Advanced Board Leadership: Enabling Your Board to Achieve Results
Instructor: David Renz, PhD, director emeritus of the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership at UMKCDates for this four-day in-person program:
The 2025 October offering is being postponed to early 2026. If you would like to be notified when it is rescheduled please let us know at mcnl@umkc.edu or (816) 235-5720.Program Details
The Advanced Board Leadership Series is a highly interactive and fast-paced series designed to further prepare and support experienced members and leaders of nonprofit and public service governing boards, especially Board Chairs, Officers, Committee Chairs, Chief Executives, and those who aspire to serve in such roles. This four-session series is facilitated by Dr. David Renz, director emeritus of the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership at UMKC and a nationally recognized expert and consultant on nonprofit governance and boards. The goal of the series is to enhance the effectiveness of experienced nonprofit and other public service board and executive leaders as they develop and lead boards capable of excellence and impact. Our vision is to attract and engage a diverse group of experienced leaders from across the Kansas City community in thoughtful learning and dialogue as we explore the challenge of board effectiveness, and share insights with each other about what we have learned about how to develop, support, and sustain board effectiveness.
Session 1: Boards, Governance and Organizational Effectiveness
Date to be determined.- Introduction to the Series, Your Colleagues, and How We Learn Together
- Governance, Boards, and the Roles that Bring Them to Life
- Variations in the Nature and Work of Governing Boards
- The Fundamentals of Board Effectiveness
Session 2: Critical Elements of Governance Success
Date to be determined.- The Life Cycle of Board and Board Member Effectiveness
- Boards and Executives: The Imperative of Role Clarity
- The Unique Power and Impact of an Effective Chair
Session 3: Growing and Developing the Effective Board
Date to be determined.- A Framework for Growing Board Capacity
- A Unique Need: Building Board Financial Literacy
- The Universe of Board Self-Assessments (and How to Use Them Well)
- Significant Board Development Resources & Tools
Session 4: Sustaining Long Term Board Effectiveness and Impact
Date to be determined.- How Healthy is Your Board’s Culture?
- Preparing For and Enabling Leadership Succession
- An Ongoing Challenge: What Do We Do Now About DEI?
- Making Sense of It All: A Dialogue on Board Effectiveness
Program Logistics:
UMKC Bloch Heritage Hall (5110 Cherry Street, Kansas City, Missouri) Room 103. Participants will also have the option to participate remotely via Zoom.Cancellation and Transfer Policy:
Full refunds will be given when cancellations are made at least five working days before the first session. A $50 cancellation fee will be deducted from refunds when notification occurs fewer than five working days before class begins. No refunds will be made after the first session has begun. You may transfer your registration by contacting MCNL at (816) 235-5720 or culverm@umkc.edu.Photo and Video Release:
By attending the event, you are giving MCNL permission to use photos and videos from the workshop in future promotional materials.Coaching Skills for Leaders
Instructor: Leslie Anderson, M.S.O.D.,, founder & CEO of Essential WisdomDates for this 6 session series:
February 6, March 27, April 17, May 7, June 4 and 25, 2026 (9-11am)Program Details
You carry the mission, but who carries you?
This is not another leadership workshop. It is a recalibration of heart, purpose, and presence.
Nonprofit leaders pour themselves into the work of healing communities, yet in the process, they often forget to care for themselves. The constant giving, the endless meetings, the weight of responsibility can blur the edges of who you are. Coaching Skills for Leaders is an opportunity to pause and remember.
Over six months, you will gather once a month with a small cohort of ten to fifteen nonprofit leaders who understand the weight and wonder of your work. Together, you will learn to listen more deeply, speak with greater intention, and set boundaries that honor both your purpose and your peace.
This experience helps leaders move from sacrifice to sustainability, from depletion to renewal. Through reflective practice and meaningful conversation, you will rediscover how to serve without losing yourself.
Coaching Skills for Leaders is not about doing more. It is about being more present, more grounded, and more whole. It is an invitation to lead with grace, to breathe again, and to create change that begins within you.
SESSION 1 – Introduction
Friday, February 6, 2026 | 9-11am- Leadership is relational, not just positional.
