News items related to Organizational Development

Valerie F. Leonard, Dec 13, 2020

Nonprofit Utopia has just completed a 6-week engagement, participating in a pool of highly experienced consultants to nonprofits to provide coaching services through AMPT’s Crisis Management Consulting Services. In this capacity, the company provided a total of 21.5 consulting hours to 6 organizations, helping them to address some of their most pressing capacity building issues within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Complete the Nonprofit Utopia Survey for a Chance to Win

Valerie F. Leonard, Sep 30, 2019

With a year of data and experience under its belt, the Nonprofit Utopia community is poised to go to the next level of its development. In so doing, the community is surveying its members and stakeholders to create better value for the nonprofit sector. Nonprofit Utopia is is asking nonprofit stakeholders to complete a survey to get a sense for what a typical work day is like; their aspirations and challenges. The results will be kept confidential. Respondents will get free admission to an upcoming paid webinar of their choice and a chance to win a $50.00 Amazon gift card.

100&Change, Lever for Change

Valerie F. Leonard, Jul 3, 2019

Cecilia Conrad, Managing Director of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation’s Awards and Fellows Program, and CEO of Lever for Change, and Cindy Moelis, President of the Pritzker Traubert Foundation, will be guests on the Nonprofit Utopia Podcast on Monday, July 8, 2019, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. CST. The Nonprofit Utopia Podcast is an extension of the online community, and provides a forum in which nonprofit stakeholders can discuss the latest developments in the sector and increase their capacity to serve their clients and build sustainable communities. Valerie F. Leonard, Founder of Nonprofit Utopia, LLC, is the host. The show will stream live from BlogTalkRadio.com/nonprofitutopia. The archived podcast will be available on BlogTalkRadio iTunes and Stitcher and on the Nonprofit Utopia website.

Making the Case for Support in Times of Change

Valerie F. Leonard, Oct 4, 2018

Writing a compelling case for support is not always as easy as it seems. In Case Development 201, Communications Consultant Andrew Brommel writes “an organization’s case for support is ultimately ‘your message to your donors—why should they give to your organization?’” In this day and age of increased competition for fewer dollars, a nonprofit’s answer to the funders’ question must be stronger than ever before.

Justice Informed

Valerie F. Leonard, Oct 4, 2018

Xavier Ramey, the CEO and Lead Strategist for Justice Informed, LLC, will be a guest on the Nonprofit Utopia podcast on Monday, October 8, 2018, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., CST. The Nonprofit Utopia podcast is an online forum where nonprofit stakeholders can discuss the latest developments in the sector and increase their capacity to serve their clients and build sustainable communities. Valerie F. Leonard, the Founder of Nonprofit Utopia, is the host.

Build the Backdrop for Your #GivingTuesday Story by Refining Your Community Needs Assessment Skills

Valerie F. Leonard, Aug 15, 2018

The Nonprofit Utopia community will be hosting 2 free webinars to help nonprofit professionals strengthen their community assessment skills. Facilitated by Valerie F. Leonard, the community's founder, the webinars will provide an overview of the community assessment process and help participants demonstrate need, even in communities that seem to be over-resourced.

Thought Leadership: The Often Overlooked Strategy To Build Organizational Capacity

Valerie F. Leonard, Aug 15, 2018

When we talk about nonprofit capacity building, we typically refer to ways we can strengthen our organizations’ leaders and internal systems so that we can make a stronger impact to our clients and communities. We usually look at factors like board development, human resource development, financial management, networking ability, impact, and program management.

What You Should Be Doing Right Now to Prepare for #GivingTuesday and #ILGive

Valerie F. Leonard, Aug 9, 2018

It’s August, 2018, and #GivingTuesday is November 27^th. What should you be doing right now to ensure that your campaign is successful? Here is a timeline of recommended activities from the Complete Toolkit published by #GivingTuesday. Visit www.givingtuesday.org to register for #GivingTuesday and to download the toolkit and other valuable resources. If you are an Illinois nonprofit, also register at #ILGive at https://www.ilgive.com. You should also review their timeline and download their resources.

Nonprofit Utopia Launches on Mighty Networks to Develop the Next Generation of Ethical Leaders

Valerie F. Leonard, May 31, 2018

(Chicago, Illinois, May 31, 2018) Nonprofit Utopia, LLC informally launched yesterday as a community of emerging nonprofit leaders, designed to provide a safe environment in which members can innovate, speak candidly about the issues and concerns they face on a daily basis, and share ideas and resources. Mighty Networks is a professional networking platform that provides a safe alternative to Facebook and LinkedIn groups.

