Workshops

Core Values That Come Alive: Crafting Guiding Principles for Stronger Nonprofits

Workshop Description:

Every nonprofit has a mission—guiding principles shape how a nonprofit shows up in its community—how it behaves, decides, collaborates, and makes an impact. In this engaging workshop, participants explore a structured and intuitive process to define the values at the heart of their organization. Using a unique “humanizing” framework (head, heart, hands, voice, vision, and more), participants learn how to translate organizational identity into clear, actionable statements that strengthen alignment across staff, board, volunteers, and community. Perfect for nonprofits seeking clarity, cohesion, and a strong foundation for mission and vision work.

What You’ll Learn:

By the end of this workshop, you’ll:

1. Learn what guiding principles are, how they differ from mission and vision statements, and why they matter.
2. Explore a step-by-step process to define your organization’s unique character and core values.
3. Discover how to connect your guiding principles to your mission, vision, and daily operations.
4. Use group activities and creative exercises to develop shared values.
5. Leave with a roadmap for creating, refining and implementing your guiding principles.

This workshop is perfect for nonprofit leaders, board members, and teams who want to define their organization’s core values and use them to inspire action, strengthen alignment, and amplify their impact.

Chairing Effective Board Meetings: How Board Chairs Create Productive, Mission-Driven Meetings

Workshop Description:

Great board meetings don’t just happen—they’re intentionally designed and skillfully chaired. This workshop gives nonprofit board chairs and aspiring chairs the practical tools they need to run meetings that are focused, inclusive, efficient, and rooted in strong governance.

We’ll explore chair vs. board roles, how to design agendas that lead to action, and how to use tools like consent agendas and speaker lists to create structured, inclusive decision-making. Participants will learn strategies for managing conflict, supporting diverse perspectives, encouraging participation, and ensuring the board stays aligned with its mission and values.

What You’ll Learn:

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

1. Define the key responsibilities of the board and the board chair, including governance versus operational roles.
2. Utilize practical tools, such as collaborative agendas, consent agendas, and speaker lists, to facilitate organized and inclusive board discussions.
3. Apply strategies to foster trust, respect, and collaboration among board members and staff.
4. Recognize the importance of intentional board culture, including creating a code of conduct and conducting regular evaluations of board performance.
5. Implement governance best practices, such as aligning meeting objectives with organizational mission, vision, and values.

This workshop is ideal for board chairs, engaged board members and anyone who wants to lead effective, inclusive, and action-oriented meetings that support organizational success.

Board Brilliance: Building a High-Performing Team

Workshop Description:

Strong boards are the backbone of successful organizations. This workshop dives into what makes boards thrive—from clarifying roles and responsibilities to fostering meaningful collaboration between board members, executive directors, and staff. You’ll learn how to set up effective governance systems, onboard new members, and tackle tough conversations with confidence. Whether you’re a board chair, member, or staff partner, this session offers practical strategies to strengthen your board’s effectiveness and alignment with your mission.

What You’ll Learn:

By the end of the workshop, you will be able to:

1. Understand the three main governance styles and identify the most effective approach for their board.
2. Define clear roles and responsibilities for the board, executive director, and staff, ensuring better communication and collaboration.
3. Establish systems like board manuals, onboarding processes, and governance policies to enhance board performance.
4. Engage board members through committees, meaningful discussions, and transparent relationships with staff.
5. Address common challenges such as succession planning, conflict of interest, and tough conversations effectively.

This workshop is perfect for board members and nonprofit staff partners who want to build a high-performing, mission-aligned board that drives organizational impact.

Board Refocus: Shifting from Operations to Governance

Workshop Description:

Nonprofit boards are passionate and hardworking—but too often that passion pulls them deep into operations instead of guiding the organization from the big-picture level.  This interactive workshop helps boards step confidently into their governance role by exploring different board styles, clarifying responsibilities, and understanding where common dysfunctions come from. Participants will learn how to set clear lines of communication, strengthen board engagement, and support high-performing board cultures.