- Coaching mindset emphasizes curiosity, empathy, and growth.
- Effective leaders adopt traits of great coaches: self-development, safe environments, accountability, and prioritizing growth.
- What this training is and isn’t; what coaching is and isn’t.
IN-PERSON SESSION – UMKC Bloch Executive Hall, 5108 Cherry Street, Kansas City, Missouri
SESSION 2 – Awareness & Self-Development
Friday, March 27, 2026 | 9-11am- Principle #1: Leaders must commit to continuous self-development.
- A – Awareness: The Four Quadrant roadmap (Awareness, Behavior, Culture, Structure) and the Three Altitudes (Emotional, Rational, Integral).
IN-PERSON SESSION – UMKC Bloch Executive Hall, 5108 Cherry Street, Kansas City, Missouri
SESSION 3 – Listening
Friday, April 17, 2026 | 9-11am- Principle #2: Leaders create safe environments by listening deeply.
- L – Listening: Levels of Listening.
VIRTUAL SESSION via Zoom
SESSION 4 – Accountability
Thursday, May 7, 2026 | 9-11am- Principle #3: Leaders embed accountability through clear agreements.
- I – Inquiry: Asking Powerful Questions.
VIRTUAL SESSION via Zoom
SESSION 5 – Growth & Development
Thursday, June 4, 2026 | 9-11am- Principle #4: Leaders prioritize team growth.
- V – View: Coaching frameworks for problem-solving and structured action.
VIRTUAL SESSION via Zoom
SESSION 6 – Evaluation
Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 9-11am- E – Evaluation: Closing a coaching session.
- Program reflection and next steps.
IN-PERSON SESSION – UMKC Bloch Executive Hall, 5108 Cherry Street, Kansas City, Missouri
Program Location:
Each module is delivered from 9am to 11am. The in-person sessions are held at the UMKC Bloch Executive Hall, 5108 Cherry Street, Kansas City, Missouri and the virtual sessions are held via Zoom.Cancellation and Transfer Policy:
Full refunds will be given when cancellations are made at least five working days before the first session. A $50 cancellation fee will be deducted from refunds when notification occurs fewer than five working days before class begins. No refunds will be made after the first session has begun. You may transfer your registration by contacting MCNL at (816) 235-5720 or culverm@umkc.eduPhoto and Video Release:
By attending the event, you are giving MCNL permission to use photos and videos from the workshop in future promotional materials.Data and Research Guidance with Dr. Monica Rezac
Do you have a question about how your organization uses and leverages data and research? Set up a time to chat with Dr. Monica Rezac, research coordinator of the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership.Program Details
Fill out and submit the form below and Monica will follow up with you:
Financial Leadership for Nonprofit Executives & Volunteer Leaders
Instructor: Kerry Gordon, CPA, owner of Kerry S Gordon CPA and Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership instructorDesigned for Non-Accounting Professionals
Dates for this 2½-day in-person seminar:
If you would like to be notified when we schedule the next offering of Financial Leadership for Nonprofit Executives & Volunteer Leaders seminar please let us know at culverm@umkc.edu / (816) 235-5720.Program Details
Strengthen your leadership by developing the financial skills every nonprofit executive and board leader needs. This 2½-day seminar is crafted specifically for nonprofit and volunteer leaders who do not have an accounting background but are responsible for the financial health and decision-making of their organizations.
Participants will learn how to assess financial health, plan strategically, manage budgets and grants, and communicate financial performance confidently. Through a mix of instruction, interactive discussions, and small group case studies, you’ll gain practical tools to become a more effective financial leader in your organization.
This seminar is ideal for Executive Directors/CEO/Presidents, Development Leaders and Staff, Program Leaders and Staff, and Board Officers and Directors ready to grow their financial confidence and impact.
