Workshops & Speakers
Pre-Conference Trainings
Are you comfortable describing your organization’s work in the time span of an elevator ride? The San Luis Valley RPD conference is a unique chance to meet one-on-one with potential funders and partner organizations in a relaxed, rural setting. Are you prepared to maximize that opportunity?
The Community Resource Center and Anschutz Family Foundation provide these critical training sessions across the host region prior to the three-day conference. In addition to learning about what Rural Philanthropy Days has to offer, you’ll have an opportunity to learn how to research funders and get to take part in a “telling your story” training workshop designed to help you articulate your organization’s work and impact in a clear and concise manner. Whether you’re a veteran fundraiser or a newcomer to the nonprofit world, creating a good pitch is essential in introducing your organization to somebody for the first time, including potential donors and grantmakers. Come be inspired and get prepared to make meaningful connections with funders and other community leaders at Rural Philanthropy Days.
Please join us for one of the following Pre-Conference Training workshops offered in the region:
Presenters: Nellie Stagg, Community Resource Center and Kumella Aiu, Anschutz Family Foundation
Tuesday, August 27 | 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Chapel of the South Fork | 116 Landon Dr, South Fork, CO 81154
Wednesday, August 28| 9:00 – 11:00 AM
SLV Behavioral Health Group – Large Conference Room
8745 County Rd 9 S, Alamosa, CO 81101
Wednesday, August 28 | 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Antonito High School | 13099 Co Rd G, Antonito, CO 81120
Thursday, August 29 | 9:00 – 11:00 AM
Center Viking Youth Club | 386 Broadway, Center, CO 81125
*Pre-conference trainings are required for first-time RPD attendees.
Tuesday, September 17
Costilla County Driving Tour (7:30 - 11:45 AM)
Tour description: Tour both the geographical and cultural landscape of Costilla County and learn about the area’s rich history, diverse culture and economic challenges. Voices of Costilla County share the heart and challenges of cultural preservation, youth and education, and economic revitalization. Experience the stark beauty of its remote landscapes, and visit the towns of San Luis and Fort Garland to feel the rich cultural history of Colorado’s oldest communities.
"Telling Your Story" Pre-Training Make-Up Session (9:00 - 11:30 AM)
Session Description: The Community Resource Center and Anschutz Family Foundation provide these critical training sessions across the host region prior to the three-day conference. In addition to learning about what Rural Philanthropy Days has to offer, you’ll get to take part in a “telling your story” training workshop designed to help you articulate your organization’s work and impact in a clear and concise manner. Whether you’re a veteran fundraiser or a newcomer to the nonprofit world, creating the perfect pitch is essential in introducing your organization to somebody for the first time, including potential donors and grantmakers. Come be inspired and get prepared to make meaningful connections with funders and other community leaders at Rural Philanthropy Days. This makeup session is available to any conference registrants that did not attend a previously hosted session.
*Pre-conference trainings are required for first-time RPD attendees.
Grants for Rural Nonprofits (9:00 - 11:30 AM)
Session Description: This session will focus on the challenges unique to small and rural organizations within grantwriting and fund development, and present best practices and tips for success when writing grant applications. Participants will leave understanding the essential elements included in a grant proposal, including key terminology, and how to successfully write to the Colorado Common Grant Application. As a participant, you will learn how to utilize nonprofit best practices to make your grants even more competitive.
Since 2013, Maria Fabula has served as President & CEO of the Community Resource Center. Maria believes in the power of the nonprofit sector and volunteerism to drive meaningful change and cultivate thriving communities. With more than 20 years of experience in leadership and management, Maria has spent her career connecting government, nonprofits and businesses to improve community. Appointed in 2014 to the Governor’s Commission on Community Service, Maria currently serves as the Commission Chair. Maria was recognized as “Who’s Who in Impact Investing” by the Impact Finance Center and Denver Business Journal in 2017 and 2018 and is an Everything DiSC® Certified Facilitator.
