GCN Events
Charity Watchdogs, Financial Statements, and Charitable Contributions
With changing requirements and “watchdogs” as sources of information for prospective donors, it is vital to stay in the know on compliance, transparency, and reputability.
Certificate of Writing Outcome Measures
Join us for a two-day series on writing effective outcome measures that will wow your funders, help your board define success, and focus your programs on results.
Member Event | Family 2 Family Nonprofit Media Summit
Join GCN and the WSB-TV Family 2 Family project for a special program about promoting your nonprofit’s impact through television, radio, newspaper and digital media. What makes this event unique is its presenters – panelists include the media veterans you’re pitching on a regular basis.
Certificate of Outcome Management Systems
Discover how to establish results or outcome measures, collect the data that proves the value of your programs, and build a dashboard that can easily communicate your organization’s impact.
DOING LAB | Write the Marketing Plan
Write the plan you need to raise awareness, attract clients, find donors, and get the word out about your organization.
Member Event Series | Breakfast Bites
Members, please join us on the second Friday of each month for our new series of “small bite” conversations, each covering a different aspect of fundraising.
All Together Now: Internal Communications at Your Organization
How do you get messages out to staff, volunteers, board, and other people working to fulfill your mission? This class will ensure you are clearly conveying information to the right people, in the right format, at the right time.
How to Start a Nonprofit
This evening workshop covers the essentials to get your nonprofit off to a strong start.
Emotional Intelligence
Learn about the 26 competencies of EI; how emotions influence thoughts, behavior, goals, decision-making, and relationships; and techniques for increasing self-awareness and leadership effectiveness.
Webinar Event | Create a Social Campaign That Drives GAgives Success
Do you have a plan to generate the kind of social media buzz that will engage your supporters and inspire new ones, ultimately spurring generosity on #GivingTuesday? Join this tip-filled webinar to get your social media plan in gear.
DOING LAB | Write the Annual Development Plan
Write a 12-month development plan for fundraising, donor engagement, social media, and your annual appeal in this 2-session Lab.
Certificate of Fundraising Essentials
Prepare for growth in the development role with these six foundation-building courses, through a comprehensive orientation to the crucial area of nonprofit fundraising.
Webinar Event | GAgives on #GivingTuesday: Campaign Strategy
Explore strategies for winning campaigns, leveraging GAgives.org features to promote peer-to-peer fundraising and matching grants.
Certificate of Capital Campaigns
This 5-part series walks you through all phases of winning capital campaigns, from planning, building teams, and assessing readiness, to developing case statements, donor prospecting, making asks, and cultivating foundation and corporate support.
DOING LAB | Write the Talent Development Plan
In this hands-on 2-session Lab, write a plan to keep their most essential employees engaged and on-board, build a stronger and more capable team, and find the talent you need.
Certificate of Grant Fundraising
Go beyond the basics to learn how to not only write compelling proposals but create a powerful grant management system.
DOING LAB | Write the Strategic Plan
Create a strategic plan with a complete environmental scan, at least three goals, and associated objectives, in this 4-session Lab.
DOING LAB | Write the Business Plan for Social Enterprise
Interested in starting a social enterprise or seeing if your idea could be the next great social enterprise?
National Foundation Relations
Not just another course on grant writing, this workshop focuses on the relationship-building practices that drive deep, meaningful partnerships between nonprofits and foundations.
How to Start a Nonprofit
This evening workshop covers the essentials to get your nonprofit off to a strong start.
Certificate of Major Giving
New in 2019! Gain a complete understanding of major donors, including defining “major” for your organization, establishing goals related to organizational opportunities and capacity, identifying and cultivating prospects, making the ask, and stewardship.
Certificate of Supervision & Management
Prepare for a supervisory role with the knowledge and skills needed to be an effective manager and team leader.
Certificate of Nonprofit Organization Management
This 360-degree orientation to NPO program management will help you learn the sector inside and out.
How to Start a Nonprofit
This evening workshop covers the essentials to get your nonprofit off to a strong start.
