There is a perception among some in the nonprofit world that making a profit doesn’t match up with the altruistic mission of a nonprofit organization. That the organization should succeed on its merits and purpose alone. But is this sustainable? In this workshop we will dig into why you may want to incorporate some of the management and operational styles of a traditional for-profit business and what results these changes can have on your organization.

Funders often request or require data and respond well to powerful stories about real people. How do you build a compelling narrative with data to back it up? This program will focus on how to get started collecting and using data in your strategy, program design, and impact measurement. If you’re not sure where to start collecting data, or you have some information and want to learn more ways to use it, this program is for you.

We regularly get questions about grant writing: How do I find a consultant? How do I know it's the right match for my organization? Can an intern write grants? Should they be paid hourly or by the project? Are state grants easier to get than private foundation grants? Is my organization ready to apply for grants?

Building on our August conversation topic of building racial equity within an organization, this session will focus on grounding our public facing work in racial equity and social justice. Join us to Ask a Consultant your questions about taking meaningful action to end systemic injustice. We’ll go beyond statements and reports (although those are important, too) to look at centering BIPOC, advocacy, organizing, and other practices that work to fix inequity.

Anti-racist, DEI, Racial Equity, Social Justice – these topics have circulated for years, but how do we weave it into the very fabric of our organizations and our work? Hear from expert consultants and discuss with fellow nonprofits where you are on this journey and build the institutional muscle to take lasting action.

Ask a Consultant: Creating Long-Term, Virtual Teams

Presented by Mark Burger of Wipfli, Connie Kyes-Myland of Trinet, Heather Eddy of KEES and Mike Bradicich of General Systems Corporation. The session was moderated by Suzy Lee of Forefront.

July 7, 2020

Your team took to the challenge of working virtually, now what? As you look to managing your staff virtually for the long-term, our expert panel can answer questions about what to expect and plan for along the way. 

Ask a Consultant: Virtual Messaging with Meaning

Presented by Carol White, CB White; Lidia Varesco Racoma, Varesco Design; and Emily Taylor, teenyBIG, ACN Members

May 26, 2020

COVID-19 has prioritized virtual communication, but how do you make sure your message still connects with people? Our panel of experts in market research, visual and verbal communication, and human-centered design will share tools to create a strong foundation for messaging that can be nimble during times like these. Featured consultants will include Carol White of CB White, Lidia Varesco Racoma of Varesco Design, and Emily Taylor of teenyBIG.

Whether it is working remotely or operating in a heightened capacity, human resource structures have changed. In this session, our panel will focus on practical ways to support and manage staff virtually, stay in close communication during times of crisis, build a cohesive online culture, and make key decisions that are focused on organizational stability.

Nonprofit leaders are facing unprecedented challenges that require courage and the capacity to adapt in a rapidly changing environment. Join consultants Julie Boll and Amy Wishnick for a conversation about how to intentionally develop courage and adaptive capacity, and to identify and leverage new found strengths in the midst of uncertainty.

In a matter of a couple of weeks, your entire annual fund development strategy has changed. Ask our panel of consultants your urgent questions about funding, including the CARES Act, grants, and communicating and nurturing both new and existing donors.

Bookkeeping Best Practices - and Mistakes to Avoid

Presented by Dawn Hershik, Supporting Strategies
July 22, 2020

Navigating During Times of Uncertainty: The Next Normal

Presented by Aashi Mital, Pivotal Solutions Consulting, ACN Member
June 30, 2020