Opening Remarks & Keynote Local Storytellers (12:00 - 1:00 PM)
Session Description: Begin the 2019 San Luis Valley RPD conference with welcome remarks and a series of inspiring storytelling presentations by Justin Garoutte, Trudi Kretsinger, and Isaac Grody Patinkin. Boxed lunches will be provided.
Justin Garoutte was born and raised in Antonito. In 2015, they founded Valleybound, the Antonito School and Community Garden. Shortly thereafter, Justin joined Conejos Clean Water as executive director until 2017. They received their Master of Public Health from the University of New Mexico with a focus on sexual and gender minority health. They currently work as a research associate for the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE) on the Reducing LGBTQ Adolescent Suicide study. Justin resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with their partner, seven chickens, and two turtles.
Trudi Kretsinger is a retired farmer who has been feeding vegetarians (cows) for over 25 years. She continues to work to support the mission of regenerative agriculture and local food economy. Let us live in a way that the Earth will be grateful for us.
San Luis Valley Regional Town Hall (1:00 - 2:30 PM)
Session description: Join the SLV RPD Steering Committee for an energizing, collaborative conversation about the nonprofit sector in Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande and Saguache counties. These facilitated, small group dialogues will bring together nonprofit professionals, community leaders, and funders to network and create a collective message of the strengths and assets of the sector. Participants will leave feeling motivated and ready to take full advantage of the RPD conference and leverage their knowledge and passion to establish new partnerships and discover key opportunities.
Maria Fabula, President and CEO of Community Resource Center, brings more than 17 years of experience in nonprofit management, fund development, volunteer engagement, collaboration and business development. Maria has extensive experience delivering training and consulting services to increase nonprofit capacity. Maria earned a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California at San Diego and has spent a majority of her career connecting government agencies, nonprofit organizations and private enterprises to improve community. Her experience includes leadership positions with the Nonprofit Support Center, the Junior Statesmen Foundation and the California State Senate.
Meet the Funders - Round 1 (2:45 - 3:45 PM)
Session Description: The “Meet the Funders” sessions provide an introduction to a group of Colorado grantmakers and an opportunity for peer-learning and networking. Foundation staff will share information on strategic funding initiatives, giving philosophy, and grantmaking process. Nonprofits will gain valuable insight on potential partnerships with each funder and an opportunity for open dialogue and questions.
Group 1 – General Purpose Funders: Daniels Fund, El Pomar Foundation, Gates Family Foundation, Kenneth King Foundation
Group 2 – General Purpose Funders: Adolph Coors Foundation, Anschutz Family Foundation, A.V. Hunter Trust, Buell Foundation
Group 3 – Government Support: Department of Local Affairs, Great Outdoors Colorado, State Historical Fund, USDA
Group 4 – Healthy Communities: Colorado Health Foundation, NextFifty Initiative
Group 5: Caring for Colorado Foundation
Meet the Funders - Round 2 (4:00 - 5:00 PM)
Session Description: The “Meet the Funders” sessions provide an introduction to a group of Colorado grantmakers and an opportunity for peer-learning and networking. Foundation staff will share information on strategic funding initiatives, giving philosophy, and grantmaking process. Nonprofits will gain valuable insight on potential partnerships with each funder and an opportunity for open dialogue and questions.
Group 1 – General Purpose Funders: Daniels Fund, El Pomar Foundation, Gates Family Foundation, Kenneth King Foundation
Group 2 – General Purpose Funders: Adolph Coors Foundation, Anschutz Family Foundation, A.V. Hunter Trust, Buell Foundation
Group 3 – Government Support: Department of Local Affairs, Great Outdoors Colorado, State Historical Fund, USDA
Group 4 – Healthy Communities: Colorado Health Foundation, NextFifty Initiative
Group 5: Caring for Colorado Foundation
Wednesday, September 18
Concurrent Breakout Session 1 (10:00 – 11:30 AM)
Census 2020: Making it Count
Main Track: Engaging Diverse Populations
Session Description: The most important upcoming policy moment that will affect rural communities and nonprofits is the 2020 census. An accurate count of communities across the San Luis Valley means fair representation in Congress, economic development resources, and continued funding to support the critical work of nonprofits. In this facilitated discussion with leaders and funders, we’ll explore strategies that nonprofits and philanthropy can engage in to make sure our communities count. This session will specifically focus on the impact of the census on rural Colorado with data and resources specific to the San Luis Valley, and timely funding opportunities available to nonprofits in the region to help get out the count.
