Foundation's Nonprofit Support Center (NSC) is holding its fall series of classes that offer training and resources to help local nonprofits do their jobs better. The NSC focuses on practical programs, believes in the power of peers learning together, and engages high-quality presenters in order to foster a strong network of nonprofits in the region.

The upcoming Fall 2017 Workshop programs are listed below:

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Getting Started

Tuesday - September 26, 2017

12:00 - 2:00PM

Are you interested in taking the next step toward equity in your organization and your work, but not sure how to move forward? This session will help. Organized as a clinic and led by two senior managers who are leading their agencies on the journey, you can expect practical advice and consultation in a supportive, non-judging and confidential setting. You will also have ample opportunity to share your experience and learn from others in the group. Follow-up peer support may be available.

Presenters: Linda Cavaioli, Executive Director, YWCA of Central Massachusetts, & Valerie Zolezzi—Wyndham, Managing Attorney, Community Legal Aid

Audience: Executive directors and other senior nonprofit managers

Location: YWCA of Central Massachusetts Conference Room- 1 Salem Square, Worcester.

Fee: Free. Lunch included

Register: here by September 19

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Successful Media Strategies for Nonprofits

Thursday - October 12, 2017

12:00 - 2:00PM

What can a communications plan really do for your organization? More than you think! Powerful, coordinated communications will sharpen your focus, engage all of your stakeholders, enhance your reputation in the community and make fund raising simpler and easier. Learn how an external communications plan can help streamline your work and amplify your message. The focus will be on creating positioning statements, defining your external personality, press release writing, connecting with all your audiences and measuring the ROI of a public relations campaign. Free follow-up consultation available.

Presenter: Jake Messier, COO, Mungo Creative Group

Audience: Executive directors and communications staff

Location: Greater Worcester Community Foundation, 370 Main Street, 6th Floor

Fee: Free. Lunch Included

Register: here by October 5

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Leading and Governing: Achieving Success on a Nonprofit Board

Tuesday - October 24, 2017

4:00PM - 6:30PM

Is this your first experience serving on a nonprofit board of directors? Are you thinking about board service for the first time? Are you a veteran board member taking on a new role or looking to re-ground yourself in best practices? This engaging crash course in trusteeship will help you contribute from day one. Board service should be truly rewarding - working for a good cause surrounded by caring and interesting people. But you need the tools to make it so. Discover how to contribute your special talents to the board and organization you are serving. Explore how nonprofits are similar to, and also very different from, for-profit businesses. Learn what should you pay attention to and how to focus on the right questions. Take control of your own learning plan. Join our expert guide for a lively investigation of trusteeship. Safely ask those questions you've been holding back.

Presenter: Gayle Gifford, President, Cause & Effect Inc.

Audience: Newer nonprofit board members (3 yrs or less experience), community members interested in serving on boards and veteran board members

Location: Greater Worcester Community Foundation, 370 Main Street, 6th Floor

Fee: Free. Light snacks included.

Register: here by October 17

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Interactive Media and You: How Digital Games Can Drive Nonprofit Success

Thursday - November 2, 2017

9:00AM - 12:00PM

Learn how interactive media can help your organization advance its mission by connecting, engaging, activating and supporting your constituents. The pace of technological change in today's digital world presents unique challenges - and opportunities - for nonprofits of all sizes. This event, co-hosted by Massachusetts Digital Games Institute (MassDigi) at Becker College, is designed to help leaders gain a better understanding of interactive media and its potential. Assistance on specific projects may be available.

Presenter: Panel, moderated by Tim Loew, Executive Director, Massachusetts Digital Games Institute

Audience: Nonprofit staff with interest in the subject

Location: Becker College

Fee: Free. Meal included

Register: here by October 26

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Unmasking fundraising! Knowledge, not opinion. Roles, not desires. Donors, not you.

Monday - November 6, 2017

8:30AM - 12:30PM

No one will try to convince you to love (or even like) fundraising! But you will learn what you should (actually must) do. Find out the facts…whether you're the executive director or a board member or a development officer. Who does what…why and how. Learn why the donor is the hero, not your organization. Figure out why organizational culture matters, and outline how to build a donor-centered organization. And always remember… Do it wrong and you for sure won't raise more money. Do it right and you'll surprise even yourselves.

Presenter: Simone Joyaux, ACFRE, Adv Dip, Joyaux Associates

Audience: Teams only - Executive directors, senior development officer and 2, board members

Why the required team: Because you create a shared understanding and ownership in this workshop. Then you go back and build that understanding and ownership within your organization.

Location: College of The Holy Cross, Hogan Campus Center Suite B 4th floor

Fee: $75 per team (3 or 4 individuals). Coffee and snacks provided

Register: here by October 39

To sign up for a program or for more information, please contact Sarah Shugrue at sshugrue@greaterworcester.org or 508-755-0980 with questions.