Workshops & Seminars

The Perfect Ask (January 21, 2010)

Presented by Robert Bull, Jr., CFRE, The Compass Group
"The Perfect Ask" is a participatory workshop which explores tried and true strategies for soliciting major gifts.  Using a linear approach to outline the process, workshop participants are provided with a checklist of solicitation considerations, from scheduling the meeting to closing the deal.  Whether you are a new volunteer or seasoned development professional, by the end of the workshop, you will not only build a comfort level for leading up to and delivering a "Perfect Ask," but more importantly, you will understand why process is much more important than outcome!  Click here for details.

Grant Writing 101 (February 10, 2010)

Presented by Linda Koss and Mary Sobecki
The basis for successful grant writing is knowing where to find grant money and writing an effective proposal.  In this workshop, we will examine different types of funders, resources available to you to find these funders and specific grant opportunities.  We will then talk about the different sections of the grant proposal and how to write each section.  This is an introductory grant writing course.  It is open to those individuals who have little or no grant writing experience or those individuals who are looking to make their grant writing more successful.  Materials in this workshop are geared to individuals with limited or no grant writing experience.  Click here for details.

Advanced Hands-On Grant Writing (February 17 - 18, 2010)

Presented by Jack Smith
The basis for successful grant writing is a carefully designed program.  In this intensive workshop, we will examine the relationship between the organizational mission statement, needs assessments, goals, objectives, work plans and evaluations.  We will also discuss writing techniques to help make your grant writing process smarter and faster.  The instructor will share valuable content information; then as you work on your own grant writing project, he will provide consultation and support to help you refine your proposal.  In addition, you will experience the proposal review process from both sides of the table - reviewer and reviewed - further enhancing your insight into successful grant writing.  This workshop will cover:  common organizational problems, needs assessment, goals and objectives, evaluation, grant abstracts, proofreading techniques, and information on local grant seeking/writing resources.  Click here for details.

Developing Annual Sustainability (March 23 - 24, 2010) - REGISTRATION IS CLOSED

Presented by The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University
You'll Learn How To:

• Determine which strategies to use and when to use them

• Manage your time effectively

• Make a convincing case for support

• Create gift range charts for planning

• Get volunteers actively involved with your fundraising

• Use the annual fund to support a total development program

• Put together an annual fund by using worksheets

• Assess the cost efficiency and effectiveness of your annual fund

Click here for details.

Grant Writing 101 (April 17, 2010)

Presented by Linda Koss and Mary Sobecki
The basis for successful grant writing is knowing where to find grant money and writing an effective proposal.  In this workshop, we will examine different types of funders, resources available to you to find these funders and specific grant opportunities.  We will then talk about the different sections of the grant proposal and how to write each section.  This is an introductory grant writing course.  It is open to those individuals who have little or no grant writing experience or those individuals who are looking to make their grant writing more successful.  Materials in this workshop are geared to individuals with limited or no grant writing experience.  Click here for details.

Advanced Hands-On Grant Writing (April 20 - 21, 2010) - THIS WORKSHOP WILL BE HELD IN LIMA.  

Presented by Jack Smith
The basis for successful grant writing is a carefully designed program.  In this intensive workshop, we will examine the relationship between the organizational mission statement, needs assessments, goals, objectives, work plans and evaluations.  We will also discuss writing techniques to help make your grant writing process smarter and faster.  The instructor will share valuable content information; then as you work on your own grant writing project, he will provide consultation and support to help you refine your proposal.  In addition, you will experience the proposal review process from both sides of the table - reviewer and reviewed - further enhancing your insight into successful grant writing.  This workshop will cover:  common organizational problems, needs assessment, goals and objectives, evaluation, grant abstracts, proofreading techniques, and information on local grant seeking/writing resources.   Click here for details.

Why Successful Fundraising Begins and Ends with the Executive Director (July 15, 2010) - THIS WORKSHOP WILL BE HELD IN LIMA.

Presented by Aly Sterling
It's not a surprise that successful fundraising programs are anchored to Strong Executive Directors. With fundraising staff turnover at an all-time high, and with the demand for qualified staff outpacing supply, our nonprofit leadership must be able to step up and into the role of chief fundraiser. Understanding the role of the Executive Director within your organization's strategic fundraising plan is critical to its success and the overall health of your nonprofit. Learn the traits of the most successful Executive Director fundraisers and how they effectively utilize their board members and leverage their organization's assets to develop a sustainable fundraising program. This workshop is ideal for organizations with...and more importantly, without...development staff.  Click here for details.