What You’ll Learn:

By the end of this workshop, you will:

1. Understand the differences between operational and governance-focused boards and why all boards need to prioritize governance.
2. Identify barriers to change and strategies to gain buy-in for a governance-focused approach.
3. Learn how to align board agendas, roles, and communication practices with a strategic lens.
4. Explore tools like onboarding processes, board manuals, and mentoring to support effective board performance.
5. Develop a step-by-step plan to transition your board toward governance while maintaining engagement and productivity.

This workshop is ideal for board members, chairs, and nonprofit leaders who want to shift their board’s focus from day-to-day operations to strategic governance for greater organizational impact.

Set Up for Success: Creating a Practical Guide for Stronger Nonprofit Governance

Workshop Description:

A well-designed Board Member Manual is one of the most powerful—and overlooked—tools for strengthening nonprofit governance.

Participants will dive into the core components of a manual, learn best practices for digital storage and version control, and explore how manuals help with onboarding, legal duties, strategic thinking, and organizational continuity. Leave with a framework that strengthens board culture and sets your board up for long-term success.

What You’ll Learn:

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

1. Explain why a Board Member Manual is crucial for board functionality and legal compliance.
2. List the essential sections of a Board Member Manual, including legal documents, governance policies, and operational procedures.
3. Outline a plan for creating, updating, and securely storing a Board Member Manual.
4. Utilize the manual to onboard new members, enhance governance practices, and promote effective board collaboration.
5. Recognize the next steps needed to assess and improve their organization’s existing documentation.

This workshop is ideal for nonprofit leaders, board chairs, and others looking to create a comprehensive Board Member Manual that strengthens governance, enhances collaboration, and empowers boards to lead with confidence.

Setting Up New Board Members for Success: Onboarding That Builds Confidence and Engagement

Workshop Description:

A thoughtful onboarding process sets the tone for a board member’s entire experience. This workshop walks nonprofits through a practical, step-by-step approach to welcoming new directors—from recruitment and information transfer to orientation, check-ins, and evaluation. Participants will learn what information new board members truly need, how to structure a meaningful orientation, and how to use tools like a competency matrix and onboarding checklist to strengthen board effectiveness.

Leave with a clear roadmap to help new members feel confident, informed, and ready to contribute.

What You’ll Learn:

By the end of this workshop, you’ll know how to:

1. Map out a full onboarding plan, from recruiting the right members to gathering their feedback.
2. Spot any gaps in your current onboarding processes and learn easy ways to fix them.
3. Use key tools like the Competency Matrix and an Information Checklist to simplify the whole process.
4. Build a stronger board by improving clarity, accountability, and teamwork.
5. Establish effective follow-up and feedback practices to continually improve the onboarding experience.

This workshop is perfect for board members, governance committees, and nonprofit leaders who want to create a seamless onboarding process that sets new board members up for success and strengthens overall board performance.

Succession Planning Made Simple: Preparing Your Nonprofit for Leadership Transitions

Workshop Description:

Leadership changes are inevitable—chaos doesn’t have to be. This workshop walks nonprofits through a clear, doable approach to succession planning for executive directors, key staff, and board members. Participants will learn the five essential elements of succession planning, how to prepare for emergencies and planned departures, and how to build a pipeline of capable future leaders.

We’ll explore knowledge transfer, recruitment strategies, readiness checklists, and the roles of the board, ED, and staff in the process. Leave with a straightforward plan and immediate next steps to strengthen stability and continuity in your organization.

What You’ll Learn:

By the end of this workshop, you’ll:

1. Learn the five key elements of succession planning and why they’re critical for your organization.
2. Know how to plan for emergencies, planned departures, and ongoing leadership development.
3. Understand how to evaluate which positions are essential and how to prepare for potential gaps.
4. Learn strategies for knowledge transfer, recruitment, and supporting new leaders.
5. Leave with a clear sense of where your organization stands and steps you can take right away to improve your succession planning.

This workshop is ideal for nonprofit leaders, board members, and anyone interested in proactively preparing their organizations for leadership and other personnel transitions to help ensure long-term stability and success.

