Building a Multigenerational Volunteer Recruitment Plan
Build recruitment strategies that connect with today’s diverse volunteer workforce.
This session will explore how to design and implement a targeted recruitment plan that effectively engages diverse populations by understanding a multigenerational volunteer workforce.
Participants will gain practical insights into how varying generational values, motivations, and communication preferences influence volunteer engagement. The training will highlight how to tailor messaging, outreach channels, and recruitment tactics to resonate with each audience, ensuring a more inclusive and impactful recruitment strategy.
Learning Objectives
Identify key characteristics, values, and motivations that influence volunteer engagement across different generations.
Develop targeted recruitment strategies that align messaging and outreach with diverse generational audiences.
Evaluate communication channels and engagement tactics that are most effective for recruiting volunteers from various age groups.
Create a more inclusive and intentional volunteer recruitment plan that strengthens engagement and long-term participation.
Apply practical tools and techniques to expand volunteer pipelines and connect with underrepresented or emerging volunteer groups.
Meet Your Trainer: Gerald Winkel, Certified in Volunteer Administration, is the Regional Volunteer Recruitment Manager of the Southern California Region of the American Red cross. He manages a highly successful team of volunteer recruiters in the American Red Cross who manage over 12,000 volunteers. Before transitioning to the humanitarian sector, Gerald built a successful 20-year career in the telecommunications and publishing industries, working in both Germany and the United States.
Communication Beyond Invisible Barriers
Building Empathy. Strengthening Trust. Creating Human Connection.
What we don’t know about someone can shape how we communicate with them. Our experiences, assumptions, perspectives, and communication habits can create invisible barriers that affect trust and connection in the workplace. This interactive session helps participants become more intentional communicators by strengthening curiosity, empathetic listening, and self-awareness. Through reflection, real-world scenarios, and practice, participants will learn how to navigate assumptions and difficult conversations while building stronger, more human connections with colleagues.
Learning Objectives:
Recognize how assumptions, unseen experiences, and personal perspectives can influence workplace communication and relationships.
Apply active listening and empathetic communication strategies to strengthen trust, understanding, and psychological safety.
Navigate difficult conversations with greater curiosity and respect while maintaining productive working relationships.
Time Mastery for Impact: Practical Strategies
Master your time, maximize your impact—because every minute counts in the mission-driven world!
In the fast-paced world of nonprofits, managing time effectively is essential to achieving your mission. This interactive training will provide practical tools and techniques to help you prioritize tasks, eliminate distractions, and create a balanced workflow. Learn how to enhance productivity, reduce stress, and focus on what truly matters—making a greater impact in your organization and community.
Learning Objectives:
Identify common time management challenges and learn strategies to overcome them.
Apply prioritization techniques, such as the Eisenhower Matrix and time blocking, to increase efficiency.
Develop personalized action plans to manage workload effectively while maintaining work-life balance.
Who Should Attend:
This training is ideal for nonprofit professionals, program managers, volunteer coordinators, and leaders who want to improve their time management skills to increase productivity and effectiveness in their roles.
Meet your Trainer: Belle Henderson
My career began at Wells Fargo & Company, where I discovered my passion for developing and inspiring leaders. Most recently, I served as Learning & Development Manager, Professional Development, at Eide Bailly LLP. I believe learning is a lifelong journey for all of us. I am a dedicated volunteer supporting Mission Viejo Animal Services and Legacy Rising Now. Through this work, I have gained a deeper appreciation for the complexity and importance of serving the community. I am also the proud adopter of my cat, Zoe.
Setting Goals That Drive Results
Align your vision with action set goals that inspire, focus, and deliver results.
Effective goal setting is a cornerstone of nonprofit success. Whether you're launching a new program, managing a team, or planning for growth, clear and strategic goals help align efforts, measure progress, and stay mission-focused. This hands-on workshop guides nonprofit professionals through a goal-setting process tailored to the unique dynamics of mission-driven work. Participants will learn how to set meaningful, measurable goals and break them into actionable steps that build momentum and accountability.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
Use the SMART framework to set clear, actionable goals aligned with their mission and strategic priorities.
Break down long-term objectives into manageable short-term actions with measurable milestones.
Create a personalized action plan that includes timelines, accountability structures, and success indicators.
Meet the Funder - Cotality
Opportunities: Discover how your nonprofit can align with their mission for a greater chance of funding success.
Meet the trainer: Kendra Angier
Chief Human Resources Officer, Cotality
Kendra Angier is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Cotality, where she leads the full spectrum of human capital strategy—including talent management, organizational culture, leadership development, change enablement, and inclusion. As a trusted advisor to senior leadership, Kendra drives transformative people strategies that fuel innovation, performance, and growth across the enterprise.
With over two decades of global HR leadership, Kendra has held key roles at Viant Technology, Ingram Micro, PepsiCo, and Anderson Consulting. Her experience spans industries and geographies, guiding high-performing teams to attract, develop, and retain top talent while fostering inclusive, purpose-driven cultures. She is known for scaling HR operations, building organizational capability, and championing initiatives that unlock individual and team potential.