Intermediate Grant Writing Series (August 18 - 19, 2010)

Presented by Carrie Roberts, CFRE, Roberts & Associates, Inc.
This intensive two-part workshop was created for individuals with at least one-year of grant writing experience.  Through instruction and practical exercises, the workshop will teach participants a step-by-step approach to preparing successful proposals and then provide the opportunity for proposal review and feedback.  The workshop will familiarize participants with the stages of preparing a winning proposal including: program planning, creating measurable objectives, outcomes and timelines, targeting funding research and reading "between the lines" of foundation grant guidelines.  Click here for details. 

Grant Writing 101 (September 7, 2010)

Presented by Linda Koss and Mary Sobecki
The basis for successful grant writing is knowing where to find grant money and writing an effective proposal.  In this workshop, we will examine different types of funders, resources available to you to find these funders and specific grant opportunities.  We will then talk about the different sections of the grant proposal and how to write each section.  This is an introductory grant writing course.  It is open to those individuals who have little or no grant writing experience or those individuals who are looking to make their grant writing more successful.  Materials in this workshop are geared to individuals with limited or no grant writing experience.  Click here for details.

Interpersonal Communication for Fundraising (September 8 - 9, 2010)

Presented by The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University
You'll Learn How To:

• Identify communication styles
• Expand your ability to deal with difficult situations
• Manage communication more effectively
• Use questioning skills to motivate
• Manage differences in communication styles in a positive way
• Identify and understand your constituencies
• Identify prospects' possible behaviors and how to influence them

• Listen effectively.

Click here for details.

Intermediate Grant Writing Series (September 14 - 16, 2010) - THIS WORKSHOP WILL BE HELD IN DEFIANCE.

Presented by Carrie Roberts, CFRE, Roberts & Associates, Inc.
This intensive two-part workshop was created for individuals with at least one year of grant writing experience. Through instruction and practical exercises, the workshop will teach participants a step-by-step approach to preparing successful proposals and then provide the opportunity for proposal review and feedback. The workshop will familiarize participants with the stages of preparing a winning proposal including: program planning, creating measurable objectives, outcomes and timelines, targeting funding research and reading "between the lines" of foundation grant guidelines. Click here for details.

Transformational Donor Stewardship - Earning, Retaining & Inspiring Donors for Life (October 28, 2010)

Presented by Aly Sterling, Aly Sterling Philanthropy
A great stewardship program can be the easiest way for a nonprofit to earn, retain and inspire donors to support your mission.  Today, with increasing numbers of donors dissatisfied with the charities they support, there is even bigger opportunity for nonprofits to excel and see their stewardship efforts and investment rewarded greatly.  Assisting with this unprecedented opportunity is a growing body of research around what influences and reinforces donor behavior and motivation.  From our communication strategies and solicitation techniques, to our recognition efforts - to gain loyalty we must know what is, and more importantly, what isn't working from a donor's perspective.  Click here for details.

Finding and Approaching Individual Donors (November 4, 2010)

Presented by Suzanne Seiter, CFRE, Senior Consultant, Schultz & Williams
In this pertinent workshop for mid-level development staff and board members, we'll talk about one of the most important aspects of keeping your organization's mission alive: finding and approaching individual donors.  We'll discuss how to find individual gift prospects in your own organization and the community, what makes a good prospect and how to find information about them.  Cultivating prospects so they are ready to be asked and asking for gifts so prospects will say "yes" will also be covered.  Click here for details.

Grant Writing 101 (December 8, 2010)

Presented by Linda Koss and Mary Sobecki
The basis for successful grant writing is knowing where to find grant money and writing an effective proposal.  In this workshop, we will examine different types of funders, resources available to you to find these funders and specific grant opportunities.  We will then talk about the different sections of the grant proposal and how to write each section.  This is an introductory grant writing course.  It is open to those individuals who have little or no grant writing experience or those individuals who are looking to make their grant writing more successful.  Materials in this workshop are geared to individuals with limited or no grant writing experience.  Click here for details.

HUMAN RESOURCES WORKSHOPS

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Understanding ADA & FMLA (April 29, 2010)

Presented by Sue Fyten, HR on Demand
FMLA and ADA often interact.  If you don't know how to navigate these complex regulations, including the gray areas, your organization may be at risk.  This workshop will take a detailed look at the Americans with Disabilities Act including: the primary purpose of the ADA, key ADA concepts like reasonable accommodations, essential function and qualified individual with a disability.  It will also take a detailed look at the Family Medical Leave Act including: what FMLA guarantees, types of FMLA leave, eligibility requirements, procedures to apply for leave, employer's responsibilities, and limitations and reinstatement. Materials in this workshop are geared to any individual with Human Resource responsibilities.  Click here for details.

