Thursday, October 29

Session 1 (8:35 - 9:55 a.m.)

Thursday - 1A

Lobbying 101: Yes you can!

Ellen Brilliant, Apex Strategies; Fofi Mendez , Mendez Consulting Inc.; Kevin Paul, Heizer | Paul LLP; Saskia Dehring, Heizer | Paul LLP

This fast-paced session explores the practicalities and legalities of 501(c)(3) advocacy. Learn from a team of lawyers, lobbyists, and advocates how to play the political game and how to make the law work for your organization.

Thursday - 1B

A Journey to Inclusiveness

Lonnie McCabe, Inclusiveness Collaborative/ A Learning Community; Mike Johnson, Project PAVE; Brooke Chandler, Rocky Mountain Development Office; Adrienne Mansanares, The Denver Foundation

The goal of this workshop is to increase understanding of how creating a culture of inclusiveness not only forwards the mission of nonprofits and strengthen communities but is a personal and professional transformation. Take-home: Maximize the contributions of nonprofit board, staff, clients, and donors; Assess your readiness to begin inclusiveness work; Access Inclusiveness Learning Community for support

Thursday - 1C

Insider Secrets of High Performing Boards

Denise Clark, Denise Clark, LLC

Vast amounts of information on effective governance exists, yet most nonprofit boards are under-performing. Learn how to turn your board around and create a high performing culture in the boardroom. Take-home: Identify barriers that inhibit board effectiveness ; Learn practical tips for improving board performance; Discuss ways to creatively fire up and engage board members

Thursday - 1D

Change is Not a Four-Letter Word

Susan Spero, Spero and Company, LLC

In 2009, change is not optional. Nonprofits must learn how to manage change productively. By understanding how people react to new and uncertain situations, they can make change an opportunity for creativity and improvements.Take-home: Understand William Bridges' model of change and transition & its relevance to their organization; Explore tools to strengthen relationships with board, staff, volunteers & other stakeholders; Apply these tools and ideas to specific challenges they currently face with changes they must manage effectively

Thursday - 1E

Hands-on Grant Proposals: Learn by Reviewing Proposals

Jay Katz, Colorado Grants

The training will provide you with an opportunity to review two short grant proposals, comparing information in those proposals against best practices for proposal writing. You will work in small groups to review the proposals, identifying strengths and areas for improvement, and gaining skills to apply to your own proposals. Take-home: Learn best practices for grant proposals; Learn how teams of reviewers respond to a grant proposal; Gain skills to objectively analyze their own grant proposals before they are submitted

Thursday - 1F

Spreading the Word to Gain Ground

Jeff Pryor, Anschutz Family Foundation; Alexander Mitchell, Pathfinder Solutions

Major products advertising slogans are recognizable, i.e. "Just do it." Yet t nonprofits struggle to be recognized. - Why? What works in deliberate communication? Learn about presenting value, creating confidence in the ask, spreading the word! Take-home: Building language that is non apologetic; Engaging board members to become deliberate ambassadors; Sharpening the case - improving the odds that people will say "yes"

Thursday - 1G

Strategic Human Capital Planning for Nonprofit Organizations: Making the Most of Your Human Resources

Jessica Sowa, School of Public Affairs, University of Colorado Denver

Learning how to plan for and utilize human capital (paid and volunteer) can help nonprofits better deliver on their mission today and in the future. This session will focus on core principles of strategic human capital planning and techniques for implementation. Take-home: Core principles of strategic human capital planning; Analyzing workforce gaps and surpluses; Connecting human resources to organizational goals

Thursday - 1H

The New Form 990, 990-EZ, 990-N: Challenges and Opportunities

John Haeck, CPA, JR Haeck Professional Corporation

This session will provide Form 990 background information, highlight changes to Form 990, and describe issues surrounding information gathering and completion of this new IRS filing requirement.Take-home: Insights into why the IRS redesigned Form 990; Tricks and sources for information gathering; How to use Form 990 to brag about your organization

Thursday - 1I

Increasing Organizational Capacity through Collaboration

Ashley Kasprzak, JVA Consulting, LLC; David Washington, Center for African American Health; Richard Gall, Volunteers of America; Ruth Jones, Zion Senior Center

Join representatives from JVA Consulting, Volunteers of America, Center for African American Health and Zion Senior Center to learn how collaboration has markedly increased Zion's capacity to serve those in need in east Denver.Take-home: The foundation of an effective collaboration; Tips to foster successful working relationships in collaborations; How to do more for your clients by collaborating with others

Session 2 (10:10 - 11:30 a.m.)