Maria Fabula, President & CEO of Community Resource Center, brings more than 17 years of experience in nonprofit management, fund development, volunteer engagement, collaboration and business development. Maria has extensive experience delivering training and consulting services to increase nonprofit capacity. Maria earned a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California at San Diego Revelle College and has spent a majority of her career connecting government agencies, nonprofit organizations and private enterprises to improve community. Her experience includes leadership positions with the Nonprofit Support Center, the Junior Statesmen Foundation and the California State Senate. She is the past president of the Nipomo Area Recreation Association and resides in Castle Rock with her husband and three children.
Developing a Salary Matrix Utilizing the Colorado Nonprofit Association’s Salary Survey
Main Track: Nonprofit Skillbuilding
Session Description: This workshop will dive into how to create an organizational salary matrix utilizing the Colorado Nonprofit Association’s Annual Salary Survey. It will be a hands on workshop where participants will work through creating salary ranges for their organization’s positions. Workshop participants will have access to the salary survey and will be provided with worksheets that allow them to create suggested position salaries while considering position descriptions, organizational budget, organizational focus and geographic region.
Megan Strauss is the Executive Director and founder of Alpine Achievers Initiative. Megan received her Master’s Degree in Social Work with a concentration in non-profit leadership and development and has been working in the non-profit world since 2006. Her passions are bringing inspiration to underserved youth and creating meaningful experiences for service-oriented individuals. Megan served two terms with AmeriCorps which changed the course of her life and is now proud to support AmeriCorps programs serving youth in the San Luis Valley.
Melanie Tsuchida is the Manager of Strategic Learning for Colorado Nonprofit Association. She is responsible for leading the Association’s evaluation and learning efforts to determine how effectively the programs and services of the organization build capacity, effectiveness and innovation of Colorado’s nonprofits. Since joining the Association in 2014, Melanie has held various positions within membership and programs. Prior to moving to Colorado, Melanie worked with Oklahoma’s state association, the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, in the mission and programs department for over a year. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and a minor in Nonprofit Organizational Studies from the University of Oklahoma. In her spare time she enjoys the outdoors by camping, skiing and hiking.
Focusing Your Evaluation
Main Track: Nonprofit Skillbuilding
Session Description: Do you want to conduct an evaluation but don’t know where to start? Evaluation can help you learn about what’s working and what’s not to make tweaks to your program for strategic improvement. In this interactive session, you will learn how to focus your evaluation by defining your program and developing key evaluation questions to get at what you really want to know. The intended audience is anyone looking to start – or improve – their organization’s evaluation strategy and activities.
Elena Harman, PhD, is the founder and CEO of Vantage Evaluation, Colorado’s leading partner, resource and voice for evaluation. Elena founded Vantage Evaluation to help organizations understand what’s working and what’s not, so they can make strategic improvements based on findings in their evaluation. She operates Vantage Evaluation with the vision of a world where all purpose-driven organizations think about and use evaluation as an essential tool to strategically improve programs and systems to create a stronger, more dynamic community for us all. Elena is the author of the book “The Great Nonprofit Evaluation Reboot: A New Approach Every Staff Member Can Understand,” a comprehensive discussion on changing the approach to evaluation published in February 2019. She regularly leads community trainings and workshops. She is an active member of the American Evaluation Association and the President of the Colorado Evaluators Network. Elena holds a B.S. in Brain and Cognitive Sciences, with a minor in Political Science, from M.I.T. and a Ph.D. in Evaluation and Applied Research Methods from Claremont Graduate University.
