Annual Connecticut Nonprofit Conference

Thank you to everyone who participated in our highly successful conference! We hope that attendees were inspired to move forward despite the troubled economy, experienced renewed purpose in their missions, and left with practical insight and tools that will help create new, innovative strategies to generate impact for those you serve.

Just as importantly, we hope that you take advantage of opportunities to work together to create a healthy Connecticut for everyone. The effect of strength in numbers and the value of collaboration is why we have an Association – so reach out to your peers and see how we can share knowledge and resources to strengthen each other. When we work together, we all win.

Highlights from Bill Strickland's amazing keynote speech:

Sponsors

Many thanks to our generous sponsors!

Premier Sponsors:
Media Sponsor:	Co-Communications
Foundation Support:	Community Foundation for Greater New Haven
Gold Sponsors:	Klear Facility Concepts
Silver Sponsors:
Snack Sponsors:
Collaborators:	BWB Solutions | Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) |  The William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund | UHY Advisors N.E., LLC

We are proud to say that all sponsorships for the 2009 Conference were SOLD OUT! If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, keep an eye on our site for opportunities in 2010 or contact Mark Berardi!
 

Toy Drive

Thank you to everyone who participated in our first annual Toy Drive! 120 toys were collected at the conference and given to NBC Connecticut’s Joy of Sharing Toy Drive to benefit the United Way and Toys For Tots. (See article)

The Toy drive is brought to you by CT Nonprofits and our Media Sponsor, Co-Communications. For more information, please contact Mark Berardi at 860-525-5080 or mberardi@ctnonprofits.org.
 

Conference Seminars

For full seminar details and a complete agenda, download the conference invitation brochure. 

Keynote Speaker: William Strickland
The Art of Leadership and the Business of Social Innovation

Strickland is a mesmerizing speaker who will inspire you to make a difference, in your life and in the lives of those around you. Ever-gracious, he delivers a profoundly simple, optimistic message for leaders: give people the tools they need, treat them with respect, and they will perform miraculous deeds. He also delves into his story of hope: of how a kid from Pittsburgh’s ghetto would go on to lecture at Harvard and serve on the board of the National Endowment of the Arts; of his meeting with a pottery teacher who would change his life; of growing a near-bankrupt community center into one of the most acclaimed social organizations in the world. Throughout, he shares his powerful set of beliefs: for example, that we all make ourselves “poor” in one way or another when we accept that we are not smart, experienced, or talented enough to accomplish something. “A successful life is not something you simply pursue—it is something that you create, moment by moment.”

For thirty years, Bill Strickland has transformed thousands of lives, restored our faith in ethical leadership, and reshaped the business of social change. As president and CEO of the Manchester Bidwell Corporation—an extraordinary jobs training center and community arts program—he and his staff work with corporations, community leaders, and schools to give disadvantaged kids and adults the opportunities they need to build a better future. And for years now, this MacArthur Genius has shared his unshakable message of leadership, self-worth and the intrinsic ability in all of us to achieve remarkable transformation in our lives.

Bill Strickland is also the author of Make the Impossible Possible, a recipient of The White House’s “Coming Up Taller” Award, and founder of the Grammy-winning MCG Jazz, the most successful jazz subscription series in America. You can learn more about him at www.bill-strickland.org.

Seminar A: Hope & Hype on the Web - How your organization can make the most of all the tools we have at our fingertips

Ami Dar: Executive Director, Action Without Borders / Idealist.org

The Internet provides a wealth of new tools which are available to nonprofits at minimal cost. How then to utilize all that is available to tell your story, gain visibility for your organization, and further your mission? Through his development of Idealist.org, a global network serving 90,000 organizations and millions of people, Ami Dar has been at the forefront of these technologies for many years, and will share with us some of the best practices that Idealist has used—and seen around the world.

Seminar B: Build More Capacity With the Power of Collaborative Relationships

Marshall Howard: Author & CEO, Marshall Howard & Associates

Over the past 25 years, Marshall Howard has found that most people in nonprofits naturally build tons of micro connections. However, their biggest challenge is growing these micro connections into strong collaborative relationships. Learn the steps to systematically and deliberately build the relationships that create essential growth and support.

Seminar attendees will receive a free copy of Howard’s book, Let’s Have Lunch Together: How To Reach Out And Build More Powerful Relationships

Seminar C: Adaptive Leadership - Why the Worst of Times May Be the Best of Times

Panel participants include: Richard Sugarman, The Connecticut Forum | Juan Figueroa, Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut | Meghan Lowney, Ripple Effect Consulting | David Nee, W.C. Graustein Memorial Fund | Mike Sharpe, Jumoke Academy Charter Schools

In a severe economic downturn, it is tempting—and all too easy—to turn inward.  All too often, an internal view will lead organizations to incremental thinking and strategies based on survival. These severe challenges, however, can lead us to position ourselves for change.  How can we innovate and not simply cope?

