Resources and training to build more effective organizations in Central Mass

Greater Worcester Community Foundation's Nonprofit Support Center provides nonprofit organizations in Worcester County the training, tools and support to build their operational expertise. The programs being offered this fall are:

Keys to Successful Grantwriting

Thursday, October 15 - 9 a.m. -12 p.m.
Whatever the funding target may be - a foundation, corporation, or government funder - there are certain steps that are generally the same and key areas that deserve special attention. This session will focus on asking good questions up front, clarifying goals and objectives, the roles of needs assessment, logic models, theory of change, and partnerships and how to stay “in the know” about grantwriting trends.

• Instructor: Dodi Swope, senior trainer at the Educational Development Center's National Center for Applied Prevention Technology
• Audience: Those new to grantwriting and those who want to assure they're up-to-the-minute in their grantwriting approach
• Location: GWCF, 370 Main Street, Worcester
• Fee: $50

Demystifying Operating Reserves

Thursday, October 29 - 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sponsored by Bowditch & Dewey
Attend this session to discover the principles and mechanics of reserve funds - including how operating reserves fit into an organization's overall capital structure - and how an effective strategy bolsters an organization's long-term sustainability.

• Instructor: Hilda Polanco, CPA, founder and managing director of FMA
• Audience: Executive Directors and Board Officers; teams are strongly encouraged
• Location: Bowditch & Dewey, 311 Main Street, Worcester
• Fee: $100 per 2-person team

Leading with Story

Tuesday, November 10 - 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Story can be a powerful change agent and catalyst. Understanding what it is, why it's important, and how to use it intentionally are important leadership skills with multiple applications for nonprofit staff and board. In this interactive workshop attendees will discover the power of storytelling as a communication tool to engage, motivate articulate challenges and inspire others to support their vision.

• Presenter: Lani Peterson, psychologist, professional storyteller, public speaker and coach
• Audience: Executive directors, development and PR staff, and board leaders
• Location: GWCF, 370 Main Street, Worcester
• Fee: $35

Taking the Temperature of Nonprofit Health

Wednesday, November 18 - 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m. (lunch to be provided)
In this session participants will learn more about the survey data from the recently published report, Leadership New England: Essential Shifts for a Thriving Nonprofit Sector and explore the changes that leaders believe are essential, and discuss strategies that will contribute to healthy, resilient nonprofits over the next decade.

• Presenter: Hez Norton, Director of Partnerships and Leadership Initiatives at TSNE
• Audience: Executive directors, senior managers, and those assessing their nonprofit career paths
• Location: Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts, 446 Main Street, 20th Floor, Worcester

Trends in Grantmaking

Wednesday, December 2 - 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Thought leaders in our region from corporate, private, and community foundations will discuss trends that are expected to have increasing influence on grant decisions in coming years. Panelists: Cary Olson-Cartwright, AVP Social Responsibility, UNUM; Deborah Linnell, Program Officer, Van Beuren Charitable Foundation; Geeta Pradhan, President, Cambridge Community Foundation; Rebecca Donham, Senior Program Officer, Metrowest Health Foundation. Moderator: Chris O'Keeffe, VP for Program, Greater Worcester Community Foundation.

• Audience: Nonprofit executive directors, development staff, members of board development committees
• Location: Unum, One Mercantile Street, Worcester

To learn more about the Nonprofit Support Center or to register, visit www.greaterworcester.org call (508)755-0980.