Conference Sessions

10:15 a.m.

Effective Legislative Advocacy—A Family Care Case Study in Building Coalition and Communications to Create Policy Results

When state reimbursement rates were insufficiently low for people with disabilities, Innovative Care Services reached out to other nonprofit leaders. We eventually formed the Family Care Coalition of NE Wisconsin and hired former speaker of the house John Gard as well as strategic communications consultants O’Connor Connective. Over the span of two years the group crafted targeted communications, held meetings and information sessions and ultimately positively impacted the outcome of a $212 million policy decision. People with disabilities throughout Wisconsin remain in their homes because of this funding. This presentation will comprise a case study and lessons learned to assist nonprofit leaders as they consider options for government relations, legislative communications and strategic advocacy work to advance their missions and impact.

Small but Mighty HR: A Micro-Toolkit for Nonprofits without an HR Department

Most nonprofits don’t have an HR department—but they still manage hiring, onboarding, policies, performance conversations and compliance. This practical session brings together the plain-language legal expertise of Plain & Simple Legal and the hands-on people operations experience of Roots HR to help nonprofits strengthen essential HR functions in a way that works for small teams. Attendees with micro HR functions will leave with actionable information they can add to their toolkits, including recruiting, onboarding, communication, conflict prevention, documentation and volunteer/employee boundaries. With a focus on clarity, consistency and culture, this session helps nonprofit leaders recharge overwhelmed workflows, renew people practices and reconnect teams around shared expectations—without unnecessary paperwork or complexity.

Getting Language Right: Inclusive Language in Action

Words shape culture, influence trust and determine whether people feel seen or excluded. In this interactive breakout session, nonprofit leaders will explore practical strategies for using inclusive language that strengthens relationships with staff, volunteers and the communities they serve. Through real-application scenarios and collaborative exercises, participants will learn how to recognize harmful or outdated terminology, adopt language that honors identity and lived experience, and create communication norms that foster belonging. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to model inclusive communication and champion inclusion within their organizations.

Recharging Nonprofits Through Digital Solutions & Considering the Risks Involved

Many nonprofit organizations are continuing to unpack what AI, new technology/software and automation means for them. This presentation will unpack how digital solutions can enhance nonprofit organizations as well as cover some of the key cyber risks organizations should be paying attention to as they navigate their digital journey. 

11:30 a.m.

Nonprofit Advocacy—Owning the Meaning We Make to Transform Systems

Explore how individual mindsets, and the social process of meaning-making, build and transform the systems that shape individual and community wellbeing. Understand how your organization is already engaged in policy work, the forms of advocacy, and how owning the meaning you make by engaging in mission-aligned advocacy can transform systems and your impact. Session participants will develop a clear, accessible understanding of nonprofit advocacy in all its forms and of policy as an expression of shared meaning. Using the systems change work of Achieve Brown County as a case study, attendees will evaluate their own work through a policy lens and identify strategic advocacy opportunities to advance their mission.

Mastering Meaningful Conversations for Stronger Relationships

Meaningful conversations are at the heart of every thriving nonprofit. In this energizing session, explore how to deepen connection, build trust and communicate your mission with greater clarity and confidence. Whether you’re engaging donors, board members or community partners, you’ll leave with renewed insight and practical ideas for creating conversations that inspire commitment and strengthen relationships.

From First Fundraiser to Strong Team: Building Capacity That Sticks

Whether your organization is raising its first dollars or managing a full development team, building sustainable fundraising capacity is essential for long-term viability. This session will help nonprofits at every stage identify the systems and practices that need to be in place before hiring their first fundraiser and how to effectively support and retain that role once it exists. Attendees will explore practical funding strategies, readiness checklists and strategies to retain skilled fundraisers in a competitive field. Whether you’re hiring for the first time or strengthening a current team, this session provides practical guidance for executive directors, board members and leaders preparing their nonprofit organizations for long-term financial sustainability.

Tiny Teams, Strong Foundations: A Recharge Workshop for Small Nonprofits

Small nonprofits — especially rural nonprofits — often operate with 0–2 staff members but carry the same expectations as much larger organizations. Many leaders find themselves overwhelmed by programming, fundraising, administrative tasks, events and board management while critical foundations of the organization go unattended. This practical, candid workshop helps tiny teams identify where they should truly be spending their time. We’ll walk through the essential infrastructure every small nonprofit must have in place before taking on more programs or responsibilities: bylaws, governance, licensing, financial controls, budgeting, board engagement, fundraising diversification, marketing and compliance. Participants will also explore what activities they should stop doing, what to delegate to their board, what to outsource and what can wait. Attendees will leave with a “Foundational Health Checklist,” a 90-day stabilization plan and a clear understanding of how to build a sustainable organization with limited staff capacity.