Day 1: Financial Leadership Foundations
Date to be determined | 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM (Lunch included)
Topics include:- Identifying the Financial Leader
- Defining Financial Leadership
- Mission vs. Money: Finding Balance
- Financial Leadership Model
- Five Leadership Principles
- Building Trust through Financial Data Reliability
- Assessing Organizational Financial Health
- Self-Evaluation Exercises
- Q&A
Day 2: Financial Tools for Leadership
Date to be determined | 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM (Lunch included)
Topics include:- Budgeting Strategies
- Social Enterprise & Revenue Models
- Managing Cash Flow
- Self-Evaluation Exercises
- Q&A
Day 3: Financial Oversight & Communication
Date to be determined | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Topics include:- Communicating Financial Progress to Stakeholders
- Grants Management Essentials
- Understanding Financial Audits & Reviews
- Introduction to IRS Form 990
- Additional Key Topics
- Self-Evaluation Exercises
- Q&A
Program Logistics:
Each of the sessions are held in-person at the UMKC Bloch Executive Hall, 5108 Cherry Street, Kansas City, Missouri Room 414.Cancellation and Transfer Policy:
Full refunds will be given when cancellations are made at least five working days before the first session. A $50 cancellation fee will be deducted from refunds when notification occurs fewer than five working days before class begins. No refunds will be made after the first session has begun. You may transfer your registration by contacting MCNL at (816) 235-5720 or lauferc@umkc.edu.Photo and Video Release:
By attending the event, you are giving MCNL permission to use photos and videos from the workshop in future promotional material.Fundraising Leadership Series
Instructor: Thomas Vansaghi, Ph.D., Managing Director of the Midwest Center for Nonprofit LeadershipDates for this 5 half-day in-person program:
January 20, February 3, 17, March 3 and 17, 2026 (8:30-11:30am)Program Details
The Fundraising Leadership Series provides development professionals with essential leadership skills to be a strategic leader in their organization. The unique design of this certificate series, co-created with nonprofit leaders, recognizes the central role of development in a nonprofit’s culture, strategy, and communications. Participants will engage with other development professionals in an interactive program that builds their capacity as organizational leaders and changemakers. Each session will feature senior nonprofit leaders from across the region who will share their expertise and experiences on the topic.
Upon completion, development professionals will have applied experience in their organization’s context using leadership tools and knowledge they acquire. Additionally, they will exhibit the capacity to better lead strategic development operations in nonprofit organizations.
Module 1 – Building a Culture of Philanthropy
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 (8:30-11:30am)
IN-PERSON SESSION – UMKC Bloch Executive Hall, 5108 Cherry Street, Kansas City, MissouriOften development responsibility falls on a small segment of people siloed from the organization’s operations. Building a Culture of Philanthropy assists and supports participants to lead and manage development activity to and for all within the organization.
Objectives of Module One:
- Participants should gain an understanding of the components of a culture of philanthropy.
- Participants should begin to understand how to build a culture of philanthropy.
- Participants should learn how to examine their development department’s culture and operations to assess whether they are on course to create a culture of philanthropy.
Module 2 – Strong Donor Relationships
Tuesday, February 3, 2026 (8:30-11:30am)
IN-PERSON SESSION – UMKC Bloch Executive Hall, 5108 Cherry Street, Kansas City, MissouriBuilding strong relationships with both prospective and current donors lies at the very heart of effective fundraising. These relationships are rooted in a shared belief in the nonprofit’s mission and are nurtured through ongoing, thoughtful engagement. Establishing and sustaining such meaningful connections is a long-term, intentional process—one that requires strategy, empathy, and commitment.
Learning Objectives for Module Two:
- Deepen participants’ appreciation for the value of cultivating authentic relationships between donors and the causes they care about.
- Introduce the principles of Ken Burnett’s (2002) Relationship Fundraising, highlighting its relevance in today’s philanthropic landscape.
- Equip participants with a framework for systematically building and strengthening mutually beneficial donor relationships over time.
Module 3 – Boards and Fundraising
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (8:30-11:30am)
IN-PERSON SESSION – UMKC Bloch Executive Hall, 5108 Cherry Street, Kansas City, MissouriEngaging nonprofit boards of directors in fundraising is both a complex challenge and a critical opportunity. While many boards struggle to participate meaningfully in development efforts, those that do often experience transformative results for their organizations. When board members are actively involved in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors, they become powerful ambassadors who can significantly strengthen fundraising outcomes over time. Understanding how to effectively engage board members in this work is essential for nonprofit leaders.
