Workshops

This workshop introduces nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and communications staff to artificial intelligence (AI) in a simple, practical way. It is designed for beginners but also includes “stretch” options for participants with more experience. Everyone will leave with AI examples they create themselves, a “prompt library,” and a clear roadmap for using AI safely and strategically.

By the end of the workshop, participants will:

• Understand what AI is (and what it isn’t).
• Feel confident trying AI for donor development and communications.
• Create donor thank-you and stewardship drafts during the session.
• Leave with a co-created prompt library.
• Know how to explain AI’s value to boards and funders.

NOTE: please bring a laptop or tablet to this workshop. Attendees will be have activities or exercises which require one to get the most benefit from this workshop.

Hear from Sam why you should attend!

This highly interactive seminar inspires leaders to become more engaging, effective, empathic, to-the-point communicators. Through discussion and the analysis of entertaining positive and negative video vignettes depicting relevant and sometimes difficult conversations, attendees are challenged to become more effective and customer-focused in their communications.

Participants will learn two core techniques to enable them to get to the point clearly and concisely.

Storytelling is essential to the success of any nonprofit. This workshop equips participants with practical tools to design and deliver impactful presentations. The session explores the importance of first impressions, body language, and vocal delivery as critical elements of communication and influence. We will also address the fears of public speaking, helping participants identify and unpack what holds them back, while developing strategies to manage nerves and harness a positive mindset for success. Through interactive practice rounds participants will develop their own captivating story to share for the purpose of attracting donors and team members/volunteers.

Most organizations have a general ledger that has become much more complex over time. That’s because modifications occur in the “heat of battle” without much thought to the big picture.

This workshop will give you the tools to view your finances from a high-level perspective and simplify your reporting.

Do you have more than 10 revenue accounts? Do you have more than 30 expense accounts?

If you answered “yes” to either question, your accounting system is probably more complex and cumbersome than it needs to be.

Organization and clarity of financial information is key to making effective business decisions.

This introductory session breaks down the basics of planned giving and why it matters for every nonprofit—no matter the size. Learn how planned gifts work, what motivates donors to make them, and how these future-focused contributions can create lasting impact. We’ll cover simple ways to start a planned giving program, key terms and gift types to understand, and how to begin meaningful conversations with donors about leaving a legacy.

Bylaws are a nonprofit board’s operating manual. They contain rules that govern both the board’s structure and how it functions. These rules can support a positive and effective board culture, or they can cause confusion and undermine your best efforts.

In Building Better Bylaws, we will demystify this important document. Participants will learn about the important relationship between state law, Articles of Incorporation, and bylaws; discuss the most recent leading practices; and explore specific examples to assist in developing relevant and understandable governing rules.

This workshop is ideal for board officers, members of Governance committees, and directors of organizations that have not updated their bylaws in the past three years.

Explore the tools and techniques that help donors make meaningful, lasting gifts to your organization. This session demystifies planned giving options—from bequests and charitable gift annuities to trusts and beneficiary designations—and shows how each can align with donor goals and your nonprofit’s mission. Learn how to identify the best strategies for your organization, communicate their benefits with confidence, and build a sustainable pipeline of future gifts that secure your mission for generations to come.

Elevate your digital communications in this hands-on workshop built for results. Master the 7 C’s—Customer, Content, Context, Community, Convenience, Cohesion, and Conversion—and learn to apply the RPIE method (Research, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation) with precision. Through guided practice and real-world examples, you’ll gain actionable strategies across email marketing, digital advertising, design, social media, and public relations. You won’t just learn—you’ll build. Leave with refined tactics, a clear plan, and ideas you can put into action immediately.

Learn how an endowment can strengthen your nonprofit’s long-term stability and mission impact. This session covers the essentials of creating and growing an endowment, using it strategically, and communicating its value to donors. Discover why endowments inspire lasting support and how to have meaningful conversations that turn donor passion into permanent resources for your organization’s future.

Your nonprofit needs funds to operate. The way you secure those funds is evolving. Even if your organization has never raised funds from philanthropic sources before, you likely need to now. Which means you have to use every resource available... including each member of your board of directors. This session covers specifics on what the board needs to do as a whole and what each member can do individually to help the organization succeed in fundraising.

The right words can turn a casual supporter into a lifelong champion. In this interactive workshop, nonprofit professionals will learn how to harness the power of storytelling, understand donor motivations, and tailor messages that truly resonate. They will walk away with practical tools to craft compelling messages that inspire action and deepen engagement. Continuing education credits (3) from CFRE are pending.

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the Board Chair’s role and responsibilities along with proven leadership practices. The Board Chair - Chief Executive partnership; designing engaging board meetings; leading with purpose; meeting facilitation; and communication will all be addressed along with tools to implement in your organization. Individuals will leave with a clear approach to leading their organization for optimal impact and efficiency. This session is ideal for those who have been elected to the Chair or Vice Chair position, anyone considering these roles, and individuals interested in honing their leadership skills.

Nonprofit organizations often embark on capital projects with a strong vision and successful fundraising, yet still encounter budget shortfalls, scope reductions, or delivery challenges due to gaps in early project decision making. This workshop focuses on what must be resolved before design and construction begin, specifically how scope, budget, and risk are defined, aligned, and managed. Participants will gain a practical understanding of how total project costs are truly structured, including soft costs, permitting, site conditions, contingencies, and market factors that are frequently underestimated. The session introduces a clear framework for aligning program goals with realistic budgets early, helping organizations avoid late stage compromises and difficult trade-offs. It also clarifies when and how to engage key project partners, and how those decisions directly influence cost, schedule, and outcomes. Attendees will leave with a structured checklist and toolkit to support more informed decisions and stronger alignment between mission, funding, and final project delivery.

This workshop will focus on a core leadership communication skill necessary for building trust, enhancing staff, donor and board member satisfaction and improving the bottom line. 

• Participants will identify their strengths and development skills related to listening
• Learn and practice how to use active listening techniques to uncover issues, strengthen empathy and build rapport
• Become more attuned to the deeper needs of others
• Listen beyond the words (read non-verbal cues)

Succession planning for both board and staff is essential for smooth leadership transitions and business continuity. This workshop will help leaders design and implement a clear process for planned and unplanned transitions. Personnel development and budgeting, also vital to succession planning, are incorporated into the process. Participants will leave with tools and templates to create succession plans for their organization.