*this is a two part workshop, three hours each session to complete class, January 27 & 28. Click here to register.

Development of a successful grant proposal starts long before an application is submitted. Grant writing requires planning, research, relationship building, and a well-written application. This workshop offers a systematic, no-frills approach to the grant writing process any organization can follow. Beginning or developing proposal writers will receive a comprehensive overview on how to develop a winning project, identify funders, build relationships with foundations, and write applications that meet the high standards of grantmakers. Content is geared primarily toward nonprofit professionals who are relatively new to grant writing, though more experienced proposal writers may gain new insights and information from this workshop. This class is taught by Mark Goldstein.

Cost per class: $50 (online). *classes are designed to be affordable and are free for organizations with a budget under $50K. Contact us for details.

The Nonprofit Fundamentals Certificate Program courses are offered to nonprofit organizations based in the 18 counties of western North Carolina. Please do not register for classes if you do not meet this criteria. Thank you.

*this is a two part workshop, three hours each session to complete class, February 10 & 11. Click here to register.

Understanding the value of human capital is a necessary leadership tool in today’s workplace. This course helps nonprofit leaders explore key components of acquisition and retention of the workforce needed to provide organizational stability. Learn how to better manage basic day-to-day human resources operations and lead strategic human resources initiatives. Examine the process of giving feedback to employees and prepare for and conduct a coaching session to accelerate performance. Explore practical solutions to common human resources challenges such as creating an inclusive and equitable environment, build skills related to talent acquisition, performance management, and establishing and managing foundational HR policies for your organization. There will be learnings and takeaways to add to your toolbox for the seasoned leader and those who are just starting their journey as leaders of a community nonprofit. This class is taught by Lakesha McDay.

Cost per class: $50 (online). *classes are designed to be affordable and are free for organizations with a budget under $50K. Contact us for details.

The Nonprofit Fundamentals Certificate Program courses are offered to nonprofit organizations based in the 18 counties of western North Carolina. Please do not register for classes if you do not meet this criteria. Thank you.

*this is a two part workshop, three hours each session to complete class, February 23 & 24.  Click here to register.

This workshop combines teaching with small group discussion to provide an introduction to practical methods for conducting program evaluation. During this interactive session, you will:

• Understand the value and varied applications of program evaluation;
• Learn the utility of a Theory of Change for evaluation, planning, and communication;
• Become familiar with Results-Based Accountability, an approach commonly used by organizations, agencies, and funders for program evaluation and improvement;
• Learn how to write a practical evaluation plan;
• Understand the pros and cons of various data collection methods such as surveys, interviews, and focus groups; and
• Be able to describe considerations for communicating your program evaluation results to various audiences.

By the end of the day, you will have started a Theory of Change and an evaluation plan for your program and will take home templates and tools to complete these with your program stakeholders.  This course is appropriate for representatives from organizations of any size or developmental stage, whether you are new or experienced in the nonprofit field. We encourage multiple representatives from an organization to attend together. This class is taught by Emily Kujawa and Jill Fromewick.

Cost per class: $50 (online). *classes are designed to be affordable and are free for organizations with a budget under $50K. Contact us for details.

The Nonprofit Fundamentals Certificate Program courses are offered to nonprofit organizations based in the 18 counties of western North Carolina. Please do not register for classes if you do not meet this criteria. Thank you.

*this is a two part workshop, three hours each session to complete class, March 17 & 18.  Click here to register.

Effective communication plans play a key role for nonprofits. Communicating clearly and persuasively is vital to a successful nonprofit organization.

This workshop will help you develop the tools and strategies to pull all the pieces together to create a communication plan whether the focus is to raise money or awareness of your mission.

Learn new skills and gain resources to help your organization achieve your communication objectives and create a thoughtfully developed plan to address your nonprofit’s most pressing goals.

You will discover how to:

• Craft a communication strategy
• Clarify your organization’s attributes to stand out
• Understand your audience and market
• Create message development to attract attention
• Develop strategies for public outreach including media relations and social media
• Explore crisis communication guidelines

This online live course is practical for any nonprofit wanting to strengthen its capacity in strategic communication and understand how to use communications as a tool to build awareness of issues, organizational visibility and donor base support. We encourage multiple representatives from an organization to attend together.

Following this course, you will be able to close the gaps in your current communication strategy and implementation by focusing on your priorities and resources. This class is taught by Marilyn Ball.

Cost per class: $50 (online). *classes are designed to be affordable and are free for organizations with a budget under $50K. Contact us for details.

The Nonprofit Fundamentals Certificate Program courses are offered to nonprofit organizations based in the 18 counties of western North Carolina. Please do not register for classes if you do not meet this criteria. Thank you.