Learning Objectives for Module Three:
- Explore the various roles board members can play in supporting the fundraising enterprise.
- Learn best practices for cultivating board engagement in development efforts.
- Understand how involving board members in fundraising can enhance their sense of purpose and deepen their connection to the organization’s mission.
Module 4 – Developing & Strengthening Talent
Tuesday, March 3, 2026 (8:30-11:30am)
IN-PERSON SESSION – UMKC Bloch Executive Hall, 5108 Cherry Street, Kansas City, MissouriUnemployment is near a historic low, which creates serious obstacles for nonprofit leaders to recruit and retain development professionals. Developing & Strengthening Talent provides participants with tools to assess staff, build a culture that maximizes talent, and cultivate leadership within the development area of your organization.
Objectives for Module Four:
- Participants should identify approaches for recruiting high quality development staff.
- Participants should learn best practices for retaining development staff.
- Participants should develop an understanding of strategies for training, evaluating and rewarding development staff.
Module 5 – Strategic Communications
Tuesday, March 17, 2026 (8:30-11:30am)
IN-PERSON SESSION – UMKC Bloch Executive Hall, 5108 Cherry Street, Kansas City, MissouriWhen we say development, how many people think of the ask? The ask is the part of the iceberg above water that you see, building audience and a prospect database accounts for the 90% of the iceberg that goes unseen. In Strategic Communications, participants will be equipped with the tools essential for building a bigger and better audience of prospective donors.
Objectives for Module Five:
- Participants should learn how to utilize the components of a market driven nonprofit.
- Participants should understand how to operationalize donor-centered fundraising principles.
- Participants should recognize how to retain donors using their mission and storytelling.
Program Location:
Each module is delivered from 8:30am to 11:30am. These sessions are held in-person at the UMKC Bloch Executive Hall, 5108 Cherry Street, Kansas City, Missouri.Cancellation and Transfer Policy:
Full refunds will be given when cancellations are made at least five working days before the first session. A $50 cancellation fee will be deducted from refunds when notification occurs fewer than five working days before class begins. No refunds will be made after the first session has begun. You may transfer your registration by contacting MCNL at (816) 235-5720 or culverm@umkc.eduPhoto and Video Release:
By attending the event, you are giving MCNL permission to use photos and videos from the workshop in future promotional materials.Fundraising Mastermind
Instructor: Thomas Vansaghi, Ph.D., Senior Fellow of the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership, UMKC adjunct instructor, and associate professor of nonprofit leadership at William Jewell CollegeIntroducing the Fundraising Mastermind: A Transformative Cohort Experience for Senior Fundraising and Nonprofit Leaders
Fundraising Mastermind is a unique cohort-based program exclusively designed for senior fundraising leaders. This collaborative experience brings together a select group of professionals to tackle real-world challenges, share expertise, and unlock the power of collective knowledge—all in a supportive, lightly-facilitated environment.
Program Details
Topics for five lightly facilitated, discussion-based sessions will be curated by the participants at the first meeting to ensure we address exactly what is most needed right now. The focus of the sessions will be guided discussions, facilitated by Dr. Tom Vansaghi, to enable participants to share their experiences but also learn from expert guests who will be invited into the conversations.
Potential topics include:
- Managing staff capacity, burnout, and retention
- Diversifying fundraising revenue
- Building cross-generational donor relationships
- Engaging board members in impactful donor stewardship
The cohort is limited to just 8 participants, ensuring deep connections and meaningful engagement. There are 6 in-person sessions that meet from 9:30 am-11:30 am, with the kick-off at UMKC and subsequent meetings hosted in participants’ offices across the community. Participants are also encouraged to connect one-on-one or in small groups outside of cohort meetings.
Cost: $750 per person
If you would like to be notified when we are accepting application for the next Fundraising Mastermind cohort please let us know at culverm@umkc.edu / (816) 235-5720.
