Nonprofit Know-How: Fast, Free and Focused Learning Opportunities
The Community Foundation is committed to providing continued learning opportunities for nonprofit professionals in our community. Each year, the Nonprofit Network schedules several fast, free and focused trainings in a learning series called Nonprofit Know-How. These workshops, presentations and training events cover a variety of topics of interest to nonprofit employees. Each Know-How event format, length and topic is unique.
Past Nonprofit Know-How Events
Nonprofit Know-How: Perfect Your Pitch
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Virtual event via Zoom
Every nonprofit has a story worth sharing—but can you communicate it clearly and confidently in just a few minutes?
This interactive virtual learning session was designed to help nonprofits refine their elevator pitch while building connections across the nonprofit community.
The session helped organizations sharpen their messages for potential donors, partners, volunteers, and community members. Attendees left with increased confidence in how they share their organization’s story.
Nonprofit Know-How: Budgeting and Finance Essentials
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
This event was lead by David Little, CPA, Principal at CLA, and Joe Heitz, MBA, MS, vice President of Community Impact at the Community Foundation. David and Joe went over practical budgeting tools, nonprofit financial statements, tips to avoid common pitfalls, and how to communicate financial needs to boards, funders and staff. Attendees also had a chance to ask questions and discuss challenges with one another.
Resources Shared at the Event
Nonprofit Know-How: How the Community Foundation Can Support Your Nonprofit
Thursday, January 29, 2026
This event provided and opportunity to meet the staff and learn how the Community Foundation can support your nonprofit in 2026. Community Foundation staff went over 2026 funding opportunities, new and existing marketing resources, nonprofit funds and endowment building, and new learning opportunities. Following the presentations, staff members were available for individual conversations and questions.
Together on Purpose: Exploring the Spectrum of Nonprofit Collaboration
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
This interactive virtual session explored how purpose-driven organizations can assess, initiate and sustain collaborative efforts that strengthen their missions and amplify community impact. Anne Wallestad, professional coach and former president & CEO of BoardSource, set the stage for why now is a pivotal moment for nonprofits to view collaboration as a strategic pathway. Jodi Rhone and Chris Koppelin of Canary Consulting provided tools and frameworks for identifying potential partners, clarifying goals and evaluating readiness for collaboration. We also heard from YouthPort, a collaborative initiative uniting three like-mission organizations, about their real-world journey toward alignment and collective impact. The session concluded with a Q&A and reflection.
This online event was co-hosted by the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, Iowa Nonprofit Alliance, and the Larned A. Waterman University of Iowa Nonprofit Resource Center.
Nonprofit Know-How: Rewriting the Nonprofit Narrative
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
There are a lot of misconceptions about nonprofits, and sometimes we unknowingly reinforce these false narratives. This event focused on common nonprofit myths and explored universal language to describe our sector’s strengths, service, and professionalism. Taking cues from the film UnCharitable, we discussed a new and refreshed nonprofit narrative that supports the best way to create change. Attendees also had reflection time to work with their teams to apply themes and generate a new organizational narrative.
Nonprofit Know-How: UnCharitable Movie for Nonprofits and Boards
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
This timely and crucial documentary uncovers the realities of philanthropy and introduces a radical new way of giving. The film explores the idea of freeing charities from outdated constraints to truly change the world. Donors, nonprofit professionals, and nonprofit board members gathered to rethink how we can truly strengthen our communities.
Nonprofit Know-How Discussion Guide Handout
Nonprofit Know-How: Grants in 2025
Friday, January 31, 2025
Community Foundation staff went over 2025 grant opportunities, demonstrated the new application system, and answered questions in breakout sessions.
Nonprofit Know-How: Artificial Intelligence
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Dr. Laura Lacasa Yost, Instructional Designer at Kirkwood Community College, discussed AI tools and their potential effects on our workplace. This Nonprofit Know-How – held at the Cedar Rapids Public Library – focused on the impacts of AI on nonprofits, including opportunities, pitfalls, cautions, and practicality. Dr. Yost also provided resources for helping nonprofits determine which AI tools might be useful for them. This event also included time for peers to discuss their experiences and concerns with AI. For access to the resources shared with attendees, please email carrie.walker@gcrcf.org.
Nonprofit Know-How: Library Resources for Nonprofits
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Reference Librarians Nancy Geiger and Rebecca Vernon with the Cedar Rapids Public Library spoke about the free resources available for nonprofits at the Library, including exclusive access and a demonstration of the grant search engine Foundation Center Online, powerful information databases, and other resources that might be helpful for training and development. Additionally, there were small group tours of the building with a stop at the Maker Space, which offers unique access to new and emerging technology such as 3D printing, the Nonprofit Resources section, and information about a variety of meeting spaces available to nonprofits.
Nonprofit Know-How: Strategic Planning
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Over 50 nonprofit professionals gathered to learn about strategic planning at the Nonprofit Know-How: Strategic Planning event held at the Cedar Rapids Public Library. President & CEO Karla Twedt-Ball shared the steps for strategic planning from the beginning planning stage through implementation. She also provided resources and shared her personal experiences with the process. After the presentation, participants gathered in small groups to learn and discuss next steps with peers.
Nonprofit Know-How: 2024 Grants at the Community Foundation
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Attendees of the Nonprofit Know-How: 2024 Grants at the Community Foundation had the opportunity to review grant opportunities offered in 2024; meet the grants staff and our new Vice President of Community Impact Joe Heitz; and engage in small group conversations with Program Officers to learn about each grant program.
Questions? We’re Here to Help.
 Carrie Walker |