2024 in Focus: NPLI’s Year of Growth, Impact, and Innovation

Looking back on 2024, the Nonprofit Leadership Initiative (NPLI) celebrates a year of growth and transformation. We welcomed new leadership, with Hope Schaefer stepping in as Executive Director and Andrea Peterson joining as Program and Communications Manager, while also recognizing Amanda Barth’s well-earned promotion to Administrative and Program Specialist. Together, the team made a meaningful impact across the nonprofit sector by continuing to offer new and exciting education and leadership development opportunities to nonprofit organizations in the greater Fox Valley area.

Strengthening Leadership Through Training & Education NPLI supports nonprofit professionals and volunteers with training, networking, and leadership development. In 2024, the team celebrated:

• 43 leaders advancing their skills through Leadership Institute and Financial Leadership
• 58 participants growing through Board Academy, BoardBound, and Board Roundtable programs
• 327 board members and nonprofit staff receiving training in Digital Marketing, Human Resources, and Fundraising
• 35 nonprofit leaders participating in monthly small-group meetings
• 21 training and educational opportunities offered throughout the year
• 173 nonprofit organizations engaging in NPLI programs

These programs strengthen the entire nonprofit ecosystem by investing in leadership development.

Measuring Impact: Community Feedback & Engagement Last year, NPLI conducted its first-ever Community Survey, gathering insights from 129 nonprofit leaders. Key themes included:

• Flexible program structures with virtual, in-person, and hybrid options
• Increased networking opportunities for nonprofit leaders to connect and collaborate
• Expanding trainer networks and topics
• Enhancing accessibility and awareness across the nonprofit community

BoardBound Pilot cohort, BoardBound trainers and nonprofit panelists at the final session of the program.

NPLI is committed to regularly conducting surveys to ensure programs remain relevant and impactful.

BoardBound: A Program for Aspiring Board Members

• This four-session program launched last fall to help participants:
• Reflect on their motivations for serving on a board
• Learn about key roles and responsibilities of board members
• Hear from local nonprofit leaders about effective engagement
• Get matched with an organization aligned with their passions

Developed in partnership with UW-Green Bay’s Nonprofit Education and Development Network, BoardBound graduated its first cohort of 11 participants, preparing them for leadership roles in nonprofits throughout the Fox Valley Region.

Shawano and Waupaca County Engagement NPLI is deepening engagement with nonprofit organizations in Waupaca and Shawano counties by identifying support needs and tailoring programs to better serve these communities.

Looking Ahead: What’s Ahead for 2025 NPLI’s future focus includes:

• Deepening engagement with Shawano and Waupaca counties
• Expanding networking opportunities with leader and board roundtables
• Continuing to assess community needs through surveys and feedback
• Celebrating 10 years of the Nonprofit Leadership Institute with special events and recognition

With strong leadership, dedicated community support, and a clear vision for the future, NPLI is poised to continue empowering nonprofit leaders. The organization is deeply grateful to the Steering Council members, committee members, program participants, facilitators and donors for their invaluable contributions. Their support made 2024 a year of meaningful impact, and we look forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead.

To learn more about Nonprofit Leadership Initiative, visit www.npleadershipfv.org

See NPLI’s list of upcoming events here: Nonprofit Leadership Initiative – Events