February 26 AND March 26
For Executive Directors/CEOs, Staff and Board Members

Presenter: Elena Tamanas Ragusa, PsyD, President and Founder of Drive Evaluation Studio
 

Session 1: Foundations of Evaluative Thinking for Organizational Success
Evaluative thinking is the practice of asking thoughtful questions about what we do and why we do it to improve the effectiveness of our work. We will explore the fundamental principles of evaluative thinking and how to embed them into your organizational culture.
PowerPoint, Recording
Homework Assignment - Modified Evaluative Thinking Assessment

Session 2: Putting Evaluative Thinking into Practice
Building on Session 1 and an organizational assessment that participants will complete between sessions, Session 2 focuses on practical application and integration of evaluative thinking into select daily operations.
PowerPoint, Recording

Resources:
Evaluative Thinking Templates
 

Tuesday, April 1, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Hartford Foundation
PowerPoint Slides
Strategic Alliances Resources
Fiscal Sponsorship Guide
 

(Only for nonprofits with annual budgets under $3 million)
Join Fio Partners for a full-day, in-person workshop tailored for smaller nonprofits (annual budgets under $3 million) who want to explore the purposes and types of strategic alliances -- from loose coordination to formal collaborations to joint structures and mergers. Leave with an understanding of when and why you might consider a partnership, tools to help you assess your contexts and options, and guidance around how to navigate the process.

Presenters:  Anne Yurasek, Principal, and Melissa Harris, Director of Service Development, Fio Partners.

PowerPoint
Recording

Resources
Designated Funds for Nonprofit Organizations
Organizational Readiness for an Endowment Program
Nonprofit Endowment Fund Expectations
Charitable Gift Annuities
Estate and Busines Planning Council of Hartford
Charitable Gift Planners of CT
 

Wednesday, April 23, 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. on Zoom - 

Have you or your board wondered whether you should build an endowment? 
If so, this workshop will help you better understand:

• What an endowment is, and what it does and does not accomplish
• How an endowment would fit within your fund development program
• How to determine if and when you are ready to build an endowment
• How endowment funds are raised, and what alternative options exist
• The Hartford Foundation’s role in supporting nonprofit endowments

Presenters:  Hollis Dorman, Consultant; and Susan Dana, Director of Development, Major Gifts, Hartford Foundation.

Wednesday, April 30, Noon to 1:30 p.m. on Zoom

PowerPoint Presentation
Recording

For Executive Directors, Board Members, Senior Staff
During this session, we will briefly review the current political landscape and its effect on nonprofits. We will focus on what nonprofits can proactively do to build strength in the face of these external pressures, with an emphasis on board governance and human resources and operations. Topics will include: the basics of board compliance including proper financial oversight; employment law compliance including personnel matters; and issues to consider when planning for an uncertain future.

Presenters:  Sara Taylor, Senior Staff Attorney, Pro Bono Partnership, and
Jen Fournier, Founder, Racebrook Consulting.

Hartford Public Library - Fundamental Nonprofit Management Workshops

Leading Through Ambiguity and Change - June 2025
Session Recording, PP Slides

Essential Tools for Nonprofits - May 2025
PP Slides
Handout
Nonprofit Online Resources

Exploring Organizational and Leadership Lifecycles - April 2025
Session Recording, PP Slides
Handouts
Case Study
Worksheet Ogranizational Lifecycles Self Scan
5-4-3-2-1 grounding: How to use this simple technique for comping with anxiety
Guide to Understanding Gender Identity and Pronouns: NPR
BMP The-Push-and-Pull Report
Life Stages - assessement combined
Nonprofit-lifecycle-matrix
 

Tech Tools and Techniques to Boost Efficiency - February 2025
Session Recording, PP Slides
Handouts
Using Templates to Save Time
Free Advice for Uncertain Times
Scheduling Aids
 

Setting Annual Priorities and Work Plans - January 2025
Session Recording, PP Slides
Handouts
Outside-In Thinking
Priority Setting Session Guide

Small Steps, Big Impact: Practical Program Evaluation for Nonprofits - December 2024
Session Recording, PP Slides
Handouts
Data Collection Toolkit
Likert Response Choices Resources
Program Evaluation Survey Links
Program Logic Model Template
Quantitative Chart Chooser - Evergreen
Chart Chooser 1 & Chart Chooser 2

Introduction to Nonprofit Budgeting - November 2024
Session Recording, PP Slides
Handouts
Budget Brief Template 
Budget Worksheet

Introduction to Candid Resources: Foundation Directory and GuidStar - October 2024
Session Recording, PP Slides

Financial Management Fundamentals for Nonprofits - May 2024
Session Recording, PP Slides

Board Governance / Setting Your Board Up for Success - May 2024
Session Recording, PP Slides
Handout
Nonprofit Life Cycle

