Southern Colorado

Get ready, Southern 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

Event Agenda

Monday, September 16, 2024
8:00 AM – 4:15 PM

El Pomar Foundation Penrose House Garden Pavilion
1661 Mesa Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80906

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. The presentation materials from each breakout session will be sent out following the event.

Session Descriptions

Check back for additional session announcements!

Unleashing Brilliance: A Team’s Odyssey in Development

Brittany Dawson, Brittany Dawson Coaching LLC

Embark on a journey of growth and innovation with “Unleashing Brilliance” where you’ll learn how to unlock the potential of your team and deepen professional development. In this 90 minute workshop, discover innovative and research-backed strategies to create impactful opportunities, present new challenges, and empower your team’s career growth and advancement. Elevate your leadership skills as we delve into creative solutions designed to inspire and drive success. Are you ready to unleash the brilliance within your team? This workshop is geared towards Managers, CEOs, Talent Acquisition Leaders, and professionals curious how to develop their team.

City and State and Federal, Oh, My! Taking the Fear out of Government Grants

Megan Ream Ferry, Nonprofit Strategist, Nonprofit Navigators

In this session, participants will learn about the differences between foundation and government grants, and whether government grants are relevant to their organization. They’ll also uncover a variety of avenues for sourcing government funding opportunities (hint: it’s not just one place!) and learn how to read and assess if these grants are a good match. Lastly, they’ll unravel the distinctions between city, county, state, and federal grants, equipping themselves with invaluable insights to pursue the most fitting funding pathways.

Building a Sustainable Future: Succession Planning Essentials for Nonprofits

Peter Wesch,  Smith Marion & Co.

Succession planning is a critical endeavor for non-profit organizations seeking to uphold stability, enhance efficiency, and secure long-term viability amidst evolving environments. This presentation is designed to empower non-profit leaders with the essential knowledge, strategies, and best practices required to establish effective succession plans. By tackling pertinent challenges and offering actionable guidance, participants will acquire a thorough grasp of how to cultivate a pool of capable leaders, mitigate organizational vulnerabilities, and ensure smooth transitions of responsibilities. Join us to unlock the pivotal role of succession planning in shaping the future trajectory of non-profit organizations.

Navigating Board Recruitment: Best Practices for Finding the Right Fit

Eloise Casdorph,  Nonprofit Navigators

Are you looking to enhance your organization’s board with skilled, dedicated, and diverse  members? Join us for this workshop focused on board recruitment, where we delve into the art  and science of attracting and selecting the right individuals to serve on your board.  In this interactive workshop, participants will gain valuable insights into the essential strategies  and best practices for successful board recruitment. From defining the roles and responsibilities  of board members to identifying key skills and qualities needed for effective governance,  attendees will learn how to navigate the recruitment process with confidence. We will also  address the importance of diversity and inclusion in building a strong and vibrant board that  reflects the communities and stakeholders it serves.  

Inclusive, Strategic, Sustainable: How Sweepstakes Fundraising is Taking the Nonprofit Sector by Storm

Annie Tukman and Allison Volk, TapKat Solutions

Sweepstakes fundraising is a new and exciting way to raise funds that donors love! An incredibly effective strategy nonprofits can leverage to embrace our evolving cultural reliance to the online world, sweepstakes are a proven model for nonprofits to build their donor list, reactivate lapsed donors, and attract new donors. This inclusive fundraising model makes it possible for donors of all levels to win the prize (not just top donors), building community, trust, and enthusiasm among a diverse donor base.

The Hidden Costs of Staff Turnover and How to Hire Right the First Time

Brittny Wilson,  Brittny Wilson Consulting

Turnover is costly, but those costs can be mitigated with a streamlined hiring process. When the process becomes an afterthought rather than an informed, strategic process, the true costs can be catastrophic. In this session, we’ll expose hiring pitfalls that cost organizations more than you think and learn easy solutions to avoid them

Succession Planning and Leadership Transitions as Opportunities and Catalysts for Improvement

David Lenox,  Valtas Group

This session is designed for both NFP Executives and Board Members. It will help them navigate their roles both in development of effective succession plans and during the process of a transition of executive leadership. Participants will have the opportunity to gain the following: an understanding the value and potential of succession planning, identify who should have a succession plan (Hint; It is NOT just the CEO!), What should be included in a succession plan, how board members should handle the exit of an Executive Director/CEO, and viewing Executive Transition as an Opportunity for Growth as opposed to “bump in the road.”

Event Speakers

BRITTANY DAWSON
Founder
Brittany Dawson Coaching LLC

ELOISE CASDORPH
Nonprofit Consultant
Nonprofit Navigators

BRITTNY WILSON
Founder
Brittny Wilson Consulting

JONATHAN LIEBERT
CEO
BBB of Southern Colorado

MEGAN REAM FERRY
Nonprofit Strategist
Nonprofit Navigators

ANNIE TUKMAN
Director of Sales
TapKat Solutions LLC

PETER WESCH
Partner and Tax Principal
Smith Marion & CO.

ALLISON VOLK
Director of Marketing
TapKat Solutions LLC

FRANCE HOANG
Founder
Boodle.AI

DAVID LENOX
Managing Partner
Valtas Group

ROAD TRIP SPONSORS

COmmunity COnnections Sponsors