Workshops

 Finding Your Core: Creating Guiding Principles for Your Organization

Workshop Description:

Your organization’s guiding principles are like its personality, its DNA—they show what you stand for and shape how you work. In this hands-on workshop, we’ll help you uncover and define your core values in a way that connects with your mission and vision. Through creative exercises and collaboration, you’ll build a clear set of principles to guide decision-making, inspire your team, and make a bigger impact.

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.

Nonprofit organizations need effective boards to help them achieve all that they can.

Workshop Description:

This interactive workshop equips board chairs and members with the tools and techniques needed to lead productive, fun and collaborative board meetings. Participants will explore the essential roles of governance and facilitation, learn how to create efficient agendas, foster an inclusive and intentional board culture, and ensure meetings lead to actionable outcomes. From mastering decision-making processes to building trust within teams, this session provides practical strategies to enhance board effectiveness and organizational impact.

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:

Is your board stuck in the weeds of day-to-day operations instead of steering the organization’s big-picture direction? This workshop is all about helping boards transition from a working, operational focus to a more strategic, governance-based approach. We’ll cover why this shift is essential, explore how to clarify roles and communication, and provide practical steps for building a more effective and engaged board. Whether you’re navigating change or looking to strengthen your governance practices, this session will give you the tools to succeed.

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.

Creating Your Board Member Manual: A Guide to Stronger Boards

Workshop Description:

This workshop equips participants with the knowledge and tools to develop a comprehensive Board Member Manual—a key resource for organizational governance and effectiveness. Attendees will learn about the essential components of a board manual, strategies for implementation, and best practices for maintaining this critical document. Designed to foster collaboration and support organizational growth, the session will provide insights into onboarding, governance, and the legal responsibilities of board members.

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.

Onboarding New Board Members: Building a Stronger, More Effective Board

Workshop Description:

Starting off on the right foot makes all the difference! In this workshop, we’ll dive into the ins and outs of creating a smooth, effective onboarding process for new board members. Learn how to welcome new members in a way that makes them feel informed, engaged, and ready to contribute. This session will give you the tools and know-how to build a more connected and productive board team.

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 the Future

Workshop Description:

Succession planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming! In this workshop, we’ll walk you through the essentials of creating a solid plan to ensure your nonprofit is ready for leadership changes—whether they’re planned or unexpected. From identifying key roles to building leadership pipelines, you’ll learn practical steps to keep your organization running smoothly no matter what comes next. We’ll also share tools, templates, and tips to get you started right away.

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.

Building Strong Boards: Best Practices for Board Member Recruitment

Workshop Description:

Recruiting the right board members is essential for building sustainable, mission-driven organizations. This workshop dives into proven strategies for identifying, attracting, and engaging board members who bring the skills, perspectives, and passion your nonprofit needs. Participants will learn how to assess board composition, create clear role descriptions, tap into networks, and maintain a strong pipeline of potential candidates. Plus, we’ll cover how to set new board members up for success to ensure they feel welcome and empowered to contribute.

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.

Making Sense of Financial Statements: A Friendly Guide for Nonprofits

Workshop Description:

Do financial statements make your head spin? You’re not alone! This workshop will simplify things and show you how to use financial reports to make smart decisions for your nonprofit. We’ll cover the basics, explain key reports in plain English, and share tips for working with bookkeepers, accountants, and your board. No accounting experience needed—just a willingness to dive in and learn!

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.

Social Enterprise for Nonprofits: Combining Mission with Financial Sustainability

Workshop Description:

This interactive workshop dives into the world of social enterprise, showing nonprofits how to use business strategies to support their mission and create financial stability. We’ll cover what social enterprise is (and isn’t), explore different models, and walk through the steps to assess readiness, navigate legalities, and design a sustainable social enterprise. With practical tools and real-world examples, you’ll leave ready to take your nonprofit’s mission to the next level.

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.

Alliances And Partnerships In The Nonprofit World

Today’s lean organizations can’t survive without strong alliances to help them grow. No matter who you’re talking to—donors, potential sponsors, partners—figuring out how you can help them reach their own goals is the first step towards building long-term relationships. When ‘you and them’ becomes ‘us’, everyone wins.

We’ll uncover where your stakeholders’ needs and your organization’s goals meet.

Learning objectives include:

• How to communicate your nonprofit’s message in a more impactful way
• A better approach to uncover your stakeholder’s true needs
• Ten rules for working together while still creating social impact

Save Money, Time and Heartache Through Strategic Prospecting

Prioritizing which funders, potential partners and other stakeholders to engage with is one of the hardest parts of maintaining an organization…and one of the most crucial to get right.

Prospecting, done right, helps you focus your energy on the right people. Knowing who to connect with and key strategies to approach them increases your chance of understanding their needs and gaining their interest. Organizations that are thoughtful in their connections are far more effective—in terms of their time, energy and resources—in achieving their goals.

Learn how to reach the right people.

Learning objectives include:

• Knowing how to find demographic, psychographic and firmographic information
• How to successfully market your organization without using traditional advertising
• How to create a sustainable 12-month action plan – including a free template

RACI Charting For Board And Organizational Clarity

Borrowed from the Project Management world, RACI (ray-see) charting offers an easy and clear system for organizations to use to help reduce cross-purpose work, clarify roles and responsibilities, and improve ownership of project tasks.

This system is valuable for the Board of Directors, staff and management of the organization.

RACI helps us clarify the difference between who is: Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed

Learn the basics of RACI Charting and how you might use it in 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