Early-Career Nonprofit Staff Cohort
The Work Behind the Work:
A 6-session series to build understanding of the systems, decisions, and realities that power nonprofit organizations
What actually makes a nonprofit run?
For many early-career staff, the daily work is meaningful but not always clear. Tasks get done, but the bigger picture can feel out of reach, including how decisions are made, how funding works, and how everything connects.
The Work Behind the Work is a cohort-based program designed to change that.
During the six bi-weekly sessions, participants will gain a practical understanding of how nonprofits operate, including structure, fundraising, budgeting, and strategy. Just as importantly, the program focuses on the skills that make staff more effective: communication, prioritization, and navigating workplace dynamics.
For organizations, this means more confident, capable staff who understand how to contribute beyond their immediate role.
For participants, it offers clarity, practical tools, and a stronger foundation for growth in the sector.
Participants will receive structured, instructor-led training, blending foundational knowledge modules, expert presentations, and practical application exercises.
Participants will leave with:
A clearer understanding of how nonprofits function behind the scenes
Practical tools they can apply immediately in their work
Greater confidence in their role and contributions
A network of peers across organizations
Program Term
August 27 - November 5, 2026
Cohort Size
10-20 Participants
Commitment
Bi-weekly training sessions (90 mins), plus 1 hour of weekly application work.
This program is designed for:
Early-career nonprofit staff (typically 0–5 years of experience)
Individuals new to the nonprofit sector
Staff looking to better understand how their organization operates beyond their day-to-day responsibilities
Cost:
$300 per person
$200 for EARLY BIRD
registrations before 5/31/26
Program Dates & Topics
Sessions are bi-weekly on Thursdays from August 27 to November 5. The program includes an in-person kickoff, an in-person closing, and 4 virtual sessions.
August 27
2:30–5:30 PM
In-Person Kickoff
September 10
TIME
Virtual Session
September 24
TIME
Virtual Session
October 8
TIME
Virtual Session
October 22
TIME
Virtual Session
November 5
2:30–5:30 PM
In-Person Final Session
Topic: How Nonprofits Actually Work
This opening session establishes a shared understanding of how nonprofits operate with time intentionally built in for participants to get to know one another and begin forming connections across the cohort.
Topic: Where the Money Comes From and Where It Goes
Participants are introduced to the fundamentals of nonprofit finance and fundraising. The goal is to build comfort with financial concepts and provide context for how organizations sustain their work.
Topic: Fundraising Is Everyone’s Job
The session explores contributions to fundraising, addresses common misconceptions, and provides practical ways staff can support it in their roles.
Topic: From Tasks to Strategy
The session introduces basic concepts in program design and impact, and explores how priorities are set and tradeoffs are made.
Topic: How to Work Well in a Nonprofit
This session focuses on the day-to-day skills that support effectiveness in nonprofit roles. Participants engage with real scenarios and leave with practical approaches they can apply immediately.
Topic: Your Career and Your Network
The final session focuses on reflection, career development, and relationship building. Participants consider how they want to grow in the sector and what skills or experiences will support that growth.