Kendra holds an MBA from the University of San Francisco and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. She resides in Southern California and is passionate about shaping the future of work through people-first leadership.
Supervisor Essentials Certificate
Stepping into a supervisor role means more than taking on new responsibilities it requires a new set of skills for leading people, managing performance, and navigating the day-to-day challenges of a team. This five-session certificate course is designed for new and emerging supervisors who want practical tools to lead with greater confidence and effectiveness. Participants will strengthen their communication and coaching skills, learn how to navigate difficult conversations, build stronger teams, and manage competing priorities while continuing to grow as leaders.
The program includes five in-person sessions, each held from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and all five sessions are included in the certificate price.
Session 1: Making the Transition: From Individual Contributor to Supervisor 11/9/2026 - Facilitated by: Cherry Kushner
Moving into supervision requires a shift from focusing primarily on your own work to supporting the success of others. This session explores the changing role of the supervisor, how to establish credibility and expectations, and the foundational skills needed to step confidently into leadership.
Session 2: Communicating Like a Leader 11/16/2026 - Facilitated by: Ronetta Johnson
Effective supervision starts with effective communication. Participants will explore practical strategies for communicating clearly, listening actively, adapting to different communication styles, and creating an environment where employees feel informed, heard, and supported.
Session 3: Supervising Performance & Having Difficult Conversations 11/23/2026 - Facilitated by Kesha Thomas-Clark
Managing performance means addressing both what is going well and what needs to change. This session gives supervisors practical tools for setting expectations, providing meaningful feedback, coaching employees, addressing performance concerns, and approaching difficult conversations with clarity and confidence.
Session 4: Leading High-Performing Teams 11/30/2026 - Facilitated by Ed Hart
Strong supervisors don't just manage individuals they create the conditions for their entire team to succeed. Participants will explore strategies for delegation, employee engagement, motivation, development, and building a team culture rooted in trust, accountability, and shared success.
Session 5: Managing Change, Priorities & Yourself 12/7/2026 - Facilitated by Chris Ruoff
Supervisors are often balancing the needs of their team, organizational priorities, and their own workload while navigating change. This final session focuses on managing competing priorities, leading through change and uncertainty, making effective decisions, and developing the habits needed to continue growing as a leader.
The Courage to Lead: Practical Skills for Nonprofit Managers
Leadership isn't about having all the answers, it's about having the courage to take action, navigate uncertainty, and inspire others to do the same. In today's nonprofit environment, managers are often called upon to make difficult decisions, lead through change, speak up, and empower their teams, even when the path forward isn't clear.
In this interactive session, participants will explore the role of courage in effective leadership and learn practical strategies for building a workplace culture where leaders and team members feel confident taking initiative, addressing challenges, and working toward a shared purpose. Participants will leave with an action plan to strengthen courageous leadership in their own role and across their organization.
Learning Objectives:
Describe the types and importance of Leader and follower courage.
Describe the importance of the leader-follower common purpose for courage.
Identify strategies to cultivate an organizational culture toward courage.
Create an action plan to advance leader-follower courage for themselves or their organization.
Meet Your Trainer:
Douglas Yost is the Chief Executive Officer of Florence Crittenton of Orange County and a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 20 years of experience serving children, young adults, and families.
As a leader in the human services field, Douglas is committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality care to people facing significant challenges. His work is grounded in the belief that strong relationships and supportive communities help individuals heal, grow, and thrive. He is especially passionate about partnering with the next generation as they overcome adversity and build healthier, more promising futures.
Douglas earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Growth and Development and a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Hope International University. He is currently a doctoral candidate in Organizational Leadership at Indiana Wesleyan University, where his dissertation research examines the factors that influence leadership and followership courage within organizations.
Drawing on his experience as a therapist, executive, and organizational leadership scholar, Douglas brings a distinctly human-centered perspective to leadership. His approach integrates transformational and servant leadership practices, emphasizing collaboration, courage, and the empowerment of team members to create meaningful organizational and community impact.
Staying Data Compliant While Using AI
Use AI confidently without putting your organization’s sensitive data at risk.
AI can help nonprofit professionals work faster and smarter, but it also raises important questions about privacy, security, and responsible data use. This practical session explores how to use AI tools while protecting the sensitive information nonprofits manage every day, including client and case information, youth records, donor data, employee information, and other confidential data. Participants will learn practical guardrails for making smarter decisions about what information should and should not be shared with AI tools.
Trainer: Dailin Hu, Founder & CEO, SafeLab AI Engineering.
Learning Objectives:
Identify common data privacy and security risks associated with using AI tools in nonprofit work.
Determine what types of organizational, client, donor, employee, and youth data should not be entered into public AI tools.
Apply practical guardrails and responsible-use practices to help their organization use AI while protecting sensitive information.
Grant Writing Readiness
Is your small nonprofit ready to apply for grants?
In this session, you'll learn the three most common reasons new organizations aren't grant-ready, and walk through practical, doable steps to close those gaps before you ever open a grant application. This training pairs directly with Grant Writing Readiness. Think of it as the readiness check that comes first.
