The Sarkeys Foundation Toolbox Series is all about doing the right things right. Inside the toolbox, you’ll find innovative approaches and practical solutions for nonprofit organizations to strengthen their effectiveness and accountability. An added bonus for participants who complete the eight programs in the series is a Certificate of Achievement from the University of Oklahoma and Sarkeys Foundation.
Based on professional experiences and principles of sound practice, a top-notch slate of presenters will share strategies and advice to help your organization determine the most important things to be done and how to reach those goals. You will hear from some of Sarkeys’ favorite speakers and meet a few new faces.
The opportunities are hands-on, designed to allow you to brainstorm and create plans, processes, and tools that, in keeping with the Sarkeys philosophy, can be put into action when you return home. And we will be here to support you and your nonprofit organization as you celebrate your accomplishments in the future.
Join us during our sixth season as we discover excellence together! All sessions will be held at the Sarkeys Foundation Conference Center.
Registration is now available.
Board Roles and Responsibilities*waiting list
October 8, 2008 - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Dr. Anne Hodges Morgan
One of the best ways to build that fire within the board is by clearly defining their individual and collective expectations. Who else would we ask to lead this session but Dr. Anne Hodges Morgan? Her experience as a nonprofit consultant working with organizations
of all shapes and sizes is the perfect foundation for this topic. Board members and staff will benefit from Dr. Morgan’s knowledge on traditional topics related
to board governance and hot button topics including building a more dynamic board, Chair and CEO partnerships, and board and staff relationships.
Strategic Planning*waiting list
Chuck V. Loring
Grantwriting and Fundraising*waiting list
Sarkeys Staff & Sandra LeVan
This two-day adventure promises to make you think about strategies and attitudes toward asking for money. Day one will focus on grant-writing - Sarkeys style. Learn how to develop a proposal that will result in funding. Staff will lead you through a process of anticipating questions about your proposal, and how to respond to the infamous “Love Letters” from Sarkeys.
The second day features fund-raising. Although some fear, dread, and weep at the idea of asking for money, the incredible Sandra LeVan will help board members and staff find a way to make the “ask” more enjoyable and the prospects more approachable.
Financial Leadership*waiting list
January 14, 2009 - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Ann Way & Monica Swink
Climb the mountain of financial leadership this year with one of the most important topics for nonprofits. This session will clarify the important interaction between mission and money and how you reach a balance between the two. Monica Swink and Ann Way will lead you through an action packed session including best accounting practices; internal controls; financial planning; effective communications; and the importance of an annual report.
Legal Issues and Conflict Resolution
Diana Hartley
Here’s your one-stop place to get an overview of legal issues and potential legal issues faced by nonprofit organizations. Hear from an attorney who specializes in and understands nonprofit law including personnel issues, liability issues, and indemnification by statute.
We all have conflict in our organizations. When members of your board and staff work together, you can realize the benefits of effective conflict management and grow stronger from it. Diana Hartley will cover different conflict styles, and how to choose and implement the right mode. We will work through some “real-life” scenarios and match the right mode to the situation.
Assembling Your Workforce
March 11, 2009 - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Putting together the right team of employees and volunteers seems to be getting more difficult. From dealing with generational differences to recruiting effective volunteers to hiring people who fit into your organization’s culture are some of the topics for this dynamic session. Sometimes the right team looks differently if you choose to use contract workers
or payroll services. This session will cover these options as well.
Technology
Michael Way
K eeping up with technology is a challenge and Sarkeys is here to keep you moving in the right direction. We've invited technical experts from the industry - including GuideStar and E Tapestry - and our own Michael Way will lead you through a day of demonstrations, problem solving, and Q&A. By the end of this session, you will be ready to put together and implement a technology plan for
your team.
Round Table Discussions
There will be lots of ideas to discuss during these round-table discussions facilitated by experts from different fields of nonprofit management. The table leaders will share information about the topics and facilitate question and answer time. Participants will round out the discussions by sharing their own useful practices on all the topics covered during the Toolbox Series, as well as other areas of interest to nonprofit organizations.