The Oregon Nonprofit Leaders Conference brings together as many as 350 nonprofit leaders for educational and networking sessions on current, relevant, and inspiring topics facing nonprofits today. The theme of this year’s conference, CONNECT, calls upon our sector to come together to build strong organizations and networks that sustain resilient communities.

Conference sessions will focus on three main tracks for fundraising, leadership, and finance & operations, plus a bonus track dedicated to responsive topics. United in this common goal to create strong bonds, participants will have opportunities to connect with each other to exchange insights and ideas through facilitated networking and other engaging activities.

Cost

Early Bird pricing has ended. Last chance pricing is as follows:

• NAO Members: $250 $300
• Nonmembers: $350 $400

Registration will close on Monday, April 7 at 5 p.m. or when we reach capacity.

[accordion title="Day 1: Agenda"]

[accordion-item title="Doors Open" info="7:30 a.m."]

Check in at the registration table, enjoy a continental breakfast, and network with new and familiar colleagues.

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[accordion-item title="Welcome & Opening Keynote" info="8:15 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. "]

Leading the Charge: Navigating Strategic Evolution in Nonprofits
Keynote Speakers: Anna Young, Principal, Anna Young Consulting, and Myriam Khoury, Independent Consultant
Room: Grand Ballroom

Join Anna Young and Myriam Khoury, authors of the insightful paper "Don't Let Your Organization's Strategy Die on the Digital Shelf," for a powerful keynote that challenges nonprofit leaders to rethink their approach to organizational strategy in an era of rapid change. 

In today’s dynamic landscape, nonprofits are tasked with evolving faster and bolder than ever before. Yet, the process of strategic transformation is often fraught with challenges: teams can emerge burnt out, leaders may struggle to translate strategies into actionable initiatives, and organizations risk losing momentum when they need it most. Drawing from their extensive 40+ years of combined experience and interviews with a diverse group of nonprofit leaders, Anna and Myriam will present actionable recommendations to help nonprofit leaders drive transformative change effectively and sustainably. 

Anna and Myriam will guide participants through a broad spectrum of planning—from tactical to visionary—providing a practical reference for leaders at all stages of organizational change. Their talk will highlight real-world examples, key lessons learned, and innovative approaches to engage teams, mitigate resistance, and ensure strategic initiatives deliver bold and lasting impact. 

This keynote is a must-attend for nonprofit leaders seeking to amplify their organization’s impact while fostering adaptability and collaboration within their teams. Prepare to leave inspired and ready to navigate the complex terrain of strategic transformation. 

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[accordion-item title="Breakout Session 1" info="9:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. "]

Session 1A - Fundraising: Funder Roundtables
The most successful grant proposals are those that are a great match for the funder's unique process and priorities. In this session, attendees will have the opportunity to visit with representatives from several prominent regional and statewide foundations. Each funder will host a table where participants can ask questions about the foundation's background, funding priorities, and grantmaking process. Attendees self-select which tables to join and will be asked to rotate throughout the session. We kindly request that attendees participate in only one Funder Roundtables session (1A or 2A) so that everyone who is interested can have a chance to join. Come with questions and leave with connections!

Participating Funders include: 

• Arthur R. Dubs Foundation
• Ben B. Cheney Foundation
• The Carpenter Foundation
• The Collins Foundation
• The Ford Family Foundation
• Gordon Elwood Foundation
• Jackson County Cultural Coalition
• Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation
• M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust
• Oregon Community Foundation
• Robert & Frances Chaney Family Foundation
• The Roundhouse Foundation
• West Family Foundation

Session 1B - Leadership: Effective Board Recruitment & Engagement
Presented by: Tim Rusk, Nonprofit Education Specialist, NAO

A strong, engaged board is key to nonprofit success. This 75-minute training will provide practical strategies for recruiting the right board members, keeping them engaged, and ensuring smooth leadership transitions. Nonprofit leaders, board members, and staff looking to strengthen board recruitment and leadership continuity should attend this session.

Topics we will cover include:

• Board roles, responsibilities & expectations
• Strategic recruitment & on-boarding
• Engagement, retention & accountability
• Leadership development & succession planning

Session 1C - Finance & Operations: Ensuring Sound Financial Practice: Cash Flow Analysis
Presented by: Doug Wells, Principal, CLA

Cash flows are essential for a financially healthy and sustainable organization, and having the right tools and knowledge to make strategic decisions is critical. In this session, we will discuss the three key financial statements for nonprofits, emphasizing cash and cash management. We will review the fundamentals in a larger group setting and have time for engagement in smaller breakout groups. Participants will leave the session with a clear understanding of analyzing financial statements, enhancing their cash position, and efficiently managing resources.