You’ll leave with:
A framework for developing a case for support
A simple model for collecting program outcomes and impact data
A strategy for diversifying your funding
Led by Laura Gale, EdD, LCSW, founder of Common Cause Grants & Consulting, who has secured over $8M in funded grants for small nonprofits.
Meet Your Trainer:
Laura Gale, EdD, LCSW, is the founder of Common Cause Grants & Consulting. She brings over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, combining a career in clinical social work practice, executive nonprofit leadership, and higher education. Her work spans mental health, social services, and graduate-level teaching in grant writing, program development, clinical practice, and social policy.
Laura started Common Cause to bring everything she’s learned, from the front lines of direct service to the boardrooms of nonprofit leadership, to support small nonprofits. Having led teams, built programs, and taught future nonprofit leaders, she understands how complex and demanding this work can be.
Laura holds a Doctorate of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California and is a practicing Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Long Beach, California.
Be Red Cross Ready: Disaster Preparedness for Earthquakes & Home Fires
This Emergency Preparedness Training Series is presented by OneOC in partnership with the American Red Cross and made possible through funding from the Edison International Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness Grant.
Disasters can happen at any time, often with little warning. Join certified American Red Cross presenters for this interactive preparedness training designed to help you understand local hazards, prepare your household, and respond confidently during an emergency.
In this session, participants will also learn about two of Orange County's most common local hazards, earthquakes and home fires, and gain practical tips to help protect themselves, their families, and their communities. Join us to learn about each hazard and the challenges to expect.
By the end of the training, you'll know how to keep your household safe during each hazard and what to do to prepare your loved ones to face earthquake- and home fire-related challenges
Volunteer Management Certificate Course (Virtual)
Strong Volunteer Programs Start Here.
Build a stronger, more effective volunteer program with the tools and strategies needed to engage, support, and retain volunteers. This six-session course covers the full volunteer lifecycle, from planning and outreach to onboarding, supervision, and evaluation, helping you create meaningful experiences that drive impact.
Session 1: Establishing the Framework - October 13th - Chris Ruoff
Explore the evolving role of volunteerism in today’s civic landscape while learning to apply a volunteer-centered approach to engagement. Participants will identify key elements of effective volunteer programs and gain insight into the barriers and motivators that shape volunteer involvement.
Session 2: Planning for Volunteer Engagement - October 21st - Jeff Liu
Take a strategic approach to integrating volunteers into your organization by mapping the full engagement process. This session will guide you through assessing your current practices, evaluating risk, and identifying the resources and support needed to build a strong, sustainable volunteer program.
Session 3: Opportunities & Outreach - October 28th - Kesha Thomas-Clark
Strengthen your recruitment approach by aligning volunteer opportunities with today’s trends and expectations. This session will guide you in crafting compelling roles, identifying the right audiences, and creating a targeted outreach strategy to bring the right volunteers through your doors.
Session 4: Intake & Onboarding - November 4th - Erin Nielsen
Create a seamless onboarding experience that sets volunteers up for success from day one. This session will guide you through screening and placement strategies, and help you design meaningful orientation and training that equips both volunteers and staff to thrive.
Session 5: Supervision & Support - November 10th - Kesha Thomas-Clark
Learn how to effectively support and supervise volunteers to ensure they feel valued and set up for success. Participants will explore strategies for managing performance, addressing challenges, and implementing meaningful recognition and appreciation practices.
Session 6: Evaluation - November 18th - Cherry Kushner
Strengthen your volunteer program by learning how to assess impact and continuously improve. This session will guide you through evaluation strategies, distinguish between program and stakeholder evaluation, and introduce practical tools to gather feedback and enhance results for volunteers and your organization.
Planning & Pitfalls of Events
Create unforgettable experiences that elevate your mission and maximize support.
Trainer: Jordan Barrera, Director of Communications & Development, Higher Ground Youth & Family Services
A successful large-scale fundraising event is more than a gala or auction—it’s a strategic opportunity to build community, raise visibility, and generate meaningful revenue. This course is designed for nonprofit professionals planning major events who want to ensure their efforts translate into lasting impact. From goal-setting and audience engagement to logistics, sponsorships, and post-event follow-up, participants will learn how to plan, promote, and execute events that exceed expectations and deepen donor connections.
Learning Objectives:
Design a strategic event plan that aligns with organizational goals, audience needs, and fundraising targets.
Engage sponsors, partners, and attendees through compelling messaging, storytelling, and outreach strategies.
Manage event logistics and post-event follow-up to create lasting impressions and drive continued support.
Nonprofit Management Certificate Course
OneOC’s Nonprofit Management Certificate is a 6-module comprehensive in-person training program designed to prepare you with the practical knowledge and skills needed to support the sustainability of a nonprofit organization.
In this certificate program, you will explore the key concepts of nonprofit management—including leadership, fundraising, board development, financial management, program development, operations, project management, marketing, and organizational strategy. Facilitated by seasoned nonprofit Senior Directors and Executives with decades of hands-on experience, this certificate equips you with the tools for a successful career in the sector.
The program includes six in-person sessions, each held from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and all six sessions are included in the certificate price.
Succeeding in Nonprofit Management 10/8/2026 - