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 […]

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 […]

Can we challenge ourselves to move from communicating at to building community with?Whether your organization has decades of experience advocating your issues at the Texas Capitol or if 2025 will be your first time to enter the pink dome, it's essential to take a fresh approach each session to tell the story of your organization and the individuals you serve. Can we challenge ourselves to move from communicating at to building community with? This 2-hour interactive webinar will offer strategic guidance and tactical tools, as well as an opportunity for questions and networking.Nonprofit Austin reserves the right to postpone this opportunity if there is not adequate registration.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Our day will be be facilitated by Lauren Cook. Read more about our facilitator below; Lauren 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 change the world.For nearly 20 years, Lauren has worked at the intersection of public policy, advocacy, storytelling, and research to lead communications on essential social issues. Prior to founding Connecting Our Stories, Lauren worked for 10 years as a strategist for the Charles Butt […]

Gain a clear understanding of what Impostor Syndrome is, explore its causes, and learn actionable strategies to overcome it.In 2024, internet searches for Impostor Syndrome have surged by 75%, and it's no surprise. 78% of business leaders have felt its sting at some point in their careers, and more surprising, 71% of U.S. CEOs report grappling with these feelings. Yes, even the very leaders at the top of their organizations are not immune.Do you ever find yourself questioning whether you really belong, or worry that you’re just a step away from being exposed as a fraud? If you sometimes feel like everyone else has it all figured out while you’re barely keeping up, you're not alone. These feelings of self-doubt and insecurity are extremely common, particularly among high achievers.This workshop is designed to help you break free from the cycle of Impostor Syndrome. You’ll gain a clear understanding of what Impostor Syndrome is, explore its causes, and learn actionable strategies to overcome it.In this engaging and supportive workshop, you will:Clearly Define Impostor Syndrome: Understand what it is and how it manifests.Uncover the Causes: Explore the underlying factors contributing to these feelings.Understand the Different Types: Learn about the various forms of […]

Facilitated by Lacy Alana.Many non-profit professionals may find themselves grappling with complex emotions—ranging from frustration and fear to a deep sense of malaise. This workshop provides a supportive space to explore these feelings, process their impact, and reconnect with your mission and values in the midst of all the uncertainty and change. Together, we will navigate strategies for sustaining resilience, cultivating hope, and taking meaningful action amidst uncertainty. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, motivated, or somewhere in between, this session will equip you with tools and perspectives to stay grounded.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------More about our facilitator: 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 a foundational framework for work in each setting.  Over the years, The Yes And Brain Model has continued to be refined, with specialized sub-models and training pathways for many different populations.Lacy has a varied […]

Differences in leadership and management, and how those differences affect decision-making.Research has highlighted the differences in leadership and management. Cultivating strong decision-making skills is not optional. This session looks at the aspects of leadership that involves how to make informed choices for the organization and the people in it. Nonprofit Austin reserves the right to postpone this event if there is not adequate registration.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Our facilitator, Pam Benson Owens: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, help leaders become more effective. Clients’ transformations are the essence of her work, and they’re also what bring her great joy and empirical pride. She serves on the […]

Improve the effectiveness and efficiency of your meetings.If you are a typical professional, you have about 62 meetings per month, and your coworkers believe 50% of these meetings are a waste of time. (Altissan, 2019). Learn simple, immediately applicable skills and processes to facilitate any group conversation, foster collaboration, come to decisions, and drive productive outcomes. In this workshop, you will learn to facilitate by facilitating – please come prepared to experiment with new techniques and give and receive feedback and challenge how you lead groups.Learning Objectives• Practice and develop core facilitation skills for framing dialogue, effective listening, and asking productive questions• Learn to use processes and tools to enable groups to share and analyze information and make decisions• Learn to manage individual and group “dysfunction”Nonprofit Austin reserves the right to postpone this opportunity if there is not adequate registration. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------More about our facilitators:

Two-day intensive workshop integrates the fundamental principles of leadership, strategy, and communication.JBL Strategies’ unique Strategic Leadership Essentials ® (SLE) class for nonprofit leaders includes a two-day intensive workshop that integrates the fundamental principles of leadership, strategy, and communication, followed by two one-on-one coaching sessions.Nonprofit Austin is collaborating with JBL Strategies to offer this unique program designed specifically to work with executive directors and leaders in decision-making positions within nonprofit organizations. The class comprises a two-day intensive workshop, a comprehensive course workbook, and two one-on-one coaching sessions, during which participants have an opportunity to discuss their specific challenges and needs, developing practical ways to address them.This affordable, interactive program discusses personal leadership approach within the context of their 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.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. A minimum registration is required for the program to take […]

