Learn the basics of what it takes to operate, sustain, and grow your nonprofit organization during this five-part interactive virtual workshop series!

Based on Maryland Nonprofits’ best practices model, the Standards for Excellence, this multi-part course will cover topics including:

• Budgeting
• Fundraising readiness and regulations
• Evaluating your programs
• Human resource and risk management policies and practices
• The role of the board of directors
• Financial oversight
• Advocacy best practices

As a participant in the Nonprofit Basics Series you will receive: 

• Access for 2 people from your organization to attend each training session
• A comprehensive self-assessment of your organization’s governance, management, and operations
• Dedicated time for reflection and planning on your organization’s programs and strategies
• A proven framework for policy and procedure to formalize practices, including tools, customizable templates, and sample policies 
• Opportunities to learn from other leaders of small, young nonprofit organizations
• A 30-day progress check with opportunities for additional technical assistance or coaching
• A 60-day NDC Basics “virtual meet-up”
• Access to an online community to continue conversations and resource-sharing

Session 1: Mission, Program Outcomes (July 21, 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM)

Donors, grantmakers, and government agencies recognize the importance of a defined mission and clear program outcomes in determining whether to fund an organization. Nonprofit Basics Session 1 will help you align your mission statement, program, activities, and outcomes and move you closer to becoming “grant ready.”

Trainers:
Amy Coates Madsen, Director of Programs, Maryland Nonprofits
Angineeki Jones, Director of Learning, Maryland Nonprofits

Session 2: Financial Management, and Fundraising Essentials (August 4th, 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM)

Funders often take a very close look at the strength and sustainability of your organization's leaders and finances. Learn about budgeting basics, financial oversight, managing organizational risk. Review the variety of sources of nonprofit income and receive a framework for creating a resource development plan that suits their organization. Leave with a better understanding of how to raise money for general operating support and ideas for growing your donor pool.

Trainers:
Justin Pollock, Orgforward
Michelle Nusum Smith, Associate Consultant, Maryland Nonprofits 

Session 3: Leadership, Employees & Volunteers (August 18th, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM)

Session 4 covers the role of the executive and important policies and practices related to recruiting, hiring, and recognizing staff and volunteers.


Trainer: Hye Yeong Kwon, Executive Director, Arca Environmental

Session 4: Leadership, Board of Directors (September 1st, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM)

This session covers the best policies and practices your board should have in place and follow to ensure strong board governance, the many roles a board member may play, and how the distinction between Governance and Management affects how the board and board members work with the Executive Director and staff.


Trainer: Mara Winters, Board Governance Advisor, Maryland Nonprofits

Session 5: Fundraising Regulations Part 1 (September 15th, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM)

Make sure you can check all the boxes on legal compliance and ethical practices that donors will be asking about. Nonprofit Basics Session 3 will cover legal compliance and ethics, conflicts of interest, disclosure laws, donor respect, and confidentiality. Get a deep dive into the laws and regulations that govern all kinds of fundraising.

Trainers:
Amy Coates Madsen, Director of Programs, Maryland Nonprofits, Standards for Excellence Institute Director
Ron Barrett, Cogency Global

Session 6: Fundraising Regulations Part 2 (September 22nd, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM)
Make sure you can check all the boxes on legal compliance and ethical practices that donors will be asking about. Nonprofit Basics Session 3 will cover legal compliance and ethics, conflicts of interest, disclosure laws, donor respect, and confidentiality. Get a deep dive into the laws and regulations that govern all kinds of fundraising.

Trainers:
Amy Coates Madsen, Director of Programs, Maryland Nonprofits, Standards for Excellence Institute Director