Professional Development Workshops
The Axelson Center offers a series of workshops each fall and spring, providing you with an opportunity to connect with knowledgeable experts and network with colleagues from across the sector. Whether you’re a program manager at an arts organization, a financial manager at a social services organization, an executive director at an education-based nonprofit, a fundraising director at a transportation advocacy organization, or you wear all of these hats on a daily basis, the Axelson Center’s workshops will re-energize you and prepare you to meet the nonprofit management challenges ahead of you.
To receive the latest information about workshops via email, please click here. Information about registration rates, payment options, and our cancellation policy can be found at the end of the page. Also, you can find information about our prior workshop offerings below.
Journey to Conscious Inclusion: Understanding, Challenging and Managing Bias and Microinequities
Presented by Kelli McMiller, Strategic Engagement Leader and VP of Consulting, The Kaleidoscope Group
Wednesday, September 25, 2019, 9am – Noon
Grant Writing for Beginners: Research, Approach, Write
Presented by Claudette Baker, President, Claudette G. Baker & Associates, Inc.
Wednesday, October 2, 2019, 9am – Noon
Finding the CRM Solution for You
Presented by John Suffern, Account Executive, Cloudbakers
Wednesday, October 9, 2019, 9am – Noon
Best Practices in Junior and Associate Boards
Presented by Sarah Hurwit Gomel and Lauren King, All A-Board Alliance
Wednesday, October 16, 2019, 9am – Noon
Digging Deeper into Digital Marketing for Mission Impact
Presented by Alyssa Conrardy, President and Co-founder of Prosper Strategies
Wednesday, October 23, 2019, 9am – Noon
Axelson Access Event: Nonprofits and the Future of Chicago
Presented by Teresa Cordova, Director, Great Cities Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago; Mark Ishaug, CEO, Thresholds; Candace Moore, Chief Equity Officer, City of Chicago; and Mary Morten, President, Morten Group
Sponsored by Wintrust Bank
October 29, 2019, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm at Wintrust Bank, 231 S. LaSalle, Chicago, IL 60604
Understanding Full Costs of Programs
Presented by Gretchen Upholt, MPA, Lead Consultant, Midwest, FMA
Wednesday, October 30, 2019, 9am – Noon
Fundraising 101
Presented by Anedra Kerr, MS, Chief Advancement Officer, Francis W. Parker School
Wednesday, November 6, 2019, 9am – Noon
Honest Conversations About Leading FREE
Panelists: Jim Kales, CEO, Aspire; Sandee Kastrul, President and Co-founder, i.c. stars; Michelle Morales, CEO, Mikva Challenge
Wednesday, November 13, 2019, 12:30 – 2:30 pm
Storytelling for Nonprofit Leaders: Connecting the Personal to the Professional
Presented by Amanda Delheimer, Artistic Director, 2nd Story; Lauren Sivak, Managing Director, 2nd Story; LaTanya Lane, Manager of Artistic Partnerships, 2nd Story
Wednesday, November 20, 2019, 9 – 11 am
Understanding Your Form 990 FREE
Presented by: Jim Quaid, CPA, Director, ORBA
Wednesday, December 4, 2019, 9 – 11 am
You may register for more than one workshop in a single transaction. To pay by check, complete this registration form. Please make your check payable to North Park University and mail to:
Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management
3225 W Foster Ave, Box 4
Chicago, IL 60625
Please note: Day-of registration is not permitted.
Event Locations
Most workshops take place on North Park University’s campus, located near West Foster and North Kedzie Avenues in Chicago, unless otherwise noted. Specific session location information for each workshop is sent via email to registrants.
Workshop Fees
The following fees apply for workshops unless otherwise stated:
- Half-Day Workshops: $90 (includes beverages and course materials)
20% Discount available for in-person workshops
- Forefront (formally known as Donors Forum) associates: individuals who are employed or volunteer with a tax-exempt organization; Independent consultants, consulting firms and grant making organizations are ineligible for this discount.
- Individuals from tax-exempt organizations with an annual operating budget less than $1 million
- Current undergraduate and graduate students from any college or university
- Individuals with 5 years or less experience in the nonprofit sector
Payment Options
All workshop registration will be processed online through the Axelson Center’s NeonCRM system. Payments will be processed through PayPal and appear on your statement as PAYPAL* NPU AXELSON or Paypal*NPU Axelson.
Registrations using check payments cannot be indicated online at this time. Please complete the Axelson Center’s Manual Registration Form (a fillable PDF) and return to the Axelson Center via mail or e-mail to register by check. Checks should be made payable to North Park University.
Cancellation Policy
(Last updated 7/31/14)
The Axelson Center reserves the right to cancel any workshop. Should the Axelson Center cancel, registrants will receive a full refund.
Registrants choosing to cancel their workshop registration will receive a refund minus a $15 administrative fee. Notice of cancellation must be received by the Axelson Center at least five working days prior to the workshop. We regret that no refunds can be made after that date under any circumstances. Registration payments may not be transferred to a different event.
Questions?
Contact the Axelson Center via email or at (773) 244-6284.