The Nonprofit Network Free Webinar Series – Jul 23 – Aug 6

Posted by Drexel University on July 14, 2020

The Nonprofit Network presents a series of FREE webinars designed for entry-level and intermediate nonprofit professionals. Participants learn more about creating, and growing sustainable nonprofits intended to address West Philadelphia community needs and challenges.

These webinars are free of charge and open to the public and West Philadelphia residents are strongly encouraged to participate. The structure allows for a live 30-45 minute presentation followed by Q & A on the given topic with the facilitator(s). All sessions will be held from noon to 1:00 p.m. on the given date.

While not required, it is recommended participants attend these workshops in order as the knowledge and skills build over the course of the series. Registrants who are unable to attend the live webinars will be emailed with a recorded version.

Start-up Check List
There are many nonprofits in the greater Philadelphia area, more than 15,000 that address a wide variety of needs including access to education, homelessness, food insecurity, disabilities, health and wellness, rights, and so much more. Perhaps you have identified a need that is not being addressed or not be addressed well in your community. While it is recommended to try and work with nonprofits that already exist because less than 40% of the 15,000 nonprofits are sustainable, sometimes the only option is to start a nonprofit. In this short webinar (pre-recorded), you will find a checklist to get your nonprofit up and running. Note: There is no Q & A for this nonprofit.

Grant Prospecting and Writing I – Facilitator: Lawrence Souder & Brenna McBride, July 23
Most nonprofits cannot sustain themselves on individual donors. Most apply for grants to broaden their revenue. However, grant prospecting, which is the task of identifying potential grants, can be overwhelming. Every grantee has different requirements, deadlines, and submission rules. In this workshop, attendees will learn the basics of grant prospecting and grant writing.

Donor Cultivation and Stewardship I – Facilitator: Anne Converse Willkomm, July 28
Building a sustainable donor base is all about building relationships. The goal is to turn each $25 donor into a $50 donor and then a $100 donor and then a $500 donor. This process does not happen without care and effort, known as stewardship. There is a two-step plan: first, identifying potential donors (cultivation); and second, maintaining and growing those donors (stewardship). In this workshop, attendees will be introduced to strategies for both.

Employee and Volunteer Management – Facilitator: Anne Converse Willkomm, July 30
Most nonprofits may start as a one-person show. However, as they grow over time, employees are hired and volunteers are solicited. In this workshop, attendees will be introduced to strategies to successfully grow a team, how to avoid pitfalls and other considerations. The working phase of this workshop will be comprised of Q & A, smaller discussions, and potential role play.

Record Keeping for Beginners – Facilitator: JT Thazhathel, August 4
Larger nonprofits use complex and often expensive software or management systems to keep track of donors and donations. Smaller nonprofits, especially start-ups, cannot afford such systems. In this workshop, attendees will learn how to keep track of donors and giving using simple record-keeping methods on platforms such as Excel. Attendees will also receive an introduction to nonprofit finance.

Strategic Fundraising Planning I – Facilitator: JT Thazhathel, August 6
Whether an organization is a start-up nonprofit or one that has been in existence for years; it is important to establish a strategic fundraising plan. To be successful, the plan must identify goals, the organization’s mission, potential donors, current donors, how funds will be raised, timeline, and donor forecasting. In this workshop, attendees will learn how to develop a strategic fundraising plan and begin to create it with guidance from the facilitator(s).

Questions: Please reach out to Anne Converse Willkomm, Assistant Clinical Professor & Dept. Head via email acw334@drexel.edu or telephone 215-571-3257.

RSVP: To reserve a seat at one of the workshops, please email bflcdornsifecenter@drexel.edu or call 267-328-4419

Webinar Links: The links to the webinars will be sent out to registrants via email a few days before each workshop.

The entire webinar series is free and open to the public (registration required).