As a board member or executive director, your fiduciary responsibilities are critical to the financial health and success of your nonprofit. Join us for a dynamic session designed to deepen your understanding of the essential fiduciary duties that nonprofits and their boards must uphold to ensure accountability and drive meaningful change within our communities.

In this session, we’ll explore the fundamentals of what defines a nonprofit, the unique characteristics that set them apart, and the fiduciary oversight required to ensure their financial stability—especially within Arizona. We’ll also take a closer look at the nonprofit growth cycle, giving you a clear picture of how organizations evolve and what that means for your financial and strategic planning.

Most importantly, we’ll focus on the board of directors’ (or trustees’) fiduciary role, breaking down the key responsibilities of financial oversight, legal compliance, and accountability that every board should prioritize to ensure organizational success. You’ll walk away with actionable insights into how to fulfill your fiduciary duties, strengthen governance, and lead your organization with integrity and purpose.

Key Takeaways:

• Gain a deeper understanding of what defines a nonprofit and the fiduciary responsibilities that drive ethical financial management.
• Learn about the primary funding sources for Arizona nonprofits and strategies for maintaining financial sustainability.
• Explore the nonprofit growth cycle and how it informs your organization’s financial and strategic direction.
• Clarify the critical fiduciary roles and legal responsibilities of a nonprofit board of directors or trustees.
• Discover the key functions of an effective board and how they ensure compliance, transparency, and financial oversight.
• Learn strategies for governance and decision-making that will empower you to lead with financial accountability and impact.

Whether you are new to being a board member, are thinking about board service, or are a current board member seeking clarity on fiduciary responsibilities, this three-part series is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed for exceptional nonprofit leadership.

In this session, we’ll dive into the key legal obligations of board members, including fiduciary duties, compliance with state and federal regulations, and the oversight required to maintain nonprofit status. We’ll also review the specific legal frameworks that apply to Arizona nonprofits, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the regulatory environment and how it affects your organization.

Additionally, we’ll break down the board of directors’ critical role in governance, emphasizing legal accountability, financial oversight, and risk management. This session will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of nonprofit governance with confidence and ensure that your board meets its legal obligations effectively.

Key Takeaways:

• Gain a deeper understanding of the legal definition of a nonprofit and the regulations that govern its operations.
• Learn about the fiduciary duties and legal responsibilities of nonprofit board members, including duty of care, loyalty, and obedience.
• Understand the specific legal requirements for Arizona nonprofits and how to ensure your organization remains in compliance.
• Explore the critical governance functions of a nonprofit board and how to fulfill your oversight and legal responsibilities effectively.
• Discover strategies for ensuring legal compliance and managing organizational risks.
• Walk away with actionable insights on how to lead your board with legal accountability and sound governance.

Whether you are new to board service, considering joining a board, or are an experienced board member seeking clarity on legal responsibilities, this three-part series will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed for effective and legally compliant nonprofit leadership.

Many employers continue grappling with navigating the unknown in today’s ever-changing work landscape. In this session, you will learn how to remain focused on delivering strong business outcomes while balancing the needs and expectations of employees by keeping them at the center of everything you do. 

You’ll also see that pay isn’t everything – hear about the many other ways you can invest in your employees and how that investment could directly impact the growth of your business. You’ll also hear about recent trends impacting the workplace and how to navigate decisions that are right for your unique organization. Don’t miss this opportunity to start thinking differently about how you can shape your employee experience. 

1.  Workforce Trends Challenges 
2.  4 Truths about Finding and Keeping Great Talent 
3. Actionable Takeaways

Kristin Russum: As the Director of Organizational Development at TriNet, Kristin supports small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to accelerate through change and achieve their strategic objectives. With over 15 years of experience in human resources and organizational development, Kristin has a proven track record of delivering data-driven solutions that enhance performance, engagement, and retention of talent across diverse industries and geographies.