Fundraising Tools Series – Crafting a Dynamic Annual Development Plan
Instructor: Instructor: Thomas Vansaghi, Ph.D., , Senior Fellow of the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership, UMKC adjunct instructor, and assistant professor of nonprofit leadership at William Jewell CollegeRegardless of where your organization is in its budget year, it’s never too late to craft a powerful Annual Development Plan. This two-part program will empower you with an overview of what you need to tailor a plan that aligns seamlessly with your organization’s mission.
The pre-recorded session will help you understand the 15 essential components that make up a successful Annual Development Plan, from donor engagement to campaign execution. (Video recording – 1 hour 19 minutes)
The next date of the live virtual session has not been scheduled, it will illustrate how those components work in practice through a discussion of real-world examples of successful Annual Development Plans. (Live session – 2 hours)
What You Will Learn
- Overview of the Annual Development Plan
- Review of 15 Components of Annual Development Plans
What You Will Learn
- Overview of the Annual Development Plan
- Review of 15 Components of Annual Development Plans
Program Details
Refund Policy:
No refunds will be made after receiving access to the pre-recorded lecture session.Photo and Video Release:
By attending the event, you are giving MCNL permission to use photos and videos from the workshop in future promotional materials.The Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership reserves the right to cancel courses and seminars when circumstances require.
Fundraising Tools Series – Demystifying Capital Campaigns: Preparing for Success
Instructor: Tim Sweeny, Senior Fellow of the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership and founding partner of Praxis Nonprofit StrategiesSet the stage for a successful capital campaign with this two-part program focused on the fundamentals: Assessing your organization’s readiness, determining the appropriate campaign structure, crafting a compelling case statement, and identifying prime donor prospects.
The pre-recorded session will provide an overview of the concepts and components of capital campaigns, providing a solid foundation for your journey. (Video recording – 1 hour 22 minutes)
The next date of the live virtual session has not been scheduled, it will include a discussion of real capital campaigns, potential capital campaigning in participants’ organizations, along with plenty of time for questions and trouble-shooting. (Live session – 2 hours)
What You Will Learn
- understand the basic language and components of capital campaigns
- explore the best capital campaign form and structure to guide your designated organization
- determine the readiness of your organization to launch a capital campaign
- begin exploring an outline to shape your capital campaign case statements
- identify the primary donor prospects for your respective capital campaigns
What You Will Learn
- understand the basic language and components of capital campaigns
- explore the best capital campaign form and structure to guide your designated organization
- determine the readiness of your organization to launch a capital campaign
- begin exploring an outline to shape your capital campaign case statements
- identify the primary donor prospects for your respective capital campaigns
Program Details
Refund Policy
No refunds will be made after receiving access to the pre-recorded lecture session.Photo and Video Release
By attending the event, you are giving MCNL permission to use photos and videos from the workshop in future promotional materials.The Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership reserves the right to cancel courses and seminars when circumstances require.
Fundraising Tools Series – Effective Prospect Research
Instructor: Thomas Vansaghi, Ph.D., , Senior Fellow of the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership, UMKC adjunct instructor, and assistant professor of nonprofit leadership at William Jewell CollegePower your nonprofit’s success through effective prospect research and winning proposal writing. This two-part program will dive into effective strategies for conducting targeted research on foundations and individuals, empowering your organization to identify potential donors.
The pre-recorded session will unpack the elements of effective individual and foundation prospect research, along with proposal writing, to propel your organization toward fundraising success. (Video recording – 1 hour 17 minutes)
The next date of the live virtual session has not been scheduled, it will include a discussion of real-world examples and challenges to help you elevate your understanding of prospect research and proposal writing. (Live session – 2 hours)
What You Will Learn
- Overview of Prospect Research and Proposal Writing
- How to Conduct Prospect Research on Foundations
- How to Conduct Prospect Research on Individuals
- Searches for Foundation Funders
- Searches for Individual Funders.
What You Will Learn
- Overview of Prospect Research and Proposal Writing
- How to Conduct Prospect Research on Foundations
- How to Conduct Prospect Research on Individuals
- Searches for Foundation Funders
- Searches for Individual Funders.
