Free Quarterly Nonprofit Classes

Description:

This free quarterly session is open to all local nonprofit organizations who register to attend. Grant writing can feel overwhelming, but AI can be a powerful support tool when used thoughtfully. In this workshop, we’ll explore how to use AI to enhance—not replace—your expertise in the grant writing process. You’ll learn the basics of prompt engineering, so you can give AI clear, targeted instructions and turn generic outputs into strong, funder-ready content. Through live demonstrations and guided practice, you’ll see how different prompts shape different results. By the end of the session, you’ll leave with a practical AI prompt framework to streamline your work and craft proposals that are efficient, compelling, and aligned with funder priorities.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the capabilities and limitations of AI in grant writing
• Learn prompt engineering basics to generate useful AI-assisted content
• Explore ways AI can support grant research, proposal writing, and editing
• Discuss ethical considerations to ensure content remains authentic and funder-aligned

Take Away:

• Sample AI prompt library for grant writing

Capacity Area: Technical

• Target Participants: Executive directors and staff or volunteers involved in grant writing

Additional Details:

• Date: March 11, 2026
• Time: 9:00 – 11:00 am
• Location: Woodhaven – Palmer Training Center in the Machens East/West Rooms 1405 Hathman Pl., Columbia, MO 65201
• Registration is first‑come, first‑served, and space is limited to 50 attendees

Description:
Leadership transitions can disrupt even strong organizations — unless they are prepared. This class equips nonprofit leaders and board members with the tools to build a proactive succession plan that protects mission continuity and organizational stability. Participants will explore emergency planning, long-term leadership development, documentation systems, and board roles in succession planning.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the components of an effective succession plan
• Differentiate between emergency and long-term succession
• Clarify leadership and board roles in transition planning

Take Away:

• Succession planning framework template
• Emergency succession planning outline

Capacity Area: Leadership

• Target Participants: Executive directors, board chairs, and executive committee members

Additional Details:

• Date: June 10, 2026
• Time: 2:00 – 4:00 pm
• Location: Woodhaven – Palmer Training Center in the Machens East/West Rooms 1405 Hathman Pl., Columbia, MO 65201
• Registration is first‑come, first‑served, and space is limited to 50 attendees

Description:

Many organizations collect surveys but struggle to translate feedback into meaningful action. This session focuses on using survey data, identifying patterns, prioritizing insights, and turning results into strategic decisions. Participants will leave with practical tools to move from information gathering to focused implementation.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze survey data to identify key themes and trends
• Prioritize feedback to guide strategic focus
• Translate insights into actionable next steps

Take Away:

• Survey analysis worksheet
• Strategic prioritization template

Capacity Area: Adaptive

• Target Participants: Executive directors, managers, board members, and staff involved in planning

Additional Details:

• Date: September 9, 2026
• Time: 9:00 – 11:00 am
• Location: Woodhaven – Palmer Training Center in the Machens East/West Rooms 1405 Hathman Pl., Columbia, MO 65201
• Registration is first‑come, first‑served, and space is limited to 50 attendees

Description:

Staff retention and morale do not always require large budgets. This class explores practical, low-cost strategies to communicate value, reinforce organizational culture, and strengthen team engagement. Participants will learn how to build meaningful recognition systems and foster appreciation in ways that align with mission and values.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify low-cost strategies to communicate staff value
• Build recognition practices that align with organizational culture
• Strengthen morale and retention without increasing budget

Take Away:

• Staff recognition planning template

Capacity Area: Management

• Target Participants: Executive directors, managers, and team leads

Additional Details:

• Date: November 18, 2026
• Time: 2:00 – 4:00 pm
• Location: TBD
• Registration is first‑come, first‑served, and space is limited to 50 attendees