Her core competencies include strategic workforce planning, talent management, building engagement, succession planning, training and development, employee relations, benefits design, policy development, and financial management. A certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR®) and a collaborative and influential consultant to senior executives and stakeholders on a variety of HR and business issues. Her passion is to proactively build and drive a culture of accountability and performance, while ensuring employees are appreciated and recognized for their contributions.  

Prior to joining TriNet HR Corporation, Kristin served as a director of Human Resources with rapid-growth B2B and B2C companies within the Financial Services, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Technology, and wholesale industries. 

Kristin obtained her BS degree in Accounting and Economics from Louisiana Christian University.

Sarah Scott: Sarah is a Lead Org Development Consultant for TriNet based in Phoenix, Arizona.  In this role she enjoys collaborating with executives and HR leaders to assess their current state of people management, identify gaps and implement strategies to optimize employee and organizational excellence.

She has over 15 years’ experience in HR outsourcing focusing on human capital management and comprehensive employer services available within the PEO industry.

Sarah earned a BA degree in Industrial Relations from Rockhurst University and holds credentials as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and the Society for Human Resources Management as a Certified Professional (SHRM-CP).   

As a board member or executive director, your leadership is crucial to the success of your nonprofit. Join us for a dynamic session designed to deepen your understanding of the vital roles that nonprofits and their boards play in driving meaningful change within our communities.

In this session, we’ll explore the fundamentals of what defines a nonprofit, the unique characteristics that set them apart, and the various funding sources that sustain them—especially within Arizona. We’ll also take a closer look at the nonprofit growth cycle, giving you a clear picture of how organizations evolve and what that means for your strategic planning.

Most importantly, we’ll focus on the pivotal role of the board of directors (or trustees), breaking down the four key functions that every board should prioritize to ensure organizational success. You’ll walk away with actionable insights into effective governance, fundraising strategies, and how to lead your organization with purpose and impact.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn about the board's role in fundraising and strategies for increasing donor engagement and financial sustainability.
• Gain a deeper understanding of what defines a nonprofit and the unique traits that drive their mission.
• Explore the primary funding sources for Arizona nonprofits and strategies for financial sustainability.
• Examine the nonprofit growth cycle and how it informs your organization’s strategic direction.
• Clarify the critical roles and legal responsibilities of a nonprofit board of directors or trustees.
• Discover the four essential functions of an effective nonprofit board and how they contribute to organizational success.
• Learn key strategies for governance and decision-making that will empower you to lead with confidence and impact.

Whether you are new to being a board member, are thinking about board service, or are a current board member seeking clarity on boardroom responsibilities, this three-part series is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed for exceptional nonprofit leadership.

Leadership Transitions explores the journey an organization takes from the point that a change is announced until the beginning of new leadership. It provides information, opportunities for reflection, and tools related to the key chapters of a leadership transition: 

• What To Know 
• People 
• Be Ready 
• Plan  
• Transition 

You will notice that people are at the center of the leadership transition cycle. You will see that this is not a linear process that ends once an executive is hired. Every transition starts the cycle again with a reminder to be ready… to invest in the capacity of the organization to lead through a future transition. 

 Who should take this course:  

This resource was designed for the people leading organizations (aka board members) experiencing transition, not necessarily the leaders transitioning in or out or the staff members being impacted by transition. Our focus is on the needs and realities of small and medium-sized organizations, though larger organizations may find the resources helpful too. We seek to demystify the process and lead you to other resources that fill in any gaps. Through it all, we are cheering you on!  

NOTE: Leadership Transitions includes high-level information about leadership transitions. It is for general use and not for the specific characteristics of an individual organization or person. We encourage you to consult with an appropriate professional if you need information that goes beyond the scope of this guide. 

Reasons Why You Would Take This Program Course:  

In a nutshell, every nonprofit organization will experience a leadership change and the best way to navigate this change is to be as prepared for it as possible and have a plan in place for when, not if, that leadership will change. Sometimes leadership changes are planned, but often they are not planned, or they happen quickly. Having a transition plan in place for these changes will ensure your organization and board aren’t scrambling to determine what the next steps should be.  