Thursday - 2A

Let's Get Together! Building and Maintaining Strong Coalitions

Abigail Hinga, The Bell Policy Center; Matt Sundeen, The Bell Policy Center; Megan Van Ens, The Colorado C-3 Roundtable; Ellen Brilliant, Apex Strategies; Carlos Valverde, Colorado Progressive Coalition

Coalition management is vital to achieving broad goals, both at the local and state level. This session will provide insights into best practices and common pitfalls encountered as different groups try to work together. Take-home: Different structures for strong coalition building; Innovative techniques to foster common understanding; How to maintain and strengthen a coalition over the long-term

Thursday - 2B

Nonprofit Facilities: 7 Steps to Real Estate Stewardship

Cherie Kirschbaum, City Projects, Inc.; Jason Newcomer, Natural Capital Management

NPO's are real estate users who plan for capital projects and renovations, and encounter urgent and costly repairs. This roundtable will discuss organizational readiness/planning, construction and the financing of projects. Information will be shared related to available resources and potential solutions.Take-home: Understand the responsibilities and opportunities associated with owning or leasing real estate in the nonprofit sector; Learn the best practices for assessing organizational readiness, planning & construction of nonprofit facilities; Recognize the essential components of a financial plan for your projects

Thursday - 2C

How to Keep Non-Profits and Their Board Members out of the Headlines

Rich Todd, Innovest Portfolio Solutions, LLC

Non-profits face the challenge of managing their organizations the right way. The speakers will share their experience with boards, committees and staff in the areas of policies and procedures, board governance, and fiduciary duty.Take-home: Knowledge of Accepted Board Policies and Procedures; Knowledge of Fiduciary Duties of Board Members and Staff Members; Knowledge of Best Practices of Investment Committees

Thursday - 2D

The Nonprofit Leadership Pipeline: Passing (and Receiving!) the Torch

Lydia McCoy

As many nonprofit leaders near retirement, much has been written about a potential leadership gap. In this session we will examine the research supporting and disputing claims of an impending gap, analysis of the state of emerging leadership, and a discussion of the opportunities and threats presented in the transition. This session is targeted to leaders interested in engaging next generation leadership in succession planning and emerging leaders who are interested in preparing themselves to receive the torch.

Thursday - 2E

Master the NEW Colorado Common Grant Report!

Lauren Price, Community Resource Center; Kerry Lupher, JVA Consulting, LLC

Learn the ins and outs of the NEW Common Grant Report, publicly launched July 2009. We'll focus on mastering the new questions in the Report, as well as the new financial and evaluation attachments. Take-home: Get prepared to write a stellar report before your next report is due; Learn how to communicate unexpected developments to your funder; Handle the new questions and attachment requirements with confidence

Thursday - 2F

Public Relations

Jean Galloway, The Galloway Group

This insider's guide to navigating the media marketplace will focus on the "relationship side" of public relations while creating public relations opportunities that present a consistent and compelling message to various constituents.

Thursday - 2G

Employment Tax and Fringe Benefit Issues for Nonprofit Organizations

Denise Hoffman, Rothgerber Johnson & Lyons; Jennifer C. Cottrell, GHP Horwath

As employers, nonprofits face specific employment issues that affect their continued compliance with IRS regulations. Join us for an overview of employment tax issues for nonprofit organizations. Take-home: How to classify employees vs independent contractors - and what are the risks?; How to tax benefits; Related Form 990 reporting issues

Thursday - 2H

Fiscal Sponsorship

Melinda Higgs, Colorado Nonprofit Development Center

Thursday - 2I

The Benefits of Membership

Gerry Rasel, Colorado Nonprofit Association

Membership with the Colorado Nonprofit Association brings with it many valuable benefits. Are you making the most of your membership dollar? Did you know the Association added SEVERAL new benefits in 2009? Whether you're already a member, or you're considering joining, this is your opportunity to learn about all the benefits of membership.Take-home: How membership with the Association saves you money!; How membership with the Association provides you the opportunity to network; How the Association represents the interests of nonprofit organizations

Session 3 (1:10 - 2:30 p.m.)

