Killington-Rutland community members seeking to explore the roles, responsibilities and rewards of nonprofit board membership are invited to participate in the 2023 Board Development Leadership Program. The program comprises five free 90-minute workshops, held on consecutive Wednesdays Sept. 27 through Oct. 25.
Over the course of the weekly sessions, which will be held from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Hub CoWorks in downtown Rutland, up to 20 participants — current as well as prospective board members — will learn from local experts in nonprofit leadership regarding five vital areas of nonprofit governance, entailing: 1) roles and responsibilities of nonprofit board members; 2) organizational oversight and strategic planning; 3) nonprofit finance and budgeting; 4) legal issues involved in running a nonprofit; and 5) nonprofit fundraising and organizational development.
The program, which will include lunch from popular Rutland spots, is being offered for free, thanks to generous sponsors and volunteers.
Chuck Sharp, vice president and relationship manager for M&T’s business banking division, said, “We support United Way of Rutland County and recognize the crucial need for volunteers to serve on nonprofit boards throughout the county and have a significant impact.
“Volunteer leadership is what drives the organizations that support our friends and neighbors in Rutland County,” Sharp added.
Traci Moore, senior director of development & community relations at Rutland Regional Medical Center, also cited the positive impact that board leadership training will have on the region’s nonprofits. “Non-profit organizations and community boards play an essential role in helping to create thriving communities,” said Moore. “This important initiative aimed at training volunteer leaders and strengthening local boards will help meet the needs of the Rutland County region in so many beneficial ways.”
According to the Vermont Secretary of State’s office, the Rutland County area is home to about 1,500 nonprofits, with the largest number (525) in the health care and social services sector. This is followed by the education sector (287), and the arts, culture, and recreation sector (226). These nonprofits are registered with the state, are required to file annual reports, and they are also subject to state and federal regulations.
To that point, limits in nonprofits’ staff time and other resources makes the need for nonprofit board members crucial to accomplishing their missions. Board members with experience expertise in business, finance, fundraising, law, marketing, and communications complement staff skills. Plus, nonprofit board members with a network of contacts can provide connections to potential donors and volunteers.
“Community leaders also serve as role models for other volunteers and staff,” said Sharp, who has served on nonprofit boards in Vermont and was an early champion of the board development leadership program.
Moore noted, “Nonprofit board members help to strengthen a culture of engagement, as they inspire others to contribute to their communities as well.”
Following is the complete program schedule, and the list of experts leading each session Wednesdays 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at The Hub CoWorks, 67 Merchants Row, Rutland.
Sept. 27
Session 1: Introduction, what is the role of a board member and what is a non-profit. Led by Avaloy Lanning, MSW, executive director, NewStory Center, Rutland.
Oct. 4
Session 2: Organizational oversight and strategic planning. Led by Liz DiMarco Weinmann, MBA; founder and owner, Liz DiMarco Weinmann Consulting L3C.
Oct. 11
Session 3: Finances and budgets. Led by Caitlin Perry, vice president, wealth management at UBS, and board chair, Boys & Girls Club of Rutland County.
Oct. 18
Session 4: Liability and legal matters affecting nonprofits. Led by Matthew D. Getty, Esq., McCann Morgan & Getty PLLC
Oct. 25
Session 5: Organizational development and fundraising. Led by Jamie Bentley, community impact coordinator, RRMC; and Traci Moore, senior director of development & community relations, RRMC.
For more information or to register, visit: Tinyurl.com/NonprofitDevelopment or email info@uwrutlandcounty.org. The organizers ask agencies to send no more than three people to the training. Space is limited and the series will fill up quickly.
Liz DiMarco Weinmann, MBA, is principal and owner of Liz DiMarco Weinmann Consulting, L3C, based in Rutland, serving charitable and educational institutions: lizdimarcoweinmann.com.