Cost:  

Non-Members $75 

Program Support: 

This guide was created with support from Vitalyst Health Foundation

Course Description:

The Finance & Loan Navigator program is available to any individual who feels they need to have a better understanding of both organizational nonprofit finances and the loan preparedness process. 

The program is set up as three modules: Financial Essentials, Financial Strategy and Loan Navigator.  You will receive a Financial Navigator Guide and a Loan Navigator Guide to follow along with. This program helps break down the information so you can digest it and allows you to stop and start as needed.   

Each module contains examples to follow along with, discussion guides that help you to apply the information and test your knowledge and provides suggestions for group discussions with colleagues. In addition to the guide, there are three short learning webinars paired with each module that are each 10-15 minutes in length. 

To pass each module, you must view at least 90% of each module video and score at least 80% correct in the accompanying quizzes.

There are many reasons why this program is beneficial for your nonprofit organization and its board members, but the following are some of the most common:

• To increase confidence in understanding nonprofit financials 

• To understand how debt can be beneficial 

• To strengthen your organization’s financial health 

• To expand conversations related to loan options as a tool to grow or expand programs  

• To find solutions for financial opportunities or challenges 

• To understand when an organization is or isn’t prepared/ready to obtain a loan/incur debt 

• To understand cash-flow forecasting 

• To proactively ensure your c-suite/board understands finances and loans before the above occurs 

   

Who Should Take This Course: 

• Nonprofit Executive Leaders/C-suite 

• Board Chair/Treasurer/Board Members/Finance Committee Members 

Note: This resource is not designed for organizations that need money, but don’t have identified ways to pay it back. It is not designed for start-up organizations, though new organizations may find the information helpful in establishing good financial habits so that they are loan-ready in the future. 

Complimentary Benefits of Completing This Program: (For Arizona Nonprofits Only)

You will have perpetual access to the guides and videos in your account, but only the individual(s) who went through the entire course can meet with the Navigator. To complete your course, fill out the feedback form under "Completion Results" on your account product page.

• Arizona participants are eligible to receive a 1-hour complimentary consultation with our Finance/Loan Navigator.

• Alliance members also receive 2 additional hours of consultation per organization EVERY year when they need it most. 

  • After this initial consultation, you can schedule a time with our Navigator when you most need it as well. 

  • If you would like to enlist our Navigator’s services for additional services such as education for your board or enlist for budget planning purposes beyond the complimentary hours, please contact us directly to arrange outside of this program at navigator@arizonanonprofits.org. 

Thank you to our sponsors! 

Needs assessments and feasibility studies are key components to your planning before launching a capital campaign. Before fundraising begins, you must determine what your organization should build and what it can sustain. A needs assessment examines operations and programs to determine your current and future capacity and demand, and the external factors that will impact both. A feasibility study will help you determine the financial capacity of your organization and its donor prospects. Designed for executive directors, development leaders and board members, this session will include ample time for the presenters to address your specific questions. 

Key Takeaways: 

1. Understand the importance of needs assessments and feasibility studies. 
2. Learn what data is gathered and expected outcomes. 
3. Prepare for effective fundraising strategies.

The U.S. Department of Labor issued its Final Rule on April 23, 2024, increasing the salary minimum for Executive, Administrative, Professional, and Highly Compensated Employees to be exempt from overtime under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The deadline to audit and potentially raise the pay of salaried FLSA exempt positions is July 1, 2024. Nonprofits, which are critically dependent upon grants and the generosity of donors, will be most affected by these new salary thresholds. 

Longtime labor and employment attorney Denise Blommel will explain the new Rule and strategies for compliance. Additionally, Denise will talk about relatively unknown, but important, rules about the payment of overtime that go beyond simply “time and one-half.” She will also address common myths about the payment of salaries. 

Please do not think that this Rule will just “go away.” Yes, there will be court challenges. None will be resolved by July 1. The time to act is NOW. Please join us on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, from 11AM to 12N, for this FREE webinar that you cannot afford to miss!

