Building Capacity in Colorado's Nonprofit Sector
Professional Development
Community Shares of Colorado is your partner in building a skilled, diverse workforce for your nonprofit organization. Through our Executive Leadership Institute, Summer Learning Series, and on-going Webinar offerings, Community Shares has opportunities for staff and aspiring nonprofit leaders to grow their skills.
Executive Leadership Institute
Community Shares invites nonprofit professionals to take part in our Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) program! The ELI program has nine unique groups across the spectrum of job roles and identities for those new to nonprofit work, entering a new job or organization, or simply looking for more community engagement. Each ELI group is professional-facilitated, peer-to-peer, and holds a maximum of 12 participants to ensure a collaborative, small group environment. Our facilitators are experts in their fields, and promote the development of professional skills and relationship building.
Want to learn more? We’re happy to offer the first group session free so that interested participants can check out the program and see if their preferred group is a good fit. You can find the list of groups, and fill out the interest form, below. Just let us know which group you want to join, and we’ll connect you with the group facilitators so you can learn more!
What you need to know:
- Groups meet at least 10 times per year and set the times, dates and locations themselves.
- Each group is facilitated by a nonprofit professional who can keep the group on track, develop expectations, and provide advice and support when necessary.
- The cost is $150 per participant annually. If your employer is a Community Share's member organization your participation fee will be discounted to $100 annually.
- Community Shares is open to forming new groups based on interest and demand.
Groups currently accepting new members:
- Experienced Executive Director (Group #1 and Group #2)
- Fundraisers of Color
- Leaders of Color
- LGBTQ+ Professionals (group closing in 2024)
- New Executive Directors
Groups currently on a waitlist:
- Development Professionals
- Finance, HR, & Operations Professionals
Session #1 - Dollars for DEI:
The Importance of DEI Values and Programming in Philanthropy and Nonprofit
Date: July 23, 2024
Time: 2pm - 3pm MST
Platform: Zoom (link will be provided upon registration)
In today's climate, articulating the significance of DEI goes beyond mere rhetoric; it is about fostering inclusive environments that drive real change. This session aims to give you the tools to communicate this effectively, understand the role of equity-based data, and the importance of meeting the moment with courageous, values-driven leadership.
As we navigate through discussions, we will address practical approaches to combating anti-DEI sentiments. By fostering dialogue and strong partnerships, we can build a collective voice that champions DEI as a non-negotiable pillar of effective philanthropy and nonprofit work. By the end of this session, you will be empowered to articulate a compelling case for DEI and lead your organization toward a more inclusive future.
This session is for nonprofit professionals, development officers, fundraising professionals, board members, and organizational leaders committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within their organizations and communities. All are welcome, regardless of current understanding and comfort levels with DEI and social justice work.
About the Facilitator:
Emily Shamsid-Deen
ESD Consulting
This session will be led and facilitated by Emily Shamsid-Deen, Founder and Principal at ESD Consulting. Emily brings almost 20 years of experience in nonprofit management and has worked in the areas of direct service, social justice leadership development, advocacy, nonprofit capacity building, and community engagement. In all these roles, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) were at the center of her approach and analysis. Emily is the Founder & Principal of ESD Consulting which partners with mission-driven organizations on racial equity integration strategies. ESD Consulting works with clients who are committed to the meaningful integration of equity in policy, processes, culture, and client outcomes. Emily holds a Master of Nonprofit Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science & Black Studies.
Session #2 - Member Happy Hour
Date: August 28, 2024
Time: 4pm - 6:30pm MST
Location: Town Hall Collaborative
525 Santa Fe Denver, CO 80204
Join Community Shares staff and other members for a relaxed community networking event at Town Hall Collaborative in Denver! Enjoy an afternoon happy hour with good company and delicious drinks as we gear up for Labor Day and the giving season. Whether you're catching up with old friends or making new ones, this is the perfect opportunity to unwind and celebrate the summer with other nonprofit professionals.
Town Hall Collaborative is a woman-owned mixed-use space and bar on Santa Fe. Their happy hour runs from 3-6pm, so drinks during our event will be discounted! They’ve got delicious alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, as well as beer and wine.
Session #3 - The ElevateGive Nonprofit Member Portal
Date: late September 2024
Time: TBD
Platform: Zoom
Our final Summer Learning Series session of 2024 will be dedicated to learning all about the Nonprofit Member Portal of Community Shares' workplace giving platform, ElevateGive.
Through our ElevateGive platform, donors at our workplace partners can give to Members and Cause Area Funds, giving our member nonprofits access to sustainable income
This new tool will also provide new resources to members through the Nonprofit Member portal! In this final session of our Summer Learning Series, we'll take member representatives through the best ways to make the most of this new tool. Learn how to pull donor reports, see compile campaign results, add and update marketing information, and more!
This session will take place in late September. We'll be sending out the registration link and event information as we near the end of summer. Stay tuned!