Networking 101: Get The Basics Down  »

net·work·ing  [net-wur-king]  noun
1. a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest: Non-profits in the community use networking to help themselves manage more successfully.

Networking is about people openly sharing knowledge with others, with the largest obstacle to success being the…

Social Media: Community Building 2.0  »

Since its inception in October 2004 Yelp has become a quintessential tool for finding crave worthy cheese curds and tacos worth talking about. Whether using Yelp’s desktop site at home or the free mobile app for smart phones and the iPad on the go, visitors to Yelp tap into the…

Building Staff Leadership  »

An interactive workshop designed to build coaching skills in order to increase your effectiveness as a manager – and to more fully develop your staff to achieve your organizational mission.

Finding Your Groove with Major Gift Cultivation  »

One of the major obstacles to major gift cultivation is that board members and donors do not know each other. This is too often an excuse for inaction. From elevator speech practice to creating opportunities for cultivation, this workshop will focus on setting up organizational leaders - and donors -…

Business Ventures for Nonprofits  »

With increased uncertainty of funding and contributions, many nonprofits are considering adding for-profit activities. This workshop will go over matters your nonprofit organization should consider before adding a for-profit activity as well as tools to assess your organizations financial health.

Making Sense of Organizational Effectiveness  »

Effectiveness within the nonprofit sector is complicated. This session provides an introduction to a new way of thinking about nonprofit effectiveness and a new, research-backed model that helps guide conversations promoting highly functional nonprofits.

How to Supervise: Getting Work Done Right  »

Supervising is hard and worse, 'No one teaches it anymore'. You step into a position with more leadership authority and you're left to sink or swim on your own. You work hard. You know what needs to be done. You create a shared understanding about what needs to get done.…

The Nonprofit Economic Outlook: In Review  »

Forward Community Investments' annual report back on the Wisconsin nonprofit sector. This quick overview will introduce you to the trends in the economic condition of nonprofits and explores the efforts undertaken to respond to those trends.

Fully Engaged: The Wisconsin Nonprofits Association’s Legislative Agenda  »

The Wisconsin Nonprofits Association will present its first formal public policy agenda. Learn about the important policy issues that are affecting the well-being of nonprofits in Wisconsin. The session will include a discussion of how the agenda was developed along with the Association's plans for increased engagement in legislative and…

How To Turn Around No-Win Meetings  »

Have you ever suffered through a negative, mind-numbing meeting and wished you, or someone, could have turned it around? If you have, then this session for you! In this hands-on session, you will learn how to use a powerful, super simple technique to quickly shift meetings from the downward spiral…

Tech Tools for Nonprofits  »

Ever wonder what "the cloud" is? Don't know about "tweeting" or "snapchatting"? Having trouble keeping up with all the new technology? This session will cover a variety of free and low-cost technology tools that can help any nonprofit improve their efficiency and effectiveness. We'll hit some social media favorites, but…

Better Board Meetings  »

Learn tried and true techniques to make your Board meetings better. Walk away with tips and tools for setting the agenda, facilitating the conversation, framing follow-up for the in-between times and much more. Plus, bring your issues and questions to get on-the-spot insights that you can take back and put…

Harness the Power of Design Thinking for your Nonprofit  »

Albert Einstein said, “We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” So, what do we do about it? This talk is about how to change your point of view and your approach to solving problems. Design Thinking is a user-centered and…

Getting to Know Google AdWords  »

Google Advertising, particularly the company’s Google Grants program that offers free search advertising, can help organizations increase their capacity through list-building, brand awareness and more. In this workshop, learn how to get your organization online and run successful campaigns with Google AdWords.

