Workshops

Delivered by experienced instructors, Donors Forum workshops offer tools, tips, and resources on topics important to nonprofits. You can register online, or via fax or post. Just click on the appropriate link by each workshop.

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Nonprofit Workshops
You'll find workshops on fundraising, best practice how-tos, strategic planning and evaluation.

ABCs of Capital Campaigns
9:30 am - 4 pm | $160 per person; $120 Members, Associate Members, and Forum Partners | REGISTER BY FAX | REGISTER ONLINE
Is your organization considering a capital campaign and wondering where to begin? This workshop will introduce the key elements for a successful capital campaign, including goals for each phase of the campaign, an effective gift policy and a detailed campaign timeline. Learn how your organization can plan a feasibility study and use the results to reach its fundraising potential. Topics:

• Assess your organization's campaign readiness
• Create a case statement
• Develop an achievable plan

Consider also attending: Building Strategic Relationships with Major Donors and Results and Efficiency: Evaluating Your Fundraising Program

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ABCs of Individual Giving
9:30 am - 4 pm | $160 per person; $120 Members, Associate Members, and Forum Partners | REGISTER BY FAX | REGISTER ONLINE
Did you know that 84 percent of all charitable donations come from individuals? This workshop outlines the successful strategies, skills and techniques needed to turn prospects into donors. Learn how to plan and implement an annual giving campaign – and when and how to solicit through direct mail and special events. This workshop will also help you tell your organization’s story in a compelling and inspiring way. Topics:

• Prepare a case for support
• Cultivate, motivate and retain donors
• Methods of solicitation

Consider also attending: ABCs of Proposal Writing; Building Strategic Relationships with Major Donors

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ABCs of Proposal Writing
9 am - 4:30 pm | $160 per person; $120 for Members, Associate Members and Forum Partners | REGISTER BY FAX | REGISTER ONLINE
Do your grant proposals need to be more effective? Ever wonder what makes a winning proposal? This introductory workshop will focus on how to position your organization for successful grantsmanship and prepare winning proposals to secure private foundation and corporate funding (government grants not included). Topics:

• Essential elements of winning proposals
• Proposal planning and conceptualization
• Small group exercises and peer review

Consider also attending: ABCs of Individual Giving; Building Strategic Relationships with Corporations and Foundations

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Building Strategic Relationships with Corporations and Foundations
9:30 - 4:30 pm | $160 per person; $120 Members, Associate Members, and Forum Partners | REGISTER BY FAX | REGISTER ONLINE
Would you like to build a comprehensive corporate and foundation relations program? Whether you're a novice or a veteran fundraiser, this workshop can help! Find out what it takes to build closer partnerships with your funders and achieve your fundraising goals. Each workshop features a panel of foundation and corporate leaders who will share their experiences and answer questions. This class builds on the concepts of the ABCs of Proposal Writing workshop. Topics:

• Current trends in corporate and foundation grantmaking
  
• Keys to successful relationships
  
• Techniques in cultivation, solicitation and stewardship

Consider also attending: Putting Evaluation to Work for You; Building Strategic Relationships with Major Donors and ABCs of Proposal Writing

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Building Strategic Relationships with Major Donors
9 am - 4 pm | $160 per person; $120 Members, Associate Members, and Forum Partners | REGISTER BY FAX | REGISTER ONLINE
Wondering how to move donors up the giving pyramid? This workshop will teach the seven steps to securing a major gift. Learn how to cultivate prospective major donors, make the ask and motivate donors to give the maximum. These techniques will be practiced with solicitation training. Topics:

• Difference between annual and major gifts
• Strategies for successful face-to-face solicitations
• How to motivate and recognize major donors

Consider also attending: Building Strategic Relationships with Corporations and Foundations; ABCs of Individual Giving ABCs of Capital Campaigns, and Results and Efficiency: Evaluating Your Fundraising Program

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Diversify Funding Sources
This half-day workshop will focus on strategies for developing and maintaining the optimal funding mix for an organization. With a focus on individual donors, this class will also offer instruction in prospect research, cultivation, motivation, and retention.