Certificate of Nonprofit Accounting
Prepare for growth in the financial management role through this comprehensive 5-part series.
Certificate of Nonprofit Social Media
Rapidly advance your understanding of social media practices for nonprofits, building a broad foundation and focused expertise in topics like advertising and analytics.
How to Start a Nonprofit
This evening workshop covers the essentials to get your nonprofit off to a strong start.
Certificate of Change Management
Learn to effectively drive change in this two-day overview of change management theory and strategies for driving a change process, managing resistance to change, and helping others more effectively support your agenda for change.
Certificate of Nonprofit Marketing Essentials
Learn the tools for building a strong marketing and communications program from the ground up.
Certificate of Nonprofit Human Resource Management
Designed for organizations of all sizes, this four-part series focuses on human resources practices critical to success, delivering a comprehensive, practical foundation for the HR professional.
Certificate of Nonprofit Program Management – Essentials and Advanced Tracks
Choose from two tracks in our 5-part series to advance your knowledge and skill at developing, managing, and growing a nonprofit program.
DOING LAB | Write the Marketing Plan
Write the plan you need to raise awareness, attract clients, find donors, and get the word out about your organization.
DOING LAB | Write the Business Plan for Social Enterprise
Interested in starting a social enterprise or seeing if your idea could be the next great social enterprise?
DOING LAB | Write the Annual Development Plan
Write a 12-month development plan for fundraising, donor engagement, social media, and your annual appeal in this 2-session Lab.
GAgives on #GivingTuesday 2019
How to Start a Nonprofit
This evening workshop covers the essentials to get your nonprofit off to a strong start.
GCN Resources
CENSUS 2020 | Tools and Resources for Nonprofits
We're just one year out from the decennial Census. GCN has put together some of the most vital resources and news sources to support nonprofits and community leaders who want to ensure that their constituents are represented in the 2020 count. A complete and accurate count has critical implications on our organizations and those we serve on a daily basis. Consider this: The failure to count just 10 households containing 2.5 people in your county could result in the loss of $334,750 over the 10-year census period.
Conflict and the intergenerational board
Just as all boards should include multiple generations, all board members should be able to engage with the differences among them. Senior Consultant Kathy Keeley explains why that’s not always the case, and what can be done.
Theory, practice, and how they’re measured: MAAC preps for constant change
How the Theory of Change came together for a unique Georgia nonprofit, and what it means for their efforts to convince government funders that MAAC’s work is worth the investment – no matter who is in office.
Like a boss: Your role in the new leadership model
Today, everyone needs to contribute directly to strategic goals – which means everyone needs the chance to become full-fledged strategists. How to think about advancement – yours and others’ – with new tips from Senior Consultant Mary Hughes.
Your all-in-one talent management solution from GCN
Exclusively for member nonprofits, our Nonprofit University + ThinkHR Subscription delivers year-round professional development and training for your team; unlimited on-call support from certified HR pros; and interactive HR and talent compliance tools.
The conservationist’s case for better housing
How is the Georgia Conservancy addressing land use, economic, equity, and social justice issues all at once? By working to improve housing options across the state.
First-hand tips for a data-first approach
Two years into a new process for measuring outcomes and making decisions, the CEO of The Gathering Place has ten tips for any organization seeking a data-based solution for better planning, growing, and communicating their impact.
The work-life balance formula that actually works
Too often, faulty math keeps us from realizing the goal of simultaneously fulfilling work- and home-lives. Correcting the equation is easier than you think: It all comes down to quality over quantity.
What the watchdogs see
As scrutiny of nonprofits intensifies, it’s critical to understand the agencies keeping tabs on the sector. Two experts from Mauldin & Jenkins detail the priorities of these watchdogs, and how to satisfy them, in this member event recap.
Just out!
Download your free copy of Work for Good’s 2019 Nonprofit Salary Report for Georgia — our state’s most comprehensive nonprofit salary report to date, based on data from 36,000 positions, spanning 24 job-focus areas, and broken out across six employee types.
Monthly sector news and insight, delivered.