Program Details
Refund Policy:
No refunds will be made after receiving access to the pre-recorded lecture.Photo and Video Release:
By attending the event, you are giving MCNL permission to use photos and videos from the workshop in future promotional materials.The Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership reserves the right to cancel courses and seminars when circumstances require.
Fundraising Tools Series – Fundraising Fundamentals Part 1
Instructor: Thomas Vansaghi, Ph.D.,, Senior Fellow of the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership, UMKC adjunct instructor, and assistant professor of nonprofit leadership at William Jewell CollegeKickstart your fundraising journey with Fundraising Fundamentals Part 1, a program designed to build a robust foundation for success.
Start with a pre-recorded session that introduces you to the world of nonprofits and civil society with an exploration of the history of nonprofits and fundraising. You’ll leave with an understanding of philanthropy and fundraising, fundraising philosophy, and the history of the art and science of fundraising.
(Video recording – 1 hour 42 minutes)The next date of the live virtual session has not been scheduled, it will acquaint you with the nonprofit sector, including local and national fundraising trends, a discussion of why people may hesitate to give money and time, and an introduction to the topics of fundraising structures such as the donor pyramid, moves management, and staff and board roles in fundraising.
(Live session – 2 hours)Note: this session was previous named Organizing for Fundraising: An Introduction.
What You Will Learn
- Overview of Philanthropy and Fundraising
- Philosophy of Fundraising
- History of Fundraising
- National Fundraising Trends
- Kansas City Fundraising Trends
- What don’t people give money and time?
- The Donor Pyramid
- Moves Management
- Roles of Staff and Board in Fundraising
What You Will Learn
- Overview of Philanthropy and Fundraising
- Philosophy of Fundraising
- History of Fundraising
- National Fundraising Trends
- Kansas City Fundraising Trends
- What don’t people give money and time?
- The Donor Pyramid
- Moves Management
- Roles of Staff and Board in Fundraising
Program Details
Refund Policy:
No refunds will be made after receiving access to the pre-recorded lecture.Photo and Video Release:
By attending the event, you are giving MCNL permission to use photos and videos from the workshop in future promotional materials.The Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership reserves the right to cancel courses and seminars when circumstances require.
Fundraising Tools Series – Fundraising Fundamentals Part 2
Instructor: Thomas Vansaghi, Ph.D., , Senior Fellow of the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership, UMKC adjunct instructor, and assistant professor of nonprofit leadership at William Jewell CollegeContinue your exploration into the dynamic realm of fundraising with Fundraising Fundamentals Part 2.
The pre-recorded session will unlock the keys to purpose-driven fundraising, help you navigate the fundraising cycle, and delve into the strategic use of Donor Advised Funds (DAFs). (Video recording – 1 hour 18 minutes)
The next date of the live virtual session has not been scheduled, it will explore the nuances of fundraising leadership, discuss the impact of changing constituent demographics, and underscore the importance of stewardship and donor recognition.
(Live session – 2 hours)Note: this session was previous named Organizing for Fundraising.
What You Will Learn
- Purpose Driven Fundraising
- The Fundraising Cycle
- Donor Advised Funds
- Leadership and Fundraising
- Constituency: Changing Demographics and Fundraising
- Stewardship and Donor Recognition
What You Will Learn
- Purpose Driven Fundraising
- The Fundraising Cycle
- Donor Advised Funds
- Leadership and Fundraising
- Constituency: Changing Demographics and Fundraising
- Stewardship and Donor Recognition
Program Details
Refund Policy:
No refunds will be made after receiving access to the pre-recorded lecture.Photo and Video Release:
By attending the event, you are giving MCNL permission to use photos and videos from the workshop in future promotional materials.The Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership reserves the right to cancel courses and seminars when circumstances require.
Fundraising Tools Series – Getting Started with Proposal Writing
Instructor: Thomas Vansaghi, Ph.D., , Senior Fellow of the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership, UMKC adjunct instructor, and assistant professor of nonprofit leadership at William Jewell CollegeCreating compelling, well-structured, and persuasive proposals that effectively communicate value. This two-part program will equip you with practical insights to elevate your proposal-writing skills and increase your chances of securing funding.
