Learning Opportunity

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.

Join us to gain insights from and interact with Impact Austin, an Austin-based women’s collective giving organization.Gain insights from and interact with Impact Austin, an Austin-based women’s collective giving organization. Karen McLinden, Grants Co-Chair will describe Impact Austin's philanthropic purpose and strategic, high-impact grants. Come and learn about what makes an inspiring grant proposal and about the organization’s work to fund nonprofits that provide services in Bastrop, Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties.Nonprofit Austin reserves the right to postpone this learning opportunity if thereis inadequate registration.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Learn about the role of a governing board and key strategies for navigating the relationship.In this 90-minute course aimed at executive directors, learn about the role of a governing board and key strategies for navigating the relationship. Working under an entire governance team can be challenging. Your board members are key volunteers and donors, while also collectively serving as your boss. Good board relations require diplomacy, strong communication, and clear expectations from all parties. Gain insights into how to get what you need to be successful and how to give to your board members what they need to be empowered to champion your organization. Along with an overview of board member responsibilities and different models of board functioning, this course will provide tools for aligning expectations and an opportunity to troubleshoot some of the challenges you are facing. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________About the presenter: Eileen Garcia (she/her) has spent her career working in support of the social impact sector, including over a decade of experience as the lead executive of a nonprofit. She has served as CEO of Texans Care for Children and as the Executive Director of the Texas State History Museum Foundation. She has also worked in Austin for The Children’s Partnership, […]

The COVID pandemic forced changes big and small in our society, and with it, a new picture of community service and volunteerism has emergedThe COVID pandemic forced changes big and small in our society, and with it, a new picture of community service and volunteerism has emerged. This new vision is characterized by changes in who volunteers and how we find and engage them.In this fast-paced session, you’ll learn about workable strategies and explore resources to assist you in assessing your current volunteer program. This 1.5-hour virtual or in person session course includes multiple handouts, resources and opportunities for group discussion and individual work. Participants will be asked to take a short survey on volunteer program readiness at least two days prior to the class.Topics covered:• State of volunteer engagement• Changing priorities• Time & role diversity• Strengthening organizational capacity with skills-based volunteers.Nonprofit Austin reserves the right to postpone this learning opportunity if thereis inadequate registration.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Training & Consulting SolutionsWendy 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, for national and international associations, corporate and community foundations, and faith-based and governmental agencies.Wendy directed the Volunteer […]

Join us as Sean facilitates this 5-part series covering all aspects of Fiduciary Excellence!Everyone is welcome!Although this course is aimed at nonprofit board members, everyone is welcome to attend. That includes leadership staff who want to understand board responsibilities and perspectives better as well as individuals who do not currently serve on boards.Join us for this five-week course for boards to dig deep on nonprofit financial best practices, help them avoid pitfalls and permit them to make a strong overall contribution to the organization they serve.Nonprofit Austin reserves the right to postpone this learning opportunity if there is inadequate registration.Week 1: Core roles and duties:-Legal requirements of all board members (quoting TX law)-Legal liability-Horror stories (Family Connections, my mom, etc.)-D&O Insurance-Treasurer role-Chair’s role-Finance Committee role (briefly; more next week)Week 2: Relationship with staff – getting it right; adding value:Board relationship with staff-Executive Director-Accounting and finance staff-Power dynamics and the importance of clear rolesFinance Committee Role-Adding value to the board-Adding value to the staff-Overperforming and underperformingWeek 3: Financial ReportsWhy read the financial reports? Plus, how to read the financial reports-Balance Sheet-Profit and Loss-Materiality (what to worry about and what not to worry about)-Dashboards-Inclusion-Engaging the full board in financial decisionsWeek 4: Fraud […]

This five-part series guides participants through the process of visualizing their business model utilizing the matrix map.This five-part series – facilitated by Steve Zimmerman, a co-author of Nonprofit Sustainability: Making Strategic Decisions for Financial Viability - 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 organizations have leadership with a shared understanding of what is driving their impact and financial viability and are able to make ongoing strategic decisions while holding both of these elements together.There is a deep interconnectedness between a nonprofit’s ability to be financially viable and to have impact. […]

