Non-profit online courses

Description: Many organizations have an executive director or CEO to help manage operations of the non-profit. This course looks at how the board and the executive director can work together to create an effective working relationship that furthers the organization’s vision and mission.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: We all know what a bad meeting could look like. It often is a product of not having an agenda. Conversations are all over the place. There is no real goal or purpose to why you are meeting in the first place. It may start late or go over the expected time, or maybe you leave without a clear plan of what to do next. In this course, we will look at what a meeting agenda is, the value of why we need it in our meetings, and how we can use an agenda to further the work of the organization.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: This course discusses Alberta’s non-profit legal landscape, the legal obligations that non-profits must comply with in Alberta, and the relationship between legal documents for incorporated non-profit organizations. We will also discuss these areas with an expert and get their ideas on what they mean for non-profits and their board members.

Category: The non-profit tidbits series

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: This course will explain what facilitation is, and describe the different aspects of the role of the facilitator. It will also discuss how facilitation is different from presenting, training, and chairing but supports each of those approaches. It also discuss what characteristics and competencies facilitators need to have to be successful in their work.

Category: Facilitation

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: This course will explain how you can lay the foundations for your session with precision. It will discuss how you can understand the delicate balance between process and content, tailor your approach to your audience, and define clear outcomes. Because a well-prepared facilitator is a successful one!

Category: Facilitation

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: This course will explain how you can navigate the intricate dance of crafting questions and setting the right atmosphere. Whether online, hybrid, or in-person, you become better in ensuring your session's logistical success. Discover how the right tools and setup can amplify your session's efficacy.

Category: Facilitation

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: This course will explain how to navigate the beginning, middle, and end of every facilitation journey. Learn how to kick things off with confidence, navigate the ebbs and flows of group dynamics, and wrap up with conclusion and clarity.

Category: Facilitation

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: This course covers basic facilitation skills for meetings, particularly board meetings. Part 1 discusses what facilitation is and describe the different aspects of the role of the facilitator. It will also discuss how facilitation is different from presenting, training, and chairing but supports each of those approaches. It also discusses what characteristics and competencies facilitators need to have to be successful in their work. Part 2 will explain how you can lay the foundations for your facilitated session with precision. It will discuss how you can understand the delicate balance between process and content, tailor your approach to your audience, and define clear outcomes. Part 3 will discuss how you can navigate the intricate dance of crafting questions and setting the right atmosphere. Whether online, hybrid, or in-person, you become better in ensuring your session's logistical success. Discover how the right tools and setup can amplify your session's efficacy. And finally, part 4 will discuss how to navigate the beginning, middle, and end of every facilitation journey. Learn how to kick things off with confidence, navigate the ebbs and flows of group dynamics, and wrap up with conclusion and clarity.

Category: Facilitation

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: Have you been asked to facilitate a session and wonder what the best tools are to use? There are so many facilitation tools out there, but which one is best for your meeting? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each tool? In this session, we want to talk about the pros and cons of some popular facilitation tools that can help you have better conversations and make your next meeting a success!

Category: The non-profit bistro series

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: Les organismes sans but lucratif doivent penser à beaucoup de choses et ont beaucoup de travail à faire. C’est à l’occasion des réunions que les membres d’un conseil se rencontrent pour prendre des décisions au sujet des tâches à effectuer et de la façon de procéder. Cette vidéo examine les différents éléments et structures des réunions et suggère des façons de réfléchir au leadership avant, pendant et après les réunions.

Category: La série vidéo du Board Development Program en français

Type of course: Webinaire enregistré

Description: Committees often exist as part of a non-profit Board. What are the benefits of board committees? How are they different from staff committees?  What are other types of committees?  How do you establish terms of reference for a board committee? Answers to these questions and more will be provided in this video.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: Board committees are helpful ways for boards in non-profit organizations to get things done. Knowing the benefits of board committees and properly setting them up is important to maximizing their value for boards. In this course, you will learn the benefits and types of board committees as well as important considerations when creating them.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: This course discusses how non-profit boards can strengthen their effectiveness by designing the governance structure of their organization as well as some lessons learned “from the field” by an expert.

