Northern Colorado

Get ready, Northern Colorado! Connecting Colorado is coming your way!

Join us for engaging breakout sessions aimed at increasing the capacity of your Nonprofit Organization. We’ll also feature a dedicated track specifically tailored for nonprofit executives.

Connect with fellow nonprofit professionals in your region to exchange ideas, find solutions and celebrate successes through roundtables and panel discussions.

Presented By

Powered By

Event Agenda

Wednesday, June 26, 2024
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Embassy Suites Loveland Conference Center
4705 Clydesdale Pkwy.
Loveland, CO 80538

Event Schedule

8:00-8:30 AM

8:30-8:50 AM

9:00-10:15 AM

10:15-10:45 AM

10:45 AM – 12:00 PM

12:00-1:00 PM

1:15-2:30 PM

2:30-3:00 PM

3:00-4:15 PM

4:15 PM

Registration and Networking

Opening Remarks

Breakout Session 1*

Networking Break

Breakout Session 2*

Lunch

Breakout Session 3*

Networking Break

Breakout Session 4*

Closing Remarks

*Each breakout session will have 4 trainings to choose from.

Trainings are broken down into three categories: Education, Connection, and Executive

Education Trainings cover a broad range of topics and are designed for young professionals and seasoned leaders alike. Breakout sessions provide valuable learnings, practical skills, and actionable takeaways for everyone, regardless of their role or experience level. There are two education trainings in each breakout session.
Connection Trainings focus on collaboration and community-building through interactive and engaging roundtables and panel discussions. There is one connection training in each breakout session.
Executive Trainings are tailored for organizational decision-makers, from executives and directors to board members. Sessions are focused on capacity building, strategic planning, and high-level organizational decisions and provide insights and tools for effective leadership. There is one connection training in each breakout session.

Better Together Luncheon Sponsor

Session Descriptions

Each breakout session will have 4 trainings to choose from. The presentation materials from each breakout session will be sent out following the event.

Breakout Session 1 (9:00-10:15 AM)

Education Training 1A
Living on the Edge: Operating in a Cyber Revolution
Chris Abbey, Information Security Manager, Children’s Hospital Colorado

The session will embark on a journey through the Digital Revolution, a force reshaping our social order. As the world hurtles forward, technology becomes more accessible, and applications vie for our attention, nonprofits find themselves at the forefront of this sweeping change. We’ll explore the positive impact of technology, empowering nonprofits to reach more constituents, engage funders, and amplify their impact.

Education Training 1B
Using Census Data for Grant Writing: Understanding and Accessing Statistics
Kimberly Davis, Data Dissemination Specialist, U.S. Census Bureau

This workshop is designed to give nonprofits and grant writers an overview of the power of census data. Grant writers will learn about the variety of statistical data sources, including the rich characteristic data of the American Community Survey, which shares demographic information, including topics such as persons with disabilities, education attainment, ethnicity and race, and language. Participants will learn about the frequency and the geographic level data available, and products available for comparing community needs to other geographic levels and communities. Participants will learn how to navigate Data.Census.gov and other tools such as Census Survey Explorer, and Narrative Profiles.

Connection Training 1
Executive Director Roundtable
Presented by: Elizabeth Barber

Led by local nonprofit leader Elizabeth Barber. Gain insights from Elizabeth as she navigates discussions on fundraising, governance, staff management, and program innovation. Network with peers, exchange insights, and enhance your leadership skills in this collaborative environment. We will be holding this session twice to ensure those who want to participate can do so.

Executive Training 1
Nonprofit Business Model Workshop
Erin Maruzzella, Executive Director, Innovations in Aging Collaborative

Nonprofits are businesses. To successfully serve a mission, nonprofit leaders must have a clear business strategy. Erin Maruzzella is a nonprofit business leader with an executive MBA. You will leave this session with a better understanding of tactical business modeling tools that are useful in any industry. We will use these tools in our workshop to give you clarity around the value that your organization brings to both the customers and the consumers of your nonprofit product—and learn why these are often two distinct groups.

Breakout Session 2 (10:45-12:00 PM)

Education Training 2A
Cultivating Generosity: Building a Philanthropic Culture
Colleen Simpson and Beryl Durazo, Executive Director of Foundation & Community Partnerships, Front Range Community College

Institutional transformation is a dynamic process that requires a holistic approach to ensure sustained growth and success. One key element often overlooked is the cultivation of a philanthropic culture. This lecture and discussion will provide strategies for building and fostering a culture of philanthropy during times of significant change within an institution.

Education Training 2B
How to Use AI in Your Digital Marketing
Natalie Henley, CEO, Volume Nine

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like Chat GPT are revolutionizing the marketing landscape. If you’re eager to explore innovative, creative ways to enhance your marketing efficiency, join us for an insightful training led by Natalie Henley. Participants will delve into practical, easy-to-implement strategies to amplify your marketing efforts, attract more supporters, and stay ahead of the curve, including: Search Engine Optimization (SEO), content writing, and social media marketing. This training is designed to be accessible and jargon-free, ensuring that marketers of all skill levels can benefit. Our goal is to demystify AI and show you how it can be a valuable ally in your marketing toolkit.

Connection Training 2
Building Community Resilience and Preventing Hate Motivated Violence
ILima Kane and Mekenah Jensen, Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management

This session will cover several objectives, the first is to be able to describe a variety of grant programs available to nonprofits to help improve the safety of the communities they serve and secure their facilities. We will also Invite a conversation with nonprofits to brainstorm ideas for grant projects or actions that can be taken to build community resilience against hate and targeted violence.