Grantwriting 201: Beyond Answering the Questions
Main Track: Development
Session Description: Build your capacity to write competitive grants by gaining a deeper understanding of all that goes into a successful application – beyond just answering the questions. In this interactive session you will learn and discuss how to structure a grant narrative for maximum effectiveness, build data systems for impactful grant reporting, strengthen funder relationships and cultivate donors, create sustainable grant management tools, and build a culture of philanthropy across your organization.
Nellie Stagg is the Director of Rural Programs at Community Resource Center, working with hundreds of rural nonprofit leaders across the state to strengthen their organizations and communities. Nellie has a background in rural programmatic management, nonprofit capacity building, and data informed decision making. A proud AmeriCorps NCCC alumni, Nellie understands the value of national service and the impact it can have on individuals, organizations, and communities. As a former Program Officer with Serve Colorado – the Governor’s Commission on Community Service, Nellie brings the unique perspective of having been a grant maker overseeing a portfolio rural and developing programs across the state. When not driving across Colorado, she can be found at the library, in a makerspace, or in the garden.
Impact Investing: What is it & How Does it Relate to My Organization?
Main Track: Financial Management
Session Description: Have you ever wondered what impact investing is, and if it makes sense for your organization? In this session, we will unwrap one funder’s experiences with a handful of impact investments, from equity investments to loans. We will have a breakout session where we look at possible financing possibilities funders like us would be interested in considering.
Janice (pronounced Ja-nees) Fritsch, president of the Kenneth King Foundation, is responsible for implementing the Foundation’s grantmaking strategy, daily operations and is a member of the Foundation’s investment committee. Janice has been with the Foundation since 2002. Janice spent two years leading operations at Intrinsic Valuation, a boutique valuation firm. Prior to joining the Foundation, Janice spent seven years in interactive development consulting, as an account director at ad-serving provider Matchlogic, web development provider AGENCY.COM:Vail and high-technology public relations firm WeberShandwick in Boston. Janice earned her B.A. in Journalism and Public Relations from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, and her M.B.A. from the University of Denver’s Daniels School of Business. Janice has two children, Griffin, 16, and Kate, 14. She is married to Kyle. In her spare time, Janice enjoys yoga, skiing, swimming, running, biking, hiking, reading and cooking.
Maximizing Colorado Gives Day: Convert Donors to Partners
Main Track: Nonprofit Skillbuilding
Session Description: In this workshop we will cover the impact and importance of Colorado Gives Day in a community and how to maximize that in your community as part of Southwest Colorado Gives Day. From initial marketing to collaborating with others also participating, the group will discuss what you can learn from similar days around the country and in Colorado. We will end this conversation with planning to maximize 2019 Southwest Colorado Gives Day. Conversations to be led by Dana Rinderknecht and Mike Roque to maximize the efforts of all participating nonprofits.
Dana Rinderknecht joined the Community First Foundation staff in December 2007 and serves the organization as its director of online giving. After she joined Community First Foundation, she helped launch ColoradoGives.org, a year-round, online giving website featuring more than 2,500 Colorado nonprofit organizations. Three years later, she was the driving force behind the introduction of Colorado Gives Day, the state’s largest online giving day. Through these two programs, more than $296 million has been raised online for Colorado nonprofits.
Prior to joining Community First Foundation, Dana served as the Director of Resource Development for Dental Aid and as the Executive Director of Family Pathways of Colorado. Throughout her career she has volunteered and serves on the Boards of several Denver-area nonprofits. Currently, she sits on the Board of the Junior League of Denver. She holds a Master’s degree in business administration from the University of Denver and Bachelor of Science in applied mathematics from Colorado State University.
