Upcoming PROGRAMs and registration


New session format for 2025


nonprofit essentials 6-part series + nonprofit hot topics to help you keep #MovingGoodForward!

Programming is always included in CVNA Membership

nonprofit essentials series

Nonprofit Essentials Series IV

Board and Financial Organization

September 25th 2025, 12:00-1:30 PM


This workshop provides a comprehensive overview of how to build an effective Board, foster meaningful engagement among Board members, develop a sound annual budget, and interpret key financial statements. It offers valuable, practical guidance for strengthening your leadership and ensuring the long-term stability and success of your organization.



AFP/CVNA Shared session

Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa

3117 Greenhill Circle, Cedar Falls, IA 50613

Tuesday, September 30, 2025 

Lunch @11:30 PM, Learning Session @12:00 PM


Join AFP and CVNA Tuesday, September 30th, for an engaging session with guest speaker Keith Christensen, Principal Gifts Officer at Mayo Clinic, as he shares Advice, Tips, and Musings from a 40-Year Development Officer.


We’ll kick things off with Jimmy John’s for lunch at 11:30 AM before diving into the session at noon (because good conversation always starts with a good sandwich). Feel free to invite a colleague to tag along as well!


This will be a fantastic opportunity to gain insight from Keith’s decades of experience in the world of development and fundraising. Please reach out to Derek Kimball at derek@stewardshift.co with any questions or concerns.

nonprofit hot topic

Nonprofit Hot Topic

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

October - more details coming soon!







speak up, lead forward

the advocacy advantage

Part I:

Advocacy Foundations

November 6th, 2025, 8:30-10:00 AM

Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa

3117 Greenhill Circle, Cedar Falls


Join us for this two-part series that will dive into advocacy, legislative change and learn how to use your voice to generate change for nonprofit benefit. This series will take place of our annual Legislative Panel. Part I: Advocacy Foundations, will focus on the fundamental building blocks for creating positive change by empowering individuals and communities to voice their needs and work towards a more just and equitable future for nonprofits.

nonprofit essentials series

Nonprofit Essentials Series VI

Fundraising & Sustainability

November 18th 2025, 12:00-1:30 PM

Union Block Board Room, 114 E 4th Street, Suite 300, Waterloo, IA 50703


This workshop will cover the basics and best practices for a variety of funding sources, including individual donors, campaigns, events, and government contracts, emphasizing the importance of diversifying your income to ensure long-term sustainability. Ali Parrish from Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity will lead this session and share tips to help you navigate the fundraising landscape with confidence and success.

speak up, lead forward

the advocacy advantage

Part II:

Strategic Influence

December 4th, 2025, 8:30-10:00 AM

Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa

3117 Greenhill Circle, Cedar Falls


Join us for this two-part series that will dive into advocacy, legislative change and learn how to use your voice to generate change for nonprofit benefit. This series will take place of our annual Legislative Panel. Part II: Strategic Influence, involves a planned and intentional approach to influencing decisions, policies, and practices to achieve a specific goal. Connect with dynamic leaders, influencing policy change regularly. It's more than just voicing an opinion; it's about thoughtfully crafting a strategy to create positive change.

Missed out?!

Check out this session with Joy Briscoe on Community and Belonging, Belonging First!



Leadership as well as non-leadership engagement, commitment and accountability are critical to the success of any equity, diversity, inclusion and engagement (DEI&B) journey that the organization embarks upon. Without solid alignment, the efforts could be derailed due to multiple root issues that prevent a collective vision at all levels of an organization. DEI&B is an ongoing journey that begins at the individual level to proactively influence sustained behavior changes and organizational outcomes.

Watch This Session

Marketing & Communications for

Small Nonprofits

Join us for a session on Nonprofit Marketing & Communications! In this session, we'll dive into the essentials of defining your target audiences, understanding different types of messaging and media, and crafting a communication plan tailored to your nonprofit's goals. Nicole Hackman, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Leader Valley, will provide valuable insights and practical tips to help you effectively connect with your community and amplify your impact - no matter the size of your budget or staff.

Meeting date:

Thursday, May 23, 2024, 12-1 PM

Meeting location:

Union Block Board Room

114 E 4th Street, Suite 300, Waterloo, IA 50703

Presenter:

Nicole Hackman, Director of Fundraising and Communications
at
Leader Valley

Register

Cedar valley nonprofits impact tour

Join us for a morning tour with Nonprofit Leaders and Legislators to discuss advocacy and highlight the following key areas:

- Housing and City Funding

- Human Services

- Food Insecurity

Charter Transportation will be provided, space is limited.

ALL are welcome to attend - join the discussion or come to learn and hear more about policies and impact in the Cedar Valley.

Meeting date:

Thursday, June 6th, 2024; 8:30 AM-11:00 AM

Meeting location:

Waterloo Center for the Arts Parking Lot

Tour Highlights and Stops:

Waterloo Library, Grout Museum, Housing Row, Riverview Center and Food Bank of North East Iowa Human Services Campus


Attending Legislation Representatives and more details to come. Register today!

Register

Watch for additional upcoming programs!

August -

  • Nonprofit Essentials Series: Engaging Volunteers for Fund Development
  • Metrofunders Social Event

September -

  • Nonprofit Essentials Series: Board of Directors and Financial Organization
  • 30th:  AFP/CVNA Joint Event - Keynote Speaker, Keith Christensen, Principal Development Officer for Mayo Clinic, CFNEIA 12:00-1:00 PM

October -

  • 1st: Iowa Nonprofit Summit, Ankeny, IA
  • Nonprofit Hot Topics: DEI Work and Community

November -

  • Nonprofit Essentials Series: Fundraising & Sustainability

December -

  • Nonprofit Legislative Panel


Chelsey Bowermaster

CVNA Coordinator

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