Colorado Springs

We are so excited to bring Connecting Colorado to Colorado Springs!

Engage and Learn through breakout sessions aimed at increasing the capacity of your Nonprofit Organization.

Connect with nonprofit professionals in your region to share ideas, solutions and celebrations.

Event Agenda

Wednesday, April 12, 2023
9 am – 5:00 pm

El Pomar Penrose House Garden Pavilion
1661 Mesa Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903

EVENT SCHEDULE

9 AM

9:30 AM

10:15-11:15 AM

11:15-11:45 AM

11:45 AM – 12:45 PM

1-2 PM

2:15-3:15 PM

3:30 PM

3:45-5 PM

Doors Open

Welcome Remarks

Breakout Session 1 (3 sessions to choose from)

Networking

Funders Panel / Lunch

Breakout Session 2 (3 sessions to choose from)

Breakout Session 3 (3 sessions to choose from)

Closing Remarks

Reception

SESSION DESCRIPTIONS

Session 1

Choose from one of the following breakout sessions!

Major Gift Essentials

This foundational session is designed to give the key elements of major gifts: story, prospects (donors), and the ask.

How to Hit the Missing Demographics

In this session, participants will learn why they are not attracting BIPOC attendees, what is the psychographic breakdown of these groups, and how to get more People of Color involved.

Nonprofit Accounting 101: Understanding Your Nonprofit’s Financials & the Story They Tell

Participants will learn how to measure their nonprofits’ ability to deliver on its mission by understanding the basics of nonprofit accounting, the key metrics found in their financial statements (Income Statement, Balance Sheet, 990), and the story these numbers tell their constituents including board members, staff, and donors. These tools will provide multiple ways to measure fundraising success besides just “total dollars raised” and will also reveal areas of opportunity to grow their fund development efforts.

Funders Panel / Lunch

Join us for lunch while hearing from a panel of both state and local funders to gain perspective on best practices when it comes to applying for and keeping funding. This facilitated conversation will be an interactive experience between audience members and panelists.

**Matt Carpenter**, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, El Pomar Foundation

**Robert Foley**, Grants Program Director, The Colorado Trust

**Michele Strub**, Philanthropist, Strub Heer Fund

Session 2

Choose from one of the following breakout sessions!

Creating Synergy: Board and Executive Leadership

This interactive workshop, designed for nonprofit leaders, explores strengths-based approaches and strategies to optimize the critical relationship between the Executive Director and the Board Chair.

Increasing Engagement to Grow Your Volunteer Program Capacity

Learn how to increase engagement within your existing volunteer pool to meet the needs of your organization and create lasting, meaningful connections.

Engaging Your Community Online

COVID-19 abruptly forced the world to adapt to a more digital presence. The new look of community building has drastically burdened businesses, nonprofits, and academic institutions. This workshop will share tangible tips and tools to effectively engage your community online while boosting impact and morale.

Session 3

Choose from one of the following breakout sessions!

Making the Most of Your Data for Fundraising

Successful fundraising helps nonprofits thrive. Learn how to make the most of your data and utilize program evaluation to strengthen fundraising efforts.

The ROI of Inclusive Marketing

This interactive session will help participants understand the importance of inclusive marketing and how to incorporate it into their organization. Through various activities we will build a sustainable marketing plan that makes a positive social impact, attracts new customers and partners, improve brand awareness and increase revenue.

Writing Compelling Grants Proposals to Get Funded!

How do I make my proposal stand out? What are foundations asking? How do I answer complex questions with limited space? – These are questions that many nonprofits ask when writing grants. In this presentation we will dive into: writing clear, concise, and compelling narratives; understanding and structuring answers to the complex questions foundations ask; and reviewing narratives for strength and alignment before submitting.