1) Why Brand Now? 5 Steps to Better Engage Donors, Volunteers & Society

David Louden: President and CEO, Fathom

Whether your audience is local or national, it has never been more critical to develop a powerful brand and to enhance the way you present your organization. Fortunately, there have also never been so many cost-effective channels you can use to build your brand recognition and reach your key audiences. In this presentation, you’ll learn five steps any non-profit can take now to enhance their brand and the reasons why it matters so much.

2) Go Beyond Hello: Keep and Grow More Donors

Marshall Howard: Author & CEO, Marshall Howard & Associates

This lively and interactive workshop is based on the principle that “People Decide Emotionally, Justify Logically.” Create staff and board cultivation strategies that go far beyond the “thank-you” letter or the occasional “ask” visit. Discover How To: Connect deeper with your existing donors • Move donors up the commitment ladder • Create easy ways to fulfill wins with virtually no budget • Raise more money from fewer donors and events.

3) Forging Nonprofit Alliances: A Framework for Implementation

Jane Arsenault, MBA: Principal, FIO Partners, LLC

Collaboration, mergers, management service organizations, and back-office consolidation are all hot topics that Boards and nonprofit leaders are talking about—but how do you make it happen? This workshop will discuss the variety of collaborative models available and how to best determine the right structure for your collaboration, as well as review the key elements and critical success factors for the process of negotiation.

4) Telling Your Story on Your Terms

Andrea Obston: President, Andrea Obston Marketing Communications

Words are powerful tools. Imagine yourself crafting a message that tells legislators, media, volunteers and staff exactly who you are and what you bring to the party. This workshop will help you innovate your approach to developing and delivering your message to those who need to hear it. You’ll learn how to develop a brand statement, pinpoint and deliver the three to five key messages that tell your story. Deliver the impact you need to make yourself heard above the clutter!

5) Panel Discussion: The Increasingly Vital Role of Volunteers & How to Get Them!

Panel participants include: Doug Sudell, CEO, Hands On Hartford | Patti Cohen-Hecht, Executive Director, The Volunteer Center Serving Western Connecticut | Jaimy Blazynski, AmeriCorps Program Officer, CT Commission on Community Service | Rita Ortiz, Director of Employee and Community Engagement, Travelers

Recognizing the funding challenges, rising costs for providing services, and tighter budgets that nonprofit and social service agencies throughout Connecticut are facing, volunteers are playing a more vital role in meeting the needs of organizations. This panel discussion will highlight ways volunteers can be used to effectively maintain or increase your organization’s capacity. Topics will include AmeriCorps Volunteers Programs, Self Organizing Tools, Business Volunteer Programs, Volunteer Connector Organizations and more.

6) Panel Discussion: 3 Steps to Enhance Your Emerging Leadership Impact

Panel participants include: Meghan Lowney, Founder/Principal, Ripple Effect Consulting | Tom Gabriel, Director of Development, United Way of Greenwich

If you are an emerging leader excited about future opportunities to make a difference, but wondering about what you need to do to get from here to there, this workshop is for you! This presentation will begin with a panel of emerging leaders who will share insights and tips from their own leadership journey. A discussion about the impact of multiple generations at work will be featured. Next, participants will engage in individual reflection and peer coaching to create a 3 part actionable leadership development plan. Participants will be invited to join a online group for continuing networking and support.

7) Evaluating the Numbers: Building Financial Strategies for Hard Times

Kimberly Nardone, CPA: Kostin, Ruffkess & Company, Inc.

An organization’s pursuit of its mission must also look at how to best serve its mission, and at what cost. This presentation will take a look at the inter-relationships and conflicts of cost allocation requirements versus contract billings; examine alternatives to perpetuating the problems; and discuss options when the costs are insurmountable. The session will also present the contribution margin approach, which evaluates your program’s contribution to fixed overhead as a means of quantifying the cost of your mission’s components.

8) Panel Discussion: Making Our Voices Heard - Grassroots Advocacy for All of Us!

Panel participants include: Shawn Lang, Public Policy Director, CT AIDS Resource Coalition | Alicia Woodsby, MSW, Public Policy Director, National Alliance on Mental Illness-CT

This session will focus on how to support participation in the advocacy process by your organization and the people you serve. Learn how to effectively advocate before your state legislature, including valuable information on building organizational capacity, partnerships and collaborations. Advocates will give you tips on how to get and keep consumers engaged in the process. Consumers are the experts on the services they receive; help ensure that their voice is heard.