Category: The non-profit tidbits series

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: One of the most important roles of the board and specifically the minute-taker (most often the board secretary) is to record the minutes of board meetings. The minutes are the formal record of the discussion areas and decisions of the board. In this session, you will learn why minutes of meetings need recording, what needs to be recorded as well as considerations to store them for easy, future access.  Included with this, you will be shown examples of templates to capture minutes and motions. Further, you will learn the importance of ensuring timely access to meeting minutes and having a back-up minute-taker in place.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: Board members spend significant time in board meetings. Learn the importance of having a clear purpose for meetings as well as how agendas, minutes, meeting guidelines, decision-making frameworks and other structures assist in keeping meetings on track. Further, learn how creating shared board member responsibility for meetings, leads to meeting success.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: Board members make up the governing body of nonprofit organizations and they are responsible for the governance of the organization. To best perform their duties, it is critical for boards to understand their roles and and related responsibilities including, through being familiar with organizational design, how the work is done to move the organization towards its purpose.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: Learn the 4 roles and 7 responsibilities and principles of good governance that board members need to know and demonstrate well to govern and steward their non-profit organizations. Further, through organizational design, you will see how a board successfully carrying out their roles and responsibilities touches all parts of the organization.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: Creating a budget and budgeting is a one of the main ways the board can demonstrate proper governance and stewardship of their organization. However, tackling a budget as a new board member can be a daunting task. This course describes what a budget is and what it does. Then it discusses how board members can understand and assess the budget, and how budgets are related to financial statements and variance reports.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: The world of non-profit finance is full of different types of financial reports. The variance report is just one of these reports and the ability to read and understand them is a critical skill for board members to be effective stewards of their organization. This course describes what budget variance reports are, their main components, and how to read and understand them. Additionally, the course will show how these reports help the board in the financial stewardship of the organization.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: Why do some non-profit boards and organizations work so well together while others struggle? In this course one of the four part series on Building a Strong Team, you will learn about the characteristics of strong, high performing teams including the importance of having a shared purpose and being able to identify and harness the talents of the members on your team.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: In addition to carrying out a non-profit’s vision and mission, many boards spend time focusing on group processes. In other words, how the board will function well together to achieve its objectives. This helps to ensure that the board is functioning smoothly as a team and able to further the goals of the non-profit.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: Have you ever served on a non-profit board where all members were equally passionate and committed to the goals of the organization but still struggled to work well together as a team? In this course, you will learn principles that can help your board members work well together and build a strong team.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: Unlock the power of collaboration and discover the art of Building Consensus in our engaging webinar! In a world where diverse perspectives converge, the ability to make a decision with different voices is a critical skill. Building Consensus is your key to creating synergy, enhancing teamwork, and achieving remarkable results. Join us for this interactive webinar where you'll gain a deep understanding of what consensus means, and how you can navigate the best approach for making group decisions. We'll guide you through the process of preparing for and leading consensus-building conversations, providing you with insights, practical tips and tools that empower you to navigate the complexities of group dynamics and succeed. Whether you're a leader in the non-profit sector, manager, or simply someone who wants to enhance their collaboration skills, this webinar helps you take the first step towards unlocking the potential of your team and your projects.

Category: Governance

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: Building Consensus is the key role of facilitators, chairpersons and leaders of meetings in the non-profit world. However, sometimes, it is difficult to achieve this goal in meetings, and even much harder to do so in online meetings! So watch this first panel discussion on the topic with three panelists who have chaired several meetings in various organizations and situations and have been able to successfully build consensus in in-person as well as online meetings. They will share their experiences and stories, and discuss tips and tricks, resources, pitfalls, and lessons learned!

Category: The non-profit bistro series

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: Building Consensus is the key role of facilitators, chairpersons and leaders of meetings in the non-profit world. However, sometimes, it is difficult to achieve this goal in meetings, and even much harder to do so in online meetings! So watch this second panel discussion on the topic with three panelists who have chaired several meetings in various organizations and situations and have been able to successfully build consensus in in-person as well as online meetings. They will share their experiences and stories, and discuss tips and tricks, resources, pitfalls, and lessons learned!