& What to do About it !This talk will provide a research-based framework and powerful understanding in whatACTUALLY drives engagement and the hidden dynamics that erode engagement. And, best of all,participants will leave with a clear vision and practical steps to take to immediately and powerfullyshift the attitudes and mindsets of their teams.Learning Objectives:Understand new, powerful research on what truly motivates and engages adults in theworkforce, and also what disengages them!Gain stark understanding from real-world examples of hidden dynamics suffocatingengagement on your team.Walk out with a plan of action to immediately address disengagement and dysfunctionin your workplace!Nonprofit Austin reserves the right to postpone this learning opportunity if thereis inadequate registration.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------More about our facilitator: Meg Poag is a licensed master social worker graduating from the University of Texas at Austin in the Administration and Planning concentration of the School of Social Work. She is currently working as a senior planner for social services and low-income housing development for the Health and Human Services Department of Travis County, Texas. In addition, Meg serves as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Texas School of Social Work, teaching a course titled Community Building and Leadership for second year masters students. Meg has […]

Learn strategies and tactics to build strong, collaborative relationships to work with your CEO and Board Members for long-term success.Learn strategies and tactics to gain essential skills to build strong, collaborative relationships to work with your CEO and Board Members for long-term organizational success. Walk away with the ability to provide insights, guidance, and support in a way that fosters trust, transparency, and alignment with your organization’s goals.______________________________________________________________________________________________________About the presenter: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, she deepened the finance and facilities resource capabilities by strategic staffing additions. Her success at Upbring is a testament to her outstanding leadership, determination and servant-hearted commitment to breaking the cycle of child abuse.Before joining Upbring, Holly served as Chief Financial Officer of […]

Join us for this 90-minute sessionUncover innovative strategies to combat employee burnout and improve retention, ensuring a motivated and resilient team that drives your nonprofit's success! This virtual session is facilitated by Laura Leonard.Nonprofit Austin reserves the right to postpone this opportunity without adequate registration.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Laura Leonard brings over 15 years of dynamic experience in strategic leadership and consulting, blending Fortune 500 expertise with a deep commitment to social equity. With a Mechanical Engineering degree from Rice University and an M.B.A. in Operations Management and Continuous Improvement from the University of Michigan (Lean Six Sigma Certified), Laura has led impactful initiatives at companies like Chevron, BASF, and Indeed.Dedicated to breaking down educational and professional barriers for underrepresented groups, Laura has made significant contributions through the Society of Women Engineers and BASF’s Racial Equity Task Force. Her community initiatives, like the Jersey City Holiday Meal Exchange, and her nonprofit consulting engagements such as with Woman Rising and We the People Opportunity Farm showcase her ability to drive meaningful change.As the Founder of Good Egg Solutions, Laura partners with nonprofits to tackle mission-critical challenges—from alleviating employee burnout to boosting programmatic impact. Her collaborative, data-driven approach delivers customized, actionable solutions that drive real results.Discover […]

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.

Nonprofit practices that are neurodivergent-affirming. Led by Yes And Brain creator, Lacy Alana.This workshop will equip attendees with essential knowledge and practical tools to help them understand and create neurodivergent affirming practices within their organization.The goal is for participants to walk away with practical advice and actionable tips, tricks, and tools to support neurodivergent colleagues, employees, and clients more effectively.Participants will discuss fundamental Concepts of Neurodivergence, explore their own conceptions and ideas about neurodivergence, how this impacts how they approach others who are different (or themselves), and unpack sneaky and subtle ableism/internalized ableism.Participants will learn what it actually means to be a neurodivergent-affirming workplace for both employees and clients (in client facing organizations), how to implement this knowledge to create inclusive workspaces for different neurotypes, and implement tools for communicating across neurotypes.Nonprofit Austin reserves the right to postpone this learning opportunity if thereis inadequate registration.This session may be recorded to share with attendees. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------More about our facilitator, Lacy Alana:YES AND BRAIN PROVIDES TRAININGS WORLDWIDE. TEAM HOME BASES INCLUDE TORONTO, MONTREAL, AUSTIN, INDIANA, AND OTTAWA. WE REGULARLY TRAVEL TO PROVIDE OUR SPECIALIZED TRAININGS ALL OVER THE WORLD.The Yes And Brain framework is the creation of Licensed Clinical Social Worker, corporate trainer, […]