Get complimentary issues of This [email protected], featuring reporting on trending topics and best practices, grant opportunities, and upcoming events; Georgia Nonprofit NEWS, a roundup of accomplishments, impact, and people moves; plus, timely briefings on policy developments, training opportunities, and more.
A benefit that pays back: Financial planning for your people
Nonprofit employers need cost-friendly ways to retain talent, and we could all use help offsetting salaries that continually fall behind those in other sectors. Senior Consultant Mary Bear Hughes explores a compelling solution to both challenges: personal financial planning tools.
The nonprofit lifecycle: A model for making smart decisions
“If the organization feels especially chaotic... lifecycle analysis can help by providing order, clarity, and a path forward.” Learn about the 7 stages of the nonprofit lifecycle, and take a short quiz to help you assess where your nonprofit is at.
Workplace bullying: The Menace, the Minion, the Martyr, and you
It’s easy to come up with an anti-bullying policy – but how do you change the attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs that keep a work environment hostile? NU Instructor Tracey Knight has answers.
Time (again) to take charge: Four practices for an uncertain era
Though it’s hard to predict exactly what policy changes are on the way from the new White House – and okay to be worried about it! – nonprofits can weather them the same way we have in the past: with resiliency, sustainability, alliances, and advocacy.
Three secrets for kickstarting your board
Want board members to jump in with both feet? According to the experts from our Nonprofit Consulting Group, it’s not just a matter of strategic planning and understanding organizational needs, but practices that encourage clarity, communication, and board member empowerment.
More than compatibility: What makes a merger work
Every merger has its challenges, even among the most aligned of partners – as in the case of newly-established FOCUS + Fragile Kids. Associate Director Joy Trotti shares lessons learned, including funding-friendly resources for marketing and legal issues.
How can your organization become the workplace of choice?
The demand for fulfilling, purpose-driven careers is growing – and yet, mission-driven employers must contend for top talent in a highly competitive hiring environment. This new report from GCN's own Work for Good, based on our recent survey of nonprofit pros, delivers first-hand testimony and sound methods for attracting, engaging, and retaining your greatest assets: talented employees eager to make a difference.
Retention, recruitment, and the nonprofit advantage: Practical ideas from GCN’s Spring CEO Forum
Taken from our latest gathering of member executives, GCN CEO Karen Beavor provides reasons to be optimistic about a tight market for talent, and tactics for becoming a top competitor.
Our annual IDEAS showcase, celebrating sector innovation
Learn about the innovative advances of GCN members and partners: the practices and strategies that are multiplying impact, sharpening talent, leveraging supporters, and demonstrating exactly why we’re needed on the front lines of Georgia’s most pressing challenges.
Your most powerful tool for fundraising: Relationships and the resource development plan
Getting what you want from donors means giving them what they want, in terms of messaging, asks, and appreciation.
How “doable” is your job? What the workload means for your legacy
If you’re an overloaded executive, you’re ensuring a rocky transition for anyone who steps into the role after you. With this advice from GCN executive search expert Mary Hughes, you can rethink your position to better serve the organization’s future – and your own.
Four steps to a killer skills-based volunteer project
Looking to build a financial model, develop a scheduling app, or create a fundraising video, but don’t have the talent on-hand? Hands On Atlanta shares a step-by-step process for meeting those needs with volunteer expertise.
Latest News & Resources
CENSUS 2020 | Tools and Resources for Nonprofits
We're just one year out from the decennial Census. GCN has put together some of the most vital resources and news sources to support nonprofits and community leaders who want to ensure that their constituents are represented in the 2020 count. A complete and accurate count has critical implications on our organizations and those we serve on a daily basis. Consider this: The failure to count just 10 households containing 2.5 people in your county could result in the loss of $334,750 over the 10-year census period.
Conflict and the intergenerational board
Just as all boards should include multiple generations, all board members should be able to engage with the differences among them. Senior Consultant Kathy Keeley explains why that’s not always the case, and what can be done.
Theory, practice, and how they’re measured: MAAC preps for constant change
How the Theory of Change came together for a unique Georgia nonprofit, and what it means for their efforts to convince government funders that MAAC’s work is worth the investment – no matter who is in office.
