Wake Forest University’s Institute for Public Engagement, in partnership with HandsOn Northwest North Carolina, is pleased to announce Nonprofit Essentials. This series of nine skill building courses is designed to strengthen the capacity of students and professionals who are pursuing careers in the nonprofit sector or are interested in updating their knowledge and skills. Classes are open to the community, and will include a networking lunch. Nonprofit board members, staff, volunteers and students are encouraged to attend.
2011-2012 Course Descriptions
Governance - September 29, 12:00 to 4:30 pm - A practical look at nonprofit governance, including organizational lifecycles and best practices. Topics include the role of the board, building an effective board, the relationship and roles of the board and staff, and how to monitor and evaluate the Executive Director.
Instructor: Steve Virgil
Strategic Planning – October 27, 12:00 to 4:30 pm – Participants will learn the purpose of a strategic plan, as well as the “nuts and bolts” of the strategic planning process from assessing organizational readiness, designing the process, collecting data, clarifying mission, identifying resources and determining future direction to setting goals and objectives for implementation.
Instructor: Dan Fogel
Budgeting and Finance – November 7, 12:00 to 4:30 pm – This course is designed to give an overview of nonprofit budgeting and finance, including financial terminology, the components of nonprofit financial statements and a working understanding of an income statement and balance sheet. The course will also address how to build a budget, use performance standards to help make spending decisions and “red flag” issues.
Instructor: George Aldhizer
Human Resources - December 8, 12:00 to 4:30 pm – Whether board member, staff or volunteer, the most important asset of any organizations is its people. This course will address key topics such as recruitment, retention, development and evaluation of board members, staff and volunteers; the importance of diversity in the nonprofit workforce; and, how to create a motivating and rewarding work environment. The course will also review the basics of human resource policies and procedures and provide examples of key resources such as: an employee handbook, volunteer guidelines and policies and guidelines for hiring, discipline and termination.
Instructor: Doris McLaughlin
Fund Development - February 16, 12:00 to 4:30 pm – Learn key strategies and tactics for successful fundraising, how to develop and sustain donor relationships, the critical role board members and volunteers play in successful fundraising, how to create a plan to guide your efforts and how to monitor the effectiveness of your fundraising. Explore how technology can enhance development efforts and can be used as a fundraising, communications and marketing tool. Review current philanthropic trends and innovative ways nonprofits are using to generate financial support in the current economy.
Instructor: Angela Glover
Collaboration - March 15, 12:00 to 4:30 pm – Saving time, money and resources through collaborations with other organizations sounds like a good idea, but what are the key principles that should be considered? Best practices for nonprofit collaborations and how to make these partnerships legally sound and successful.
Instructor: Steve Virgil
Evaluation - April 26, 12:00 to 4:30 pm – The nonprofit sector is increasingly under pressure to show meaningful results. This class will examine different evaluation models and lead you through the process of designing an approach to measure programs, creating meaningful measures, collecting and analyzing data, generating a report and communicating results to document impact, improve services and support fundraising efforts.
Instructor: Doug Easterling
Advocacy and Communication - May 24, 12:00 to 4:30 pm – Nonprofits play an active role in shaping public policy. This class examines successful advocacy strategies used by nonprofits to advance their organization’s mission for the public good while considering related legal, ethical and tax issues and measuring the success of your advocacy. Course includes coaching on how to tell your story in a way that conveys the importance and value of your mission.
Instructor: Steve Virgil
Grant Writing 101 - June 21, 12:00 to 4:30 pm – A practical course designed for those seeking to develop grant proposal writing skills. This class is specifically designed for those who have little or no experience in grant writing. Participants will learn how to research funding sources and approach funders, and they will learn best practices for developing successful grant proposals and letters of inquiry.
Instructor: Stephen Williams
For more information and to register please contact Kathy Davis () or Steve Virgil ().
