News Article

Due to the success of past series, Gonzaga University will again host a series of workshops focusing on maximizing the effectiveness of a nonprofit board and improving contributions of board members. In collaboration with Spokane County United Way, the Avista Foundation, the Inland Northwest Community Foundation and Leadership Spokane, Gonzaga will offer a breakfast series beginning Oct. 15 through Nov. 19 in the Schoenberg Center from 8-10 a.m. with a full breakfast provided at 7:30 a.m.

This series acknowledges that encouraging board members is only one way to contribute to healthy nonprofit organizations in Spokane. Carefully selected instructors, who are experienced professionals from distinguished backgrounds, will teach the series courses based on their expertise.

The first workshop, “Vision: Mission & Roles and Responsibilities” will be held Oct. 15. In this workshop, Anne Marie Axworthy will focus on the impact of vision and mission on decision-making for the board and a review of primary responsibilities. Also at this workshop Dan Distelhorst, Ph.D. in organizational effectiveness consulting, will propose a model process to develop and maintain trust between the board and its executive director. Also, there will be a discussion on appropriate relationships with staff members.

“Resource Development,” the second workshop, will occur on Oct. 22. Carol Neupert, of CFRE Neupert Consulting Services, will address the components of a comprehensive developmental program, the ethics of fundraising, best practices and basic assessment tools for board members.

The third workshop, “Program Evaluation,” will take place Oct. 29. This workshop will provide guidance in identifying appropriate outcome measurements for organizational success, planning and funding.

“Legal,” the fourth workshop, will take place on Nov. 5 as Mary Gianni will provide help in identifying legal responsibility and liability areas. Gianni also will discuss benefits and limits of insurance.

In the fifth workshop, “Finance,” Nov. 12, Tom Dingus of Dingus, Zarecor & Associates will discuss the financial issues unique to nonprofit organizations and the key financial information needed to make good business decisions.

“Implementing Change,” the sixth and final workshop, will be held Nov. 19 when Distelhorst will discuss ways to implement change by recognizing and managing resistance factors, and gaining agreement.

The cost for the entire series is $299; individual sessions are $59 each. For more information or to enroll in classes visit the Continuing Education Web site or call (509) 313-3575.