Thursday - 3A

Nonprofits Count! Engagement in the 2010 Census

Martha Rodriguez, City and County of Denver; Mike Roque, Denver Office of Strategic Partnerships; Patricia Rodriguez, US Census Bureau

The 2010 Census is critical to the future of our communities. Census data gives us money and power and the truest statistics to our country. An accurate and complete count of every resident is key to receiving the moneys necessary to support our communities.Take-home: Understand the financial and political implications of Census data; Explore the different ways to engage constituents in Census outreach; Understand how accurate Census outcomes can better benefit resources and expansion

Thursday - 3B

Forces of Change: Positioning Your Organization for Success in the New Economy

Raylene Decatur, Decatur & Company, LLC

Recessions prompt fundamental changes in the operating environment for the nonprofit sector. What changes are occurring as a result of the current recession? Will these changes have a lasting impact? How will the new or accelerated trends impact you, and your organization? This session focuses on how to relate changing trends to your organization's strategy.Take-home: Increased awareness of current trends that may impact your organization; Assessing what kind of planning or actions may be needed now to assure organization success and effectiveness in the future; Realization that we need to focus on the challenges of today, while keeping our perspective on the future needs of our community.

Thursday - 3C

Building Organizational Capacity through Volunteer Engagement

Jill Friedman Fixler, JFFixler & Associates

In challenging economic times it is essential for nonprofits to make volunteer engagement a key operational strategy. This workshop provides tools and techniques to create high-impact volunteer engagement initiatives to help organizations survive and thrive.Take-home: Develop a clear understanding of today's volunteer environment; Develop the ability to access the skills, talents, and abundant resources of high-impact volunteers; Identify high-impact volunteer engagement opportunities and the changing role of volunteers and staff in capacity building

Thursday - 3D

The White-Glove Test: Conducting an Organizational Assessment

Ilene Roggensack, Third Sector Innovations, Inc.

We'll look at the how-to's in assessing your organization's governance/management, program services, use of technology, planning and more. You'll gain tools for conducting audits, consider when to self assess, and understand the benefits of an assessment process.Take-home: Knowledge of the benefits of organizational assessment, and when it is most beneficial; Methods and tools for assessment - eg. board effectiveness, use of technology, staff satisfaction, etc.; Ability to discern whether self assessment or outside auditor is applicable to a given situation

Thursday - 3E

Major Construction: Building a major gifts program from the ground up

Perry Jowsey, American Indian College Fund; Eileen Egan, American Indian College Fund

We will examine how to develop and implement a major giving program for small to moderate nonprofits. Special focus will be given to acquiring donors, examination of best practices, and timetables and benchmarking. Time will be allotted for discussion where attendees collaborate and apply the principles of the workshop to their respective organizations. Take-home: Donor Scoring: A report card to categorize major donor prospects; 8 infrastructure essentials needed to secure major gifts; Your initial compass: how to acquire and solicit in year one

Thursday - 3F

Save Time and be More Effective (and Efficient!) with Strategic Communications Planning

Sarah Rasmussen, MGA Communications, Inc.; Claire Haupt, MGA Communications

Join MGA's public relations professionals to learn how a strategic communications plan can help your nonprofit save time and be more efficient! We'll cover planning basics and planning in an ideal world v. reality.Take-home: Tying your communications planning to your nonprofit's overall goals ; Easy-to-use planning models and tools ; Best practices for implementing and maintaining your plan

Thursday - 3G

Are You Ready? Emergency Preparedness for Your Organization

Ken Pinnock, Mountain States Employers Council

Thursday - 3H

Investment Opportunities in Today's Market

Scott Middleton, Innovest Portfolio Solutions, LLC

The 2008 financial crisis spooked many investment committees into paralysis or into making significant investment mistakes. Here are the historical lessons and future opportunities that should be examined by organizations and their investment committees.