Consider also attending: ABCs of Proposal Writing; ABCs of Individual Giving; Well-Run Development Program

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Grantseeking Primer
9 am - noon | $90 per person; $64 Members, Associate Members, and Forum Partners | REGISTER BY FAX | REGISTER ONLINE
In Illinois alone, grants made by the top 400 grantmakers totaled more than $2 billion. You know your organization should be getting more of this resource, but where to begin? The Grantseeking Primer workshop offers an introduction to the terminology and resources you’ll need to find prospects, prepare and submit applications, and organize your grantseeking activities for maximum results. Topics:

• Identifying and prioritizing prospective funders
• The key elements of a grant proposal
• What funders expect from nonprofits – before, during and after a grant

Consider also attending: ABCs of Proposal Writing and Building Strategic Relationships with Corporations and Foundations

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Partner to Grow! Strategic Restructuring: Benefits of Nonprofit Mergers and Partnerships
8:30 am - 12:30 pm | $90 per person; $64 Members, Associate Members, and Forum Partners | REGISTER BY FAX | REGISTER ONLINE
Is this a time for a new beginning for your organization? Difficult economic times call for alternative approaches to growing and stabilizing operations. One strategy that leaders are increasingly turning to is strategic restructuring, or nonprofit mergers and partnerships. This workshop will cover what you need to know about strategic restructuring for nonprofits, including an overview of types of nonprofit partnerships, the pros and cons of each strategic restructuring model, the first steps in implementing a strategy, and the best resources for learning more about strategic restructuring. The workshops instructor will be Jean Butzen, a Chicago-based consultant specializing in nonprofit strategic restructuring. Ms. Butzen is the former President of Lakefront Supportive Housing in Chicago, which in 2005 underwent a merger with Mercy Housing, Inc. Who should attend? Executive Directors, Board Members, and Financial Officers of nonprofits that want to explore strategic restructuring as a way to strengthen their organization.

Friday, June 4, 2010 (DF)

Putting Evaluation to Work for You -
9 am - 3 pm | $160 per person; $120 Members, Associate Members, and Forum Partners | REGISTER BY FAX | REGISTER ONLINE
Are funders asking you to evaluate your programs? Not sure where to start? This workshop will provide you with key terms, concepts and insight into how private funders think about and use evaluation. You can also use information gathered through evaluation to improve programs and better communicate about your good work. Topics:

• How to design or improve your evaluation process
  
• How to collect data on measurable indicators
• Key elements of process evaluation and outcome evaluation

Consider also attending: ABCs of Proposal Writing; Building Strategic Relationships with Corporations and Foundations

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Results and Efficiency: Evaluating your Fundraising Program
9 am - noon | $90 per person; $64 Members, Associate Members, and Forum Partners | REGISTER BY FAX | REGISTER ONLINE
This workshop will help you assess your organization’s overall fundraising program using a variety of metrics. Learn how to communicate the effectiveness of your fundraising activities to internal and external audiences. Gain practical skills in using fundraising results to establish goals and future strategies.

Topics include:

• Why assess?
• What to assess?
• Specific assessment metrics
• Industry standards
• Building support for your evaluation program

Consider also attending: Well-Run Development Program; Building Strategic Relationships with Major Donors; ABC's of Captial Campaigns

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The Well-Run Development Program
9:30 am - 4 pm | $300 per person; $220 Members, Associate Members, and Forum Partners | REGISTER BY FAX | REGISTER ONLINE
Successful fundraisers know that a well-run development program has a diversified and balanced funding mix. Whether you're a new or experienced development professional, this two-day workshop presents the big picture perspective as well as the drilled-down approach to running a successful development program. Topics will include:

• Explore diversity in philanthropic revenue
• A total management approach to fundraising
• Evaluating the fundraising program
• Mapping your organization's development plan

Consider also attending: ABCs of Proposal Writing; Building Strategic Relationships with Major Donors; Putting Evaluation to Work for You;
Results and Efficiency: Evaluating your Fundraising Program

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Great Governance Series
Great Governance Series Great Governance Series workshops are designed to help nonprofit organizations strengthen the effectiveness of their boards of directors and help develop board members into leaders.

Maximize the potential of your board of directors! CEOs and board members — register for the Great Governance Series as a team and save! Sign up two or more participants, and pay $70 per person; only $48 for Members and Forum Partners (per session).