Expand your ability to contribute to your organizational culture by demonstrating empathy and how it can be applied in the work setting.Empathy is a valuable asset for fostering a supportive, innovative, and resilient organizational culture and ranks as one of the top five "soft skills" for professionals. A Businessolver 2024 Empathy Study revealed that 85% of employees view empathy as crucial, yet only 35% feel they receive empathetic support from their organization, and 63% think their organization’s culture is toxic and empathy needs to evolve. Expand your ability to contribute to your organizational culture by demonstrating empathy and how it can be applied in the work setting. In this participative workshop, participants will:Gain a deeper understanding of what empathy is and the positive impact it can have on relationships and organizational culture. Identify specific workplace applications of empathy. Examine mindsets that support empathy. Learn specific skills to demonstrate empathy at work.Please note Nonprofit Austin reserves the right to postpone this learning opportunity if there is inadequate registration.

Review committee roles and responsibilities, determine who should serve, and learn how to create committee work plans and monitor progress.Given the difficulty in finding people to serve on boards, committees are becoming even more important. Strong committees contribute to strong organizations, and yet, in many nonprofits they are often its weakest link. When committee members have clearly defined roles and direction, staff support and organized and experienced leadership, there are no limits to their effectiveness. This 1.5-hour virtual session includes multiple handouts, resources and opportunities for group discussion and individual work.In this course, participants will• Review committee roles and responsibilities• Determine who should serve• Learn how to create committee work plans and monitor their progress.______________________________________________________________________________________________________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, for national and international associations, corporate and community foundations, and faith-based and governmental agencies.Wendy directed the Volunteer Center of Austin and healthcare volunteer programs at large hospitals in Austin and San Antonio. She has served on several national training teams including one for VISTA AmeriCorps. Wendy is an adjunct faculty member for Nonprofit Austin at Austin Community […]

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 […]

Join us for this five-week course for boards to dig deep on nonprofit financial best practices, help them avoid pitfalls and permit them toJoin us for this five-week course for executive directors 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.Target audience:• Core: Nonprofit Executive Directors and CEOs• Secondary: Nonprofit staff and board members o 90% of the content should have universal appealo When we do breakout rooms, let’s keep the two groups separate so people can have peers they relate to moreFormat:• Zoom or equivalent• Once per week for five weeks• 75-90 minutes each time, including a brief break about halfway through• Mix of presentations, Q&A, and small group activities (using breakout rooms)Week 1: Core roles and duties • Executive Director Role• Financial Staffo Hiringo Firingo Fraud triangleo Preventing burnout/resentments/fraudo Current hiring and retention challenges• Board Roleo Legal requirements of all board members (quoting TX law)o Treasurer roleo Chair’s roleo Finance Committee role • Legal liability • Horror stories • D&O InsuranceWeek 2: Money and Your Relationship with Board and Staff – getting it right• Executive Director with staff o Accounting and […]

What Is Happening, What Can We Expect from the Federal Government, & What Can We Do?Learn about the policy and advocacy trends affecting the 2025 landscape and how to advance nonprofit priorities through all three branches and all three levels of government in this webinar with Tiffany Gourley Carter, Public Policy Director and Counsel at the National Council of Nonprofits. This National Council of Nonprofits briefing is brought to you by the collaborative efforts of I Live Here I Give Here, Mission Capital, and Nonprofit Austin.Facilitated by Tiffany GourleyTiffany Gourley Carter is the Public Policy Director and Counsel at the National Council of Nonprofits and works to advance the public policy priorities for the nation’s largest network of nonprofits. Working in all three levels of government and all three branches of government, she tracks and spots trends of policy threats and opportunities for nonprofits. Tiffany covers a broad range of issue areas, including taxation, budget and spending, employment, government grants and contracts, advocacy rights, and regulations.Prior to joining the Council of Nonprofits in 2016, Tiffany worked with a state association of nonprofits at the Hawai`i Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations, nonprofit law enforcement at the Hawai`i Office of the Attorney General, […]

Join us for a variety of discussions on how AI can be harnessed in the nonprofit sector.AI is reshaping the nonprofit sector—are you ready to harness its power for greater impact? Join Nonprofit Austin @ ACC and The Public Service Desk for an exclusive forum on Artificial Intelligence for Nonprofits, where industry leaders will explore how AI can enhance effectiveness, drive innovation, and create better outcomes for those we serve.🔥 Why Attend?✅ Learn from top AI and nonprofit experts✅ Gain actionable insights on AI trends & best practices✅ Engage with a panel of thought leaders & practitioners✅ Connect with TechSoup leadership and explore new resources✅ Enjoy a FREE working lunch while networking🎤 Featured Speakers & Sessions💡 “Racing the Future: How and Why Nonprofits Must Engage with AI Today”Bryon Jacob, CTO & Co-founder, data.world📊 “Trends and Uses of AI Among Nonprofits: Lessons Learned”Marnie Webb, CEO, TechSoup🎙️ Panel Discussion: “Getting Engaged with AI: Examples and Discussion”Featuring:Shaista Keating, VP, at TechSoupWillie Adams, Executive Director, Public Service DeskBryon Jacob, CTO & Co-founder, data.worldModerator: Barry Silverberg, Executive Director, Nonprofit Austin @ ACC🤝 Supported By:TechSoup, Mission Capital, Association of Fundraising Professionals (Austin Chapter), Center for Government & Civic Service at ACC, ACM Student Chapter at ACC, […]

