This is part of the Executive Training Series and equips executive directors of community-based nonprofits with the tools and knowledge to lead their agency’s financial strategy with confidence. Learners will explore oversight, risk management, board engagement, and sustainability planning. Participants will build their capacity to align financial systems with mission, navigate complex compliance requirements, and communicate transparently with boards and funders.
Learning Objectives- Design and oversee financial systems that support strategic decision-making, regulatory compliance, and mission-aligned stewardship.
- Develop internal controls and fiscal policies to prevent misuse, support transparency, and protect the organization during funding fluctuations.
- Translate financial data into actionable insights for boards, funders, and stakeholders through clear, contextualized reporting.
- Content Developer: Leslie Briner, MSW
This training introduces new leaders in small to mid-sized community-based organizations to the essential concepts of organizational risk and insurance. Designed for those stepping into leadership roles, the module explores how risk can impact service delivery, funding, staffing, and compliance—and how proactive strategies can safeguard your mission. Participants will learn to identify common types of risk, apply practical mitigation techniques, and make informed decisions about when and how to transfer risk through insurance coverage. Emphasizing real-world examples and nonprofit-specific considerations, this course equips new leaders with the tools to lead with foresight and accountability.
Learning Objectives- Identify common risks facing community-based organizations and assess their potential impact.
- Apply practical strategies to reduce risk through policies, procedures, and internal controls.
- Understand how insurance transfers risk and how to select coverage that protects the organization.
- Content Developer: Leslie Briner, MSW
This course equips managers, grant writers, and executive leaders of community-based organizations with practical skills in grant writing and fund development. Participants will learn to craft compelling grant proposals, identify and pursue diverse funding opportunities, and cultivate lasting donor relationships. The training emphasizes aligning funding strategies with organizational missions to ensure stability and sustainability.
Learning Objectives- Explore the Grant Writing Process: Understand the essential components of grant proposals—including problem statements, objectives, budgets, and evaluations—and how to write clear, compelling applications.
- Develop Fund Development Strategies: Identify diverse funding sources and learn how to integrate grant writing into broader fundraising plans to build long-term sustainability.
- Cultivate Donor Relationships: Build effective communication, stewardship, and engagement practices that strengthen connections with funders and donors over time.
- Content Developer: Leslie Briner, MSW
This module introduces program managers in community-based organizations to the basics of nonprofit financial management. You don’t need to be an accountant to understand how your program’s budget works, what your funding can and can’t be used for, or how to spot when something’s off. This training walks through where nonprofit money comes from, how it’s spent, and how to stay in compliance with grant rules. You’ll learn how to read simple budgets, keep track of expenses, talk to your finance team, and play your part in building a transparent and sustainable organization.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the basic components of a nonprofit budget and how to interpret a financial report.
- Accurately track program expenses and connect them to the correct funding sources.
- Recognize common financial red flags and know when and how to raise concerns.
- Content Developer: Leslie Briner, MSW
Learning Objectives
- Define nonprofit operations and explore how they shape daily program work.
- Use simple systems to improve consistency, reduce confusion, and support staff.
- Apply internal controls and risk prevention strategies to protect the program and promote transparency.
- Content Developer: Leslie Briner, MSW
This module introduces key human resources (HR) concepts tailored for Washington State’s community-based sexual assault programs. Managers will learn how to align HR practices with mission and values, understand legal requirements, and implement effective strategies for recruitment, retention, and culture-building. Designed for all experience levels, this training centers trauma-informed, equitable, and community-rooted approaches to team leadership.
Learning Objectives- Understand the main elements of human resources and their relevance to nonprofit settings.
- Develop practical strategies for inclusive recruitment, onboarding, and staff retention.
- Foster a workplace culture that supports equity, well-being, and organizational alignment.
- Content Developer: Leslie Briner, MSW
This course introduces program managers to the role and function of nonprofit boards of directors. You’ll learn what boards do (and don’t do), how their decisions affect your work, and how to prepare when asked to attend or present at a board meeting. This training will help you feel more confident navigating board interactions and understand how your program’s successes contribute to big-picture decision-making.
Learning Objectives- Describe the purpose and responsibilities of a nonprofit board of directors.
- Explain how board decisions can impact staff, funding, and program direction.
- Learn how to prepare for and participate in board-related communication and meetings.
- Content Developer: Leslie Briner, MSW
Learning Objectives
- Develop strategic plans and work plans to effectively manage community-based services.
- Implement communication and leadership strategies to build cohesive teams.
- Apply quality assurance practices to evaluate and improve service outcomes.
- Content Developer: Leslie Briner, MSW
This module equips program managers in Washington State with the knowledge and skills to lead trauma-informed teams and cultivate workplaces that prioritize safety, trust, and well-being. You’ll explore what “trauma” means in everyday language, see how it influences staff behavior and team dynamics, and practice simple strategies to spot and address stress and burnout. Through real-world examples and reflection prompts, you’ll gain concrete tools to support your team, foster inclusion, and build a culture of care.
Learning Objectives- Learn how trauma and chronic stress can show up in workplace behaviors, communication patterns, and team dynamics.
- Apply core trauma-informed principles (safety, trust, support, empowerment, and inclusion) to everyday management practices.
- Identify signs of vicarious trauma and burnout in staff and implement supportive strategies and resources to address them.
- Content Developer: Leslie Briner, MSW