From Passion to Performance: Counting What Counts

Tower A

Dan Prater, Forvis Mazars

Most organizations “count” things, but how relevant are the measures being collected? Can your nonprofit do more to translate the info you collect into true insights about your work? In a world of growing needs and limited resources, funders want more than heart-stirring stories. They want to invest in well-managed organizations that can demonstrate meaningful, lasting impact. Measuring impact is important to supporters, mission partners, the people your organization serves and to your staff and board. This session explores why measuring matters, what to measure, why organizations fall to measure, and methods to get started on data collection.

Sustaining Nonprofit Leadership: Strategies for Staff Retention, Burnout Prevention, and Leadership Transition

Tower D

Katie SanFilippo, Ripple on Purpose

Nonprofit leaders are facing growing challenges in staff retention, burnout, and leadership transitions—each of which directly impacts an organization’s sustainability. In this highly interactive session, participants will explore practical strategies to foster a culture of retention, mitigate burnout, and prepare for smooth leadership transitions. Through guided discussions, case studies, and self-assessments, attendees will leave with actionable tools to strengthen their organization’s capacity and leadership pipeline. This session is designed for senior nonprofit leaders seeking advanced-level insights and peer-to-peer exchange on navigating these critical workforce issues.

Taking it Off the Shelf: From Strategic Plan to Active Implementation

Tower C

Meredith Jeffers, Metropolitan State University of Denver

In this session, the co-presenters will share lessons learned in galvanizing a large university community toward active implementation of its 2030 Strategic Plan (fondly referred to as “the brochure”). More specifically, we will begin by briefly explaining the timeline of the strategic plan and why it was stalled from 2020 to 2023. We will then unpack how we got the university back on track, utilizing a publicly-facing dashboard of board-approved metrics and an internal methodology (“OKRs: Objectives and Key Results”) for focusing, aligning, committing to, and tracking the same enterprise-wide initiatives that impact the metrics that matter most. To conclude, we will reflect on our first year of implementation, and how we reviewed and refreshed our implementation plan for the upcoming fiscal year. Following this presentation, we will save time for Q/A from attendees.

Endowments are for Everyone!

Tower A

Leah Goss, Good Cause Solutions

Are you a nonprofit organization without an endowment? Is establishing and growing an endowment something you aspire to, but think is beyond your capacity? Then this workshop is for you! Learn why endowments matter, how to make the case for them to your Board and to Donors and identify essential strategies to get started. Building on specific case studies, attendees will explore situational strategies and receive samples and worksheets to accelerate their efforts. (Note: this session is not about financial institutions or the technical aspects of investing but is designed for the fundraiser who wants a plan to get started.)

Map Out Your Marketing: Strategic Planning for a Successful 2026

Tower D

Katie O’Dell, YellowDog Marketing

Do you always feel behind the ball on marketing? Are there too many ideas floating around your organization without enough accountability or action? The experts at YellowDog are here to demystify the entire marketing process and guide you through planning for the year to come. Leave with a 2026 marketing roadmap and a clear path forward to map out your year, build consensus, secure stakeholder buy-in and hit the ground running. Who is this session for? Nonprofit leaders, fundraising and marketing professionals, community engagement specialists, and members of smaller teams wearing a lot of hats.

Inclusive Language & Messaging for Grant Writers

Tower C

Morgan Carpenter, India Phoenix & Jamie (JR) Rasmussen, Carpenter Nonprofit Consulting

Crafting compelling grant narratives requires more than strong writing skills—it demands a thoughtful, equity-centered approach to storytelling. In this engaging and interactive session, grant professionals will explore the power of inclusive language and messaging to create stronger, more ethical, and more effective proposals. Participants will learn how to shift from deficit-based narratives to asset-framing, moving beyond “poverty porn” and white saviorism to storytelling that uplifts and empowers communities. This session will provide practical strategies, real-world examples, and hands-on exercises to help attendees apply inclusive language principles to their grant narratives immediately.

The nonprofit sector has always been resilient—navigating the unknown through economic downturns, global crises, and shifting policies. From the Great Recession to the COVID-19 pandemic, nonprofits have adapted, innovated, and found ways to serve their communities despite uncertainty. Today, as organizations face new complexities—political shifts, economic pressures, and rising demand for services—leaders are once again being called to do more with less.