Helping Your Nonprofit Thrive: Succession Planning and Executive Transitions - April 2024
Session Recording, PP Slides
Handout
Onboarding a New ED - Toolkit

SUCCESSFULLY TRANSITIONING FROM A VOLUNTEER ONLY TO A STAFFED ORGANIZATION - A TWO-PART SERIES

Part 1: How do we know we are ready to hire staff? - February 2024
Session Recording, PP Slides

Part 2: We've decided to hire our first staff person! What are the initial legal and compliance issues we need to know? - March 2024
Session Recording, PP Slides

Tech Fundamentals for Small Nonprofits - December 2023
Session Recording, PP Slides

Board Member Bootcamp - November 2023
Session Recording, PP Slides

Grantwriting 101 - October 2023 - Session Recording, PP Slides

Creating a Business Model - September 2023 - Session Recording,PP Slides
Handout
Nonprofit Business Model Canvas

Fundraising Fundamentals - May 2023 - Recording, PP Slide
Handouts
Development Calendar Template
Tech Impact Consumer Guide to Fundraising Software 2020

Filing, Reporting and Disclosure Requirements for Nonprofits - April 2023, Session Recording, PP Slides
Resource Handout 

Nonprofit Fundamentals (2-part workshop) - March 2023
PP Slides-Part 1 & Part 2, Part 1 Recording, Part 2 Recording
Handouts
Myths About Nonprofits
Intro to Mission Statements
Nonprofit Business Model Canvas
Ten Basic Roles and Responsibilities
Board Member Job Description
Outcome Measures

Review of Important Wage Payment and Employment Issues for Connecticut Nonprofits - June 2023 - Session Recording, PP Slides Handout

Helping Your Nonprofit Thrive: Succession Planning and Executive Transitions - November 2021 - Session Recording, PP Slides

Strategic Visioning: Create The Future You Want For Your Organization - November 2021 - Session Recording, PP Slides
Handouts
Editable Triage: Assessment Tool
Nonprofit Business Model: Interactive Tool

How your Board and Staff Can Create Accountability and Transparency and Avoid Legal and Ethical Pitfalls - June 2024
Presentation Slides, Recording

Handouts  
Articles, Standards, Code of Ethics
CT Nonprofit Compensation & Benefits Report (Another report will be issued in 2024)
The Way we Talk about Charity is Dead Wrong - Dan Pallotta, TED Talk

What Every Board Member Should Know About Financial Management …and Probably Doesn’t - May 2024
Presentation Slides, Recording

Handouts:
Financial Management Board Quiz
Income Diversification Form
Financial Dashboard
Board Job Description


Board Leadership During (and After) the Pandemic - May 2021 - Webinar Recording, PowerPoint Slides
Resource 1: MacMillan Matrix
Resource 2: MacMillan Matrix Rephrased
Resource 3: Cycle of Fundraising
Resource 4: Garden City Harvest FR Menu 2017
Resource 5: Board FR Agreement
Resource 6: Blog Post - Is Your Board a Cost Center ... or a Profit Center?
Resource 7: Train Your Board (and Everyone Else) to Raise Money
Resource 8a: House Party Overview
Resource 8b: House Party Night
Resource 8c: House Party Key Elements
Resource 8d: House Party Script
Resource 9: Contingency Budget Sample
Resource 10: Contingency Budget Worksheet

Hartford Public Library - Fundamental Nonprofit Management Workshops

Board Governance / Setting Your Board Up for Success - May 2024 - Session Recording, PP Slides
Handout
Nonprofit Life Cycle

Board Member Bootcamp - November 2023
Session Recording, PP Slides

Getting Started on Your DEI Journey: A Primer for Nonprofits - November 2020 - Session Recording, PowerPoint Slides

Innovative Survey and Data Collection Techniques to Help You Evaluate and Improve Programs, and Inform Decision Making - 2 Part Series

Part 1 - October 2024
Mastering Practical Surveys for Effective Data Collection - Presentation Slides, Recording

Handouts:
Data Visualization Activity
Homework 
Quantitative Chart Chooser - Evergreen
Likert Response Choices Resource

Part 2 - November 2024
Exploring "Off the Beaten Path" Data Collection Methods -Presentation Slides, Recording

Handouts:
Method-Mission Assessment

How to Gather & Use Stakeholder Interviews and Other Qualitative Information Gathering to Inform Your Programs and Decision-Making - 2 Part Series

Part 1 - April 2024 - Presentation Slides, Recording
Homework (Word document download)

Part 2 - May 2024 - Presentation Slides, Recording

Handouts
Coding Qualitative Data - Activity 1
Qualitative Analysis - Activity 2

Are We There Yet? A Guide to Developing a Theory of Change to Help Evaluate Your Programs - October 2021 - Session Recording, PowerPoint Slides