The pre-recorded session includes an overview of the proposal writing process, the letter of inquiry, and proposal components, along with tips for success and red flags to watch out for. (Video recording – 1 hour 29 minutes)
The next date of the live virtual session has not been scheduled, it will use real proposals to provide a hands-on understanding of their structure and components. We’ll also discuss how to tailor your approach to meet the unique requirements of each grant opportunity and delve into effective strategies for engaging with foundations. (Live session – 2 hours)
What You Will Learn
- The Proposal Writing Process
- The Inquiry Letter
- The Components of the Master Proposal
- Red Flags and Tips on Proposal Writing
What You Will Learn
- The Proposal Writing Process
- The Inquiry Letter
- The Components of the Master Proposal
- Red Flags and Tips on Proposal Writing
Program Details
Refund Policy:
No refunds will be made after receiving access to the pre-recorded lecture.Photo and Video Release:
By attending the event, you are giving MCNL permission to use photos and videos from the workshop in future promotional materials.The Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership reserves the right to cancel courses and seminars when circumstances require.
Fundraising Tools Series – Measurement and Evaluation in Fundraising
Instructor: Thomas Vansaghi, Ph.D., , Senior Fellow of the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership, UMKC adjunct instructor, and assistant professor of nonprofit leadership at William Jewell CollegeWhether you’re new to fundraising or seeking to elevate your skills, this two-part program will lay the groundwork for measurement and evaluation in fundraising.
The pre-recorded session will address the ‘why’ behind evaluation, explore the basics of social impact, and discuss types of evaluation, theory of change, logic models, and dashboards. (Video recording – 1 hour)
The next date of the live virtual session has not been scheduled, it will delve deeper into measurement and evaluation, including a discussion of how to implement dashboards to provide strategic fundraising insights.
(Live session – 2 hours)What You Will Learn
- Why evaluate?
- Basics of Social Impact and Evaluation
- Theory of Change
- Logic Models
- Types of Evaluation
- Dashboards
What You Will Learn
- Why evaluate?
- Basics of Social Impact and Evaluation
- Theory of Change
- Logic Models
- Types of Evaluation
- Dashboards
Program Details
Refund Policy:
No refunds will be made after receiving access to the pre-recorded lecture session.Photo and Video Release:
By attending the event, you are giving MCNL permission to use photos and videos from the workshop in future promotional materials.The Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership reserves the right to cancel courses and seminars when circumstances require.
Fundraising Tools Series – Transform Volunteers into Fearless Fundraisers
Instructor: Tim Sweeny, Senior Fellow of the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership and founding partner in Praxis Nonprofit StrategiesReluctant volunteers can transform into fearless fundraisers. This two-part program will show you how you can shift your volunteers’ approach to fundraising from dread to enthusiasm.
The pre-recorded session will explore concepts and components related to fundraising with volunteers, including the giving landscape in the United States, the motivational underpinnings of fundraising, and how volunteers and staff can effectively support the fundraising cycle. (Video recording – 1 hour 16 minutes)
The next date of the live virtual session has not been scheduled, it will include a practical and tailored discussion of how volunteers can support fundraising in participants’ organizations.
(Live session – 2 hours)What You Will Learn
- explore the philosophical and motivational underpinnings behind fundraising
- examine the basic fundraising cycle and how volunteers can support it
- begin identifying the fundraising support most needed from volunteers at their designated organizations; and
- begin defining the systems needed to support volunteer fundraising.
What You Will Learn
- explore the philosophical and motivational underpinnings behind fundraising
- examine the basic fundraising cycle and how volunteers can support it
- begin identifying the fundraising support most needed from volunteers at their designated organizations; and
- begin defining the systems needed to support volunteer fundraising.
Program Details
Refund Policy
No refunds will be made after receiving access to the pre-recorded lecture session.Photo and Video Release
By attending the event, you are giving MCNL permission to use photos and videos from the workshop in future promotional materials.The Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership reserves the right to cancel courses and seminars when circumstances require.
