Non-Profit Leadership

Non-Profit Leadership

Background:  Non Profit Leadership (NPL) was created because non profit organizations in Spokane County were failing.  The founding partners (Joe Albert/Gonzaga; Peter Jackson/Foundation Northwest; Vic Forni/United Way; and Linda Finney/Leadership Spokane) concluded that failure was due to lack of preparation of board members for responsibilities that were continually increasing in scope.  They identified 8 areas of study and designed a training series that would address those topics.  They secured experts to teach the sessions, committed to paying them for their work, and set a tuition schedule that would make the program self-sustaining.

Statement of Purpose:  NPL’s role is to increase capacity in the non profit sector by equipping and training board members (and staff) to do the work that will lay a foundation for a healthier community. The non profit sector is an important part of the region’s community structures and business viability.   The sector fulfills critical needs in human services, the arts, and education as no other sector can do.  When the non profit sector struggles, essential services don’t materialize and public faith and willingness to volunteer or commit resources evaporate.  A healthy non profit sector increases the region’s quality of life, attracts business and enlivens philanthropic and community spirit, by increasing the public’s trust in the sector’s efficiency and sustainability.

Mission Statement:  The Non Profit Leadership Partnership creates a healthy community by supporting the non profit sector with board and agency leadership training and skill building.