Efficiency is hallmark of the nonprofit sector, and LSU Shreveport’s Institute of Nonprofit Administration and Research (INAR) is giving local nonprofits a helping hand.
INAR is hosting a series of six nonprofit workshops aimed at bolstering organizations understanding of areas like grant writing, financial management, and board governance.
The workshop series is offered at no cost thanks to sponsorship from The Caroyln W. and Charles T. Beaird Family Foundation.
All 30 slots have been filled, and participants will earn a certificate by attending five of the six workshops throughout the next eight months. These workshops will not count toward academic credit.
“We know that nonprofits are struggling with just the funding of their regular programs that’s serving the most vulnerable populations, and thanks to the Beaird Family Foundation, we’re able to offer this at no cost,” said Dr. Heather Carpenter, executive director of INAR. “Professional development is still needed and important even when money is tight, and nonprofit leaders and professionals are coming to sharpen their skills while also meeting and connecting with each other.”
The nonprofit workshop series starts Aug. 27 with grant writing before attendees will participate in the regional Louisiana Nonprofit Impact Conference on Sept. 10 at LSUS.
Other topics throughout the fall include strategic planning (Sept. 24), financial management (Oct. 22), and leadership and staff development (Dec. 10).
The series finishes with two workshops in 2027 – program evaluation and impact measurement on Feb. 25 and board governance and development on April 8.
All workshops last from 9-10:30 a.m. on LSUS’s campus aside from the regional conference, which takes place for most of the day.
Participants who attend all six events will receive more than 15 hours of instruction, evaluation from LSUS nonprofit faculty members, and networking with other nonprofits.
“This is something that nonprofit leaders can physically put on their resumes or their websites,” Carpenter said. “We know that busy professionals are seeking training on a shorter timeframe.
“A typical workshop would include a segment where we present key bits of information and then organize a group activity or a brainstorm session. There’ll be assessments like an accountability checklist where nonprofit leaders can see what they are doing, where they can improve and ultimately what they need to apply to get their organization where they want it to be.”
While this workshop series is full, INAR offers a range of free and paid learning opportunities throughout the academic year.
Nonprofit leaders can attend any one of the workshop sessions for a $25 fee.
Hopeful nonprofit startups can learn how to start a nonprofit in Louisiana in free workshops on Sept. 26, Nov. 5, Jan. 9 and April 1.
Area professionals can connect with each other and with LSUS faculty at regular convenings dubbed “At the Table with INAR,” which allow connection with others over food.
Organizations are also able to use INAR’s Nonprofit Resource Center on LSUS’s campus, which includes access to a national grant database, nonprofit publications, and a meeting space.
For more information on INAR’s offerings and degree programs, visit its webpage on the LSUS website.
Nonprofit Workshop Series Schedule
Aug. 27 – Grant writing for Nonprofits
Sept. 10 – Louisiana Nonprofit Impact Conference
Sept. 24 – Strategic Planning for Missions-Driven Organizations
Oct. 22 – Financial Management for Nonprofit Leaders
Dec. 10 – Leadership and Staff Development
Feb. 25 – Program Evaluation and Impact Measurement
April 8 – Board Governance and Development