Strengths+Strengths Workshop Series

 

Strengths+Strengths (S+S) is a special initiative designed to provide nonprofit organizations throughout Athens County with access to professional resources, expert insights, and leading best practices. The goal is to help those who do good do even better. Every organization has strengths and has opportunities to build on those strengths. This program listens to what organizations say they need to get to where they want to go and makes those resources available at no fee. Ultimately, by supporting nonprofit organizations 

and social sector leaders, we are building the strengths of our county and advancing important mission work in the region.

S+S 2024 is brought to you by the Athens County Foundation and the Osteopathic Heritage Foundations of Nelsonville.

For questions regarding this program, please contact us at info@athensfoundation.org

This workshop series is FREE for all nonprofits serving Athens County.

Max two participants per organization.

Workshops

Grant Writing Workshop

October 24, 1-5 pm, Athens Public Library

Enhance your grant writing skills and boost your nonprofit’s funding success. This session will focus on the entire writing process, from crafting compelling narratives to structuring budgets effectively. Participants will engage in hands-on small

 group work, allowing for personalized feedback and collaborative learning. We will also review current and active grant solicitations at the local, state, and federal levels, providing insights into the latest funding opportunities. By the end of the workshop, you will have the tools and confidence needed to write successful grant proposals and secure essential funding for your nonprofit organization.

Who should attend?

      • Executive Directors
      • Finance and Operation staff members
      • Board Members
Presented by Faith Knutsen, Social Enterprise Ecosystem

Faith Knutsen has been with the Voinovich School since 2008, directing the Social Enterprise Ecosystem (SEE) project. SEE’s dual mission includes providing venture development services to regional social enterprises and building capacity for philanthropic funders interested in impact investment. Faith lectures on entrepreneurship and venture development, and supports regional K-12 and college pitch competitions. Prior to this, she spent 12 years in an executive role at Sunpower, Inc., and began her career in international development as a Peace Corps volunteer in Central Africa, later transitioning to international consulting. Faith holds a bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College and a master’s degree from Ohio University.

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Event Planning – Making Events Work

November 19, 2-4 pm, Nelsonville Public Library

Events are a well-known fundraising tactic. They are also well-known for added stress and strain on the staff. So, how do we make events productive, ensuring a good return on the investment? This session will discuss goal setting and planning to ensure your organization’s events are effective – and fun!

Who should attend?

      • Executive Directors
      • Fundraising and Operation staff members
      • Board Members
Presented by Carey Schmitt, Plentiful Philanthropy

Carey Schmitt, owner of Plentiful, has over 20 years of nonprofit sector experience, creating strategic solutions for mission-driven organizations. Starting her career on Capitol Hill, she later transitioned to leadership roles in Ohio’s brand and marketing agencies. In 2018, she joined Plentiful, collaborating with founder Sharon Steele. Carey specializes in advancement programs that enhance audience engagement and staff productivity, focusing on leveraging organizational strengths for impactful outcomes. Passionate about philanthropy, Carey is dedicated to helping clients achieve ambitious goals.

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Board Training 201

December 3, 12-4 pm, Athens Public Library

This workshop is a great next step for deeper learning to folks who are seasoned board members, or perhaps looking get more engaged into their board service. We will discuss how to connect the mission, vision and strategy of the organization to the composition of the board and its activities. We will also discuss succession planning and board culture, committee structure and measurables.

Who should attend?

      • Executive Directors
      • Fundraising and Operation staff members
      • Board Members
Presented by Amy Elliott, Nonprofits LEAD

Amy Elliott, Ph.D., CLCC is an Assistant Professor of Leadership Studies and the Director of Community Engagement in the McDonough Center for Leadership and Business at Marietta College. She teaches Foundations of Leadership, Organizational Leadership and Nonprofit Leadership & Board Governance to undergraduate students. Amy also enjoys facilitating and consulting with nonprofit organizations using the Nonprofit Lifecycles Model and serving on the Board of Directors of the Memorial Health Foundation, Hunger Solutions, Veritas Classical Academy and the Advisory Council of Nonprofits LEAD.

Register