Like a boss: Your role in the new leadership model
Today, everyone needs to contribute directly to strategic goals – which means everyone needs the chance to become full-fledged strategists. How to think about advancement – yours and others’ – with new tips from Senior Consultant Mary Hughes.
Your all-in-one talent management solution from GCN
Exclusively for member nonprofits, our Nonprofit University + ThinkHR Subscription delivers year-round professional development and training for your team; unlimited on-call support from certified HR pros; and interactive HR and talent compliance tools.
The conservationist’s case for better housing
How is the Georgia Conservancy addressing land use, economic, equity, and social justice issues all at once? By working to improve housing options across the state.
First-hand tips for a data-first approach
Two years into a new process for measuring outcomes and making decisions, the CEO of The Gathering Place has ten tips for any organization seeking a data-based solution for better planning, growing, and communicating their impact.
The work-life balance formula that actually works
Too often, faulty math keeps us from realizing the goal of simultaneously fulfilling work- and home-lives. Correcting the equation is easier than you think: It all comes down to quality over quantity.
What the watchdogs see
As scrutiny of nonprofits intensifies, it’s critical to understand the agencies keeping tabs on the sector. Two experts from Mauldin & Jenkins detail the priorities of these watchdogs, and how to satisfy them, in this member event recap.
Just out!
Download your free copy of Work for Good’s 2019 Nonprofit Salary Report for Georgia — our state’s most comprehensive nonprofit salary report to date, based on data from 36,000 positions, spanning 24 job-focus areas, and broken out across six employee types.
Monthly sector news and insight, delivered.
Get complimentary issues of This [email protected], featuring reporting on trending topics and best practices, grant opportunities, and upcoming events; Georgia Nonprofit NEWS, a roundup of accomplishments, impact, and people moves; plus, timely briefings on policy developments, training opportunities, and more.
A benefit that pays back: Financial planning for your people
Nonprofit employers need cost-friendly ways to retain talent, and we could all use help offsetting salaries that continually fall behind those in other sectors. Senior Consultant Mary Bear Hughes explores a compelling solution to both challenges: personal financial planning tools.
The nonprofit lifecycle: A model for making smart decisions
“If the organization feels especially chaotic... lifecycle analysis can help by providing order, clarity, and a path forward.” Learn about the 7 stages of the nonprofit lifecycle, and take a short quiz to help you assess where your nonprofit is at.
Workplace bullying: The Menace, the Minion, the Martyr, and you
It’s easy to come up with an anti-bullying policy – but how do you change the attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs that keep a work environment hostile? NU Instructor Tracey Knight has answers.
Time (again) to take charge: Four practices for an uncertain era
Though it’s hard to predict exactly what policy changes are on the way from the new White House – and okay to be worried about it! – nonprofits can weather them the same way we have in the past: with resiliency, sustainability, alliances, and advocacy.
Three secrets for kickstarting your board
Want board members to jump in with both feet? According to the experts from our Nonprofit Consulting Group, it’s not just a matter of strategic planning and understanding organizational needs, but practices that encourage clarity, communication, and board member empowerment.
More than compatibility: What makes a merger work
Every merger has its challenges, even among the most aligned of partners – as in the case of newly-established FOCUS + Fragile Kids. Associate Director Joy Trotti shares lessons learned, including funding-friendly resources for marketing and legal issues.
How can your organization become the workplace of choice?
The demand for fulfilling, purpose-driven careers is growing – and yet, mission-driven employers must contend for top talent in a highly competitive hiring environment. This new report from GCN's own Work for Good, based on our recent survey of nonprofit pros, delivers first-hand testimony and sound methods for attracting, engaging, and retaining your greatest assets: talented employees eager to make a difference.
Retention, recruitment, and the nonprofit advantage: Practical ideas from GCN’s Spring CEO Forum
Taken from our latest gathering of member executives, GCN CEO Karen Beavor provides reasons to be optimistic about a tight market for talent, and tactics for becoming a top competitor.
