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Partners collaborate to give nonprofit organizations a vital edge

Residents and community leaders who work for or participate in nonprofit organizations receive training in fund development, leadership, marketing, strategic planning and more through the Adding to Your Organization's Toolbox workshop series. Photo by Helen Neal, UW-Extension Washington County

Nonprofit organizations actively improve the quality of life in Wisconsin communities. However, they often struggle to effectively meet their mission and focus limited resources strategically.

Filling a need

The Adding to Your Organization's Toolbox program came about in response to a survey conducted by UW-Extension Washington County and the Volunteer Center of Washington County. Responses from 43 organizations indicated that their members needed education on topics such as fund development, leadership, marketing and strategic planning.

A community collaboration

Adding to Your Organization's Toolbox began in spring 2005 as a collaboration by UW-Washington County Continuing Education, UW-Extension Washington County, the Volunteer Center and United Way. Dan Anhalt, UW-Washington County director of continuing education, met with Dan Wilson, UW-Extension community development educator, and his staff to discuss joint programming for the nonprofit sector, and from there the coalition blossomed. Coalition members assist in planning, development, promotion and lining up speakers.

Nine workshops, almost 400 participants

The program has grown to nine workshops, with more than 370 participants representing more than 80 nonprofit organizations from Washington, Sheboygan, Dodge, Ozaukee, Waukesha, Fond du Lac and Milwaukee counties.

The workshops, held on the UW-Washington County campus, are an educational opportunity for those who participate in or work for nonprofit, civic, service, religious and municipal organizations. Speakers are drawn from the UW System, private industry, associations and the Helen Bader Institute for Nonprofit Management. Topics include evaluation; board recruitment, orientation and development; accountability; grant writing; funding; marketing; strategic planning; leadership; and public relations.

Additional workshops in 2007

The program will continue with three spring sessions on minimizing legal, human resource and financial risks. Additional sessions are planned for fall 2007.

Outcomes/impacts

• Monthly workshops in 2005 drew an average of more than 40 participants per workshop representing 32 organizations.
• A fall 2005 grants workshop attracted 57 participants from 45 organizations.
• Participants rated the information, applicability and overall value of the workshops as excellent. Evaluations noted an increase in participants' understanding and comments included "content is quick and to the point"; "different, upbeat, not the same old stuff"; "excellent blend with keynote speaker and breakout sessions"; and "all speakers were excellent and practical."
• A post-workshop survey found that participants applied what they learned by creating new bylaws, policies and job descriptions; working on communications; developing strategic and marketing plans; obtaining grants; and more.
• As a result of the program, local funding will be used to build an interactive online data collection of community indicators, trends and information routinely used in grant applications.

For more information:

Dan Anhalt
Director of Continuing Education
UW-Washington County
(262) 335-5218
dan.anhalt@uwc.edu

Dan Wilson
Community Resource Development Educator
UW-Extension Washington County
(262) 335-4480
dan.wilson@ces.uwex.edu

By Jo Futrell, university relations specialist, UW-Extension