Learn the importance of your bylaws for guiding your organization and assuring its effective achievement of your mission.Join us as our very own Executive Director, Barry Silverberg, reviews the importance of your bylaws for guiding your organization and assuring its effective achievement of your mission. We will review the essential components and suggest others that can be helpful in guiding your organization through difficult situations.Nonprofit Austin reserves the right to postpone this learning opportunity if there is inadequate registration. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------More about our facilitator: Barry has over 50 years of nonprofit professional and volunteer leadership, management, resource development, communications, capacity-building and civic engagement experience focusing on strengthening nonprofit board governance, strategic thinking, board development and engagement, professional and organizational development, and public policy awareness and advocacy. A passionate advocate of community-based organizations both locally and Texas-wide, he founded the Center for Nonprofit Studies at Austin Community College in 2000, which he continues to lead as its Director. He created and taught Nonprofit Leadership and Management for St. Edward’s University’s Nonprofit Management Certificate. The creator of ACC’s Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Management Certificate in 2007, he continues to serve as both its administrator and as a faculty member.

In this three hour workshop, participants will learn the fundamental building blocks and principles of ethical organizational storytelling.In a world inundated with information, nonprofit organizations face the unique challenge of capturing the hearts and minds of their audiences to drive meaningful engagement and support for their work. In this three hour workshop, participants will learn the fundamental building blocks and principles of ethical organizational storytelling and how to employ it within their organization and externally. Attendees will learn the storytelling tools needed to connect deeply with stakeholders, inspire action, foster empathy, and generate lasting impact. They will also learn essential building blocks of creating effective social impact stories and how to balance storytelling authenticity with responsible narrative framing that centers the individuals and organizations involved.______________________________________________________________________________________________________About the presenter:Lacy Alana is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, corporate trainer, multidisciplinary artist, and creator of The Yes And Brain framework. As Lacy spent time in the clinical, educational, corporate, and expressive arts worlds over the last decade, she recognized that she was having great success blending facets from each discipline into the others.When colleagues asked her to teach them tools to mimic her work, she developed the Yes And Brain framework to serve as […]

Find ways to use AI tools like GPT productivelyJoin Nonprofit Austin, as we open a discussion to discover how AI tools like GPT can transform your marketing efforts, from crafting compelling content and optimizing campaigns to analyzing audience engagement and improving outreach strategies. Led by Laura Leonard.Nonprofit Austin reserves the right to postpone this opportunity if there is not adequate registration.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------More about out facilitator: Laura Leonard brings over 15 years of dynamic experience in strategic leadership and consulting, blending Fortune 500 expertise with a deep commitment to social equity. With a Mechanical Engineering degree from Rice University and an M.B.A. in Operations Management and Continuous Improvement from the University of Michigan (Lean Six Sigma Certified), Laura has led impactful initiatives at companies like Chevron, BASF, and Indeed.Dedicated to breaking down educational and professional barriers for underrepresented groups, Laura has made significant contributions through the Society of Women Engineers and BASF’s Racial Equity Task Force. Her community initiatives, like the Jersey City Holiday Meal Exchange, and her nonprofit consulting engagements such as with Woman Rising and We the People Opportunity Farm showcase her ability to drive meaningful change.As the Founder of Good Egg Solutions, Laura partners with nonprofits to tackle mission-critical […]

Join us for a 90-minute workshop for nonprofit professionals to look at the many facets of your organization’s operations and influence.How does your organization show up in the world – as an employer, as a communicator, as a partner to other organizations? In furthering your mission, are you reaching not just those who readily accesses your services, but also the populations who need you most? Join us for a 90-minute workshop for nonprofit professionals to look at the many facets of your organization’s operations and influence to consider how your organizational values can be incorporated in all you do. Expect an increased understanding of the impact your organization has across a spectrum of domains and the sharing of a variety of best and promising practices that you can put into effect today. There will also be time for trouble-shooting your own organizational access challenges. Following the presentation, all participants will receive a self-assessment tool to help identify areas within which your organization can further close gaps in access. Nonprofit Austin reserves the right to postpone this learning opportunity if thereis inadequate registration.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------More about our facilitator: Eileen Garcia (she/her) has spent her career working in support of the social impact sector, […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]