Thursday - 3I

Getting Started with Donor Management Systems

TC Werner, A Good Quest

Is your nonprofit ready to take the next step and move from Excel to a Donor Management System? Come learn how to find the right system, prepare your data, and get set up for success.Take-home: Questions to ask when researching Donor Management Systems; Data preparation checklist; Fundraising 101 Terminology: Designing a system to grow with your development efforts

Session 4 (3:40 - 5:00 p.m.)

Thursday - 4A

Looking Forward: Colorado's Economic Future

Carol Hedges, Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute; Rich Jones, The Bell Policy Center; Alex Medler, Colorado Children's Campaign

Colorado faces significant challenges providing community supporting services during the recession but economic recovery will not solve the State's economic challenges. This session will explore Colorado's fiscal future and its implications for the state's nonprofit sector. Take-home: Better understand the state's fiscal outlook; Learn how your organization can participate in state fiscal reform; Discover how the state's funding outlook affects your non profit

Thursday - 4B

Roundtable Discussion: Making the Most of Principles & Practices for Nonprofit Excellence in Colorado

Sharon Knight, Colorado Nonprofit Association; Martha Vail, Martha Vail Consulting, Training & Facilitation; Kim Sharkey, The Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis

Are you putting Principles & Practices to work in your organization? Join us for this roundtable discussion about the challenges and opportunities you've encountered along the way.

Thursday - 4C

Playing to the Strengths of Multigenerational Volunteers

Matt Smith, The Bring Your A Game to Work Initiative

For the first time in history, we have four generations volunteering and engaged in the community. Join us to learn new strategies for involving different generations in the work of your organization.Take-home: Understanding of norms, habits and volunteer preferences of the four generations ; Learn about the attitudes and perceptions of different generations; Actively engage in building strategies to engage all generations to strengthen your organization

Thursday - 4D

Cultivating a Culturally Responsive Organization

Elliott Cisneros, The Sum

This session will provide participants with a framework for understanding stages of individual and organizational cultural responsiveness. It will explore tools for assessment and teach strategies to support the cultivation of cultural responsiveness for individuals and organizations.Take-home: A framework of how to assess their organization's cultural responsiveness; An awareness of what a culturally responsive organization is and why it's important; A basic understanding of how to support an organization in becoming culturally responsive

Thursday - 4E

Join the Party! Maximizing Events for Donor Excavation, Cultivation and Solicitation

Susan Kramer, Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado

Every nonprofit hosts events. Make it a party! Learn to develop lay relationships in the event planning & execution process, identify pop-up donors, and move donor/prospects along the moves management continuum. Take-home: Make it a Party!; Moves Management - Donors and Prospects; Lay Engagement & Management

Thursday - 4F

The 12 Most Common Nonprofit Branding Challenges

Stacy Lewis, Sector Brands

This seminar identifies the "dirty dozen"--the most common brand issues that move organizations off track in promoting their authentic brand. It presents practical common sense solutions to resolving these issues through case studies, exercises and interactive dialogue.Take-home: How to identify the ideal organizational conditions for a brand; What's working and not working with your organization's brand; Simple solutions for putting your brand on track

Thursday - 4G

Hot Topics in Nonprofit Law

Thomas Schenkelberg, Polsinelli Shughart PC

In today's environment of heightened scrutiny, nonprofits need to know the hot legal topics facing tax-exempt entities. Two leading nonprofit legal experts will discuss these issues as well as what lies ahead for tax-exempt organizations.Take-home: Update on current legal issues; Knowledge of what nonprofits should be doing now; Preview of upcoming IRS initiatives and other developments for nonprofits

Thursday - 4H

Niche Financing Resources-Is There a Fit for Your Needs?

Jeff Seifried, Mile High Community Loan Fund; Rosanne Sterne, The Colorado Nonprofit Loan Fund

Thursday - 4I

Take Control of Your Nonprofit Career Path

Young Nonprofit Professionals Network

What skills do you really need to move ahead in the nonprofit sector? Are you wondering how you can intentionally create career goals? How do you develop relationships that can help guide your path? Hosted by the Denver Young Nonprofit Professionals Network, this interactive course will take participants through the steps of developing a personal strategic plan for career advancement.

Friday, October 30

Session 1 (8:35 - 9:55 a.m.)