Category: The non-profit bistro series

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: Ensuring healthy relationships between the board and those that carry out the directions of the board (senior staff, staff, volunteers) is a responsibility of the board. In this video learn how to do it well by understanding the primary focus of each and that its a balanced partnership with all working together to achieve the purpose of the organization.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: Non-profit board members do their best work when a strong team culture exists within the board. How do you create and build it? How do you know when you have it? What are some ways to respond to challenges and root causes that prevent boards from building strong teams? All this and more will be addressed in this video.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: Plongez-vous dans la série de vidéos du Programme de perfectionnement des conseils! La 1re vidéo aide les conseils à comprendre le paysage juridique de leur organisme.

Category: La série vidéo du Board Development Program en français

Type of course: Webinaire enregistré

Description: Do you know what a mission statement is and how you can create one? Do you know why your organization needs a mission statement? Have you ever wanted to make a mission statement for your organization and didn't know where to start? In this course, we answer all these questions and demonstrate building and creating a mission statement!

Category: The non-profit bistro series

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: Do you know what value statements are, and how you can create them? Do you know why your organization needs value statements? Have you ever wanted to create value statements for your organization and didn't know where to start? In this course, we answer all these questions and demonstrate building and creating value statements!

Category: The non-profit bistro series

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: Have you ever wanted to make a vision statement and didn't know where to start? Do you know why your organization needs a vision statement? What is a vision statement and how do you create one? Join us in this course where we answer all these questions and demonstrate building and creating a vision statement!

Category: The non-profit bistro series

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: Introducing Crowdfunding Alberta – a new and innovative way of fundraising for Alberta’s non-profits. Join program staff and Daryl Hatton, founder and CEO of FundRazr and ConnectionPoint, to learn more about the changing landscape of crowdfunding for non-profits and how non-profits from all across the world have leveraged the power of a crowd to fund their operations. In addition, Daryl will share some strategies and tips to attract, engage, and retain donors to help make your fundraising campaigns more successful.

Category: Crowdfunding

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: Keeping up to date on fundraising trends can give your organization a competitive advantage in the online, crowdfunding space as well as driving progress and furthering your mission and vision. Join Daryl Hatton, founder and CEO of ConnectionPoint/FundRazr, for a webinar that will discuss the fundraising trends of 2022 that are relevant for non-profits and how they may have changed since the beginning of the year.

Category: Crowdfunding

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: Crowdfunding has been used worldwide to fund important work creating enormous impact. What if your organization would like to tap into this power but doesn’t have a big online community? Join Daryl Hatton, founder and CEO of ConnectionPoint/FundRazr, for a webinar that will discuss how non-profit organizations can kickstart growth in their digital donor base by building, buying, or borrowing a crowd for their crowdfunding campaign. He’ll also discuss the methodology for engaging your existing donors in creating sustainable, recurring revenue streams to support your organization’s projects while simultaneously attracting new donors.

Category: Crowdfunding

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: November 28th is #GivingTuesday, a global generosity movement to strengthen communities. Last year, $50 million was donated online to Canadian charities for GivingTuesday. This day of generosity is follow-up by the most significant month for giving, with donations received in December accounting for over 25% of annual non-profit revenue. In this webinar you’ll learn how to help your non-profit organization connect with donors this giving season and unlock match funding from the Government of Alberta through the Crowdfunding Alberta program.

Category: Crowdfunding

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: High inflation, stock market declines, and the war in Ukraine have disrupted the world economy and has made fundraising in 2022 challenging. This webinar will cover techniques for using crowdfunding and matching grants to increase your year-end giving despite these conditions. Join Daryl Hatton, founder and CEO of ConnectionPoint/FundRazr, for an event that will demystify the process and show you how to make your first attempt successful, even if you have never run a digital fundraising campaign before. For the pros, we’ll show you new techniques that will make a difference in your results.

Category: Crowdfunding

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: Join Glori Meldrum, founder of Little Warriors and CEO of G-Squared Marketing in Edmonton, as she shares her views on the keys to successful online marketing and fund development for your non-profit. In this approximately 1-hour webinar, Glori will discuss what sustainability means in the non-profit sector today and how technology is changing the way organizations raise funds and build a community of supporters.