Human Resources 101 (May 12, 2010)

Presented by Dave Tippett, PHR - Director On-Site Training and Consulting, Employers' Association
In this interactive workshop we will discuss practical, real life solutions to typical HR issues such as:

• Organizational compliance

• Employee retention
• Regulation changes
• Compensation
• Staff development

• Sexual harassment laws

This workshop is designed to help Executive Directors and management staff assess their organization's human resource status.  Whether your organization is small or large, old or new, this workshop is sure to enhance awareness of what you do well and where you might need a dash of improvement.  Click here for details.

Building Your Employee Handbook (July 14, 2010)

Presented by Benét Rupp, SHR Thing! Solutions in Human Resources
In this workshop you will learn the essential items to include in your organization's Employee Handbook.  You will also explore subjects or policies you may wish to include dependent upon your culture and organization's size.  Participants will receive policy examples and language that can be modified to suit your needs.  Process steps for creating, implementing/communicating and updating your Employee Handbook will also be reviewed.  Click here for details.

Supervision as Leadership (October 14, 2010)

Presented by Regina Podhorin, The Leadership Group
Being an effective supervisor and leader requires you to meet the big picture needs of your organization while simultaneously handling the "little details" that come from human interaction.  Participants will learn how to:

• Supervise using coaching techniques
• Switch from reactive supervision to proactive supervision
• Create organization standards that encourage peer-to-peer accountability
• Utilize tactical planning to keep everyone moving toward common goals

• Develop strategies for effective meetings that make people look forward to, rather than dread, meeting time

Click here for details.

MARKETING WORKSHOPS

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Low-Budget, Real-World Nonprofit Marketing: Picking the Right Strategies and Telling the Right Stories (February 3, 2010)

Presented by Kivi Leroux Miller, Nonprofit Marketing Guide
In today's world of message overload, there is a bewildering array of options for marketing your nonprofit, especially online.  In this interactive session, you'll learn how to make the right low budget (but impactful) marketing decisions for your organization, bringing order to the chaos.  During the second part of the session, you'll learn how to tell your organization's best stories using three different inspirational plot lines, and how to use those stories in all aspects of marketing.  Click here for details.

Cracking the Code:  Media Relations (May 6, 2010)

Presented by Lisa Sommer, Michigan Nonprofit Association
Effective advocacy not only includes working with elected officials, but also involves strategic interaction with the media and the public.  This session is broken down into two sections.  The first half of the training will focus on the tricks of the trade for effective media relations, including understanding the different types of media outlets, developing effective letters to the editor campaigns, and techniques for pitching local and statewide media to help gain increased coverage for your organization and its advocacy priorities.  During the second half, we will discuss the use of social media and how to effectively use such mediums for advocacy with legislators, the media and the public. Click here for details.

Wake Up Your Brand!  How to Distinguish Your Organization and Reach Donors in a Down Economy (August 25, 2010)

Presented by Howard Adam Levy, Red Rooster Group
This hands-on session is designed specifically for small and mid-sized social service nonprofit organizations. Facing increased pressures from all sides, it is more important than ever for organizations to distinguish themselves and to have a compelling message that appeals to members and donors. This seminar will help you to:

• Understand what branding is all about
• Learn how to review your brand
• Differentiate your organization from ones with similar missions
• Tell your organization's story to appeal to donors

• Use images effectively to attract attention and convey your message

Click here for details.

MEASUREMENT AND EVALUATION WORKSHOPS

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Performance Measurement for Nonprofits (March 18, 2010 - Morning)

Presented by Pranav Kothari, Mission Measurement
In this interactive workshop we will discuss: 

• Why Measure - Discuss major trends and drivers for performance measurement, as well as benefits and challenges

• What to Measure - Review core concepts including contribution vs. attribution, evaluation vs. measurement, and activities vs. outcomes. We will also walk through guidance on developing practical and relevant performance indicators

• How To Measure - Review and apply tools for organizations to begin implementing performance measurement in house including Readiness Checklist, Success Equations and Measurement Frameworks

• Next steps - Focused discussion on building organizational buy-in, implementing measurement and how to apply performance data to strategy, communications and resource allocation

Click here for details.

Selling Your Impact: Succeeding in an Era of Outcomes (March 18, 2010 - Afternoon)

Presented by Pranav Kothari, Mission Measurement
This interactive workshop will discuss:

• What do funders want to know - Discuss the changing landscape of fundraising, particularly from foundations and corporate funders
• How to Implement Measurement - Discuss organizational considerations, technical considerations, capacity considerations and budget considerations and the implementation process including metrics definitions, data sourcing and data validation
• How to Get the Data - Launching data collection through simplified tools including existing systems, Excel spreadsheets and online options

• Packaging Results - Developing performance reports for funders, internal and external stakeholders.

