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 gathering of Waco area nonprofit professionals and volunteers provides an opportunity for networking, peer learning, and professional development.

Upcoming Session:

November 21st Nonprofit Network Session: When Leave Won’t Leave You Alone

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

  • Date: Thursday, November 21
  • Time: 9:00 – 11:00 am (Please note, the presentation is from 9:30-11:00 am and the remaining time is for networking.)
  • Location: Texas Life Annex (1000 Washington Avenue)
  • Description:At the November session, Attorneys Cris Houston and David Schleicher, will break down the latest on leave. From FMLA, to leave as an accommodation, to PTO versus annual/sick leave, to prohibited deductions for partial day absences, Attorneys Cris Houston and David Schleicher will help clarify leave complexities before anyone is forced to take a long vacation.
  • Presenters:
    • Crisarla Houston is a Harvard law school graduate who has also taught law school classes, served as the Compliance and Equity Officer for one of Waco’s largest nonprofits, and is currently the CEO of a local nonprofit that helps disadvantaged small businesses obtain loans.
    • David Schleicher is a former president of the Waco School Board and has among his non-profit clients Waco Habitat, Communities in Schools, Waco Family Medicine, Hispanic Leaders Network, the Farmer Veteran Coalition, and The Australian Shepherd Club of America.

Save the Date for the Upcoming Nonprofit Network Sessions!

Join us for a series of nonprofit employment law sessions taught by Attorneys Crisarla Houston & David Schleicher during the upcoming Nonprofit Network year! 

SESSION DATES:

2024:

  • December 19: Harassment: It’s Not What You Think

2025:

  • January 16: Nepotism, Conflicts of Interest, and Other Dirty Words
  • February 20: The Employee Handbook — Can I Copy Off Your Paper?

SESSION TIMES:

  • 9:00 – 9:30am: Networking
  • 9:30 – 11:00am: Presentation

LOCATION:

  • Texas Life Annex (1000 Washington Avenue)

Nonprofit Network Meeting Schedule*

  • 9:00-9:30 am – Doors open for a light breakfast & networking
  • 9:30 am – Welcome, program begins
  • 11:00 am – Program concludes
  • 11:00-11:30 – Additional networking and questions

*Please note, the presentation is from 9:30-11:00 am and the remaining time is for networking.

To receive meeting notifications, please email nonprofitnetwork@cooperfdn.org requesting to be added to the email list.

Board Governance Training

Because we believe that strong nonprofits are governed by strong boards, Cooper Foundation, in partnership with Waco Foundation, is pleased to offer a free, nonprofit board governance training twice 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 Trainings:

  • February 7, 2025; 9:00 – 11:00 am, in-person training (location to be determined) – check back soon for a registration link!

Board Governance Resources:

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Past Nonprofit Network Meeting Materials

Making Sense of Nonprofit Financials – November 2023

Mindful Leadership- The Enneagram: A Personal and Professional Resource – September 2023

From Microaggressions to Microinterventions: First Steps for Interpersonal and Institutional Inclusion (Community Leaders Addition) – May 2023

Developing a Nonprofit Fundraising Plan – January 2023

Ask for a Piece of Their Pie: How Legacy Gifts Create a Sustainable Future for Your Nonprofit – May 2022

Storytelling for Change: Advancing Equity Through the Stories We Tell  – March 2022

Implementing DEI in Hiring, Promotion, & Every Day Practices –  September 2021

Nonprofit Financial Statements and Financial Reporting – May 2021

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.

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

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

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

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

Messaging Slides  (February 2015- Susan Cowley)
Prosper Waco Presentation  (January 2015)
Anatomy of a Fraud (October 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 Nonprofit Network Sessions:
(click read more to access registration links)

2024:
November 21: When Leave Won’t Leave You Alone
December 19: Harassment: It’s Not What You Think

2025:
January 16: Nepotism, Conflicts of Interest, and Other Dirty Words
February 20: The Employee Handbook — Can I Copy Off Your Paper?

read more

UPCOMING DEADLINES

Visit our grants page to learn more about the process of applying and a full list of the upcoming application deadline and review dates.

 

 

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