Our annual IDEAS showcase, celebrating sector innovation
Learn about the innovative advances of GCN members and partners: the practices and strategies that are multiplying impact, sharpening talent, leveraging supporters, and demonstrating exactly why we’re needed on the front lines of Georgia’s most pressing challenges.
Your most powerful tool for fundraising: Relationships and the resource development plan
Getting what you want from donors means giving them what they want, in terms of messaging, asks, and appreciation.
How “doable” is your job? What the workload means for your legacy
If you’re an overloaded executive, you’re ensuring a rocky transition for anyone who steps into the role after you. With this advice from GCN executive search expert Mary Hughes, you can rethink your position to better serve the organization’s future – and your own.
Four steps to a killer skills-based volunteer project
Looking to build a financial model, develop a scheduling app, or create a fundraising video, but don’t have the talent on-hand? Hands On Atlanta shares a step-by-step process for meeting those needs with volunteer expertise.
Upcoming Events
5.23.19 | Atlanta
Charity Watchdogs, Financial Statements, and Charitable Contributions
With changing requirements and “watchdogs” as sources of information for prospective donors, it is vital to stay in the know on compliance, transparency, and reputability. Learn more.
6.05.19 | Atlanta
Certificate of Writing Outcome Measures
Join us for a two-day series on writing effective outcome measures that will wow your funders, help your board define success, and focus your programs on results. Learn more.
6.05.19 | Atlanta
Member Event | Family 2 Family Nonprofit Media Summit
Join GCN and the WSB-TV Family 2 Family project for a special program about promoting your nonprofit’s impact through television, radio, newspaper and digital media. What makes this event unique is its presenters – panelists include the media veterans you’re pitching on a regular basis. Learn more.
6.11.19 | Atlanta
Certificate of Outcome Management Systems
Discover how to establish results or outcome measures, collect the data that proves the value of your programs, and build a dashboard that can easily communicate your organization’s impact. Learn more.
6.13.19 | Atlanta
DOING LAB | Write the Marketing Plan
Write the plan you need to raise awareness, attract clients, find donors, and get the word out about your organization. Learn more.
6.14.19 | Atlanta
Member Event Series | Breakfast Bites
Members, please join us on the second Friday of each month for our new series of “small bite” conversations, each covering a different aspect of fundraising. Learn more.
6.19.19 | Atlanta
All Together Now: Internal Communications at Your Organization
How do you get messages out to staff, volunteers, board, and other people working to fulfill your mission? This class will ensure you are clearly conveying information to the right people, in the right format, at the right time. Learn more.
6.20.19 | Atlanta
How to Start a Nonprofit
This evening workshop covers the essentials to get your nonprofit off to a strong start. Learn more.
6.27.19 | Atlanta
Emotional Intelligence
Learn about the 26 competencies of EI; how emotions influence thoughts, behavior, goals, decision-making, and relationships; and techniques for increasing self-awareness and leadership effectiveness. Learn more.
6.27.19 | Online
Webinar Event | Create a Social Campaign That Drives GAgives Success
Do you have a plan to generate the kind of social media buzz that will engage your supporters and inspire new ones, ultimately spurring generosity on #GivingTuesday? Join this tip-filled webinar to get your social media plan in gear. Learn more.
7.11.19 | Atlanta
DOING LAB | Write the Annual Development Plan
Write a 12-month development plan for fundraising, donor engagement, social media, and your annual appeal in this 2-session Lab. Learn more.
8.06.19 | Atlanta
Certificate of Fundraising Essentials
Prepare for growth in the development role with these six foundation-building courses, through a comprehensive orientation to the crucial area of nonprofit fundraising. Learn more.
8.06.19 | Online
Webinar Event | GAgives on #GivingTuesday: Campaign Strategy
Explore strategies for winning campaigns, leveraging GAgives.org features to promote peer-to-peer fundraising and matching grants. Learn more.
8.07.19 | Atlanta
Certificate of Capital Campaigns
This 5-part series walks you through all phases of winning capital campaigns, from planning, building teams, and assessing readiness, to developing case statements, donor prospecting, making asks, and cultivating foundation and corporate support. Learn more.