Mike Roque, Executive Director, Community Foundation of the San Luis Valley
Nonprofit Governing Boards
Main Track: Nonprofit Leadership
Session Description: This workshop gives the attendee concepts on board governance and responsibility. We will discuss four types of boards: elected boards, self-perpetuating boards, appointed and hybrid boards, and advisory boards. Attendees will learn governing board’s legal and functional responsibilities. Attendees will receive a list of 12 Best Practices (BoardSource, 2013) that can lead to board effectiveness. Lastly, how do we measure board effectiveness?
Presenter: L. Louise Van Osdol, Ed.D. Adjunct Professor, Organizational Leadership, Friends of South Fork
Regional Panel Session: A Two Generation Approach to Strengthening Families in the San Luis Valley
Advanced Track: Regional Issues
Session Description: “Working Together” is a “2 Generation” approach to strengthening vulnerable families in the San Luis Valley. The compelling outcomes of this innovative project demonstrate the power of collaboration.
The precept is, if resources are coordinated to strengthen the economic stability of a family, and are integrated alongside evidence-based early childhood programming, the entire family’s trajectory is lifted beyond such efforts in isolation! The result creates an environment in which both parents and children thrive. This successful collaborative has partners with over 20 local service providers in Alamosa, Costilla, and Saguache counties,who developed an integrated support model, helping parents and children concurrently.
In this workshop, a panel of partners and family participants will share their experiences engaging in this two year pilot and provide stories and data to share the challenges and successes. Through interactive discussion we will explore the strength of the model, while identifying barriers, service gaps and unmet needs of San Luis Valley families.
Regional Panel Session: Water - The Lifeblood of the San Luis Valley
Advanced Track: Regional Issues
Session Description: This panel discussion will explore water issues in the San Luis Valley and their impact on the communities throughout the valley. The panel will begin by developing context around the current water situation, sharing common understanding, and debunking myths. Representatives from a cross-section of sectors will then discuss current issues/projects related to agriculture, acequias, education, and recreation.
Session outcomes:
- To provide a general overview and understanding of water issues in the San Luis Valley;
- Debunking myths and assumptions about water issues in the SLV;
- Provide an overview of water-related organizations/projects (i.e. agriculture, economy, conservation, education, recreation, etc..), as well as local tensions around water usage;
- Explore opportunities for cooperation and collaboration with entities within the valley and across the state.
Town of Center and the Heart of the San Luis Valley Agriculture Bus Tour (1:00 - 4:30 PM)
Advanced Track: Regional Issues
Session Description: This guided bus tour to the town of Center will provide participants a broad view of the heart and challenges of the town and surrounding agricultural community. On the tour you will meet and learn from those who operate both large and small scale farming operations. See first-hand the backbone of Center’s economy, including fields in production and harvest, and farmworker housing. You will also meet and hear from farmers, healthcare providers, youth service providers and local youth. You will engage with youth as they share life in Center “through their eyes”, narrating their photo exhibits.
Concurrent Breakout Session 2 (1:00- 2:30 PM)
Changing our Narrative about Aging and Ageism
Main Track: Engaging Diverse Populations
Session Description: Do you work with, advocate for or communicate about older adults, aging and ageism? Do you want to advance policies, programs and funding that would allow people of all ages to thrive in your community? Join us to learn evidence-based messaging and communications strategies based on three years of research by FrameWorks Institute that have been proven to shift public opinion in a positive direction, to increase support for age-friendly policies and to decrease bias against older people.
Janine Vanderburg is lead strategist and trainer for Changing the Narrative in Colorado, a campaign to change the way people think, talk and act about aging, older people and ageism. She is a co-founder of the Colorado Encore Network, a member of the Encore.org Network Leadership Team and is CEO of Encore Roadmap, which provides inspiration and tools for capitalizing on the strengths and talents of older adults. She is a former member of the Denver Commission on Aging, and received the Mayor’s Diversity and Inclusion award in 2018 for her advocacy on behalf of older adults. A certified FrameWorks Institute Master Trainer for Reframing Aging, in 2018 Janine facilitated 42 workshops and presentations on reframing aging, reaching over 1,300 people.
