Axelson Professional Development
Upcoming workshops and webinars
The Axelson Center offers workshops, virtual trainings, custom trainings, and webinars designed to connect you with expert guidance and a network of nonprofit professionals. Whether you’re managing programs, overseeing finances, or leading an organization, our sessions will equip and inspire you to tackle today’s nonprofit challenges.
Each program is grounded in the Seven Hallmarks of Nonprofit Managerial Excellence℠, key principles that support mission success and long-term sustainability.
Want updates? Subscribe here to receive the latest on upcoming sessions. Details on registration, payment, and our cancellation policy are available at the bottom of the page.
Workshops
Postponed until 2026
You may register for more than one workshop in a single transaction. Please note: Day-of registration is not permitted.
Payment Options All registrations are processed online via the Axelson Center’s NeonCRM system. Payments are handled through PayPal and will appear on your statement as PAYPAL*NPU AXELSON.
Cancellation Policy The Axelson Center may cancel a workshop at any time; in such cases, a full refund will be issued.
If you cancel your registration at least five business days before the workshop, you’ll receive a refund minus a $15 administrative fee. No refunds will be issued after that deadline, and payments cannot be transferred to other events.
Custom training
In addition to workshops, our annual conference, and the BootCamp for New Nonprofit CEOs, the Axelson Center offers custom training tailored to your organization’s unique needs.
Each engagement begins with a coaching process to identify key challenges and determine the right short- or long-term solution. Our expert trainers deliver practical, results-focused programs designed to build skills, knowledge, and effectiveness.
We support you through every step—from initial inquiry and content development to program delivery and post-event evaluation. Training can be held at your preferred location.
Frequently asked questions
We request that organizations submit an inquiry at least six weeks in advance, but we may be able to develop a custom training on a shorter timeline, depending on the organization’s needs.
Most trainings are three hours in length.
A custom training can be developed for a staff or board retreat, conference or in-house professional development. Also, we can develop a training series that builds on a single topic or covers various nonprofit management topics. A series can be offered over the course of two–three weeks, monthly, bimonthly, quarterly or annually.
Leadership and Governance
• Strategic Planning: Implementation Strategies
Strategy and Innovation
• Creating a Culture of Storytelling
• Program Evaluation for Greater Impact
Human Resources
• Effective Staff Supervision
• The “Game” of Project Management: Skills for Work and Life
• Strategies for Conflict Resolution in the Workplace
Financial Strength and Performance
• Building Sustainable Budgets: Empowering Staff and Engaging Board Members
• Nonprofit Sustainability: Making Strategic Decisions for Financial Viability
Resource Generation and External Relations
• Building the Best Board Ever!
• Crafting Your Brand Story
• Creating an Annual Fund Plan
• Making the Connection: Grant Writing and Relationship Building
• Maximizing Your Online Presence
• Proposal Writing
*Note: This is a sampling of topics. Additional areas can be addressed.
Pricing begins at $2,000 for one, three-hour training
All tiers include a standard package of services, listed below:
- Development of program content and learning objectives
- Identifying and securing subject matter expert(s) to fit organization’s needs
- Session evaluation (survey development, distribution, analysis and reporting)
- Providing supplies for session (laptop, slide advancer, hard copy presentation materials, flipchart with markers)
- Axelson Center staff member available to provide client support, manage all logistics with speaker including contract, and be on-site for session
- Provide all attendees with presentation materials electronically within one week of session
- Option to host session at your organization or North Park University (audiovisual support is available on campus)
- Full suite of registration support, including event website, pre-event and on-site registration, communications to registrants
- Venue selection and liaison
- Catering selection and liaison
Working with the Axelson Center has been so helpful, inspiring, and centering. We did a session on defining values. The entire process helped us not just define what we stand for as an organization but helped each staff member see the important role they play in our work. The follow-up training we did with our managers showed us how we could put those values into action.
—Andrea Juracek, Executive Director, Housing Choice Partners
Past clients
Active Transportation Alliance
Advocate Bethany Community Health Fund
African American Legacy Fund of the Chicago Community
Trust Chicago Child Care Society
Gads Hill Center
Housing Choice Partners
Latino Policy Forum
Parent Heart Watch
Ronald McDonald House Charities
Swedish American Museum