Resource: FLSA Exemption Salary Table

DENISE M. BLOMMEL is an attorney in Scottsdale, Arizona.  She is admitted to practice in the state and federal courts of Arizona and Nevada.  Her practice centers on the employer-employee relationship.

Denise is a former Field Attorney with the National Labor Relations Board and a former Assistant Chief Counsel of the Industrial Commission of Arizona.  She represents employers and employees in employment and labor matters.

Denise belongs to the State Bar of Arizona, State Bar of Nevada, the American Bar Association, the Scottsdale Bar Association, and the Arizona Employment Lawyers Association.  She is President-Elect of the State Bar of Arizona’s Senior Lawyers Division.

Denise was awarded the State Bar of Arizona’s Member of the Year for 1998-1999.  She was also awarded the State Bar Employment & Labor Law Section Member of the Year in 2014.  Denise is one of the authors of the State Bar’s Arizona Employment Law Handbook and a co-author of articles in the January 2022, January 2021, and December 2013 State Bar’s Arizona Attorney about the State Board of Education’s expanded jurisdiction, COVID-19 in the Workplace, and the Affordable Care Act; and two articles in the April 1994 and April 1998 Arizona Attorney about Workers' Compensation, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family Medical Leave Act.  Denise served as Chair of the Employment & Labor Law and Co-Chair of the Workers’ Compensation Law Sections of the State Bar of Arizona. 

Denise holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Economics, with Highest Distinction (Summa Cum Laude), Honors, Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi, from the University of Arizona.  She serves on the Advisory Board to the Honors College at the University of Arizona.  Her law degree is from Arizona State University.  Denise and her Moot Court teammates placed second in the nation in the National Moot Court competition – team, brief, and speaker.

Denise is a frequent presenter for government, business, educational and community groups.  She taught Human Resources Law for the ASU Master of Legal Studies Program in 2014 and 2015 and was active with the former ASU Law Group. 

Denise is a mediator with the U.S. Postal Service.  She and her husband, Don Doerres, are regular presenters of “Soft Skills for a Hard World,” a seminar to improve workplace communication and resolve conflict.  Denise and Don belong to the University of Iowa Alumni Association and Denise is a life member of both the ASU and U of A Alumni Associations.

Denise served on the Board of Directors for 20 years for Girl Scouts – Arizona Cactus-Pine Council.  The Girl Scouts awarded Denise the Thanks Badge in 2000; the Thanks Badge II in 2005, and the Impact Award in 2020, their highest volunteer honors.  She currently serves as Chair of the Council’s Personnel Committee.  Denise and Don live in Scottsdale and are active at St. Patrick Catholic Community.

The Arizona Legislature is still in session as policymakers debate critical issues and negotiate a fiscal year 2025 budget ahead of the 2024 elections. Wondering what’s at stake for your organization and the people and causes you serve?

Join AZ Impact for Good and your nonprofit and philanthropy colleagues for insights into Arizona's legislative session—and a preview of the upcoming elections—through the lens of the social sector. The Goodman Schwartz Public Affairs team will offer an update on key legislation and budget negotiations and preview how the upcoming elections could shape next year’s political landscape.

Learning Objectives:

In this session, participants will:

• Gain an understanding of the status or outcome of major issues, key legislation and budget proposals that impact the nonprofit and philanthropic sector
• Learn why some bills and budget proposals succeeded or failed, based on the outcome of ideological or political debates or other factors
• Be able to apply what they learn to inform future programming, philanthropic investments and advocacy activities

Becoming more aware of the stories you tell (about work) helps tellers to better craft stories that showcase their unique ways of thinking and problems-solving. But – as this workshop is deigned to illuminate – the real gift of a story practice lies in the transformative potential of story listening. Working with a rubric, participants will cultivate new ways of paying attention to stories for what they illuminate about who we are, how we work, and WHY we do what we do. In these challenging times, this practice cultivates connection to the broader meaning and purpose of our work, reminding us why we do what we do, in ways that support and sustain the work and nourish ourselves.