Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence

05/20/2026

Strong boards help build strong nonprofits. 💡

Join us for a new series of nonprofit board trainings focused on governance, fundraising, and leadership development. These sessions offer practical tools and valuable connections for nonprofit leaders and board members.

The first session, 'Governance vs. Management: Keeping the Board in its Lane,' will take place on May 27, 2026, at the Scranton Area Community Foundation.

Additional trainings this June, October, and December will cover fundraising, board recruitment, onboarding, and more.

Learn more and register below!

Strong boards help build strong nonprofits. We’re excited to offer a series of trainings designed to help nonprofit leaders and board members strengthen governance practices, build fundraising confidence, and better prepare...

04/29/2026

Calling all nonprofit HR professionals looking to navigate AI use in the workplace: don’t miss these LIVE workshops! 🔔

eCornell is offering two new Live Online AI Workshops designed for immediate, on-the-job impact:

• Engineering Better Job Descriptions (May 6, 12-3 PM)
• AI‑Enhanced Performance Reviews (June 3, 12-3 PM)

Learn how AI can assist you in improving hiring, reducing bias, and strengthening employee experience.

📩 Email [email protected] by April 30 to register through the Center FREE of cost.

04/08/2026

Want to sharpen your nonprofit’s fundraising pitch? 🌟

We're excited to highlight an upcoming workshop from the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance's Nonprofit & Community Assistance Center (NCAC), "Perfecting Your Pitch," on April 16 from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at Benco Dental in Pittston.

Join Heather Murphy for this hands-on session to learn what motivates donors, refine your case for support, and practice delivering a compelling pitch for major giving.

👉 Register here! ----> https://tinyurl.com/54ss7jmf

Register now for April 2026 workshops!

03/19/2026

Last week, 40 nonprofit professionals came together for an interactive training on data, outcomes, and storytelling led by national speaker Laurel Molloy. 🌟

The session focused on how nonprofits can connect their impact to the messages they share with donors, making grant proposals, reports, and pitches more compelling. One key takeaway: this work is most effective when fundraising, communications, program, and data staff work together.

Panelists Lori Ryan (Outreach Center for Community Resources), Jim Brogna (Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)), and Alison Woody (Food Allergy Research & Education), shared real perspectives on why telling your organization's story is everyone's job.

Don't miss future trainings at safdn.org/events-calendar!

03/02/2026

Strong fundraising and impact communications don’t live in silos—they’re built collaboratively. 🌟

Join us on March 11 for this interactive session to learn how to align outcomes data, storytelling, and donor-centered messaging to strengthen proposals, reports, and pitches.

Facilitated by Laurel Molloy with panelists Lori Ryan, Jim Brogna, and Alison Woody, this high-impact training is perfect for anyone involved in grant writing, impact messaging, donor communications, or program/data support.

Registration is required. Coffee and breakfast will be provided. ----> https://tinyurl.com/2w55h2bd

02/19/2026

Thinking about serving on a nonprofit board, but not sure where to start? 🌟

Join us for Board Governance 101 on Thursday, February 26, from 5:30–8 PM at the Scranton Area Community Foundation.

Facilitated by Maggie Martinelli, this welcoming session offers a practical introduction to what nonprofit boards really do and how you can prepare to serve with confidence and purpose.

This complimentary training includes dinner, but registration is required. Take the first step toward informed, impactful board leadership and register today at safdn.org/board-governance-101!

11/24/2025

Don't miss out! 🌟

Keep the momentum from the NEPA Learning Conference going with our next Strategic CaseMaking™ workshop, “Unlocking Leverage Points for Systems Change,” on Thursday, December 4, 2025.

Discover how small, strategic actions can lead to significant changes in complex systems. Using tools from systems mapping and Strategic CaseMaking™, you’ll uncover where power lies, identify barriers, and target the leverage points that drive lasting change.

🟠 Workshop is free to attend, but space is limited, and registration is required! ----> https://scranton.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list/event?event_date_id=8558

11/12/2025

Start 2026 strong! 🌟

Keep the momentum from the NEPA Learning Conference going with our next workshop, "Listening Differently to Build a Strong Case for Action," with Thecasemade on Thursday, November 13, 2025.

Go beyond surface-level listening to uncover the aspirations, values, and stories that truly drive community action. Learn diagnostic listening—a key skill for leaders who want to craft messages that resonate, inspire, and mobilize change.

🟠 Workshop is free to attend, but space is limited and registration is required!

Register here! ----> https://scranton.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list/event?event_date_id=8557

08/20/2025

There's still time to join the final session of our Facing Forward series on Wednesday, August 27 at noon! 🌟

Dr. Christine Kiesinger will join us to discuss how to use your voice strategically and confidently to advocate for yourself and others with impact.

Learn more and register for the full series here! ----> https://tinyurl.com/3t3w6fc2

💡Facing Forward was created to help guide frontline and middle management workers seeking support and clarity during challenging times.

08/15/2025

Nominations are open for the 2025 Nonprofit EXCELlence Awards! 🌟

Presented at this year’s NEPA Learning Conference, these peer-led awards honor outstanding organizations, projects, and individuals who are Building Connections, Strengthening Community, and Leading with Purpose.

Award Categories:

• Nonprofit of the Year
• Collaborative Project of the Year
• Rising Star Award

NOMINATION DEADLINE: September 5

🔗 Register for the conference today: whova.com/portal/registration/nepal_202412/
🔗 Nominate Now! ----> nepalearningconference.com/awards