Digital Tools for Nonprofits
Main Track: Board Development
Session Description: This hands-on workshop will introduce key digital tools for nonprofit leaders such as Google Drive, Doodle and more. We will dive into the experiential learning cycle and actually work on the tools. Participants will leave feeling more competent and having made tangible strides in accessing digital tools.
Aaron Miltenberger joined the Boys and the Girls Clubs of the San Luis Valley as President/CEO in April of 2018. A long time advocate for historically underserved and marginalized youth, with over 25 years of working in student and youth development programs. Mr. Miltenberger has worked with foster homes, environmental education programs, youth corrections, wilderness therapy programs and with social services. He was a three-year employee at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the San Luis Valley working in the Intel Computer Clubhouse. Most recently, Mr. Miltenberger was the Director of Student Life & Recreation at Adams State University, where he worked for 10 years. He received his Master in Higher Education Administration and Leadership from ASU in 2012.
Leveraging Funding Through Planning and Collaboration
Main Track: Development
Session Description: In partnership with San Luis Valley Great Outdoors (SLV GO), GOCO will host a panel of project funders and organizers to discuss the San Luis Valley’s success in securing grant funding and implementing outdoor recreation projects. These projects create close to home places to play for residents and visitors while also contributing to the economic vitality of the region. Attendees will learn about ongoing funding available through GOCO and our philosophy on collaboration and leveraging funds. Panelists will share insight on how they made these projects possible and what they learned from the process.
Presenters: Madison Brannigan, Program Officer, Great Outdoors Colorado
Matt Brady, Grants Officer, Great Outdoors Colorado
Financial Statements 101
Main Track: Financial Management
Session Description: This session will cover the basic financial statements used in day-to-day business operations of non-profit organizations. You will learn about the types of information you can glean from each statement and how to use that information to make better business decisions. We will also explain some common financial statement lingo and terminology so that you will be able to converse effectively with financial-minded employees, partners, and associates. This session is perfect for the program-minded individual who would like to have a better grasp of the financial matters that make organizations tick.
Amy Garoutte is the Finance Director for Alpine Achievers Initiative. She has over 12 years of accounting experience and 4 years of teaching experience. Amy is passionate about inspiring underserved youth through outdoor experiences and other opportunities. She is thrilled to be utilizing her accounting and finance expertise to serve the mission of AAI and foster beneficial opportunities for the youth in her community. Amy lives in Saguache, Colorado.
Next Level Marketing for Nonprofits
Main Track: Nonprofit Skillbuilding
Session Description: Is your website helping you meet your mission? Is it inspiring donors to give? By looking at these 7 Building Blocks, you will be able to evaluate how your website could stop being a necessary evil and start becoming an effective part of your fundraising efforts.
Presenter: Elizabeth Zurn, Producer, Vinrock Media
Planning for Smooth Transitions in Executive Leadership
Main Track: Nonprofit Leadership
Session Description: Changes to Executive Director leadership can be terrifyingly daunting, but they don’t need to be. Rather than a resignation coming out of left field, leaving boards and staff scrambling, directors and boards can proactively plan for the time when the Executive Director moves on. Learn how departure-defined succession plans can provide smooth transitions to support all parties while enabling your organization to keep pace with accomplishing its mission. Don’t stick your head in the sand, PLAN!
Sandhya Tillotson is the founder of Sagebrush Ltd, providing nonprofit consulting focussed on rural organizations in Colorado. Sandhya is a graduate of the Community Resource Center’s Nonprofit Leadership & Management Program and served as the Executive Director of The Garden Project of Southwest Colorado for over five years. With Sandhya at the helm, The Garden Project was awarded 2017 Non-Profit of the Year by the Durango Chamber of Commerce. As a visionary servant-leader, Sandhya offers services in strategic planning, leadership development, grant writing, and retreat facilitation. Originally from Santa Barbara, CA, Sandhya has lived in CO for 14 years.