Category: Crowdfunding

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: Peer-to-peer fundraising is one of the opportunities for non-profits and is a specific type of crowdfunding that harnesses an individual’s personal networks to fundraise on your non-profit’s behalf. Join Daryl Hatton, founder and CEO of ConnectionPoint/FundRazr, for a webinar that will discuss how non-profit organizations can start their peer-to-peer crowdfunding campaigns, various keys to success, and looking at what’s next after peer-to-peer fundraising.

Category: Crowdfunding

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: News headlines remind us almost daily of cybersecurity threats facing business and government organizations that are operating online. Nonprofits are not immune, and they face risks as well if they engage in activities, such as processing donations, event registrations, and store information digitally about their donors, members, clients, and employees. Nonprofit Boards need to be able to recognize the risks associated with operating in a digital environment and how to take steps to protect their organization’s data. This webinar will explain the role of the board in cyber-risk oversight.

Category: Governance

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: What artificial intelligence (AI) is and how it’s used? How can it be used for governance and risk management considerations for AI adoption in non-profit volunteer sector organizations? In this session, our presenter will address some questions, common myths and misconceptions about AI and provide you with a list of resources on where to learn more about this topic.

Category: Governance

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: What's the role of the board in the organization and what's the role of staff? Where is the line and what are the overlaps? These are difficult questions for many involved in the non-profit sector and various organizations. Watch this panel discussion on the topic with three knowledgeable panelists that have served in both roles in various organizations and situations and have been able to successfully build relationships and navigate the dynamic board staff relationships. They will share their experiences and stories, and discuss tips and tricks, resources, pitfalls, and lessons learned!

Category: The non-profit bistro series

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: Les relations efficaces au sein d'une équipe sont souvent le résultat d'un travail intentionnel et cohérent. Cette vidéo explique comment établir des relations efficaces au sein d'un organisme sans but lucratif et décrit les éléments des relations saines. Elle explique également comment les responsabilités du conseil d'administration et de la direction d'un tel organisme sont distinctes, mais se chevauchent.

Category: La série vidéo du Board Development Program en français

Type of course: Webinaire enregistré

Description: Fiduciary duty is one of the central concepts of good governance in a non-profit organization. However, it is often misunderstood as solely a financial duty rather than one that encompasses the entire role of being a governance board member. In this session you will learn about fiduciary duty and its respective “branches”, the Duty of Care and the Duty of Loyalty including fulfilling the expectations of each one. Common best practices and practical examples will be described so learners grasp these abstract concepts and put them into practice.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: There is a lot to be done when managing an organization’s finances. Fortunately, boards can divide up the work and delegate some tasks (but not all) to others. Although some work and tasks can be given to others to complete, it is important to remember that the board is ultimately responsible for ensuring proper financial management.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: Board members are responsible for the overall management of the organization’s resources. As governors and stewards of the organization, the board needs to govern and actively oversee the finances of the organization. This is done through financial management. Therefore, board members need to know what financial management is and how to perform successful financial management.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: Learn what financial management is and what it includes. Become familiar with key financial documents that all non-profit boards should recognize and understand. Further, learn the elements of a good internal control system, financial policies and other financial structures to ensure a good financial management system is in place for your organization.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: What are the board’s financial responsibilities and how do they intersect with the other responsibilities of the board? How does the board reflect good financial stewardship of organization resources by carrying out the financial responsibilities it has? You will learn all of this and more in this video.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: Looking after the finances of a non-profit is one of the most important responsibilities of a board. This responsibility involves many different components that board members must be aware of and address. In this course, you will learn the financial responsibilities that boards have and the role of the board and board members in relation to financial responsibilities in a non-profit.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: Nonprofit organizations have a large impact on Alberta’s economy and provide employment to thousands of Albertans. In order to sustain their programs and services, nonprofit organizations need to earn money and spend the money towards achieving their mission and vision. Earning money and knowing where to spend it can be complicated and time consuming. Creating a clear financial strategy and a plan for generating income can help organizations make good financial decisions that will help them achieve their organizational goals. 

