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 […]