In Search of the Ideal Nonprofit Community

Valerie F. Leonard, Mar 7, 2018

Valerie F. Leonard, a local expert in community and organizational development, will be launching the Nonprofit Utopia community in June of this year. Nonprofit Utopia is a community of emerging nonprofit leaders, designed to provide a safe environment in which members can innovate, speak candidly about the issues and concerns they face on a daily basis, and share ideas and resources.

Building Organizations That Stand the Test of Time

Valerie F. Leonard, May 8, 2017

Valerie F. Leonard, a local expert in community and organizational development, is partnering with Chicago State University to host "Lasting Impact: Building Sustainable Organizations". The information-packed workshop promises to show participants how to build nonprofit organizations that stand the test of time. The free workshop will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2017, from 11:00 am until 12:30 pm, at the Chicago State University New Academic Library Auditorium, on the 4th Floor. Chicago State University is located at 9501 South Dr. Martin Luther King Drive in Chicago.

"Nonprofits Are Messy" on Nonprofit "U"

Valerie F. Leonard, Feb 16, 2017

Joan Garry, Principal of Joan Garry Consulting, will be a guest on the Nonprofit “U” radio blog talk show on Monday, February 20, 2017, from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nonprofit "U" is an online forum where nonprofit stakeholders can discuss the latest developments in the sector and increase their capacity to serve their clients and build sustainable communities. Valerie F. Leonard, an expert in community and organizational development, is the host.

Developing Effective Grant Writing Strategies

Valerie F. Leonard, Dec 2, 2016

Noah Temaner Jenkins will be a guest on the Nonprofit “U” radio blog talk show on Monday, December 5, 2016, from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Nonprofit "U": Hitting the "Reset" Button in North Lawndale

Valerie F. Leonard, Apr 22, 2016

Rodney Brown and Dennis Deer will be guests on the Nonprofit “U” radio blog talk show on Monday, April 25 from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nonprofit "U" is an online forum where nonprofit stakeholders can discuss the latest developments in the sector and increase their capacity to serve their clients and build sustainable communities. Valerie F. Leonard, an expert in community and organizational development is the host. The show will stream live from BlogTalkRadio.com/nonprofit_u. The archived podcast will be available on BlogTalkRadio, Valeriefleonard.com/NonprofitU, iTunes and Stitcher.

Increasing Fundraising Through Transparency

Valerie F. Leonard, Nov 25, 2015

Join us for a lively discussion on how nonprofit organizations may increase their fundraising capacity through transparency and enhanced disclosure utilizing GuideStar Profiles. Our special guest will be Jasmine Marrow, the Director of Nonprofit Strategy for GuideStar. Jasmine develops strategy for and oversees the GuideStar Exchange program, GuideStar's primary initiative to engage nonprofits.

Revitalizing Neighborhoods Through Servitude and Innovation

Valerie F. Leonard, Nov 8, 2015

Determined to ensure that the loss of his brother through street violence was not in vain, Robert Douglas organized the S.O.N Foundation with the vision of making the Roseland community safer and supportive. Join us as Robert talks about ways to stimulate community revitalization and promote self-determination, in low income communities.

Data Driven Justice: CTBA’s Ralph Martire Discusses Ways to Use Data to Bring About Social and Economic Equity

Valerie F. Leonard, Nov 6, 2015

Ralph Martire, the Executive Director of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability (CTBA), will be a guest on the Nonprofit “U” radio blog talk show on Monday, November 9, 2015, from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nonprofit "U" is an online forum where nonprofit stakeholders can discuss the latest developments in the sector and increase their capacity to serve their clients and build sustainable communities. Valerie F. Leonard, an expert in community and organizational development is the host. The show will stream live from BlogTalkRadio.com/nonprofit_u. The archived podcast will be available on BlogTalkRadio, Valeriefleonard.com/NonprofitU, iTunes, Stitcher, Blubrry and Podcast Chart.