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: How we close our meetings and follow up can be as important as how we prepare for them.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: The Freedom to Care Act and its associated Government of Alberta programming aims to remove barriers for Alberta’s non-profits and support their key role in delivery of important programs and services. Freedom to Care provides: 1. Volunteer Liability Protection: Introduces broad liability protection for volunteers acting within the scope of their duties. Provides resources to support organizations understanding of the protections and volunteer management best practices. 2. Exemptions to Regulations: Makes it easier for nonprofit organizations to identify and access existing exemptions to regulations. Creates a process for non-profits to request one-time exemptions from regulations, if an exemption does not already exist. At its heart, the Freedom to Care Act empowers non-profits and their volunteers by providing them with more support to address their community needs.

Category: Governance

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: "Grant writing …ugh." Sound familiar? For many non-profit volunteers and staff, grant writing can seem like a time-consuming task in creative writing with the payoff being luck of the draw. The truth is, with steep competition for limited grant dollars, a well-written grant is only part of the success formula. This video series covers core proposal and grant writing skills, how to avoid common pitfalls, understanding what funders look for, and tips on how to maintain good relationships with your funders.

Category: Grant writing

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: All non-profit organizations should participate in risk management to avoid or reduce potential damages and liabilities of the board and organization. Boards that demonstrate risk management by identifying risk, assessing risk and then develop corresponding risk management processes, protect the organizations they govern. There are seven steps in the “risk management process”.  In this session you will learn the first two of those seven steps; how to “identify risk” and how to “assess risk” in your organization including becoming familiar with a basic risk assessment model.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: Most non-profit board members are familiar with the importance of holding regular board meetings to ensure good governance and communication within the organization. However, many are not fully aware of what an in camera session is and how and when to use this type of meeting. This course will introduce the concept of the in camera session as a potential tool for board members.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: The words “non-profit” and “charity” are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same, and their differences may be confusing. In this module we will review the differences between incorporated non-profits under the Societies Act and charities, and explain some key considerations for non-profit groups that wish to obtain registered charity status.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: Have your ever been in a meeting that was a complete waste of time? Unfortunately, ineffective meetings have become commonplace, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t make a change. With a bit of planning and a few tweaks in behaviour, you can help transform your board meetings into effective conversations that move your organization forward.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: As governors and stewards of the organization, board members are responsible for the overall financial management and active oversight over the finances of the organization. This oversight is done through setting up proper and effective frameworks on internal controls and financial policies. In this course, we will first discuss internal controls and then discuss financial policies and their components and examples.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: Comment peut-on évaluer et gérer les risques? Le risque est omniprésent, mais cela signifie simplement que les membres du conseil d'administration doivent prendre le temps de les comprendre et de gérer les risques les plus pertinents pour leur organisme. Dans cette vidéo, nous discuterons de certains outils et stratégies pour aborder les risques dans les organismes sans but lucratif.

Category: La série vidéo du Board Development Program en français

Type of course: Webinaire enregistré

Description: Cette vidéo se penche sur le rôle d’un conseil d’administration dans la gestion financière d’un organisme, ainsi que sur la gestion financière en soi et ses différents éléments. Les spectateurs apprendront comment un conseil peut déléguer à d’autres certains aspects de la gestion financière, tout en conservant son rôle de supervision.

Category: La série vidéo du Board Development Program en français

Type of course: Webinaire enregistré

Description: Quelles sont les responsabilités financières d’un conseil d’administration et comment peut-on les remplir? Élaborer un plan stratégique aide les conseils d’administration à avoir un plan organisationnel et à se rapprocher de leur vision et de leur mission. Cette vidéo explique ce qu’est un plan stratégique, ses avantages pour l’organisme et le conseil, ainsi que ses principaux éléments; et examine le devoir des membres du conseil de comprendre et de surveiller les affaires financières de l’organisme. Autrement dit, ils doivent savoir ce qui se passe et poser des questions si ce n’est pas le cas.

