Nonprofit startup Series
Learn foundational skills and gain knowledge necessary to launch and sustain successful organizations.
Nonprofit Startup Training: Launch and Grow Your Nonprofit
Spring 2025 Series: February 6, 20, March 6, 20, and April 3 (Thursdays)
Five half-day sessions, 9am – 12pm (PST). Via Zoom.
The Nonprofit Startup Series offers a comprehensive five-week training on launching and managing nonprofits, covering topics such as strategic planning, board governance, fundraising, financial management, and operational effectiveness. Participants will gain practical skills to build a successful nonprofit.
Upon completion of this course, participants will:
- Understand the foundational elements necessary for starting and running a nonprofit.
- Develop strategic plans that clearly articulate their organization’s vision and objectives.
- Assess and implement effective board governance practices.
- Create and manage robust fundraising plans and budgets.
Navigate the complexities of nonprofit management and operations. - Apply marketing principles to effectively promote their mission and engage stakeholders.
This course is ideal for individuals looking to enhance their leadership capabilities in the nonprofit sector, whether they are starting a new organization or seeking to strengthen an existing one. Join us to transform your vision into action and drive meaningful change in your community!
CVNL is pleased to offer partial scholarships to Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and under-represented individuals who are nonprofit staff or volunteers serving in Marin, Napa, Sonoma, and Solano Counties.
These scholarships are made available by generous grants from the Peter A., and Vernice H. Gasser Foundation, the Community Foundation of Sonoma County, the Solano Community Foundation, Marin Community Foundation, and U.S. Bank. For more information on scholarships, please complete the online request form or contact us at learning@cvnl.org
Program Details
- Early Bird Tuition (register by 12/13/2024): $845 for CVNL members, $945 for non-members.
- Regular Tuition: $995 for CVNL members, $1,095 for non-members.
- Discounts: 10% discount for groups of 3 or organizations with budget size under $750K.
- Tuition includes: All materials, including handouts and additional web resources.
- Limited to 20 participants.
Schedule
Building Blocks of a Nonprofit
Participants will gain proficiency in the essential characteristics of nonprofits, including the processes for incorporation, acquiring tax-exempt status, and engaging fiscal sponsors. The week will focus on crafting strategic plans, emphasizing vision and mission statements, goal setting, and resource assessment.
Boards and Budgets
This week will cover the qualities of effective boards, including their duties, policies, and recruitment strategies. Participants will learn to conduct productive board meetings and recognize the importance of committees. Additionally, the course will address nonprofit budgeting, covering types, components, and the creation of a comprehensive budget that aligns with organizational goals.
Fundraising and Finance Essentials
Participants will develop comprehensive fundraising plans, engage prospective donors, and navigate grant processes while ensuring compliance with fundraising laws. The week will also introduce essential financial management skills, including bookkeeping, tracking income and expenses, and creating basic financial reports.
Management and Operations Essentials
This week focuses on key management aspects, including hiring executive leadership, managing staff and volunteers, and understanding employment classifications. Insights from guest speakers will provide real-world perspectives on effective nonprofit management.
From Preparation to Launch
Participants will delve into marketing and branding strategies tailored for nonprofits, identifying target audiences and creating impactful promotional strategies. The week culminates in presentations where participants refine their startup plans through collaborative feedback.
Cancellation policy: If plans change and you are no longer able to attend, we will transfer your enrollment and payment to the next program cycle. Funds must be applied and used within a 6 (six) month period. We do not offer refunds.
If you have any questions about CVNL Learning and Leadership opportunities, contact:
Tom Hayashi at thayashi@cvnl.org