Session 1D - Responsive Topics: Nonprofit Advocacy: Where Do We Stand Now?
This dynamic panel brings together local nonprofit leaders to discuss the evolving landscape of advocacy in the current environment. Panelists will explore critical issues nonprofits need to understand, including shifts in government priorities and funding, what these changes mean for the sector and those we serve, and actionable steps for strengthening advocacy strategies.

Facilitator: Jim White, Executive Director, NAO

Panelists:

• Annie Valtierra-Sanchez, Equity Coalition Director, SO Health-E
• Gabe Howe, Executive Director, Siskiyou Mountain Club
• Sunny Spicer, Executive Director, Kid Time Discovery Museum
• Craig Schuhmann, Executive Director, Integral Youth Services

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[accordion-item title="Breakout Session 2" info="11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. "]

Session 2A - Fundraising: Funder Roundtables
The most successful grant proposals are those that are a great match for the funder's unique process and priorities. In this session, attendees will have the opportunity to visit with representatives from several prominent regional and statewide foundations. Each funder will host a table where participants can ask questions about the foundation's background, funding priorities, and grantmaking process. Attendees self-select which tables to join and will be asked to rotate throughout the session. We kindly request that attendees participate in only one Funder Roundtables session (1A or 2A) so that everyone who is interested can have a chance to join. Come with questions and leave with connections!

Participating Funders include: 

• Arthur R. Dubs Foundation
• Ben B. Cheney Foundation
• The Carpenter Foundation
• The Collins Foundation
• The Ford Family Foundation
• Gordon Elwood Foundation
• Jackson County Cultural Coalition
• Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation
• M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust
• Oregon Community Foundation
• Robert & Frances Chaney Family Foundation
• The Roundhouse Foundation
• West Family Foundation

Session 2B - Leadership: Fixing Workplace Conflict: Skills for Leaders [SOLD OUT]
Presented by: C. DeVere Sheesley, President, In-Accord, Inc.

You're surrounded, but don’t give up. Being a leader inevitably places you in situations of conflict, but there are ways to reduce its negative impact your team, your mission, and yourself. The savvy response to the uncomfortable messiness of workplace discord is to develop keener insights and skills. Through this engaging presentation by a professional workplace mediator, you’ll gain easy to remember and easy to apply mindsets and tools to effectively prevent or resolve conflict. 

Learning objectives:

• Identify the four apparent barriers to solving serious discord.
• Describe two powerful tools for overcoming each challenge.
• Learn how to apply the surprising power of objectivity.

Session 2C - Finance & Operations: Scenario Planning for Nonprofit Leaders: Building Resilience and Sustaining Impact [SOLD OUT]
Presented by: Bill Mancuso, Manager, Your Part-Time Controller, LLC

In an ever-changing environment, nonprofit leaders must anticipate challenges and seize opportunities to ensure their organizations remain resilient and mission-focused. In this session, we will explore practical scenario planning and revenue diversification strategies that support financial sustainability. Through interactive discussions and examples, we will also identify key questions to ask during the scenario planning process.

Learning objectives:

• Illustrate and define strategies for building scenario plans that can help your nonprofit continue to focus on its mission.
• Introduce revenue diversification solutions that support financial sustainability.
• Review best practices and questions to ask during the scenario planning process.

Session 2D - Responsive Topics: Donor Stewardship: Insights from All Sides of the Donation

Join a dynamic panel of experts from fundraising, philanthropy, and wealth management in a conversation about how, and when, and why stewardship deepens relationships with donors. Fundraisers will leave with actionable strategies to enhance communication, foster trust, and avoid mistakes. Whether you’re an experienced professional or new to the field, you’ll hear different perspectives that will leave you thinking differently about this aspect of fundraising.

Facilitator: Jennifer Monegan, Director of Membership, Development and Communications, NAO

Panelists:

• Elena Fracchia, Founder, The Good Philanthropist
• Heidi Binder, Senior Giving Strategies Officer, Oregon Community Foundation
• Ron Cohen, Associate Financial Representative, Clarity Financial Planning Group

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[accordion-item title="Lunch" info="12:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. "]

Enjoy a buffet lunch, included with your registration.