8.08.19 | Atlanta
DOING LAB | Write the Talent Development Plan
In this hands-on 2-session Lab, write a plan to keep their most essential employees engaged and on-board, build a stronger and more capable team, and find the talent you need. Learn more.
8.14.19 | Atlanta
Certificate of Grant Fundraising
Go beyond the basics to learn how to not only write compelling proposals but create a powerful grant management system. Learn more.
8.15.19 | Atlanta
National Foundation Relations
Not just another course on grant writing, this workshop focuses on the relationship-building practices that drive deep, meaningful partnerships between nonprofits and foundations. Learn more.
8.15.19 | Atlanta
DOING LAB | Write the Strategic Plan
Create a strategic plan with a complete environmental scan, at least three goals, and associated objectives, in this 4-session Lab. Learn more.
8.15.19 | Atlanta
DOING LAB | Write the Business Plan for Social Enterprise
Interested in starting a social enterprise or seeing if your idea could be the next great social enterprise? Learn more.
8.29.19 | Atlanta
How to Start a Nonprofit
This evening workshop covers the essentials to get your nonprofit off to a strong start. Learn more.
9.05.19 | Atlanta
Certificate of Major Giving
New in 2019! Gain a complete understanding of major donors, including defining “major” for your organization, establishing goals related to organizational opportunities and capacity, identifying and cultivating prospects, making the ask, and stewardship. Learn more.
9.10.19 | Atlanta
Certificate of Supervision & Management
Prepare for a supervisory role with the knowledge and skills needed to be an effective manager and team leader. Learn more.
9.13.19 | Atlanta
Certificate of Nonprofit Organization Management
This 360-degree orientation to NPO program management will help you learn the sector inside and out. Learn more.
9.19.19 | Atlanta
How to Start a Nonprofit
This evening workshop covers the essentials to get your nonprofit off to a strong start. Learn more.
10.02.19 | Atlanta
Certificate of Nonprofit Accounting
Prepare for growth in the financial management role through this comprehensive 5-part series. Learn more.
10.04.19 | Atlanta
Certificate of Nonprofit Social Media
Rapidly advance your understanding of social media practices for nonprofits, building a broad foundation and focused expertise in topics like advertising and analytics. Learn more.
10.07.19 | Atlanta
How to Start a Nonprofit
This evening workshop covers the essentials to get your nonprofit off to a strong start. Learn more.
10.23.19 | Atlanta
Certificate of Change Management
Learn to effectively drive change in this two-day overview of change management theory and strategies for driving a change process, managing resistance to change, and helping others more effectively support your agenda for change. Learn more.
10.29.19 | Atlanta
Certificate of Nonprofit Human Resource Management
Designed for organizations of all sizes, this four-part series focuses on human resources practices critical to success, delivering a comprehensive, practical foundation for the HR professional. Learn more.
10.29.19 | Atlanta
Certificate of Nonprofit Marketing Essentials
Learn the tools for building a strong marketing and communications program from the ground up. Learn more.
10.31.19 | Atlanta
Certificate of Nonprofit Program Management – Essentials and Advanced Tracks
Choose from two tracks in our 5-part series to advance your knowledge and skill at developing, managing, and growing a nonprofit program. Learn more.
11.07.19 | Atlanta
DOING LAB | Write the Marketing Plan
Write the plan you need to raise awareness, attract clients, find donors, and get the word out about your organization. Learn more.
11.19.19 | Atlanta
DOING LAB | Write the Business Plan for Social Enterprise
Interested in starting a social enterprise or seeing if your idea could be the next great social enterprise? Learn more.
12.03.19 | Atlanta
DOING LAB | Write the Annual Development Plan
Write a 12-month development plan for fundraising, donor engagement, social media, and your annual appeal in this 2-session Lab. Learn more.
12.05.19 | Atlanta
How to Start a Nonprofit
This evening workshop covers the essentials to get your nonprofit off to a strong start. Learn more.