Training

Community Foundation Excellence (CFE) Fundamentals Course - Virtual - February 2025

A well-trained staff and an informed board are critical to the success of community foundations in our fast-changing world. This course helps ne and growing stakeholders build the essential skills they need to balance governance and management with the broader understanding of community foundations within the philanthropic sector. Course is recommended for community foundation staff that have been in their positions for at least three months.

Date & Time

Wednesday, February 12 - 1:00-4:30 p.m. ET
Thursday, February 13 - 1:00-4:30 p.m. ET
Wednesday, February 19 - 1:00-4:30 p.m. ET
Thursday, February 20 - 1:00-4:30 p.m. ET

Location

Live Virtual Zoom Meeting-No Recordings Provided

Cost

Council Members = $575 per person
Nonmembers = $735 per person
Group Rate for Council Members Only (5-7 participants from the same organization) = $505 per person

Taught by a variety of seasoned and experienced community foundation leaders and Council experts, this course helps community foundation staff and board members master the unique aspects of the community foundation field. You'll learn about effective practices, get helpful tools and information, and network with peers in the field. Both comprehensive and engaging, this course is an efficient and affordable way to increase your knowledge of the field.  

Created and led by experienced community foundation leaders and Council attorneys this course includes:

  • Basic information on governance, resource development and donor relations;
  • Updates on key legal and legislative issues;
  • Information on grantmaking; and
  • Review of community leadership and fiduciary responsibilities.

Course Hours

  • Wednesday, February 12: 1:00-5:00 p.m. ET
  • Thursday, February 13: 1:00-5:00 pm ET
  • Wednesday, February 19: 1:00-5:00 p.m. ET 
  • Thursday, February 20: 1:00-5:00 p.m. ET 

This virtual training will be conducted live on Zoom and is designed around your participation, creating space for you to directly engage with peers and content. We ask that you plan to be fully present during the hours of the training, minimizing distractions to the best of your ability. We do not offer a recording of the course due to platform and privacy issues.  Please plan to actively participate during all four days. Each of the four sessions is 4 hours and includes two breaks. 

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for community foundation staff and board members only and is recommended for individuals that have been in their positions for at least three months but less than five years.   

Course Topics

  • Review community foundation's history, emerging goals, unique characteristics and future trends
  • Discuss governance and board responsibilities respective to their roles and goals
  • Engage in a discussion on why and how donors give to community foundations
  • Learn of various gift types, developing gift agreements and planned givings 
  • Understand resource development procedures in attracting gifts
  • Listen and learn from the Council legal team to comprehend all legalities from nonprofits to donor control 
  • Ascertain key tips and tools about stewardship, accountability and fiduciary responsibilities within your community foundations
  • Discover ways to set grantmaking priorities and understand roles in community leadership

Group Rate

Trainings are designed to be taken individually at a personal workstation, not in a group setting. Registration rates are per person. Group rates are for Council Members that send 5-7 people from one organization, each person must be registered individually to attend. Email educate@cof.org to register a group. 

Cancellation Policy 

All registration cancellations must be submitted in writing to educate@cof.org. All cancellation refunds before January 12, 2025 will incur a 25% administrative fee per registration. No refunds will be provided after January 12, 2025.

Speakers

Speakers

David Rosado

Senior Advisor, Community Philanthropy

Council on Foundations

Jenn Holcomb

Vice President, Government Affairs and Legal Resources

Council on Foundations

Facilitator

Questions?

Connect with Council Staff

Jill Gordon

Senior Manager, Training

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