The Greater Grand Island Community Foundations and UNL Partner to Bring Nonprofit Leadership Training to Grand Island

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — The Greater Grand Island Community Foundation (GGICF) is partnering with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business Nonprofit Management Institute (NMI) to bring an in-person professional development opportunity for nonprofit leaders to Grand Island.

Financial Management for the Nonprofit Leader will be held Thursday, Oct. 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation, 1503 W. Second St. The one-day workshop is designed to help nonprofit professionals strengthen their financial knowledge and make informed decisions that support the long-term sustainability of their organizations.

“When we invest in nonprofit professionals, we’re investing in the organizations and communities they serve,” said Melissa DeLaet, CEO of the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation. “There is tremendous talent and important work happening across central and western Nebraska, and we want to make sure those leaders have access to the same high-quality learning, resources and connections available in other parts of the state. Bringing the Nonprofit Management Institute to Grand Island is one way we can help strengthen not only Hall County, but the entire nonprofit sector in our region.”

The workshop will help participants better understand financial statements, operating and cash budgets, and how to use financial information to guide organizational decisions. The day will also include a panel featuring funders who will share their perspectives, along with opportunities for participants to connect with nonprofit professionals from across the region.

Jim Croft, Ph.D., will facilitate the workshop, drawing on decades of nonprofit leadership and financial management experience. Croft is principal of JW Croft Consulting Group in Chicago and teaches nonprofit management, financial management and fundraising at UNL through NMI and the Nebraska MBA program. He previously served as executive vice president and chief financial officer of the Field Museum in Chicago.

“Nonprofit leaders are regularly asked to make decisions that affect their organization’s financial health and its ability to serve the community, but many enter the field with limited financial training,” Croft said. “When leaders understand what their financial data is telling them, they can respond to changing conditions, plan for different scenarios and make a stronger case for support.”

Since 2022, NMI’s online courses have served nonprofit professionals throughout Nebraska and beyond. The partnership with GGICF brings that professional development directly to central Nebraska while connecting nonprofit leaders in the region with additional training and resources available through the institute.

GGICF Director of Programs and Operations Sara Tall has participated in NMI programming and serves on the institute’s advisory board.

“The institute has helped me level up as a nonprofit professional,” Tall said. “I’ve gained practical resources, a stronger network and, maybe most importantly, confidence in areas where I didn’t have it before. You leave with things you can actually put to work, along with connections to people who understand the work you do.”

The five-hour workshop is open to executive directors, board members and other nonprofit professionals. No previous NMI coursework is required. Registration is $150 and includes breakfast, lunch and refreshments. Participants will also receive a discount toward an online NMI course of their choice.

To learn more or register for Financial Management for the Nonprofit Leader, visit go.unl.edu/nmi.

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About the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation
The Greater Grand Island Community Foundation was established in 1960 to empower people to turn their passion into purpose by creating legacies that strengthen the future of the communities we serve. Accredited by the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, the Foundation manages over $40 million in assets and has helped establish hundreds of charitable funds over the past 65 years. The Foundation serves hundreds of donors annually through individual, family, and corporate legacy funds. Stay updated on the latest happenings at the Foundation by liking us on Facebook and following us on other major social media platforms, as well as subscribing to our newsletter. The Greater Grand Island Community Foundation is located at 1503 W 2nd Street, Grand Island, Nebraska 68801.

About the Nonprofit Management Institute
The Nonprofit Management Institute, offered through the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business, provides executive and professional development for nonprofit professionals. Its programming equips nonprofit leaders with practical knowledge and skills in areas including financial management, fundraising, leadership and organizational sustainability.

Listen to an interview with Mac Whitlow about other happenings at the GGICF.