Category: La série vidéo du Board Development Program en français

Type of course: Webinaire enregistré

Description: There are several legal documents that are important for board members of non-profit organizations to know about, understand, and use. Together these legal documents determine what your organization can do and how to do it. Among these legal documents, the most important ones include legislation, regulations, objects, bylaws, policies, and procedures.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: Board members of non-profit organizations need to know and reflect the legal related responsibilities of fiduciary duty, duty of care and duty of loyalty' (and its related example “conflict of interest”). All of these duties are fundamental in governing your organization well. Learn about these legal responsibilities and more in this video.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: C’est en grande partie dans le cadre de sa gouvernance qu’un organisme exécute son travail. Les membres du conseil d’administration doivent définir les types et les structures de ce cadre. Les comités peuvent faire partie des structures qui aident le conseil à organiser son travail. Cette vidéo aborde les rôles, les responsabilités et les fonctions des comités.

Category: La série vidéo du Board Development Program en français

Type of course: Webinaire enregistré

Description: Quelles sont les responsabilités financières d’un conseil d’administration et comment peut-on les remplir? Cette vidéo examine le devoir des membres du conseil de comprendre et de surveiller les affaires financières de l’organisme. Autrement dit, ils doivent savoir ce qui se passe et poser des questions si ce n’est pas le cas.

Category: La série vidéo du Board Development Program en français

Type of course: Webinaire enregistré

Description: Découvrez la série de vidéos du Programme de perfectionnement des conseils d’administration (BDP). Commencez par apprendre ce qu’est la gouvernance, puis examinez les 4 rôles et les 7 responsabilités clés d'un CA. La prochaine vidéo en français du Programme de perfectionnement des conseils d’administration explore les compétences et les qualités nécessaires pour bien gérer un organisme.

Category: La série vidéo du Board Development Program en français

Type of course: Webinaire enregistré

Description: Qu’est-ce que le risque? Quels sont les types de risques? Ce sont là des questions importantes dont les réponses aident un conseil d’administration à gérer les risques de son organisme. Cette vidéo aborde les différents types de risques auxquels les organismes sans but lucratif peuvent faire face.

Category: La série vidéo du Board Development Program en français

Type of course: Webinaire enregistré

Description: Despite their commitment to effectively govern and steward their non-profit organizations, many board members are not fully aware of the issue of liability. This eLearning course will introduce the concept of liability within the context of serving on a non-profit board.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: What separates a great meeting from a mediocre one? There are many core elements of great meetings such as a clear purpose, a clear agenda, and the right people in the conversation. However, many people overlook logistics which can really make or break a great meeting. In this course, we will look at how you can be more intentional about the logistics of a meeting.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: Most board members have several types of connections and jobs outside of their volunteer work serving on the board of a non-profit organization. This means that it is not uncommon for them to find themselves in a conflict of interest situation. In fact, it should be expected and it may even happen frequently. It does not mean they are corrupt and it is not an accusation of bias or a lack of integrity. However, how board members deal with conflict of interest is key.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: Managing risk and liability is one of the seven responsibilities of the board. To reduce risk, boards must be aware of their responsibilities and develop policies to ensure these responsibilities are met. Effective governance practices, like policy development, by the board are directly linked to appropriate risk management and will establish the tone of how an organization responds to risk.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: Apprenez à bien comprendre les obligations légales et les conflits d'intérêts dans cette vidéo du Programme de perfectionnement des conseils. Découvrez comment gérer les conflits d'intérêts et assurer une gouvernance transparente dans cette vidéo en français produite dans le cadre du Programme de perfectionnement des conseils.

