Resources for nonprofits
The Cooper Foundation believes that strong nonprofits help to build a strong community. To help build the capacity of nonprofits in the Waco area, the foundation hosts monthly Nonprofit Network meetings, as well as Board Governance trainings.
Nonprofit Network
This FREE monthly gathering of Waco area nonprofit professionals and volunteers provides an opportunity for networking, peer learning, and professional development.
Due to the ongoing situation with COVID-19, Nonprofit Network will be offered virtually from 8:30 – 10:00 am on the following dates:
- Click here to register for the February 18th Nonprofit Network from 8:30 – 10:00 am. At February’s session, Doug McDurham, Director of Strategy and Programs at Baylor Collaborative on Hunger & Poverty, will provide aspiring and active grantees, with instruction on how to use the components of a logic model to ensure their program’s theory of change and implementation strategy are well-aligned. Please try to arrive a couple of minutes early; we will start promptly at 8:30 a.m.
- April 15th
Meeting Agenda
Virtual Nonprofit Network sessions are held via Zoom from 8:30 – 10:00 am. Please try to arrive a couple of minutes early; we will start promptly at 8:30 a.m. We look forward to the day we can gather in person again!
To receive meeting notifications, please sign up by following this link.

Board Governance Training
Because we believe that strong nonprofits are governed by strong boards, the Cooper Foundation is pleased to offer free board governance training several times a year to current nonprofit board members, potential board members, and nonprofit staff. Our goal is to ensure that all board members in Waco are trained in board governance.
Upcoming Training Dates (click on either date below to register)
You may find a presentation from our February 2020 training at this link: February 2020: Laying the Foundation Presentation.
If you would like to request a copy of our Building High Performing Boards: Laying the Foundation workbook, please email info@cooperfdn.org.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
For more nonprofit management resources in the Waco area, please visit www.mclennannonprofits.org.
Past Meeting Handouts
Remote Learning & Virtual Meeting Facilitation Resources
Panelists’ Perspectives: A Variety of Volunteer Management Approaches – February 2020
The Performance Imperative Review: A Framework for Social-Sector Excellence – January 2020
We encourage organizations to use the Performance Imperative’s Performance Practice Workbook as a tool to assess areas where their organization may have opportunities to reach higher performance.
Panelists’ Perspectives: The Process of Donor Cultivation & Making the Ask – November 2019
Grant Development Overview – October 2019
Why I Count, Waco: The Importance of the 2020 Census to Waco Nonprofits – September 2019
Shifting from Intentions to Lasting Impact: Understanding the Organizational Journey of Addressing Racial Inequities – August 2019
Nonprofit Data: Making the Connection Between Numbers and Narratives – May 2019
- May 2019 Presentation
- Stay tuned for additional resources
You Belong Here: Laying the Foundation for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – March 2019
Management & Coaching: Completing Tasks, Inspiring Vision, and Developing Your Team – February 2019
Financial Health: The Importance of Understanding Nonprofit Financial Statements – January 2019
The Nonprofit Ecosystem: Systems-Level Approaches for Sustainable Change – November 2018
Donor Demographics & Tax Law Changes in McLennan County – September 2018
Lobbying & Advocacy 101: Legal Tips for Nonprofit Advocates – May 2018
The Talk: The Importance of Addressing Inequities in the Workplace – April 2018
Must Be Able to Drive a Zoo Vehicle: The Big Picture of Inclusive Hires – March 2018
Are You Sure That’s Where You Are Going? Theory of Change and Your Organization’s Role in the Nonprofit Ecosystem – February 2018
Collaborating for Success: Transforming WISD Schools – January 2018
Designing Programs for Impact: How RBA Can Ease the Pain – November 2017
Creating a Culture of Learning – October 2017
- No presentation, this meeting was a panel discussion
Making Your Organization’s Financial Picture Stand Out From the Crowd – September 2017
Equity in Systems – April & May 2017
Laying the Foundation for Board Governance Training – April 2017
Engaging Young Professionals – February 2017
Laying the Foundation for Board Governance Training – January 2017
Telling Your Story – January 2017
The Ins and Outs of Financial Statements – November 2016
Introduction to the Performance Imperative – October 2016
Racial Equity- May 2016
Do it yourself Social Media- April 2016
Volunteer Management: Meeting Expectations (Ours and Theirs)- February 2016
Strategic Relationships that Work (January 2016)
Culture of Openness (November & December 2015)
Measuring your Impact: Data for Non-profits (October 2015)
Storing Away for a Rainy Day: Operating Reserves for Nonprofits (September 2015)
Effective Delegation (May 2015- Rachel Woods)
New Organizing (April 2015- Katie Wolfe)
Messaging Slides (February 2015- Susan Cowley)
Prosper Waco Presentation (January 2015)
Collective Impact Article (January 2015)
Anatomy of a Fraud (October 2014)
Board_Development_Resources (September 2014)
Meeting Facilitation (March 2014)
Marketing (February 2014)
Contact kelly@cooperfdn.org if the handout you are looking for is not shown here.
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Nonprofit Network
UPCOMING EVENTS
NONPROFIT NETWORK
Upcoming Virtual Nonprofit Network Sessions:
February 18th (Click read more to access the registration link.)
April 15th
BOARD GOVERNANCE TRAINING
Upcoming Board Governance Training Dates (click on read more to access the registration links)
February 2, 2021 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm
April 9, 2021 from 8:00 – 9:00 am
UPCOMING DEADLINES
Applications are due on the first Friday of every month and will be reviewed approximately three months later (e.g. if you submit your application in October, it will be considered at the January board meeting). Visit our grants page to learn more about the process of applying.