Do you have a question or a problem you need help with? Set up a time to chat with Dr. Brent Never, director of the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership.
Program Details
In these turbulent times it is critical to embrace change. Throughout the year we will present tools nonprofits can utilize to innovate and excel in today’s environment – building the foundation for a promising future. MCNL’s Navigation Series creates an interactive virtual community to learn and share the ideas nonprofits need to be successful.
Planning a New Nonprofit: Essential Planning Steps and Legal Requirements
Instructor: Cindy Laufer, Program Coordinator at MCNL and Judith Sharp, JD/LLM, Director of Entrepreneurial Legal Services Clinic at UMKC School of LawThe next offering of this free two-hour informational session:
January 22, 2026 (3:30 – 5:30pm)Program Details
Starting a new nonprofit can be confusing and overwhelming. This free two-hour informational session covers basic planning steps and legal requirements to become a nonprofit organization.
Key Topics
- Nature and structure of nonprofit organizations
- Determining sufficient need to establish a new organization
- Legal issues and processes involved in establishing a nonprofit
- Alternatives to incorporation
- Governance and management challenges
Resources:
Access the collection of resources referenced in the workshop.Online Seminar:
The January 22, 2026 session will be held online in real-time via Zoom. When you register you will receive an email with login information.Photo and Video Release:
By attending the event, you are giving MCNL permission to use photos and videos from the workshop in future promotional materials.The Essentials of Effective Board Service: Preparing to Make a Difference
Instructor: David Renz, PhD, director emeritus of the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership at UMKCThe Essentials of Effective Board Service is a four-session in-depth introduction to service on nonprofit governing boards. The goal of the series is to prepare current and emerging community leaders to serve effectively as members of the governing boards of nonprofit and other community and public service organizations. The series is designed for both board and executive staff members and is open to participants of varying levels of experience, including those who have no experience or who are considering joining a board. The series is facilitated by Dr. David Renz, director emeritus of the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership at UMKC, and includes brief presentations from a diverse group of experienced nonprofit leaders from the Kansas City community.
If you would like to be notified when we schedule the next offering of The Essentials of Effective Board Service please let us know at culverm@umkc.edu / (816) 235-5720.
Program Details
Session 1: Boards, Governance, and Public Service Leadership: Introduction to the Roles and Responsibilities of the Board and Its Members
Date: To Be Determined- What’s the Point? Making Sense of the Work of a Governing Board
- The Legal and Ethical Dimensions of Governance and Board Work
- An Introduction to the Responsibilities of Boards
- Insights from the Boardroom
Session 2: How Effective Governing Boards Organize and Do Their Work
Date: To Be Determined- The Ten Core Responsibilities of a Governing Board
- Variations in How Boards and Related Governance Structures Are Organized
- Developing an Effective Board-Executive-Staff Partnership
- Insights from the Boardroom
Session 3: Taking a Deeper Look: Nonprofit Finance and Financial Leadership
Date: To Be Determined- The Essential Work of Financial Leadership and Accountability
- Understanding the Organization as a Financial Creature
- The Unique Revenue Models of Nonprofit Organizations
- Insights from the Boardroom
Session 4: The Bottom Line: Effective Members Serving on Effective Boards
Date: To Be Determined- Board Roles in Fundraising and Development
- Understanding the Board’s Role in Ensuring Organizational Accountability and Impact
- What It Takes to be an Effective Board Member and How to Find the Right Board
- Making Sense of It All: A Recap and Dialogue on Board Effectiveness
Location:
UMKC Bloch Heritage Hall (5110 Cherry Street, Kansas City, Missouri). Participants will also have the option to participate remotely via Zoom.Cancellation and Transfer Policy:
Full refunds will be given when cancellations are made at least five working days before the first session. A $50 cancellation fee will be deducted from refunds when notification occurs fewer than five working days before class begins. No refunds will be made after the first session has begun. You may transfer your registration by contacting MCNL at (816) 235-5720 or culverm@umkc.edu.Photo and Video Release:
By attending the event, you are giving MCNL permission to use photos and videos from the workshop in future promotional materials.
