Programs
Our 2010 programming: “Facing the Future: Keys to Sustainability”
Our 2010 series of workshops kicked off in April with a focus on the grantwriting process. But financial support is just one aspect of sustainability. Leadership and other human resources, public understanding of your mission, diversity and outreach, planning, regenerating staff and volunteers, and community partnerships all factor into your sustainability. Through trainings, events, online resources, and such hands-on services as our new peer mentoring program, the MetroWest Nonprofit Network (MWNN) plans to provide the critical expertise and knowledge necessary to sustain your organization’s capacity to fulfill its mission in the years ahead.
Workshop topics are selected from suggestions we receive from our nonprofit colleagues. By varying the locations, cost, and format of our workshops, MWNN meets the needs of the diverse organizations operating in our region. If you have a workshop suggestion, please send it to workshops@metrowestnonprofit.org
Review of 2010 workshops
- Full-day workshop, “The Art and Science of Winning Grants” drew a packed house over more than 50 nonprofits to Sudbury Foundation’s Grange Hall in mid-April. Presenter Diane Gedeon-Martin is one of the best grantwriting presenters we’ve seen. Her 60-page takeaway was full of insights honed during many years as a faculty member of the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.
- Special workshop focusing on increasing capacity through diversity: “Increasing Diversity and Inclusion: An Overview for Leaders” was held on May 13. Co-presented by MetroWest Nonprofit Network and Third Sector New England. Thanks to the Brandon Center for providing a wonderful venue.
- More than 50 nonprofit staff, board members, and volunteers attended “Meet the MetroWest Funders” on June 3. Special thanks to our panel: Marilyn Martino (Sudbury Foundation); Jessica Newman (BJ’s Charitable Foundation); Dana Neshe (Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation); and Judy Salerno (Foundation for MetroWest).
- September 16, 8:30-10:45am: “Articulating Your Case for Support: A Practical Process for Developing Key Messages,” presented by Arlene Fortunato of Fortunato Consulting Group. This workshop took participants through the Centers of Influence process, the various tactics necessary to conduct a successful key messages session and strategies for using the results to create powerful messages to help your organization break through the communication clutter.
- November 3, “Mobilizing Your Board to Raise More Money,” presented by Andy Robinson. Back by popular demand, presenter Andy Robinson gave us a unique opportunity to create an effective, collaborative fundraising team of board and staff. Practical ideas for increasing board involvement and effectiveness in fundraising focused on why board members resist fundraising, the need to create useful board “job descriptions,” and the many ways that board members can help even if they don’t like to “ask.”
Upcoming workshop
December 1, 8:30-11am: “Telling Your Financial Story: Communicating to Internal and External Stakeholders, presented by the Nonprofit Finance Fund
Your financials communicate important messages to internal and external stakeholders, including potential funders and donors as well as board members. Which numbers should your board be taking a good look at? What would you like grantmakers to see, and what numbers do funders focus on? But first you need to understand the financials and to create your true financial picture. This two-hour workshop includes a crash course on interpreting your financial statements to reveal the financial reality underpinning your programs. Learn to balance your organization’s mission with its financial realities. Case studies will demonstrate how the choices you make impact your organization’s financial health and viability.
Who should attend: This workshop is excellent for executive directors (including those without a financialbackground), treasurers, and development directors.
Location: Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge Center, 680 Hudson Road, Sudbury
Cost:
- $20 with AGM tuition assistance (for representatives of organizations with an annual operating budget of less than $2 million. See paragraph below)
- $35 for organizations that do not qualify for AGM tuition assistance (with an annual operating budget of more than $2 million). Note that an individual can use AGM tuition assistance twice per calendar year.
If you qualify for AGM tuition assistance: When sending in your payment, please include a Professional Education Scholarships form with the top half completed. The form can be found at http://www.agmconnect.org/doc/NEF2008-2009Application.pdf
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: November 24, 2010. Payment is expected in advance. Please mail payment to arrive at our post office box (PO Box 1661, Framingham, MA 01701) by November 29.
TO REGISTER: Click here
Lone Rangers Networking Breakfast
This popular, no-cost gathering for single-staffed organizations (or small staffs or no staff!) features informal discussions about the challenges of working in a small nonprofit environment, fosters networking, and connects you to the right resources. Meets the fourth Wednesday of each month in Framingham at the offices of the MetroWest Community Health Care Foundation, 161 Worcester Road, Suite 202. This is a brown-bag event; bring your breakfast and we’ll supply the beverages. More more information, send a message to lonerangers@metrowestnonprofit.org
