“Managing Strategy with Focus and Agility.” That was the theme of the day when the Nonprofit Leadership Initiative (NPLI) Steering Council met for a strategic planning retreat on March 7.

Pictured above: Steering Council Retreat – front row – Becky Boulanger, Jeff Hunter, Tammy Geenen. Back row – Rich Thompson, Jeff Hahn, David Weiss, Andrew Konkel, Mike Sandercock, Tonya Dedering, Angela Gargo. Not pictured – Lynn Coriano, Tony Gonzalez, Vick McAuliffe, Sridevi Buddi.

Steering Council members Becky Boulanger, Andrew Konkel, Angela Garg

Strategic planning retreats are a heavy lift — thoughtful planning, robust agendas, and aspirational goals for the day. Would the NPLI Steering Council succeed being both focused and agile? The answer is a resounding YES!

It has been 10 years since the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, in its role as community convener, brought together 40 Fox Valley leaders, businesses, funders and nonprofit executives to explore what resources nonprofits need to be successful. Since that time, NPLI’s focus has remained consistent. We inspire our community to work together to support nonprofit organizations and the individuals who lead them and strengthen the nonprofit sector overall.

David Weiss, NPLI Executive Director

The agility of NPLI makes it the tremendous community resource that it is. Our amazing staff provide programing in three pillar areas: Nonprofit Leader Effectiveness, Board Member Effectiveness and Resource Access. At the retreat, the Steering Council reviewed metrics for 10 NPLI programs. This ongoing evaluation allows NPLI to make thoughtful decisions and to continuously improve our offerings.

Steering Council members Mike Sandercock, Rich Thompson, Jeff Hahn

Last year’s Financial Leadership webinar series is just one example of new programs that resulted from NPLI’s efforts to be more responsive to the needs of local organizations. To improve the financial sustainability of nonprofit organizations, it is critical to tie financial management to organizational community impact and to understand the true costs of program delivery.

As our day wrapped up, I felt a sense of pride in the commitment of the Steering Council’s ability to stay true to our focus, but to learn, grow and be agile as NPLI has evolved over the last 10 years.

We remain committed to our vision of a healthy and resilient region where nonprofit leaders and organizations have access to the resources they need and are equipped with the skills to make our community a great place to live for all.

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.

We support NPLI with a grant from the Community Vision Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, one among many community partners supporting NPLI. Click here to learn more.