The Wisdom is in the Room: Co-Created Conversations in the Face of Uncertainty

Collectively, we are a leaderful group brimming with power, wisdom and compassion to share. When we take time to sit and talk with each other, we provide much needed encouragement, inspiration and strategic insight. In this experiential session, you will have the opportunity to convene with your nonprofit colleagues to discuss how you’re navigating the current landscape and learn from and with each other. We will address the changes that have challenged our organizations, how we maintain institutional knowledge in this unstable environment and how we maintain our core programmatic structure in the face of uncertainty. We will offer participants the opportunity to virtually reconnect in six months to share how our answers to these questions may have changed as events crystalized. This session is appropriate for people of all experience levels, from seasoned executive directors to staff just starting out in the sector.

1:30 p.m.

Proximity in Practice: Reconnecting Nonprofits to Community Voice for Stronger Impact

Nonprofit professionals are navigating rising community needs, limited capacity and increasing pressure to demonstrate impact. One of the most powerful—and often underused—resources remains proximity: meaningful connection with the people and communities nonprofits serve. This interactive session explores practical ways staff, leaders and boards can strengthen community connection without adding strain to already overextended teams. Drawing on insights from the 2025 CEP report Voices That Matter, participants will examine gaps between intention and practice in listening and engagement, and how reconnecting to community voice can recharge purpose, renew clarity and rebuild trust. Attendees will leave with simple, actionable tools—including a Proximity Audit and a Feedback-to-Action Loop—and a 30-day quick-start plan to deepen relationships, improve decision-making and advance impact with existing resources.

Building a Gen-Z Ready Nonprofit Workplace

Gen Z is entering the workforce with new expectations, steadfast values and a desire to make meaningful impact—making them a natural fit for mission driven organizations. Yet many nonprofits are struggling to attract, engage and retain this emerging generation of talent. This session unpacks what Gen Z is really looking for at work and how nonprofit leaders can evolve to meet those needs without losing sight of their mission. Through real world examples, research backed insights and a panel discussion with college students and professionals, participants will explore how to create a workplace where Gen Z feels empowered, connected and committed. We’ll dig into topics like flexible work norms, transparent leadership, growth-oriented feedback, digital first communication and building a culture that reflects Gen Z’s values around equity, wellbeing and authenticity. We’ll also talk about the critical role of internships as a gateway to nonprofit careers for Gen Z students. 

Nonprofit Marketing So Easy It's Fun Again

Nonprofit marketing rarely struggles because its mission is unclear. It struggles because leaders are asked to do more with less, juggle competing priorities and create impact without the time, staff or budget they deserve. This session is designed to change that. You’ll learn how to simplify your marketing, clarify your message and focus on what truly drives engagement and support. We’ll explore why your content may not be resonating, how to tell your story more effectively and how to create consistent outreach without burning out. You’ll leave with practical tools, a clear framework and actionable strategies to strengthen visibility, attract donors and volunteers and move your mission forward with confidence.

Recharge & Reclaim Capacity: Stress Skills + Simple AI Tools for Sustainable Nonprofit Work

Nonprofit work is meaningful but often overwhelming. This energizing session blends practical stress-management skills with simple, beginner-friendly AI tools to help participants recharge clarity and reclaim capacity in their day. Attendees will learn how to complete the stress cycle, reduce cognitive overload and apply evidence-based techniques to sustain focus and effectiveness. The session also introduces accessible AI tools (no tech experience required) that can streamline everyday tasks, support clearer thinking and create smoother workflows. Participants will leave with practical strategies they can apply immediately to manage mental effort, protect their energy and stay effective without running on empty.

Demystifying Data for Nonprofits

The world of data can seem complicated, and the jargon around measurement can often elicit the reaction— "This is not for me!" However, we all use data every single day—right from deciding which clothes to wear based on the weather, to tweaking our programs to better serve our communities. This session aims to demystify what data is, how you can collect it ethically, and most importantly, how you can use it. We start by busting some common myths around data exploring questions like—is data collection costly, does it require significant technical expertise, is it just numbers? We'll take a look at real world examples of how nonprofits have created data systems to improve services, strengthen proposals and reporting, and stay accountable to the communities they serve. We’ll also share low/no-cost tools and simple data collection frameworks often using what you already have, that help you start small and build from there.