM – established in 2001 – currently focuses on providing groups with clarity and a […]

Nonprofit Financial Management: Overview, Setting Up Systems, and the Annual Operating CycleThis comprehensive course provides a deep dive into the essential aspects of financial management for nonprofit organizations. Effective financial management is critical to the success and sustainability of any nonprofit, ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently to achieve the organization’s mission. The day will begin with an overview of nonprofit financial management, exploring the unique financial landscape of nonprofits, including the challenges of managing diverse revenue streams, maintaining financial transparency, and meeting regulatory requirements. Then, we will move to the process of setting up robust financial systems tailored to the needs of your organization, covering everything from selecting accounting software to establishing internal controls and financial policies. The annual operating cycle will help manage an organization’s financial planning and reporting processes that occur throughout the year such as creating and monitoring budgets, cash flow management, preparing financial statements, and conducting audits. We will also discuss best practices for working with boards and financial committees to ensure strong governance and oversight.Nonprofit Austin reserves the right to postpone this opportunity if there is not adequate registration.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Our day will be facilitated by Holly Raymond. Read more about our facilitator below:The success of […]

An overview of what is succession planning and why it’s important.An intentional process of succession planning, whether for your board or for your executive staff, will safeguard against unplanned and unexpected change and the potential chaos that can ensue. A clear and straightforward process is equally as helpful in facilitating smooth leadership transitions when change is predictable and planned. Either way, it will contribute to your organization’s sustainability and potentially grow leadership in your community. And it’s NOT complicated. It simply requires making the time and ensuring engagement. Learn how and where to start. Designed for both executive staff and board members, this interactive session will provide both strategic and practical insights into this essential practice. You’ll look at what is succession planning, why it matters, who’s involved, and how you can make it happen, including the potential challenges involved.Topics will include: (1) An overview of what is succession planning and why it’s important; (2) Look at what’s involved in executive staff succession planning; (3) Cover the benefits and processes of board development and sustainability, with the emphasis on succession planning, and (4) Discuss how it all aligns to achieve an organization’s mission.______________________________________________________________________________________________________About the presenter:Jane Baxter Lynn is passionate about working […]

Learning to develop others to achieve performance goals, develop skills, solve problems, work productively, and advance their careersHow do you engage and develop others, so they can achieve performance goals, develop skills, solve problems, work productively, and advance their careers? In a 10-year research endeavor dubbed Project Oxygen, Google, Inc discovered the key is leadership coaching. Many other research projects have reached similar results (e.g., HBR Leadership that Gets Results), concluding that leaders who coach their staff create productive, motivated, and successful employees, teams, and organizations.Learning to coach — like learning to lead — is a journey, not a quick fix. In this exercise and practice driven introductory workshop, we will clarify the concept of coaching and hone our coaching skills. Please come prepared with at least one personal or professional goal you are trying to achieve, a difficult decision you are trying to make, a problem you are struggling to solve, or a struggle you are addressing. There will be an opportunity to receive in-room coaching and to coach others on their goal, decision, problem, or struggle.Learning Objectives• Understand when coaching is useful and when it is not• Develop skills for effective listening and asking powerful questions• Learn how […]

Participants will experience a variety of methods to help solve problems and make decisions in a nonprofit setting.Participants will experience a variety of methods to help solve problems and make decisions in a nonprofit setting. The class will present tools to assist participants in examining problems and making decisions within nonprofit settings. It will start with the context in which problem solving and decision-making takes place, and includes examining ethical elements, communication, negotiation, various styles of decision-making, and the importance of stakeholders. The tools section of the class will present six steps and various processes to allow participants to examine the problem solving and decision-making tools they already use and add to their toolbox.Learning Objectives:• Understanding ethical issues when making decisions and solving problems.• Determining root causes.• Involving people in the process of decision making and problem solving.• Identifying steps to problem solving.______________________________________________________________________________________________________About the presenter:Kathleen McCleskey, KM Consulting and Training Connection, is a facilitator, trainer, consultant, and curriculum developer. She conducts classes in project management, multi-day presentation skills class, increasing personal effectiveness, strategic planning, and leading teams and groups are some of the classes Kathleen has conducted in her career.Kathleen has conducted workshops in the United States, Egypt, Guam, Korea, […]

Interactive, three-part series, where participants will reflect on their own stories, their organization’s stories, and the commonalities.Effectively telling your organization’s story is essential to fundraising, audienceengagement, and even employee satisfaction. Does your board struggle tocommunicate all your organization does? Do your staff members inconsistentlydescribe the organization’s purpose? When you tell your organization’s story, areyour beneficiaries’ voices always included?In this interactive, workshop-style three-part series, participants will reflect on their ownstories, their organization’s stories, and the connections between the work theydo and the people and issues they represent. We will dig into the Why, Who, andNow What of your organization’s story with the goal of crafting a simple,authentic, and compelling narrative that every board, staff, and target audiencemember can engage with and appreciate.Week 1: Your Organization’s Why - January 16, 2025This is where any organization must start when crafting a compelling narrative.We’ll dig into how to identify your organization’s unique Why. (Spoiler: it’s notyour mission statement.)Week 2: The Essential Who - January 23, 2025This is the magical missing piece many organizations overlook when telling theirstory, yet it is most likely the reason the organization exists. We’ll dig into theexperiences, expertise, and aspirations of the most important people (orcreatures or land) related to […]

Looking at the bigger picture for nonprofit programs and their organizational performanceSometimes it is challenging to see the forest through the trees. Nonprofits often have many programs running at the same time, and an endless “to do” list for each program. This workshop will guide participants in taking a step back to assess the big picture for their organization, program, or activities. Participants will engage in an evaluation exercise that will include identifying bottlenecks and “traps” their work may have fallen into. Identifying and addressing these bottlenecks and traps will lead to increased organizational agility, resilience, and sustained performance. This learning opportunity will utilize the Liberating Structures EcoCycle Planning micro-structure, an open-source tools.Nonprofit Austin reserves the right to postpone this opportunity if there is not adequate registration.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Our facilitator, Christine Gendron: Christine Gendron is an experienced and entrepreneurial leader, a systems thinker, connector, collaborator, and capacity builder. She has nearly 20 years of leadership experience serving as a resource for nonprofits, policymakers, government, and philanthropy organizations on strengthening outcomes for children, youth, families, and underserved populations.Christine previously served as the Executive Director of a statewide association and advocacy organization for eight years. She stepped into that role when the organization was […]