Friday - 1A

Tools of Public Engagement

Liza Fox, The Adams Group; Chris Adams, The Adams Group

Learn how to more effectively engage your clients, community, and other stakeholders in your organization - getting and keeping them involved and soliciting their input and feedback regarding programs and important decisions. Take-home: Understand the importance of engaging your "public" in strategic decisions and important programs; Become familiar with the various tools available to encourage public engagement and learn how to use them effectively; Learn how other nonprofits utilize tools of public engagement through interactive discussions and utilizing keypad polling technology

Friday - 1B

It's A Transitional Life: Preparing Your Organization for Change

Linda Boedeker, Transition Leadership, LLC

Change is the one constant we can all count on in the nonprofit world. Learn how you can be prepared for organizational change - the departure of an executive, senior manager, board member, or other key leader - from an experienced Interim Executive Director. Take-home: How we can prepare for the departure of a leader?; What should be our first steps when a leader leaves? ; How can we assure a smooth transition for a new leader?

Friday - 1C

A New Era of Service - Understanding the New Kennedy Serve America Act

Toya Nelson, Governor's Commission on Community Service; Bruce Cline, Corporation for National and Community Service

Passage in 2009 of Kennedy "Serve America Act", and President Obama's new call to service mark a new era in leadership and support for community service. This session will focus on the benefits of the new federal legislation and its impact on Colorado's non- profit community. Take-home: Knowledge of potential funding opportunities and resources; Interactive discussion of how Colorado non-profit organizations can benefit from this new law

Friday - 1D

Joining Forces: Nonprofit Mergers and Models for Partnering

Sharon Knight , Colorado Nonprofit Association; Kelleen Zubick, Community Resource Center

Friday - 1E

It's Not About the Money: A New Way to Approach Fundraising

Martha Vail, Martha Vail Consulting, Training & Facilitation

Ever been faced with looks of terror, disgust or despair when you tried to "get" your board and staff to fund raise? This session offers hope! Empower your organization with a radically different and totally empowering way of thinking about fundraising.Take-home: The consequences of money-based fundraising; The benefits of mission-driven engagement; How to introduce mission-driven fundraising to your nonprofit

Friday - 1F

Social Media 101 - Get the Tools to Get Started on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn

Dawn Crawford, Colorado Children's Immunization Coalition; Dana Rinderknecht, Community First Foundation

You've heard of Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, but want to put it to work for your nonprofit? Get the tools you need to get started in social media to build donations, awareness and advocates.Take-home: Learn the basics about the most popular social media platforms; Measurement tools to share social media engagement with board and staff; Ask social media experts your questions

Friday - 1G

Managing and Coaching The Generations

Jon Drogheo, HRPartner Consulting

There are positive aspects about Gen-Y, X-ers, Boomers and the Mature generations working together; however, understanding them is a challenge. Organizations that effectively tap into the generations achieve business goals, customer satisfaction, stability and growth. Take-home: Participants will be provided information and education regarding generational behaviors; Learn each generations respective viewpoints about coaching and management; Participants will receive practical strategies and tips to work more effectively with a multigenerational workforce to achieve goals

Friday - 1H

Be Ready When You Borrow in the New Economy

Mary Groves, Peck, Shaffer & Williams LLP; Kevin Shaw, Colorado State Bank & Trust; Teresa Kerrigan, Raw Land Solutions, LLC

Learn how banks analyze nonprofit credit in today's market. Find out how comprehensive real estate planning can make your project stand out. Don't let potential legal issues interfere with getting the lowest cost financing available.Take-home: Learn how bankers underwrite nonprofits in today's economy and how to present yourself most advantageiously; Understand how your real estate project development and up-front due diligence can make or break your financing options; Know how to ensure you are ready to borrower from a legal perspective at the lowest interest rates

Friday - 1I

Power Play: Tackling Bullying in the Workplace

Lisa Scott, Speaker/Trainer

Got power? Know how to use it? In this high-energy session, you'll learn the roles played in a bullying drama – including relational bullying (gossip and exclusion) – and learn effective keys to prevention and intervention.Take-home: Strong knowledge of the three types of bullying: physical, verbal and relational; Understanding of the roles played in a bullying drama - including the role you most often play ; Gain keys to prevent bullying and ways to intervene when bullying does happen

Session 2 (10:10 - 11:30 a.m.)