Where Are We Going? Using “Evaluative Thinking” to Inform Your Programming - September 2021 - Session Recording, PowerPoint Slides 

Hartford Public Library - Fundamental Nonprofit Management Workshops

Small Steps, Big Impact: Practical Program Evaluation for Nonprofits - December 2024 - Session Recording, PP Slides
Handouts
Data Collection Toolkit
Likert Response Choices Resources
Program Evaluation Survey Links
Program Logic Model Template
Quantitative Chart Chooser - Evergreen
Chart Chooser 1 & Chart Chooser 2

What Every Board Member Should Know About Financial Management …and Probably Doesn’t - May 2024
Presentation Slides, Recording

Handouts:
Financial Management Board Quiz
Income Diversification Form
Financial Dashboard
Board Job Description 

Financial Scenario Planning in a Changing Environment - July 2020 - Webinar Recording, PP Slides


Hartford Public Library - Fundamental Nonprofit Management Workshops

Introduction to Nonprofit Budgeting - November 2024 - Session Recording, PP Slides
Handount - Budget Brief Template & Handout - Budget Worksheet

Financial Management Fundamentals for Nonprofits - May 2024 - Session Recording, PP Slides

How & Why to Ask Donors to Leave Your Nonprofit in their Will - Without Fear or Anxiety - June 2023 -  Recording, PowerPoint Slide Handout

Building a Culture of Philanthropy to Transform Fundraising Success in Your Organization - October 2022 - Recording, PowerPoint Slides

Converting In-Person Events to Successful Virtual Experiences - October 2020 - Webinar Recording, PP Slides
Handout  - Virtual Event Reminders and Resources

How to Fundraise in the Time of COVID-19 and Beyond - May 2020 - Webinar Recording


Hartford Public Library - Fundamental Nonprofit Management Workshops

Introduction to Candid Resources: Foundation Directory and GuidStar - October 2024 - Session Recording, PP Slides

Grantwriting 101 - October 2023 - Session Recording, PP Slides

Fundraising Fundamentals - May 2023 - Recording, PP Slides
Handouts
Development Calendar Template
Tech Impact Consumer Guide to Fundraising Software 2020

The Role of Staff-Care in Effective Leadership (for EDs / CEOs) - January 2022, Session Recording, PowerPoint Slides

Engaging Your Team Through Turbulent Times - March 2022 - PowerPoint Slides

Effective Strategies for Nonprofit Employee Recruitment - May 2022 -Recording, PowerPoint Slides

Nonprofit Staff Retention Strategies in a New Environment - May 2022 -Recording, PowerPoint Slides

Returning to the Office: Legal Issues Relating to Vaccinations, Masks and Social Distancing - August 2021 - Webinar Recording, PowerPoint Slides

Legal Issues with Managing a Remote Workforce - May 2021 - Webinar Recording, PowerPoint Slides
 

Human Resources Legal Considerations for Nonprofits During COVID-19 - December 2020 - PowerPoint Slides

Tools and Tips for Making the Most of Working From Home - June 2020 - Webinar Recording

 

The Role of Staff-Care in Effective Leadership (for EDs / CEOs) - January 2022, Session Recording, PowerPoint Slides

Engaging Your Team Through Turbulent Times - March 2022 - PowerPoint Slides

Navigating Change and Building Resilience Through Self-Care - December 2021 - PowerPoint Slides 
Handout
Self-Care

Hartford Public Library - Fundamental Nonprofit Management Workshops

Leading Through Ambiguity and Change - June 2025
Session Recording, PP Slides

Exploring Organizational and Leadership Lifecycles - April 2025
Session Recording, PP Slides
Handouts
Case Study
Worksheet Ogranizational Lifecycles Self Scan
5-4-3-2-1 grounding: How to use this simple technique for comping with anxiety
Guide to Understanding Gender Identity and Pronouns: NPR
BMP The-Push-and-Pull Report
Life Stages - assessement combined
Nonprofit-lifecycle-matrix

How your Board and Staff Can Create Accountability and Transparency and Avoid Legal and Ethical Pitfalls - June 2024
Presentation Slides, Recording

Handouts  
Articles, Standards, Code of Ethics
CT Nonprofit Compensation & Benefits Report (Another report will be issued in 2024)
The Way we Talk about Charity is Dead Wrong - Dan Pallotta, TED Talk
 

Returning to the Office: Legal Issues Relating to Vaccinations, Masks and Social Distancing - August 2021 - Webinar Recording, PowerPoint Slides

Legal Issues with Managing a Remote Workforce - May 2021 - Webinar Recording, PowerPoint Slides

Hartford Public Library - Fundamental Nonprofit Management Workshops

Successfully Transitionsing from a Volunteer Only to a Staffed Organization - Two-Part Series

