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 Events:
November 21st Nonprofit Network Session: When Leave Won’t Leave You Alone
- 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.
December 4th Holiday Social Hour
Join us on Wednesday, December 4th at the Cooper House (1801 Austin Ave.) from 4:00 – 6:00 pm for a casual evening of networking with other nonprofit professionals!
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 – click here to register
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.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- Click here to download the Nonprofit Executive Director Resource Booklet.
- For more nonprofit specific resources in the Waco area, click here for a list of local nonprofit resources and opportunities.
Past Nonprofit Network Meeting Materials
Data Science for Social Good
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
Understanding & Achieving Language Justice – March 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
Implementing DEI in Hiring, Promotion, & Every Day Practices – September 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.
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
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)
Sign up for the
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?
BOARD GOVERNANCE TRAINING
2025 Training Dates:
February 7
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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