Category: La série vidéo du Board Development Program en français

Type of course: Webinaire enregistré

Description: It is a key responsibility of the board to ensure that a non-profit has a shared purpose that all organizational efforts are aimed at. Further ensuring there is a plan in place (often a strategic plan) to achieve that identified purpose is equally important work of the board. Learn about this and more in this video.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: Board members are responsible for the governance and stewardship of their organization. To perform their duties, it is critical for board members to know their responsibilities and have certain qualities and skills that help them fulfill their responsibilities and effectively accomplish the organization’s work.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: Effective board members embody a blend of personal qualities, skills, expertise, and wisdom that they bring to the nonprofit organization. In this session, you will learn the qualities and skills needed to be good board members of a nonprofit organization. Further, you will learn how both individual board members and the board together as a whole can nurture and ensure those qualities and skills are utilized as part of effective board discussions and collaborative decision-making.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: Pour de nombreux bénévoles et employés d'organismes sans but lucratif, la rédaction d'une demande de subvention peut sembler fastidieuse et les gains qui en découlent, incertains. En fait, avec une concurrence forte et des subventions limitées, une demande bien rédigée peut contribuer à votre succès. Cette série de vidéos présente les compétences de base à acquérir en rédaction de propositions et de subventions, les façons d’éviter les pièges courants, des renseignements sur ce que les bailleurs de fonds recherchent et des conseils sur la façon de maintenir de bonnes relations avec vos bailleurs de fonds.

Category: Grant writing

Type of course: Webinaire enregistré

Description: Ransom attacks are increasing dramatically and target both for-profit and non-profit organizations in Alberta. This presentation introduces some of the vulnerabilities that can make an attack on your organization more likely. It explores two actual attacks and illustrates what you may expect. Ransoms are often demanded in bitcoin so this element and its risks are explored. Techniques for recovering a ransom payment are introduced. The session ends with a summary of good practices to minimize your organization’s vulnerability to these attacks.

Category: The non-profit bistro series

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: What do you think of when you hear about a non-profit undergoing a restructuring process? Depending on the context there may be many issues to consider including: risk management; compliance; business continuity and sustainability; diversity and inclusion; budget; staffing; recruitment and orientation, etc. Join members of the Al Rashid Foundation, an Edmonton non-profit, for a panel discussion on how they launched a restructuring process and why. Panelists will share their experiences and stories including lessons learned from a successful response to change.

Category: The non-profit bistro series

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: Les organismes sans but lucratif doivent penser à beaucoup de choses et ont beaucoup de travail à faire. C’est à l’occasion des réunions que les membres d’un conseil se rencontrent pour prendre des décisions au sujet des tâches à effectuer et de la façon de procéder. Cette vidéo examine les différents éléments et structures des réunions et suggère des façons de réfléchir au leadership avant, pendant et après les réunions.

Category: La série vidéo du Board Development Program en français

Type of course: Webinaire enregistré

Description: Risk Management is a key responsibility of board members of non-profit organizations.  In this video you will learn why risk management is important, the board’s role in risk management and the seven steps of a good risk management process.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: This course discusses the four key roles and seven responsibilities of the board. We also inteview an expert in the field to discuss some of the most common questions that they encounter in their work with non-profit organizations.

Category: The non-profit tidbits series

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: As a board member, it is critical to operate according to your organizations internal laws, particularly your objects and bylaws, and any federal and provincial laws that affect your organization. It is important for board members to know the sources of their duties and responsibilities and what rules they should follow. This course will give you an overview of the sources that make up the typical duties and responsibilities of a board member, and some of the laws and regulations that affect organizations and what they do.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: As the governing body of an organization, one of the key roles of the board is to define and advance the purpose of the organization. The board can do this by developing a strategic plan. The strategic plan acts as a guide that shapes the work and all activities of the organization. Therefore, it is important for boards to know what strategic planning is and how it helps the organization. 

Category: Governance

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: You will explore the importance of strategic thinking and what it means to be truly “strategic” before you begin the typical planning process. You will also have the opportunity to learn some theory around organizational planning. And best of all – you will come away with tips on how to build ownership and commitment, resulting in a plan that is closely followed, versus one that collects dust!

Category: Governance

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: Artists and non-profits are doing amazing things to pivot their work online and engage with clients in new ways. In this video, Josiah Sinanan, a musical artist and podcast host based out of Calgary, shares some tips on how to ramp up social media, using social media to connect with their audience, and more advice for artists pivoting to an online presence.

Category: Pivot online series

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: Developing a succession plan for a non-profit organization can seem a daunting task and boards sometimes struggle where to begin. This course will help you to identify three kinds of succession plans and situations including: 1) proactive; 2) emergency response; and 3) defined departure.