Click here for details.

Data-Driven Decisions: Organizational Dashboards (June 9, 2010)

Presented by Mary Unkel, Unkel Management & Marketing Solutions
To ensure that the organization fulfills its mission and goals, the board must recognize problems before they become urgent, identify the root causes of issues, and keep the organization on course.  This workshop will provide nonprofit staff and board members with an intuitive visual assessment tool, which outlines program statistics and outcomes.  These dashboards can be shared with funders, the community, and other important stakeholders.  Sample key indicators include: financial picture; quality of service efficiency and productivity; service outcomes; and revenue/expense.  Click here for details.

Using the Logic Model to Guide Program Planning and Performance Measurement (August 11, 2010) -  THIS WORKSHOP WILL BE HELD IN PT. CLINTON.

Presented by Margo Bailey, Ph.D.
This interactive workshop covers the four steps of planning:  identifying community needs, identifying outcomes, logic model development and evaluation, and data collection. The workshop will include opportunities for participants to develop a logic model and performance measure indicators for their organizations.  Click here for details.

Using the Logic Model to Guide Program Planning and Performance Measurement (September 15, 2010)

Presented by Margo Bailey, Ph.D.
This interactive workshop covers the four steps of planning:  identifying community needs, identifying outcomes, logic model development and evaluation, and data collection. The workshop will include opportunities for participants to develop a logic model and performance measure indicators for their organizations.  Click here for details.

 

ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS

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Managing Governance Risks (January 28, 2010)

Presented by Melanie Lockwood Herman, Nonprofit Risk Management Center
Got risk?  Attend this workshop to gain insights on the governance risks facing your organization and learn proven strategies and techniques for addressing these risks.  Find the answers and inspiration to tackle your nonprofit's toughest "what ifs" at this workshop designed for senior staff and volunteer leaders.  This fast-paced, informative and engaging workshop will explain and demonstrate how paying attention to risks - known and unknown - can fortify the mission of a nonprofit.  You will learn an easy to understand framework for identifying and addressing existing and emerging risks in large and small nonprofits alike.  Each participating organization will receive a complimentary license to My Risk Management Plan, an online tool that walks you through the creation of a customized risk management plan for your organization.  Learn how the tool works and how to begin putting a plan together that reflects your risk management goals, existing policies and aspirations.  Click here for details.

The Power of Collaboration (April 1, 2010)

Presented by Frank Abdale, Abdale Consulting
This workshop will explore the best practices of successful collaborations that can make an organization more effective in fundraising, advocacy, program delivery and/or administration.  Participants will:

• Discuss the universal principles of successful collaborations
• Identify issues on which they can collaborate
• Identify potential partners with whom they can work

• Share current challenges and recent/past successes.

Click here for details.

TECHNOLOGY WORKSHOPS

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Microsoft Word 1 - Documenting & Formatting Basics (January 14, 2010)

Presented by Jacquie Skrzypiec, Project Connect
Learn how to set your options, use toolbars, format your text, change your page set-up, set tabs, use headers and footers, and more. After this course, you will be able to enter, format and print letters, reports, proposals, etc., use tabs and page set-up.  Click here for details.

Microsoft Excel 1 - Spreadsheet & Chart Basics (March 10, 2010)

Presented by Jacquie Skrzypiec, Project Connect
Learn how to set your options, use toolbars, navigate through a spreadsheet, fill down and across, AutoSum, and more. After this course, you will be able to create a basic spreadsheet from scratch, write basic sum and average formulas, and create simple charts from your data.  Click here for details.

The Basics of Social Networking (April 22, 2010)

Presented by Andy Wolber, NPower Michigan
Join us to learn the basics of blogs, RSS (really simple syndication) feeds, and social networking tools such as Twitter and Facebook. You will learn how several nonprofits are using social media tools and how to decide which tools make the most sense for your organization. We will also show you how to get started with your own accounts. We'll also discuss how social media tools change the roles of staff and volunteers. And you'll learn where social media might best be integrated into your organization. Most importantly, you'll leave with a basic framework needed to identify how social media fits into your overall communication plan.  Click here for details.

Microsoft Word 2 - Tables, Merges & Macros (June 16, 2010) - REGISTRATION IS CLOSED

Presented by Jacquie Skrzypiec, Project Connect
This course is designed for those who feel they aren't using Microsoft Word to its full potential. Learn how to insert, format, and manipulate tables, as well as complete a mail merge. We'll also cover recording and using macros. Prerequisite: Skills covered in Microsoft Word 1.  Click here for details.