Friday - 2A

Breaking Down the Walls: Partnering with Local Government

Dace West, Denver Office of Strategic Partnerships

Connecting with government is not always about elected officials – sometimes forming relationships with government agencies can be a powerful tool in accomplishing your nonprofit's objectives. In these economic times, public-private partnerships are more important than ever. From ARRA dollars to program partnerships, learn how working with local and state government can work for you.Take-home: Understand the cultural and informational gaps that make it hard to work with government; Learn concrete tips and tools for getting to and working with government partners; Identify and plan for a range of opportunities for potential partnerships for your own agency

Friday - 2B

Consensus Building When Collaboration Really Counts

Anne Neal, VIsion-Mission-Strategy, Inc. and ICA Denver

Getting diverse groups with varying opinions to agree on anything can be a huge challenge to effective collaboration. Discover a consensus-building method where every voice is heard and every idea is considered equally.Take-home: Clarify what consensus is and its many misconceptions; Experience building consensus on a topic relevant to nonprofits; Learn a 5 Step consensus building process

Friday - 2C

Neighboring: Building your Volunteer Program in Communities of Color

Cheryl Clark, Metro Volunteers

This workshop is designed to help those who have struggled to build effective relationships outside of the norm. Participants will learn how to create win win partnerships through asset mapping and techniques to create sustainable, inclusive relationships between, communities of color, non- profit organizations and service providers. Take-home: Identify the issues and obstacles currently preventing you from building effective relationships; Identify and cultivate community members' skills to strengthen your program; Discover techniques to empower communities and build mutually rewarding partnerships

Friday - 2D

Financial Management for Executive Directors

Julie LeRudis, Boettcher Foundation; Susan Steele, Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation

We'll present an overview of nonprofit financial management from a grantmaker's perspective, designed for executive directors, nonprofit finance staff, and board leadership.

Friday - 2E

Development on a Dime - Do More with Less!

Emily Ditty, RSVP of Boulder County; Dana Bacardi, There with Care; Susan Corbett, Intercambio de Communidades; Judy Nogg, Veterans Helping Veterans Now

We are living in one of the most exciting and innovative climates for fundraising! Slashed fundraising budget? No problem! Learn how to streamline your resource development plan, launch high-quality low-cost events, maximize appeals, create fruitful fundraising collaborations, and upgrade donors! Take-home: How to shed those unwanted fundraising pounds - streamline!; Buddy up and bulk up your fundraising event with a great partner; Raise the bar - upgrade donors without breaking a sweat

Friday - 2F

Social Media 102 - I've got Friends, Followers and Subscribers...Now What?

Dawn Crawford, Colorado Children's Immunization Coalition; Dana Rinderknecht, Community First Foundation

Your organization has joined the world of social media…now what? Learn how to maximize social media strategies for your nonprofit. Get strategies for specific causes and tools to create a social media plan.Take-home: Specific social media strategies for different cause groups - human services, arts, foundations, etc; Social media planning tool that puts structure, responsibility and focus to social media involvement; Time to ask specific questions to social media experts

Friday - 2G

Mile High Overview of Cost Containment, Claims Management, and Safety Hazards in the Office Environment

Patrick McGill, Pinnacol Assurance

This session will include an overview of information regarding Cost Containment Certification and office safety followed by a fun safety "jeopardy style" game with additional time for Q&A throughout and at the end.Take-home: Overview of the six steps of Cost Contaniment; Visual hazard recognition; Office ergonomic safety

Friday - 2H

Accessing the Tax-Exempt Marketplace

John Self, Wells Fargo Brokerage Services, LLC; Brent Kline, Kline Alvarado Veio, PC; Tim David, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Join us for an overview of tax-exempt bonds for 501(c)3 charitable organizations. We'll learn about accessing credit markets during an increasingly difficult market and selecting the right marketplaces for your nonprofit.Take-home: How Do I Obtain Financing for My Project?; Is There a Tax Benefit?; When Do I Use Tax-Exempt Financing?

Friday - 2I

People Reading Goggles

Dave Meyer, ECI Learning Systems LLC

Wouldn't it be great if you could know exactly what people expected from you BEFORE they asked you? You can. You just need People Reading Goggles to read the signs. Take-home: Learn the 4 primary personality types; Discover your own preferences for how you communicate ; Understand how others wish to have you communicate with them

Session 3 (1:10 - 2:30 p.m.)