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[accordion-item title="Breakout Session 3" info="1:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. "]

Session 3A - Fundraising: Grant Writing Tips for Nonprofit Leaders [SOLD OUT]
Presented by: Dee Fretwell, Senior Instructor I, Southern Oregon University

Many organizations rely heavily on grants as a primary source of funding, yet struggle to create clear, compelling, and technically sound grant proposals. This workshop is designed to help attendees refine key elements of a successful grant application. We’ll work together to understand strong mission statements, detailed program descriptions, clear budgets, and more, ensuring your narrative resonates with funders and increases your chances of securing support. Whether you're a nonprofit leader who is new to grant writing or looking to improve your skills, this session will provide valuable insights and practical tools for developing grant proposals that stand out.

Session 3B - Leadership: Navigating Leadership Transitions
Facilitated by: Jim White and Tim Rusk, Nonprofit Association of Oregon

Leadership transitions are inevitable—but that doesn't make them any easier. Whether it’s the departure of a founding executive director, a long-tenured board chair stepping down, or the onboarding of new leadership with a fresh vision, these changes can shake the very foundation of an organization. In this interactive fishbowl-style session, nonprofit leaders (like you!) will come together to share their experiences, hard-earned lessons, and bright spots from navigating leadership changes.

We’ll explore the challenges and complexity of onboarding new leadership while honoring the legacy of those who came before. We'll also dig into the opportunities transitions can bring—like reimagining organizational identity, strengthening governance practices, and cultivating a stronger internal culture.

Come ready to ask your burning questions, share your own experiences, and learn from the collective wisdom in the room. Whether you're mid-transition, reflecting on a recent one, or preparing for the future, this session is a space for connection, reflection, and peer-driven insight.

Session 3C - Finance & Operations: Tips for Operational Success
Behind every impactful nonprofit lies a foundation of effective operations. This panel discussion brings together seasoned experts from key operational areas—Human Resources, Insurance, IT, and Legal—to provide actionable insights and strategies for strengthening your organization's core functions

Facilitator: Dominique Easterling, Business Risk Consultant, Marsh McLennan Agency

Panelists:

• Andy Tucknott, Commercial Lines Sales Executive, Marsh McLennan Agency
• David Van Hook, Director of IT and Assistive Tech Administration, Living Opportunities, Inc.
• Heather Van Meter, Partner, Miller Nash LLP
• Jacob Colmenero, Employee Health & Benefits, Sales Executive, Marsh McLennan Agency

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[accordion-item title="Conference Reception" info="3:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. "]

Join your fellow conference attendees for a reception in the Stardust Lounge. This is your opportunity to relax and kick back with hors d'oeuvres, a cold beverage, and good conversation.

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[accordion title="Day 2: Agenda"]

[accordion-item title="Doors Open" info="8:00 a.m."]

Enjoy a continental breakfast and grab some coffee in preparation for Day 2!

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[accordion-item title="Morning Networking Activity" info="8:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m."]

Join us in the ballroom for breakfast and networking with new and familiar colleagues. This activity will be facilitated by NAO staff and members of your ONLC Advisory Committee.

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[accordion-item title="Breakout Session 4: Intensive Workshops" info="9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. "]

Session 4A - Fundraising: Building a Donor Journey
Presented by: Laurel McCombs, Sr. Advisor, The Osborne Group, Inc.

Cultivating meaningful relationships with donors at every stage of their journey is a fundamental skill for fundraisers. This hands-on workshop will take a deep dive into the donor experience—from the first introduction to your nonprofit and its mission, to inspiring action and facilitating continued support. Participants will learn how to effectively engage and acknowledge donors, create personalized stewardship plans, and design impactful experiences that motivate giving. This workshop will also review strategies for encouraging higher-level gifts that will sustain and grow your nonprofit’s impact. Development teams will benefit from attending this session together to optimize their donor stewardship efforts.

Session 4B - Leadership: Strategic Principles for Turbulent Times: Why Strategy is More Important than Ever
Presented by: Anna Young, Principal, Anna Young Consulting, and Myriam Khoury, Independent Consultant

Following Anna Young and Myriam Khoury’s insightful keynote, this workshop offers a deeper dive into rethinking organizational strategy. Participants will continue the discussion on turning strategy into sustained action—the kind that achieves results, builds momentum, and inspires our teams and stakeholders, even during times of change and uncertainty. Anna and Myriam will provide guidance and tools that enable leaders to start applying insights from the keynote to their own organizations and strategies. Executive directors, board chairs and members, and other nonprofit leaders looking to grow their nonprofit's impact should attend this session. Bring your burning questions and ideas and come ready to engage with your peers and experts.