Learn about workable strategies and explore resources to assist you in assessing your current volunteer program.The 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.______________________________________________________________________________________________________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, for national and international associations, corporate and community foundations, and faith-based and governmental agencies.Wendy directed the Volunteer Center of Austin and healthcare volunteer programs at large hospitals in Austin and San Antonio. She has served on several national […]

Nonprofit practices that are neurodivergent-affirming. Led by Yes And Brain creator, Lacy Alana.Creating Neurodivergent-Affirming Workplaces: A Three-Part SeriesThis three-part workshop series equips attendees with essential knowledge, deep self-reflection opportunities, and practical tools to build truly neurodivergent-affirming workplaces. Each session builds upon the last, guiding participants from foundational awareness to actionable change within their organizations.This series is designed for leaders, managers, HR professionals, DEI practitioners, service providers, and employees who want to create inclusive workspaces where neurodivergent individuals can thrive—whether as colleagues, employees, or clients.Through this series, participants will not only understand neurodivergence more deeply but also learn clear, practical strategies to implement in their organizations. This workshop is about actionable change—helping workplaces shift from accommodation-based approaches to proactively affirming all employees and clients.This isn’t just about being "inclusive"—it’s about building workplaces where everyone - regardless of neurotype - can thrive, contribute fully, and be valued for who they are. Walk away with new skills, frameworks, and tools to make the workplace more supportive for everyone - not just those who are neurodivergent.Session 1: Understanding Neurodivergence & Challenging Internal BiasesLaying the Groundwork for Neurodivergent InclusionThe first session provides a strong foundation in understanding neurodivergence, exploring biases, and recognizing the impact of […]

Nonprofit practices that are neurodivergent-affirming. Led by Yes And Brain creator, Lacy Alana.Creating Neurodivergent-Affirming Workplaces: A Three-Part SeriesThis three-part workshop series equips attendees with essential knowledge, deep self-reflection opportunities, and practical tools to build truly neurodivergent-affirming workplaces. Each session builds upon the last, guiding participants from foundational awareness to actionable change within their organizations.This series is designed for leaders, managers, HR professionals, DEI practitioners, service providers, and employees who want to create inclusive workspaces where neurodivergent individuals can thrive—whether as colleagues, employees, or clients.Through this series, participants will not only understand neurodivergence more deeply but also learn clear, practical strategies to implement in their organizations. This workshop is about actionable change—helping workplaces shift from accommodation-based approaches to proactively affirming all employees and clients.This isn’t just about being "inclusive"—it’s about building workplaces where everyone - regardless of neurotype - can thrive, contribute fully, and be valued for who they are. Walk away with new skills, frameworks, and tools to make the workplace more supportive for everyone - not just those who are neurodivergent.Session 1: Understanding Neurodivergence & Challenging Internal BiasesLaying the Groundwork for Neurodivergent InclusionThe first session provides a strong foundation in understanding neurodivergence, exploring biases, and recognizing the impact of […]

Nonprofit practices that are neurodivergent-affirming. Led by Yes And Brain creator, Lacy Alana.Creating Neurodivergent-Affirming Workplaces: A Three-Part SeriesThis three-part workshop series equips attendees with essential knowledge, deep self-reflection opportunities, and practical tools to build truly neurodivergent-affirming workplaces. Each session builds upon the last, guiding participants from foundational awareness to actionable change within their organizations.This series is designed for leaders, managers, HR professionals, DEI practitioners, service providers, and employees who want to create inclusive workspaces where neurodivergent individuals can thrive—whether as colleagues, employees, or clients.Through this series, participants will not only understand neurodivergence more deeply but also learn clear, practical strategies to implement in their organizations. This workshop is about actionable change—helping workplaces shift from accommodation-based approaches to proactively affirming all employees and clients.This isn’t just about being "inclusive"—it’s about building workplaces where everyone - regardless of neurotype - can thrive, contribute fully, and be valued for who they are. Walk away with new skills, frameworks, and tools to make the workplace more supportive for everyone - not just those who are neurodivergent.Session 1: Understanding Neurodivergence & Challenging Internal BiasesLaying the Groundwork for Neurodivergent InclusionThe first session provides a strong foundation in understanding neurodivergence, exploring biases, and recognizing the impact of […]