What is Google Ad Grants? Google Ad Grants is…

Power Up: Move Your Organization to the Next Level  »

This interactive workshop will guide you through the process of re-visiting and re-visualizing why your organization exists and how it can continue to matter in today's world. You'll explore the promise and values your organization has made to its core constituents, as well as how to build and sustain your…

Engaging Volunteers: Make Volunteering Meaningful  »

There are many aspects when it comes to engaging volunteers in meaningful and effective ways within our organizations. This session will focus on the basics of volunteer management including how to ensure volunteer opportunities are meaningful to the volunteer and to your organization, targeted recruitment, ongoing support and effective ways…

Navigating Crowd-Funding - Kickstart Your Project  »

Crowd-funding has taken its mantel in society. Ideas that banks, foundations, and government won't fund or will fund but with far too many restrictions, are being given new life by individual interest. This panel presentation will offer an interactive, question and answer session for individuals interested in using Kickstarter or…

Remixing the Public Library  »

Every organization eventually faces the challenge of having to re-invent themselves for a new generation. Learn how, Trent Miller and the Madison Public Library Foundation have remix how we think about public libraries, changing the stodgy to the new and hip. The new Madison Public Library is attracting people who…

Zero-based Budgeting  »

At Numbers 4 Nonprofits we help manage money with mission. A critical component of managing your nonprofit’s money should be annual budgeting. Too often organizations are approving budgets that are “same as last year” or worse, no budget at all. We recommend nonprofits go through zero-based budgeting and consider all…

Fostering Inspired Leadership  »

Five changes you can implement right now that will strengthen your board and improve your organizational effectiveness.

12 Key Actions for Successful Volunteer Programs  »

The profession of volunteer management has focused its attention primarily on the volunteer manager, thinking, often incorrectly, that a corps of well-trained managers is the key to an effective volunteer program. This has proven short sighted. To be successful, volunteer programs must have the commitment and competency of all paid…

Fund Development: Easy as SMS  »

With all of the noise hitting consumers, it is extremely important for organizations to become smarter about what they’re saying and who they’re saying it to. SMS text messaging is a key tool to help improve fundraising, promotional and educational efforts. As a nonprofit organization, learn the ways that you…

Nonprofit Growth in a Period of Dwindling Resources  »

The economic recession has caused non-profit organizations to be more efficient, mission-driven, collaborative and creative. Over the last five years, Literacy Network has diversified its funding, significantly increased volunteer hours and is providing greater support to adult learners working toward their goals. By developing staff resources, using best practices and…

Grant Seeking Basics for Non-Profit Organizations  »

This session will provide an orientation to the Grants Information Collection, background on the world of grantmaking, information on how to build a credible nonprofit organization, as well as general grantseeking tips. The session will conclude with a brief demonstration of the Foundation Directory Online database, which is an excellent…

Principles of Blended Learning for Nonprofits  »

Blended Learning is the name for an approach which promotes understanding the ‘most appropriate’ medium by which to conduct learning activities. In practice this is often expressed as activities delivered online in concert with activities conducted in the classroom, those being two of a very wide array of options. In…

Giving Missions Meaning  »

Language matters. It reflects your intent, narrates your actions and frames your impressions. This workshop not only offers tools to refocus your mission but also techniques for leveraging communication to make your mission compelling and your organization relevant for your communities.

A 100 State of Mind: Applying Startup Fundamentals to Non-profit  »

We're a new non-profit devoted to building a dynamic and sustainable creative community in Madison. Our model isn't new. In fact, we were largely inspired by the successes of organizations in other cities. That being said, our innovation occurred in the way we implemented our vision. As entrepreneurs, we're trained…

Branding: What’s Your Nonprofit’s Story?  »

Your brand is the foundation for your marketing and communications plans.  It goes well beyond your logo and tagline. It is the emotional connection you hope to forge with your supporters, and great brands know how to use a core story to define their brand, align their team and draw in…

Conceive, Build and Manage a Better Web Site with a CMS  »

Every nonprofit needs one, but nonprofit websites, regardless of how simple, can be complex beings. A good content management system and a healthy dose of forethought and planning can help you make your website, beautiful, inspiring, and millenial friendly, all while achieving your goals. Ben Seigel, Principal at Versa Studio, and…

A Guide To Writing A Grant to Area Foundations  »

In this presentation, Paul Houseman gives and overview of the various local (and some regional) Foundation funding sources for nonprofits based in Dane County. He will discuss from his perspective what it takes to write a successful grant, focusing on prospect research, a compelling proposal, and evaluation. He will also…