Session 4C - Finance & Operations: Supporting Strong Financial Oversight for Boards
Presented by: Lesley Bennett, Consulting CFO, CFO Selections

Board members play a crucial role in nonprofit governance and the long-term sustainability of organizations. This workshop will focus on the board's fiduciary responsibilities, with an emphasis on maintaining financial health and accountability. Both board members and nonprofit staff will benefit from this workshop and leave with practical strategies to strengthen financial acumen.

Key topics include:

• Best practices for reviewing financial reports and communicating key financial information
• The board’s role in effectively overseeing budgeting processes
• Establishing strong financial policies, procedures, and controls
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements
• Recruiting board members with financial expertise and providing ongoing training for all board members
• The role of board finance committees
• Promoting transparency and integrity in financial management

Session 4D - Responsive Topics: Leading to Develop People
Presented by: Steve Patty, Principal Consultant, Dialogues In Action, LLC

Right at the heart of what it means to lead is to develop people. Every leader has both the privilege and responsibility of developing people. This is far more than simply getting things done, or even helping others get things done. It is building into people, raising up people, equipping people, and releasing people in their areas of capacity and calling. It is putting people development at the center of our work as leaders.

Developmental leadership is an enormous privilege; but it is also extraordinarily difficult. People are complex. Our work is complex. We have so many responsibilities, so many deadlines, so many pressures. How does any leader find the time and energy to invest in the development of people?

This session will provide principles and practices from adaptive leadership and lessons learned from over 10 years of convening cohorts of executive directors. We will rethink how we show up as leaders in the lives of others. We will examine real-world examples of leaders investing in people development and organizations become deliberately developmental organizations.

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[accordion title="Supplemental Event Information"]

[accordion-item title="Scholarships"]

Scholarship applications have closed.

Application Process: A limited number of scholarships (about 30 total) will be available for NAO members and non-members. Scholarships are limited to one per organization. The scholarship request form will be released on February 1, 2025, with a priority consideration deadline of March 15, 2025. Requests received after the priority deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Scholarship awardees are expected to complete their registration within seven days of approval, or their spot may be given to another applicant.

The scholarship request form is brief and should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete. You will be asked to share about your organization, who would receive the scholarship, and your financial need.

Scholarship Amounts: 

• Member Scholarship Price: $115 (discount of $135)
• Non-member Scholarship Price: $250 (discount of $100)

Scholarship Criteria: Priority is given to organizations that are NAO members, apply by the priority deadline, demonstrate financial need (based on annual organization budget and/or recent financial hardship), and have not received scholarships in prior years.

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[accordion-item title="Advisory Committee"]

For more than three decades, the Oregon Nonprofit Leaders Conference has brought together leaders from nonprofits, philanthropy, and the private and public sectors to explore the challenges and opportunities facing charitable nonprofits today. In 2021, the Advisory Committee of the ONLC signed an agreement to combine the programming of the conference under the auspices of NAO. The combined capacity of the ONLC with NAO has given even greater power to the event’s goals and support to Southern Oregon’s nonprofit leaders.

Thank you to our 2024-2025 Advisory Committee members:

• Amy Drake (co-chair)
• Laura Pinney (co-chair)
• Angela Durant
• Brad Russell
• Jessie Oates
• Jordan Pease
• Nancy Castillo-McKinnis
• Rhianna Simes
• Sarah Small

[/accordion-item]

[accordion-item title="Lodging"]

NAO has secured a room block and discounted rate at the Ashland Hills Hotel. Please refer to your event confirmation email for instructions on accessing this discount. With the stay at the hotel, guests can enjoy the fitness and business center, hotel parking, wi-fi, and the onsite restaurant Luna Cafe + Mercantile. For information on additional lodging options, food, and activities, check out Travel Ashland and Travel Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley Food Trail.

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[accordion-item title="Parking"]

Free parking is available at the hotel for conference attendees.

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[accordion-item title="Menu"]
Menu selections will be posted soon.

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[accordion-item title="Cancellation and Refund Policy"]

• Refunds: Refunds (minus a 25% handling charge) are available for the conference until Thursday, April 10, 2025. Cancellations received after this time frame will not be refunded.
• Substitutions: If you'd like to transfer your registration to another individual, please email a request to [email protected]. We cannot apply your payment to a future event.
• No Shows: If you are unable to attend the conference and have not cancelled in advance, your payment will not be refunded.
• If NAO Cancels an Event: We reserve the right to cancel any event or substitute presenters if needed. If we cancel an event, we will contact all registrants and offer a full refund.
• View more about NAO's refund, privacy, media, and accommodations policies.

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