What Development Staff Need to Know about Evaluation
Main Track: Nonprofit Skillbuilding
Session Description: As a development pro, you excel in building relationships… but what about those pesky evaluation questions? We’ll help you think through how to evaluation to work for you. In this session, you will engage in a facilitated discussion about what development staff needs to know about evaluation to better understand the ways which development staff touch evaluation, effectively communicate with and motivate funders and donors around evaluation, and support staff in meeting evaluation requirements.
Elena Harman, PhD, is the founder and CEO of Vantage Evaluation, Colorado’s leading partner, resource and voice for evaluation. Elena founded Vantage Evaluation to help organizations understand what’s working and what’s not, so they can make strategic improvements based on findings in their evaluation. She operates Vantage Evaluation with the vision of a world where all purpose-driven organizations think about and use evaluation as an essential tool to strategically improve programs and systems to create a stronger, more dynamic community for us all. Elena is the author of the book “The Great Nonprofit Evaluation Reboot: A New Approach Every Staff Member Can Understand,” a comprehensive discussion on changing the approach to evaluation published in February 2019. She regularly leads community trainings and workshops. She is an active member of the American Evaluation Association and the President of the Colorado Evaluators Network. Elena holds a B.S. in Brain and Cognitive Sciences, with a minor in Political Science, from M.I.T. and a Ph.D. in Evaluation and Applied Research Methods from Claremont Graduate University.
Concurrent Breakout Session 3 (3:00 – 4:30 PM)
AmeriCorps: Getting Things Done in the San Luis Valley
Main Track: Nonprofit Skillbuilding
Session Description: This interactive session will discuss the power of AmeriCorps service to strengthen organizations in the San Luis Valley. Nonprofits which have hosted AmeriCorps members will share their story of how utilizing national service furthered their impact. Panelists will candidly discuss the advantages and struggles of utilizing this resource and will share their lessons learned. Discussion will be held on the key differences between the streams of service and how an organization can position itself to utilize this key resource; closing with audience Q&A – representatives of all three streams of service on hand to answer additional questions.
Nellie Stagg is the Director of Rural Programs at Community Resource Center, working with hundreds of rural nonprofit leaders across the state to strengthen their organizations and communities. Nellie has a background in rural programmatic management, nonprofit capacity building, and data informed decision making. A proud AmeriCorps NCCC alumni, Nellie understands the value of national service and the impact it can have on individuals, organizations, and communities. As a former Program Officer with Serve Colorado – the Governor’s Commission on Community Service, Nellie brings the unique perspective of having been a grant maker overseeing a portfolio rural and developing programs across the state. When not driving across Colorado, she can be found at the library, in a makerspace, or in the garden.
New Opportunity: How to Obtain Donations through State Income Tax Refunds
Main Track: Financial Management
Session Description: Next year, Coloradans will be able to donate their state income tax refund to any nonprofit that has been registered with the Secretary of State to raise funds for more than five years. With over $1 billion in refunds to almost 2 million households, your nonprofit will have a new source of donations. Learn about what nonprofits need to do and what you donors need to do. Attendees will receive a toolkit with detailed information, suggested messages and outreach methods.
Renny Fagan is the President and CEO of Colorado Nonprofit Association. With 1,300 member nonprofit organizations statewide, the Association provides knowledge resources and advocates for the entire nonprofit sector. Renny is a former state legislator, director Colorado Department of Revenue, deputy attorney general, and state director for U.S. Senator Ken Salazar. He serves on Colorado Commission on Higher Education (Vice Chair), and the boards of Mile High United Way, Colorado Channel Authority, Metro Denver Leadership Foundation and Colorado CPA Society. A Colorado native, he earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Chicago and a J.D. from Northwestern University.
LGBTQ Health in CO: Understanding the Current Landscape & Creating Community-Driven Ideas for Change
Main Track: Engaging Diverse Populations
Session Description: One Colorado Education Fund (OCEF) knows that the landscape of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) health in Colorado has changed in the last several years and will facilitate a session to dive into the current landscape, as learned from its 2018 LGBTQ health assessment and recently published report. Participants will use the information learned to discuss how the San Luis Valley can engage on issues related to LGBTQ health to improve outcomes and access to services and resources.
