Chico, California (March 4, 2009) – Local nonprofit leaders have the opportunity to participate in three trainings in March provided by the Nonprofit Leadership Institute, a program of North Valley Community Foundation. On Friday, March 13, the topic will be “It IS All About the Money - Sustainable Fundraising Practices”  On Monday, March 23, the topic will be “Our Greatest Resource – Volunteer Program Development” On Monday, March 30, the topic will be “Yes I Will! – Integrating Planned Giving into your Nonprofit.”

The instructor for the March 13 session will be Laura Cootsona, consultant to nonprofit organizations and Director of the Nonprofit Leadership Institute. The instructor for the March 23 session will be Roseanna Galindo-Kuhn, Director of Volunteer Services at Enloe Hospital. The March 30 session will be led by Maureen Pierce, Executive Director of Boys and Girls Club.

All of these classes will help nonprofits to respond to the current economic difficulties. If you are a board member or executive staff of a nonprofit, you won't want to miss these trainings.  The full day Fundraising class on March 13 guarantees a good overview of what is needed to begin or continue to raise money for your cause. This class is suited for the executive director, fundraising staff, chair of the fundraising committee, board members or for those thinking of making a career in a nonprofit. With revenues declining, this class can help nonprofits maximize their fundraising effectiveness.

The half day session on Volunteer Programs emphasizes the understanding and use of the five dimensions of volunteer satisfaction. Satisfaction is the basis for developing volunteer programs/placements that enhance organizational capacity by making the most of the volunteer experience. Any organization depending upon volunteers can benefit from this class. This is especially important during the current economic downturn, as volunteers become a more valuable asset.

The half day session on Planned Giving is for the “in the trenches” executive, fundraising or development staff person (or board member) that wants some concrete steps that can be taken to start and sustain a planned giving program. Planned giving is one way to take greater control of an organization’s future finances, and reduce dependency upon special events, grants, or government funds.

All three trainings are in Chico, at the Training Place on the Chico Campus of Butte Community College, 2320 Forest Avenue. The half day trainings (March 20 and 27) take place from 8:30AM-12:30PM and cost $60 per person. The full day training on March 13 will be from 9:00AM-4:30PM and costs $100. For further details and registration, contact NVCF at 891-1150 or register online at www.nvcf.org.  Reservations should be made in advance, as registration is limited.