Community foundation seeks to build local non-profit agencies

The Putnam County Community Foundation desires to see vibrant non-profit organizations that are a hallmark of a successful community.

Toward this end, the Foundation has for the past seven years provided high-quality, low-cost workshops designed to help local non-profit organizations, churches, and units of government move to the next level of community service and leadership.

Called the Nonprofit Learning Series, the curriculum covers topics recommended by workshop attendees, such as board governance, marketing, development, event planning, and financial accountability. For the second year, the Putnam County Community Foundation is teaming up with the Montgomery County Community Foundation to expand the outreach of the series.

The next three seminars (March through June) will be held in Greencastle at the Inn at DePauw and the final four seminars (August through November) will be held in Crawfordsville at the Crawfordsville Country Club. The seminars run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A catered lunch is included.

The schedule for the Putnam County Community Foundation-Montgomery County Community Foundation 2012 Non-Profit Learning Series is:

* April 9 -- Mini-Board Retreat with Bryan Orander.

* May 14 -- "The Cure for the Special Events Bug" with Nick Parkevich.

* June 11 -- "Developing Your Case for Support and Practical Tips for Making the Ask" with Phil Purcell.

* Aug. 13 -- "Outcomes Measurement and Grant Writing 101" with Jan Ferris.

* Sept. 10 -- "Financial Reports and Budgeting" with Barbara Bitzer.

* Oct. 8 -- "Marketing and Using Social Media" with Jason Gloye and Hannah Shaner.

* Nov. 12 -- "Non-Profit Collaboration: What Is It and How Do We Do It?" with Mike Stone.

The cost per workshop is $25 per person, $15 if registered and paid at least one week in advance. The cost to attend all eight workshops is $100, if registered and paid by March 5. Payment is due at the time of registration.

To register or for more information visit the Putnam County Community Foundation website at www.pcfoundation.org, call 653-4978 or email Dean Gambill, director of Community Development, at dgambill@pcfoundation.org

The Putnam County Community Foundation is a public charity established in 1985 to serve donors, award grants and conduct community development to enrich the quality of life in Putnam County.

The Community Foundation administers more than 220 funds and has issued more than $7.7 million in grants and scholarships since inception. For more information about the Foundation, call 653-4978 or visit www.pcfoundation.org.