Recruit, Retain, Thrive: A Modern Approach to Nonprofit Board Recruitment

Workshop Description:

Recruiting board members isn’t about filling empty seats—it’s about shaping a strong board to support your  leadership team to help your nonprofit thrive. Participants walk through assessing current board composition, defining clear expectations, engaging prospects, conducting effective interviews, and building an onboarding journey that fosters early confidence and long-term commitment. Whether your board is growing, evolving, or refreshing its culture, this session provides realistic strategies and ready-to-use tools to build a team that works well—together.

What You’ll Learn:

By the end of this workshop, you will:

1. Learn how to assess board composition and identify the skills, expertise, and diversity needed to enhance your board’s effectiveness.
2. Develop board member job descriptions and recruitment materials that effectively communicate roles, responsibilities, and the organization’s mission.
3. Discover strategies for continuous recruitment and leveraging personal and professional networks to attract potential board members.
4. Gain techniques for interviewing, onboarding, and offering trial engagement opportunities to ensure the right fit.
5. Recognize the importance of recruiting candidates who share a deep passion for your organization’s mission and values.

This workshop is perfect for nonprofit leaders, board chairs, and governance committees looking to strengthen their board and organizational impact by creating a solid recruitment practice.

Demystifying the Numbers: A Friendly Guide to Nonprofit Financial Statements

Workshop Description:

Financial statements shouldn’t feel overwhelming. In this basic, introductory, jargon-free workshop, participants learn to “make friends” with their financial reports and use them to support good decision-making. Participants learn how to read and interpret their core financial statements, ask the right questions, and use monthly reports as powerful management tools. You’ll also learn how to collaborate more effectively with bookkeepers, funders, and other stakeholders by understanding what information is needed—and why it matters. Perfect for anyone who has ever looked at financial statements and thought, “Is it supposed to make sense to me?”

What You’ll Learn:

By the end of this workshop, you’ll:

1. Learn how to read and use key financial statements like the Statement of Financial Operations and the Statement of Financial Position.
2. Gain insights into comparing budgets, tracking trends, and understanding the financial health of your organization.
3. Build confidence in communicating with accountants, bookkeepers, and board members about finances.
4. Understand the legal and oversight duties of board members when it comes to financial management.
5. Learn how to customize financial reports to get the information you really need.

This workshop is perfect for nonprofit staff, board members, and anyone who wants to feel more confident navigating financial reports.

Beyond Grants & Galas: Building Social Enterprises That Fuel Your Mission

Workshop Description:

Tired of chasing grants? Curious about earned revenue? This engaging workshop helps nonprofits understand how to use social enterprise to assist in long-term sustainability. Participants learn the full spectrum of social enterprise models, how to assess readiness, legal do’s and don’ts for charities, and what it means to pursue a blended return on investment. Through guided exercises, you’ll explore how to design, test, and launch revenue-generating activities that make a meaningful social, cultural, or environmental impact—while reducing reliance on traditional funding. l.

What You’ll Learn:

By the end of this workshop, you’ll be able to:

1. Clearly define social enterprise and distinguish it from other nonprofit and for-profit activities.
2. Assess whether your organization is ready to start or expand social enterprise activities.
3. Identify key legal considerations and organizational structures for operating a social enterprise.
4. Utilize tools like the Social Enterprise Business Model Canvas and Lean Startup Methodology to build a successful initiative.
5. Learn how to align social impact with revenue generation for long-term mission success.

This workshop is perfect for nonprofit leaders, board members, and mission-driven innovators looking to combine purpose with profit to achieve greater financial sustainability and social impact.

Who Does What? Helping People Manage Projects and Tasks with RACI

This practical workshop introduces RACI charting as a simple, powerful tool to define who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed on any task or project. Participants will learn how to map roles, streamline communication, prevent burnout, and strengthen decision-making across staff, committees, and boards. Leave with a ready-to-use template and the confidence to bring greater clarity, alignment, and efficiency to your organization.

Learning objectives include:​

• Who needs to know, do, or know about what?
• What is ‘cross-purpose’ work? (and how to avoid it)
• Where RACI charting may help you
• A functional template