Executive Training 2
The Leadership Model: A scaffolding for the Qualities, Roles and Responsibilities of an Effective Leader
Kelly Zeillmann, CEO CG Consulting

Leadership has many definitions and models. Being a leader can be overwhelming. You can be torn in many directions and never know if you are doing the right thing. Having a leadership framework helps leaders know where to focus and what to let go of, leading to greater success and better mental health.This interactive workshop provides a simple outline of the four roles and responsibilities of a leader, helping you stay “out of the weeds” and keep your organization moving ahead.

Breakout Session 3 (1:15-2:30 PM)

Education Training 3A
Financial Leadership: Communicating the Financial Information that Matters
Jennifer Dombek and Joe Wagner, Your Part Time Controller LLC

Do all members of the board understand your organization’s financial position? Are your financial documents designed to foster board member understanding? Do you “have their attention?” In this session, we’ll discuss ways nonprofits can improve financial reporting to their entire board – not just the resident CPAs. We will also provide alternative presentation ideas that help direct the Board’s attention to the financial information that matters most.

Education Training 3B
Small town fundraising- How to Develop your Donor Base in a Smaller Community
Kevin Mullin, President and ED of the Estes Park Health Foundation

Join Kevin Mullin, President and ED of the Estes Park Health Foundation, for an interactive and insightful conference session focused on fundraising strategies tailored specifically for nonprofits operating in small communities. In this engaging session, Kevin will draw upon his extensive experience leading fundraising efforts in a small-town setting to provide attendees with practical guidance and actionable advice.

Connection Training 3
Amplifying Nonprofit Impact: Unveiling the Power of Advocacy
Jamie (JR) Rasmussen and Rahshida Perez, BIPOC Alliance

Discover why your organization’s voice matters and how to effectively engage in advocacy work to amplify your impact on systemic and social change. Empower your nonprofit’s advocacy efforts with localized strategies and strategic partnerships that transcend mere fundraising goals. Participants will gain practical strategies for amplifying their organization’s voice in advocacy efforts, including the ability to tailor initiatives to their local context and focus areas.

Executive Training 3
Thriving Through Turbulence: The Art of Crisis Communication
Pam Sullivan, VP Communications & Philanthropy
Christian Living Communities

The objective of this session is to give organizational leaders an easy to follow tool for managing messages through crisis situation so that their organizational reputation remains intact with their constituents and the general public. In this session we’ll explore the art of messaging both internal and external when crisis arise. How an organization communicates with its stakeholders and the public during the worst of times either helps or harms an organizational reputation in the long-run. Attendees will learn a simple tool and process to help them master the art of crisis communication ensuring transparency, confidence, and recovery from whatever crisis is at hand. In this session we will review various crisis situation, give input to the result of the organizations efforts and then we will break into small groups and role play what to do with crisis scenarios using the crisis communication tool presented during the session.

Breakout Session 4 (3:00-4:15 PM)

Education Training 4A
The Power of Focus
Chalice Springfield, Coach | Trainer | Owner, Unstoppable Curiosity

In “The Power of Focus” workshop, discover the transformative potential of the 80/20 concept in achieving unparalleled productivity and impactful results. If you find yourself overwhelmed with an extensive to-do list without experiencing the desired outcomes, this session is tailored for you. Learn to identify the 20% of high-payoff activities that contribute to 80% of your results and explore strategies to integrate them seamlessly into your daily habits. Uncover tangible tools designed to enhance your productivity, align with your goals, and amplify your capacity. Join us for a dynamic and engaging experience that promises to empower you with a focused mindset, ensuring that your efforts yield maximum efficiency and meaningful outcomes.

Education Training 4B
Exploring the Future of Philanthropy: Elevating Fundraising in the Post-2020 Era
Nia Wassink and Maegan Vallejo, Prismatic Consulting

The challenges of 2020 placed DEIA at the core of philanthropy, highlighting the necessity for adept fundraising in the post-pandemic landscape. Gain insider knowledge as we unveil the essential keys to success, offering practical tips for navigating evolving donor behaviors, strategically employing philanthropic tools, and mastering the dynamic philanthropic terrain with a community-centered approach. Elevate your fundraising game and join us for a session that promises actionable insights and transformative strategies. Don’t miss your chance to be at the forefront of the future of philanthropy!

Connection Training 4
Executive Director Roundtable #2
Presented by: Elizabeth Barber

Led by local nonprofit leader Elizabeth Barber. Gain insights from Elizabeth as she navigates discussions on fundraising, governance, staff management, and program innovation. Network with peers, exchange insights, and enhance your leadership skills in this collaborative environment. This is the second session of this training to ensure all who want to participate can do so.

Executive Training 4
Developing your Nonprofit Board for the 21st Century
Scott Magerfleisch, Executive Counselor Info-Tech Research Group

This interactive session will provide a deeper understanding of what the roles and responsibilities are of a board member, and help CEO’s and Executive Directors help their Board understand what is needed (and expected) of a board member and its members. Attendees will receive a sample of Board Assessment Tool used by CG Consulting to start to ask the questions of their Board, and really dive into what may be missing on their Board from a Membership Level. Attendees will also leave with a better understanding on why a Diverse Board is the strongest type of Board for any nonprofit, and essential in the 21st Century.