Friday - 3A

Creating a Grassroots Needs Assessment

Kerry Lupher/JVA, JVA Consulting, LLC

Needs assessments are incredibly useful and critically important for planning programs in the community. We'll discuss what they look like and how to conduct an accurate and thorough assessment for any size organization and budget.Take-home: Why conduct a needs assessment; How to conduct a needs assessment; How to apply the findings to your organization

Friday - 3B

What's new and why you should care: An Ignite-style overview of hot trends and why they matter to your nonprofit

Caryn Capriccioso, interSector Partners, L3C; Rich Zwetsch, interSector Partners, L3C

Confused by "hot trends" like Twitter, Shared-services, Facebook, B-Corp, LinkedIn, L3C and/or others? Using an Ignite* approach we'll check out what's new and discuss how to take advantage! (*this is one of the hottest trends!)Take-home: An overview of five hot new trends influencing the sector and the world; A tool to help nonprofits determine which trends and opportunities may be a good fit ; Ideas for keeping up with what's new while keeping focus on what matters

Friday - 3C

All Hands on Deck: Mobilizing Your Board for Fundraising Success

Ann Goldman, Ann Goldman Consulting, Inc.

It can be done! Learn how to successfully engage your board in outreach and fundraising. Build your base of friends and supporters while building a happier and more effective board of directors.Take-home: Learn how to meaningfully engage board members at every level of the donor pyramid; Gain practical skills for organizing and supporting your board's fundraising activities; Hear real-world examples of how nonprofit boards have built a culture of fundraising

Friday - 3D

Executive Director "Therapy": Understanding the Benefits of Peer Support

Kelly Felice, MSM, Metropolitan State College of Denver; Stephanie Baer, MNM, Children's Outreach Project; Colleen Colarelli, MPA

An executive director's job is often lonely and unsupported by peer relationships in the workplace. Since 1993, ED leadership forums have provided a nurturing environment where common problems in nonprofit work are shared, solutions proposed and confidentiality respected. Our presenters will discuss how peer groups have shaped, and occasionally saved, their professional lives.Take-home: Learn about the structure, agendas and costs of participation in a peer forum; Discover the commonalities of frustration (and solutions!) in the ED role; Understand the role of confidentiality as critical to the success of the group

Friday - 3E

The Changing Economy: Funder/Non-Profit Dialogue

Colorado Association of Funders

As grantors and grantees struggle to adapt to unprecedented economic uncertainty, maintaining open lines of communications is more important than ever. Sessions will be facilitated by foundation CEOs. Take-home: Gain a greater understanding of foundation operations; Learn about the challenges Colorado foundations are facing as a result of the current economic situation; Help generate ideas for how funders and nonprofits can work together in these times to sustain and strengthen our work

Friday - 3F

Marketing on a Shoestring Budget

Linda Irwin, SeeComm Group, Inc.

Do more with less applies to marketing campaigns too. Don't just cut your marketing budget - build a marketing plan that gets results you need and pays for itself! In this session, you'll learn some practical ideas for effective marketing on a tight budget.

Friday - 3G

Your Hiring Sweet Spot: Get Ready to Hire

Deborah Brackney, Mountain States Employers Council

The job market is so tight that many non profits have the luxury of receiving many more applicants for every job posted. With so many good candidates, how do you find just the right employee for your organization? Take-home: What to look for in a candidate resume or application; How to conduct a revealing, appropriate background and reference check\; How to prepare for the interview including developing interview questions and conducting pre-employment tests

Friday - 3H

Who's Got Your Back(room)?

M.L. Hanson, M.L. Hanson & Associates, Consultants To Leadership; Rebecca Saltman, A Foot in the Door Productions

Friday - 3I

Evidence-Based Decision-Making

Matthew Barry, The Piton Foundation

Increasingly, nonprofit professionals are required to engage in evidence based decision making. In this session, we will explore resources, tools and approaches to using data to support identification of program needs, proposals to funders and approaches to bring about change.Take-home: An understanding of the principles and value of evidence based decision making; First steps and resources an organization could take to engage in making data-driven decisions; Web-based tools to assist Colorado organizations to make more informed decisions

Session 4 (3:40 - 5:00 p.m.)

