The Nonprofit Coalition (NPC) is set to launch its 2025 programming in March, offering local nonprofit leaders and board members an opportunity to enhance their skills and connect with other professionals in the sector. The three-session series will provide practical guidance on key topics, including developing a compelling case for support, establishing effective policies and procedures, and strategic planning.
The initiative is a collaborative effort between Kentucky Wesleyan College and Wendell Foster and is underwritten by the Marilyn & William Young Foundation.
Each session will be led by philanthropic professionals from the tri-state area and will include dedicated time for attendees to draft documents tailored to their organization’s needs.
The first session, scheduled for March 5 from 8 a.m. to noon at Wendell Foster’s Young Meeting House, will feature John Carreon, chief advancement officer of AbleLight and a faculty member at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Carreon will guide attendees through the four essential elements of crafting a strong case for support. Participants will leave with a working draft that they can refine and present to their board of directors.
The remaining sessions will be held on May 7 and August 20, covering additional topics relevant to nonprofit growth and sustainability. More information on those sessions will be announced at a later date.
According to Kelly Flick, Director of Grants Administration at Kentucky Wesleyan College, there are no eligibility requirements for participation.
“We welcome all nonprofit employees, nonprofit volunteers — including retirees and students — city and county government representatives, and corporate and private funders eager to learn,” Flick said. “We have attendees ranging from those new to their careers to those with years of experience.”
Registration is required, and interested individuals can sign up by contacting Flick at [email protected] or fellow event organizer Kara Howard at [email protected].
The Nonprofit Coalition was established in Fall 2021 to equip nonprofit leaders with the knowledge needed to expand and sustain their organizations. Initially launched as a local extension of the Association of Fundraising Professionals-Louisville branch, the coalition quickly grew into a regionally focused program, providing educational resources for nonprofit administrators, staff, and board members.
Today, the NPC has 80 nonprofit agencies on its listserv and averages 45 attendees per session, Flick said.
Unlike other local nonprofit groups that focus on service delivery, the coalition’s primary goal is to support nonprofit leadership through education and networking. One of its key objectives is fostering collaboration among similar agencies, enabling them to work together and leverage shared resources.
To ensure the effectiveness of its programming, the coalition gathers feedback through post-session assessments and an annual evaluation, which helps shape future topics. Additionally, attendees receive handouts and networking opportunities to continue the learning process beyond the sessions. Participants are encouraged to bring their completed materials to the next session for peer feedback and additional guidance.
With its 2025 series, the Nonprofit Coalition aims to strengthen the region’s nonprofit sector by equipping leaders with the knowledge and resources needed to make a lasting impact.