Part 1: How do we know we are ready to hire staff? - February 2024 - Session Recording, PP Slides

Part 2: We've decided to hire our first staff person! What are the initial legal and compliance issues we need to know? - March 2024 - Session Recording, PP Slides

Filing, Reporting and Disclosure Requirements for Nonprofits - April 2023, Session Recording, PP Slides
Resources Handout 

Review of Important Wage Payment and Employment Issues for Connecticut Nonprofits - June 2023 - Session Recording, PP Slides

Telling Our Stories - How Nonprofits Can Craft Compelling Narratives - September 2023 - Recording, PowerPoint Slides

Building Genuine Connections: How to Craft a Compelling Brand Story - February 2023 - Recording, PowerPoint Slides

Creating a Meaningful Nonprofit Brand in a Post-Pandemic World - September 2022 - Recording, PowerPoint Slides

How to Develop and Lead Successful Virtual Sessions - March 2021 - Webinar Recording, PowerPoint Slides
Handout 1 - Report: Unmuted

The Webinar on Webinars - June 2020 - Webinar Recording

Converting In-Person Events to Successful Virtual Experiences - October 2020 - Webinar Recording, PP Slides
Handout  - Virtual Event Reminders and Resources
  

Comprehensive Planning for Successful Facilities Projects - March 2023 -Recording, PowerPoint Slides

Getting the Most From Your Consultant Engagements - February 2022 -Session Recording, PowerPoint Slides

Strategic-Scenario Planning - Planning During the Pandemic: Using Scenario Planning to Make Decisions During Uncertain Times - May 2021 - Webinar Recording, Power Point Slides

Amplifying Impact: Strategic Alliances in Uncertain Times - October 2020 - Webinar Recording, Powerpoint Slides
Handout 1 - Early Warning Core Assessment
Handout 2 - What If Art
Handout 3 - Sample Relational Mapping Effort
Handout 4 - Questions for Board Members to Explore

Hartford Public Library - Fundamental Nonprofit Management Workshops
 

Exploring Organizational and Leadership Lifecycles - April 2025
Session Recording, PP Slides
Handouts
Case Study
Worksheet Ogranizational Lifecycles Self Scan
5-4-3-2-1 grounding: How to use this simple technique for comping with anxiety
Guide to Understanding Gender Identity and Pronouns: NPR
BMP The-Push-and-Pull Report
Life Stages - assessement combined
Nonprofit-lifecycle-matrix

Setting Annual Priorities and Work Plans - January 2025 - Session Recording, PP Slides
Handouts
Outside-In Thinking
Priority Setting Session Guide

How Succession Planning Builds Organizational Sustainability - December 2022 - Recording, PP Slides

How Succession Planning Builds Organizational Sustainability - April 2021 - Handout 1 - PP Slides
Handout 2 - Emergency Succession Plan Template
Handout 3 - Sample Board Recruitment Matrix
Handout 4 - NP Executive Succession Planning Toolkit
Handout 5 - Building Leaderful Organizations
Handout 6 - Sample Leadership Transition Committee Charter
Handout 7 - Legacy Statement Template
Handout 8 - ED Self Reflection Template
Handout 9 - General Succession Planning Resources
Handout 10 - Sample Board Member Pledge Form
Handout 11 - Sample Board Member Commitment Letter
Handout 12 - Self Assessment for Nonprofit Boards

Hartford Public Library - Fundamental Nonprofit Management Workshops

Helping Your Nonprofit Thrive: Succession Planning and Executive Transitions - April 2024 - Session Recording, PP Slides
Handout
Handout - Onboarding a New ED - Toolkit

Nonprofits and Artificial Intelligence (AI): Benefits, Uses and Cautionary Tales - November 2023 - Recording, PowerPoint Slides

Revisiting Technology for Remote and Hybrid Workplaces Three Years Into the Pandemic - April 2023 Recording, PowerPoint Slides
Good comparison of file sharing platforms that's free from Tech Inpact:
Comparing Nonprofit Cloud Storage Solutions
TechImpact on Phone Systems: How to Identify and Assess Your Nonprofit Communication Needs

Cybersecurity For IT Managers: How to Make Your Organization Safe - December 2021 - Webinar Recording, PowerPoint Slides

Cybersecurity For Nonprofit Staff: How to Become a Human Firewall - December 2021 - Recording, PowerPoint Slides

How to Develop and Lead Successful Virtual Sessions - March 2021 - Webinar Recording, PowerPoint Slides
Handout 1 - Report: Unmuted

The Webinar on Webinars - June 2020 - Webinar Recording
 

Hartford Public Library - Fundamental Nonprofit Management Workshops

Tech Tools and Techniques to Boost Efficiency - February 2025 - Session Recording, PP Slides
Handouts
Using Templates to Save Time
Free Advice for Uncertain Times
Scheduling Aids