Category: Governance

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: Planning for succession is an important part of good governance in a non-profit organization. Planning for succession ensures organizational knowledge and board, staff and volunteer competencies are maintained, regardless of term expiry and position turnover. In this session you will learn what succession planning is, and why it is so important for organizations to have succession discussions and active plans in place. Further, you will become familiar with key components needed to plan for succession successfully.

Category: Governance

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: It matters how board members approach their roles and responsibilities. It influences how the organization is perceived by its members, stakeholders, and the broader community. The 9 principles of good governance help ensure that the board conducts itself and approaches its work in a fair and responsible manner, and that the board has good oversight and is carrying out its fiduciary duty to the organization.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: What is the role of the board chair in a nonprofit organization? How is it different from the rest of the board members? This 2-hour webinar will discuss the key expectations of a chairperson to better perform their leadership role in a nonprofit organization. The course focuses on ‘chairing effective meetings,’ ‘chair as facilitator,’ ‘dealing with difficult board/organization challenges,’ and ‘building a strong board team.’

Category: Governance

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: Why is the Board Secretary an important position on any board? What does the Secretary do for the board and the organization? In this course, we will discuss the answers to these questions. Together, we will go through the Secretary’s main responsibilities and provide you with some detailed actions that help the board secretary ensure that these responsibilities are met.

Category: Governance

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: The role of the board treasurer is one of the most important roles on the board of non-profit organizations. But what do treasurers do that is so important? Join us for a session where we discuss the responsibilities of the Board Treasurers, the various ways that they help the boards, how they perform their duties in small and large non-profit organizations, and how they can best perform in their roles as treasurers.

Category: Governance

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: Considering the importance of the non-profit sector, it is necessary for board members to understand different types of non-profit organizations that exist in Alberta and some of the most common incorporation legislation.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: The work of not-for-profit organizations, like any other work, has risks. Risk is something all organizations face. Knowing the risks of the work will help you, as a board member, to make better decisions and take preventive measures. This way you can minimize consequences for you and your organization.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: Understanding what risk is and the many different types of risks associated with non-profit organizations is a key first step for a board member to become skilled in risk management. What risk is and the many types of risk will be explained in this video.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: Non-profit organizations have a number of external and internal rules that together form the legal landscape they operate within. These include applicable legislations such as incorporation as well as internal rules such as objects, by-laws and policies. Learn about these and more in this video.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: Artists and non-profits are doing amazing things to pivot their work online and engage with clients in new ways. In this video, Chantell Ghosh, the Executive Director of The Citadel Theatre, discusses lessons learned while moving their programs and services online.

Category: Pivot online series

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: Artists and non-profits are doing amazing things to pivot their work online and engage with clients in new ways. In this video, Amanda Jensen, the Executive Director of Volunteer Lethbridge, discusses how the pandemic has affected their ability to run day-to-day operations and what tools can be used for discussion and collaboration.

Category: Pivot online series

Type of course: Recorded webinar

Description: The vision, mission, and value statements of an organization serve as a guide to why the organization exists and the way in which it will carry out it’s work. This course provides a high-level overview of these three types of statements and tips to develop, refine or refresh these statements for your own organization.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: You may have heard in the non-profit space that you should avoid any and all conflict of interest. But you may also have wondered what exactly a conflict of interest is and why it happens. Conflict of interest is a situation that will likely occur in your work as a board member, so it is important for you to know what it means and how to identify it.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: Managing risks properly can reduce organization’s liability, protect their reputation in the community, and increase the commitment from staff and volunteers. In this course, we discuss how understanding risk management is connected to the roles and responsibilities of the board and can help them make good decisions and take preventive measures to lessen liability.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course

Description: Board meetings are essential to the continued success of a non-profit organization because decisions are made around the table that affect the organization as a whole. But meetings can feel very transactional at times, where board members may feel like all they’re doing is rubber stamping items and ticking off boxes on to-do lists. While these things need to get done, it can leave one wondering if they are actually making a difference.

Category: Board development program

Type of course: Online interactive course