Join this dynamic plenary panel featuring trusted voices from across Colorado as they explore how nonprofits can sustain their missions and drive impact in an evolving landscape. From harnessing emerging technologies like AI to strengthening cross-sector partnerships, preparing for policy changes, and fostering innovation, this conversation will offer fresh perspectives and actionable strategies.

More than ever, nonprofits must lean on each other, share knowledge, and build collective resilience. Whether you’re an executive director, board member, or nonprofit professional shaping the future of your organization, this is an opportunity to engage in a vital discussion that will challenge, inspire, and equip you with the tools to lead with confidence. Together, we can strengthen our sector—and the communities we serve.

Sponsored By

First Impressions Matter: Elevating Your Reputation Through a High End Hiring Process

Tower B

Brittny Wilson, Brittny Wilson Consulting

Your nonprofit’s hiring process is more than a way to fill vacancies, it’s a chance to make a lasting first impression and reinforce your brand. In this actionable presentation, Brittny Wilson, a seasoned nonprofit recruiter, will share a step-by-step guide to creating a high-end, candidate-centric hiring process that reflects your organization’s values. Attendees will learn how to design a recruitment experience that builds trust, showcases culture, avoids common pitfalls, and maintains clear, professional communication. Whether hiring a Development Director or an entire team, this session will help transform your hiring process into a powerful brand ambassador.

Extreme Board Makeover: Your Blueprint for a High-Impact Board

Tower A

Derik Timmerman, Valtas Group

Every board member has something valuable to offer—but not everyone is in the right role or stage of service to contribute meaningfully. This session is about creating a board where every member is engaged, energized, and using their unique strengths to advance the mission. We’ll explore strategies for activating underutilized talent, making the most of board meetings, setting clear expectations for participation, and having thoughtful, constructive conversations when it’s time for someone to transition off. Walk away with a blueprint for a high-energy board that thrives on collaboration, purpose, and shared leadership—where everyone has a passion to win and a role that truly fits. Because better boards mean a better world.

Stepping into State-level Advocacy: Building a Strategy that Advances your Mission and Balances your Capacity

Tower D

Jack Murphy, Colorado Nonprofit Association

Now more than ever, it is essential that nonprofit organizations engage in the legislative process to advance their missions, protect themselves from threats, and raise public awareness for our sector. Many organizations and nonprofit professionals are considering engaging in advocacy for the first time, but don’t know where to start. For those new to advocacy, engaging at the state-level is a great place to jump in – it’s more local and accessible, yet still has a significant impact on the work you and your organization do. This training provides a general overview of the state’s General Assembly, how laws are passed, and the tools and techniques needed to engage in the legislative process. Participants will leave this training understanding the state legislative process, how to monitor legislative activity for opportunities and threats, and how to work with their organizations to design practical and efficient strategies to advocate when needed.

Leveraging Consultants for Nonprofit Success

Windows

Robin Chalecki, Emily Griffith Foundation

In today’s uncertain economic and social landscape, nonprofits must balance growth with financial sustainability. This session will explore how strategic engagement with consultants can help organizations expand capacity, enhance efficiency, and drive impact—without increasing long-term operational costs. Participants will gain insights into when and how to engage consultants effectively, as well as the key roles they can play in supporting nonprofit success.

The Profitable Gala Playbook: How to Create a Winning Fundraising Strategy

Tower B

Dani Dotterosa, Auctions By Dani

Join us and walk away with your gala fundraising strategy ready-to-go! You’ll learn all about creating a winning strategy as we dive into how pricing your tickets correctly brings the resources you need to hit your goals and equations that help us make pure profit on event night. We’ll explore the mental reframe that will take your planning to the next level and the non-negotiable fundraising stream every event needs. Filled with pro tips, time for questions and a workbook, this session will give you the confidence to tackle your fundraising goals.

Leverage AI in Your Digital Marketing

Tower C

Natalie Henley, Volume Nine

Nonprofit marketers are constantly juggling tight budgets and big expectations. In this session, we’ll explore how AI can simplify your marketing efforts, from creating content to managing campaigns. The focus? Saving time, stretching resources, and amplifying your message without losing sight of your mission. Whether you’re new to AI or already experimenting, you’ll leave with practical strategies to streamline your approach and get better results—fast.