Cara Cheevers serves as the Policy Director at One Colorado. In this role, she oversees the organization’s LGBTQ health policy program, which includes regulatory and legislative advocacy, data collection and research, and conducting provider competency and patient empowerment trainings. She has her Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis, where she concentrated her studies on systemic health equity issues. Since moving to Colorado from her native Michigan, she has served two terms of AmeriCorps to address issues related to rural homelessness and housing insecurity, worked for four years in the offices of both Governor Hickenlooper of Lt. Governor Garcia, and oversaw Colorado’s AmeriCorps State funding to create and sustain direct-service community organizations throughout the state. She currently serves on various boards and commissions, including the Harm Reduction Action Center, Advisory Council for Homeless Youth, and the Office of Health Equity’s Action Advisory Council.
Ready for Launch: Pre-Flight Checklist for Capital Campaigns
Main Track: Development
Session Description: What indicators should leaders should look for in assessing their readiness for a capital campaign? What preparation should be undertaken in advance? How might you still proceed if you are not as well-situated for a major fundraising campaign as you would prefer? The workshop will address the roles volunteers, a feasibility study, and early gifts can play in setting the stage for success. We will also identify challenges organizations may encounter and offer strategies to compensate for less-than-perfect fundraising circumstances.
Jeff Susor has spent the last twenty years assisting nonprofit organizations sustain their mission through effective fundraising, communications, and program management. Jeff is a founding partner in Insights Aligned, a Durango-based consulting firm helping mission-centered organizations to cultivate the relationships and resources they need to deliver positive change in the world. Jeff’s consulting work includes fundraising planning and support, capacity building, and the planning or implementation of over twenty-five capital campaigns.
Social Media
Main Track: Nonprofit Skillbuilding
Session Description: Facebook is the most powerful and affordable relationship building platform available to you. In this workshop, you’ll learn the best ways for nonprofits to connect with donors using Facebook’s newest features. We’ll cover the basics of how and when to boost posts and also dive deep into how Facebook can integrate into your donor identification, cultivation, and solicitation strategies. Also, you’ll learn how to keep your page safe and out of Facebook Jail!
Presenter: Elizabeth Zurn, Producer, Vinrock Media
Staff and Volunteer Motivation
Main Track: Nonprofit Skillbuilding
Session Description: This workshop gives the attendee information on motivational theories (Maslow, Herzberg, Locke, Skinner, and so on). If a nonprofit manager can design jobs and create working environments in a way that provides staff and volunteers with opportunities for achievement, recognition, advancement, and growth (from the above theories), then staff and volunteers may be highly motivated. We’ll discuss five types of volunteers and how to develop a volunteer program.
Presenter: L. Louise Van Osdol, Ed.D., Adjunct Professor, Organizational Leadership, Friends of South Fork
Exploring Del Norte Colorado
Advanced Track: Driving Tour
Session Description: Join us for a tour of the host community, Del Norte, Colorado, to learn about the successes and challenges along the Upper Rio Grande. As the gateway to the San Juan Mountains, Del Norte is a growing community with an ambitious community-wide vision. Learn about the past, present, and future of Del Norte by exploring issues related to youth & education, health care, and recreation & the environment.
Thursday, September 19
Funder Roundtables (9:00 AM- 12:00 PM)
This is an opportunity for grantseekers to get immediate feedback from potential grantmakers on their nonprofit funding needs. Each grantseeker will have two minutes to give their pitch in “round-robin” style conversations with grantmakers. Grantmakers will then provide immediate feedback to grantseekers as to whether or not that grantseeker is a good match with their particular grantmaking entity. We ask that each grantseeking organization send no more than two representatives to Thursday’s Funder Roundtables. This ensures all organizations have the opportunity to visit with participating funders. Only grantseekers headquartered within the six counties of the San Luis Valley region will be permitted to participate in roundtables.