Friday - 4A

Health Care Reform: An Interactive Discussion on Health Policy and Reform Proposals

Teresa Tuschhoff, Business Health Forum; Kelly Esselman, Mountain States Employers Council

The Business Health Forum uses live polling technology to guide a highly interactive discussion about costs, mandates and other fixes being proposed as policy makers and stakeholders work towards health care reform solutions.Take-home: Understanding of legislative health reform proposals; Greater knowledge of how cost, access and quality integrate into health policy; Opportunity to share feedback and discuss proposed reform with presenters and other participants

Friday - 4B

Are You Ready for Social Enterprise?

Janine Vanderburg, JVA Consulting

With funding from all sources down, is now the time for you to look at earned income/social enterprise for your NPO? Learn what it takes to advance your mission and earn sustainable income in this fun, interactive workshop.Take-home: Understand what a social enterprise is and how to succeed at it; Assess your organization's readiness to start a social enterprise; Inventory your organization's hidden assets, and brainstorm fun, mission-driven ideas to make money

Friday - 4C

But I Didn't Sign Up To Be A Fundraisier! From Reluctant Fundraiser to Fundraisier Extraordinaire

Denise Clark, Denise Clark, LLC; Martha Vail, Martha Vail Consulting, Training & Facilitation; Linda Boedeker, Transition Leadership, LLC

Fundraising is a core responsibility of the entire board, but some board members may not know where to begin. Learn practical, easy to implement strategies so you can actively take part in raising money for your organization.Take-home: What do you mean by "fundraising is a process?"; How can I be involved in fundraising without having to ask for money?; What is the impact on my organization if I don't fulfill my fundraising role?

Friday - 4D

Rejuvenate Refresh Renew: How to Survive and Thrive in this Parched Economy

Jeanne Bistranin, Adolph Coors Foundation; Barbara Brannen, Playmore; Liz Ryan, lizryan.com; Katie Kramer, Boettcher Foundation

Are you so focused on funding, programs and operations that you forgot how to take care of yourself and your staff? Learn some strategies to retain employees, keep your sanity and have some fun along the way! Take-home: Keeping things in perspective/having fun while working hard ; How to/the importance of/ teamwork and treating people with respect ; Executive leadership and employee motivation

Friday - 4E

Beyond Dear Donor: Creating Fundraising Communications for Maximum Impact

Jennifer Darling, The Children's Hospital Foundation

In today's world of electronic communications and printed materials, it is often difficult to discern how best to effectively communicate with your donors and prospects. We will discuss the importance of a clear message, communication options, and factors to consider in making communication-related decisions as they relate to your fundraising activities.Take-home: Communication vehicles and options; pros/cons of printed pieces versus electronic communications; factors to consider when defining your fundraising communication plan

Friday - 4F

Social Media and Online Collaboration: Sharing Resources, Gaining Strength

Mark Marosits, Worldways Social Marketing; Andrea F. Hill, Worldways Social Marketing

Online tools provide groundbreaking new ways to connect - and connecting is the first step in collaborating. We'll identify opportunities for sharing resources, insights and experiences through social media and online collaboration.Take-home: How can you share resources more easily with other Colorado nonprofits?; How can social media and online collaboration could help with that sharing?; What social media and online collaboration tools are right for you?

Friday - 4G

Behavioral Interviewing

Mountain States Employers Council

Friday - 4H

Weathering the Storm: Financial Management

Sharon Knight, Colorado Nonprofit Association

If you don't already have a strong system of accounting in place, don't worry. It’s not too late to design a strong financial program to help keep you on track. This training will give your organization an overview of the most critical things you need to know, and do, during a recession to keep your organization financially viable, operating transparently, and serving constituents and shareholders accountably!

Friday - 4I

Keeping Up with Your Techie: What Technology Changes You Need to Know about as a Decision-Maker

Tim Sullivan, TRS Network Professionals

2009 is bringing huge changes in technology that affect your organization's technology infrastructure. This session will educate the non-technical decision maker about these changes so you can better work with your techie.Take-home: Knowledge of current technology changes that can benefit an organization; Increased confidence to work with a technical person (staff, consultant, volunteer); Increased technology planning skills