Did you make any New Year’s resolutions?

Perhaps, you’re committing to a healthier lifestyle, making time for a hobby, or enrolling in education classes.

Investing in your professional development is a fantastic resolution that’s easy to keep. The Nonprofit Leadership Initiative (NPLI) offers professional development opportunities laser-focused on the needs of nonprofits. And, because NPLI’s generous donors subsidize the programs’ expenses, we’re able to offer programs that accommodate even the tightest nonprofit organizational budget.

The 2023-24 Leadership Institute, a year-long series of educational modules, is designed to strengthen participants’ confidence and capability on critical leadership, management, technical and governance topics.

Barb Mendoza

Barb Mendoza, a graduate of the 2022-23 Leadership Institute, said, “This experience has been educational on so many levels. I have gained much insight from the financial and human resource modules, in addition to listening to the challenges of other nonprofit leaders and how others dealt with solving them.”

Applications for the 2023-24 session are open through Jan. 31.

What about a New Year’s resolution to invest in professional development for board members?

High-performing boards help nonprofits make a greater impact on the communities they serve. NPLI’s Board Academy six-session, evening program focuses on the fundamentals of board leadership and the strategic role boards play in guiding the nonprofit they serve.

Joe Martin

Joe Martin, a graduate of the 2022 Board Academy, said, “As a veteran board member for many nonprofits in the Fox River Valley, the Nonprofit Leadership Initiative opened my eyes to how to perform the board’s responsibilities. The modules were educational, creative and encouraged open dialogue. It’s true: you can teach an old dog a new trick.”

Applications for the board program are open through Feb. 28.

Happy New Year — let’s make 2023 a year of sharpening skillsets and making a greater impact in our nonprofit organizations!

Annette Look, NPLI Program and Communications Manager

The Nonprofit Leadership Initiative within the Community Foundation is a partnership of Fox Valley-area nonprofits, funders, educational institutions and businesses dedicated to providing resources needed by effective nonprofit boards and executive leaders. NPLI offers a wide range of leadership, management and technical skill-building programs, as well as peer learning circles, to the entire nonprofit sector in the Fox Valley.