2007 WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS

Workshop Descriptions of the 2007 New Haven Nonprofit Academy Rethinking Organizational Capacity (Kick-off workshop for both groups)

This workshop provides an overview of the different dimensions of organizational capacity building, how it happens, and the organizational attributes of organizations at different level of capacity. The workshop explores the organizational life cycle and explains factors that promote and impede the development of organizational performance. Anti-Defamation League “A Community of Difference” (Final workshop for both groups) This workshop is designed to provide practical, hands-on training to social service workers, volunteers and staffs of community organizations and equip them with the skills to challenge prejudice and discrimination, foster intergroup understanding, and present strategies on how to work together more effectively. Emerging Organizations 1. Starting a Non-Profit This course will cover the basics of filing for legal status as a non-profit institution. Attendees will be guided through the process of applying for 501(c) (3) status with the IRS and for incorporation with the State of Connecticut. 2. Organizing a Board of Directors This workshop is designed to help new organizations build or re-build their Boards of Directors. Topics include roles and responsibilities of Board members, recruiting Board members, articulating expectations and building cohesion on the Board. 3. Developing Mission and Vision Statements that Work This course is geared towards those seeking to start a new non-profit organization but is also helpful for those seeking to re-evaluate their current vision and mission statements. Participants will be assisted in crafting mission statements that cater to the goals of their organization, the present and future needs of the communities they serve, and the values of their organization. 4. Running Effective Meetings Participants will learn how to facilitate meetings for their organization, including board meetings and committee meetings. Attendees will discuss the basics of organizing community forums and public hearings. 5. Organizing Your Financial Records This is a basic workshop for new groups that covers the basics of financial record-keeping, producing basic financial statements and documenting the use of funds for the purpose of grant reporting. 6. Seeking Funding: Grant Writing Basics In this course, participants will be led through the basics of the grant writing process as well as tips for finding grant opportunities for their organization. Participants will be instructed in the federal grant process, applying for local and state grants, finding opportunities in the private philanthropic arena and learn of other funding opportunities in our local area such as loan funds and community foundations. 7. Project Planning for Success The workshop helps participants understand the differences between program outcomes, program results and goals. Using a planning approach, participants will be able to clearly articulate programmatic objectives to funders and other stakeholders. 8. Orientation of the Nonprofit & Philanthropic Resource Center The NPRC is a centralized regional resource for grant-seekers, grant-makers, researchers, board members, fundraisers—anyone working or interested in the nonprofit sector. The Resource Center has an up to date collection of over 6,000 books, periodicals, and audio-visual materials. In addition, the NPRC has a database available for those interested in researching funding opportunities. Community Development Organizations 1. The Basics of Strategic Planning Participants in this session will discuss the importance of having a strategic plan for their organization as well as the importance of succession planning for organizational longevity and stability. Attendees will talk about topics such as re-assessing the goals, values and vision of their organization, assessing community and organizational needs 2. Program Evaluation and Assessment This workshop uses a case study approach to build an understanding among workshop participants of the elements of program evaluation and program design. Participants will also learn how to use evaluation as a learning tool that helps them build stronger programs and makes them more attractive to potential funders. 3. Technology Basics for Nonprofit Managers The workshop is designed to help you get started with the process of developing a technology plan, make informed technology investments, and use technology to help accomplish the organization’s mission. 4. Intermediate Grant Writing Organizations that have a history of grant seeking will learn about the latest trends in the field, how to evaluate their own grants program, how to expand their efforts, and how to become more successful in winning grants. 5. Financial Management Concepts for Nonprofit Organizations This two-part workshop is for staff and Board members who need to understand the language of accounting and have a basic ability to interpret financial information. The workshop will provide you with an understanding of basic concepts, terminology and how financial statements are organized, and commonly used tools for analyzing financial statements. You will spend time in teams learning to apply these tools to analyzing financial statements, including your own if you choose. 6. Board Roles & Responsibilities This workshop covers the full range of strategic and practical elements necessary for successful nonprofit boards. This workshop is ideal for executive directors and board members who wish to better understand the workings of a nonprofit board and how to improve board performance. 7. Fundraising for Sustainability Attendees will discuss the importance of creating long-range fundraising plans for their organizations, creative fundraising strategies, creating an endowment, the importance of active board members, and diversifying grant and donor sources. Learn about the fundamentals of developing a comprehensive fundraising plan that involves the staff, Board and volunteers in seeking grants, running special events, starting an annual appeal, and more. 8. Succession Planning for Nonprofit Organizations Succession of the Executive Director and Board members is the collective responsibility of the Board of Directors. This workshop uses a case study method to explore different aspects of succession management so that continuity and leadership stability is insured. If your organization anticipates a change in executive directors within the next three years, start succession planning now.

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