Just Checking: Valerie F. Leonard Discusses How Nonprofits Can Maintain Tax-Exempt Status

Valerie F. Leonard, Oct 8, 2015

In response to the growing number of nonprofit organizations losing tax-exempt status, Valerie F. Leonard, will discuss nonprofit compliance on the state and federal levels on the Nonprofit “U” blog radio talk show. The show will stream live on Monday, October 12, 2015, from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., from BlogTalkRadio.com/nonprofit_u. This episode will include an overview of required nonprofit reports, including the federal Form 990, registration with the Secretary of State and annual reports to the Attorney General. There will be opportunities for listeners to call in with questions and participate in live chats. Nonprofit professionals are especially encouraged to call in and share their stories and to ask questions. The live call in number is (347) 884-8121. The archived podcast will be available on BlogTalkRadio, Valeriefleonard.com/NonprofitU, iTunes and Stitcher.

Dew the Right Thing: Habilitative Systems, Inc. CEO Discusses Mental Health, People With Disabilities and the State Budget Stalemate

Valerie F. Leonard, Oct 5, 2015

Donald J. Dew, the CEO of Habilitative Systems, Inc. (HSI), will be a guest on the Nonprofit “U” radio blog talk show on Monday, October 5, 2015, from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nonprofit "U" is an online forum where nonprofit stakeholders can discuss the latest developments in the sector and increase their capacity to serve their clients and build sustainable communities. Valerie F. Leonard, an expert in community and organizational development is the host. The show will stream live from BlogTalkRadio.com/nonprofit_u. The archived podcast will be available on BlogTalkRadio, Valeriefleonard.com/NonprofitU, iTunes and Stitcher.

Think Big: UIC’s Kate Pravera Discusses the Next 5 Things in Nonprofit Management

Valerie F. Leonard, Sep 10, 2015

Kate Pravera, the Founder and Academic Director of the UIC Certificate in Nonprofit Management program, will be a guest on the Nonprofit “U” radio blog talk show on Monday, September 14, 2015, from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nonprofit "U" is an online forum where nonprofit stakeholders can discuss the latest developments in the sector and increase their capacity to serve their clients and build sustainable communities. Valerie F. Leonard, an expert in community and organizational development is the host. The show will stream live from BlogTalkRadio.com/nonprofit_u. The archived podcast will be available on BlogTalkRadio, Valeriefleonard.com/NonprofitU, iTunes and Stitcher.

Census Bureau Makes Community Assets Count on Nonprofit “U”

Valerie F. Leonard, Aug 12, 2015

Ileana Serrano, Data Dissemination Specialist with the U.S. Census Bureau, will be a guest on the Nonprofit “U” radio blog talk show on Monday, August 17, 2015, from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nonprofit "U" is an online forum where nonprofit stakeholders can discuss the latest developments in the sector and increase their capacity to serve their clients and build sustainable communities. Valerie F. Leonard, an expert in community and organizational development, is the host. The show will stream live from BlogTalkRadio.com/nonprofit_u. The podcast will be archived on iTunes, BlogTalkRadio.com/nonprofit_u, Valeriefleonard.com/NonprofitU and Stitcher.

Connecting the Dots

Valerie F. Leonard, Jul 29, 2015

Dan Bassill, President and CEO of Tutor/Mentor Institute, LLC, will be a guest on the Nonprofit “U” radio blog talk show on Monday, August 3, 2015, from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nonprofit "U" is an online forum where nonprofit stakeholders can discuss the latest developments in the sector and increase their capacity to serve their clients and build sustainable communities. Valerie F. Leonard, an expert in community and organizational development, is the host. The show will stream live from BlogTalkRadio.com/nonprofit_u. The podcast will be archived on BlogTalkRadio.com/nonprofit_u, Valeriefleonard.com/NonprofitU and Stitcher.

Monday’s episode will provide an overview of how the Tutor/Mentor Institute LLC is creating tutor/mentoring hubs to “transport” low income children from poverty to careers. There will be opportunities for listeners to call in with questions and participate in live chats. Nonprofit professionals, and educators are encouraged to call in and share their stories. The live call in number is (347) 884-8121.

Building A Movement: Strengthening the Nonprofit Sector Through Advocacy and Action

Valerie F. Leonard, Jul 7, 2015

Eric Weinheimer, President and CEO of the Donors Forum, will be a guest on the Nonprofit “U” radio blog talk show on Monday, July 13, 2015, from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nonprofit "U" is an online forum where nonprofit stakeholders can discuss the latest developments in the sector and increase their capacity to serve their clients and build sustainable communities. Valerie F. Leonard, an expert in community and organizational development is the host. The show will stream live from BlogTalkRadio.com/nonprofit_u. The archived podcast will be available on BlogTalkRadio and Stitcher.