Each workshop will incorporate elements of Illinois Nonprofit Principles and Best Practices, to help nonprofits become stronger and more effective. All will include a brief research-based presentation and facilitated group discussions with a strong focus on peer learning.

Leadership, Ethics and Independence: How to Recruit, Keep and Promote Great Board Members
9 am - noon | $90 per person; $64 Members, Associate Members, and Forum Partners | REGISTER BY FAX | REGISTER ONLINE
Does your organization struggle with recruiting and keeping great board members? Learn the key strategies for recruiting the right board members for your organization. This session will also address board ethics as well as training and assessment tools for developing current board members into leaders. Topics:

• Board recruitment techniques
• Recommended code of ethics practices, including conflict of interest and confidentiality policies
• Independence of board officers in their governance responsibilities

Consider also attending: Nonprofit Mission Impact

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Nonprofit Mission Impact: Performance Measurement
How can you determine if your organization is effective? This workshop will give participants the tools to review their missions, develop long-range plans, and monitor impact. Learn how to analyze financial performance and measure program impacts for an overall understanding of effectiveness.. Topics:

• Role of board and staff in implementation of a strategic plan
• Performance measurement and outcomes
• Key financial performance indicators

Consider also attending: Putting Evaluation to Work for You; Strategic Planning

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Leadership Series
Nonprofit CEOs and executive directors are expected to lead efficiently and effectively. Great nonprofit leaders are visionaries who can lead the organization in achieving the mission and goals. They also know how to build organizational capacity. Their leadership challenges the board to govern well, motivates the staff, and invests in their professional development. The Leadership Series will provide CEOs and executive directors — and those interested in becoming a CEO or executive director — tools and tips to prepare and manage for excellence.

Calling All CEOs/Executive Directors: How to Lead a Strong Fundraising Organization
Nonprofit CEOs/Executive Directors play a pivotal role in the success of their organization's fundraising efforts. They must serve as ambassador to prospects and donors, supervisor to development staff, and motivator to board members and volunteers.This day-long workshop gives experienced and emerging CEOs/Executive Directors new perspectives, creative ideas and practical tools for balancing the many roles they must play in promoting and supporting successful fundraising. This workshop is open exclusively to nonprofit chief executives.

Please check back for upcoming dates.

Consider also attending: ABCs of Proposal Writing; Building Strategic Relationships with Major Donors; Strategic Planning and Results and Efficiency: Evaluating Your Fundraising Program

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The Next Step: Preparing Yourself for Nonprofit Leadership
9 am - noon | $90 per person; $64 Members, Associate Members, Forum Partners

Consider also attending: Best Practice How Tos; Great Governance Series; Strategic Planning and Succession Planning: A Must-Have Blueprint for Organizational Effectiveness

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Succession Planning: A Must-Have Blueprint for Smooth Executive Transitions
By 2010, two-thirds of the nation’s current nonprofit directors plan to retire or leave their positions. As the baby-boomers depart their leadership roles, there are concrete steps board memberscan take to ensure organizational continuity before, during and after the transition. In this half-day workshop, board members and chief executive officers will discuss the importance of this topic and the impact on your organization.
Topics include:

• When is the right time to start succession planning?
• Who initiates the conversation?
• What are the different types of succession plans (strategic, defined departure, emergency)
• What are the key steps in conducting the search?
• What is the role of the board: how can outside assistance help the process?

Consider also attending: Incoming New Board Chairs: What to Expect and How to Prepar; Great Governance Series; The Next Step: How to Prepare Yourself for Nonprofit Leadership

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One-on-One Clinic Time
Two-Hour Time Blocks | $325 per person; $250 for Members, Associate Members and Forum Partners | REGISTER BY FAX | REGISTER ONLINE
Do you need short-term, project-specific advice, or to talk in confidence about an organizational challenge? Sign up for Clinic Time, two-hour blocks of time with a professional who can help you. After registering, you will be contacted by Donors Forum’s Nonprofit Programs Manager, Marissa Filippo, to arrange your specific two-hour block of clinic time.

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Instructor Biographies
Donors Forum instructors bring years of experience and expertise to our many workshops and programs. Click on each instructor's name to learn more!

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We may take photos or video of segments of sessions for use in our print and/or electronic promotional or educational materials. If you do not wish your likeness to be used in this way, please let us know at the beginning of the session!