Training

Community Foundation Excellence (CFE) Fundamentals Course - Virtual - October 2023

A well-trained staff and an informed board are critical to the success of community foundations in our fast-changing world. This course helps new and growing foundation stakeholders build the essential skills they need to balance governance and management with the broader understanding of community foundations within the philanthropic sector.

Date & Time

Wednesday, October 4 - 1:00-4:30 p.m. ET
Thursday, October 5 - 1:00-4:30 p.m. ET
Wednesday, October 11 - 1:00-4:30 p.m. ET
Thursday, October 12 - 1:00-4:30 p.m. ET

Location

Live Virtual - Not Recorded

Cost

Council Members = $475
Nonmembers = $675
Group rate (5-7 participants) for Council members only = $429

Email educate@cof.org to register a group. 

A well-trained staff and an informed board are critical to the success of community foundations in our fast-changing world. This course helps new and growing community foundation staff build the essential skills they need to balance governance and management with the broader understanding of community foundations within the philanthropic sector.

Created and led by experienced community foundation leaders, Council attorneys, and Council's lead strategist for community philanthropy, 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.

Originally developed in conjunction with Indiana University's Center on Philanthropy, these courses help community foundation staff, board members and volunteers master the unique aspects of the community foundation field. You'll learn about effective practices, get helpful tools and information, and have the opportunity to network with others in the field. Comprehensive and engaging, these courses are an efficient and affordable way to increase your knowledge of the field. Please note, this course is limited to Community Foundation staff and Board members only. 

Facilitators

This virtual course will engage a range of seasoned and experienced community foundation leaders and Council experts.

Course Agenda

October 4, 5, 11 & 12

1:00-4:30 p.m. ET each day

  • 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

4:30 - 5:00 p.m. ET

  • Optional Networking: Get to know your peers in the Community Foundation sector!

*Council events are not opportunities for solicitation of any kind, including asking for business, fund management, or grants. All types of solicitation are strictly prohibited. For more information, read our no solicitation policy.

Speakers

Speakers

Tim Bresnahan

Senior Director of Gift Planning

The Chicago Community Trust

Mike Goorhouse

Former President and CEO

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Brett Hunkins

Chief Financial Officer

Community Foundation of Greater Flint

Kristen Mekemson

Vice President, Development and Philanthropic Services

Greater Milwaukee Foundation

Questions?

Connect with Council Staff

Jill Gordon

Senior Manager, Training

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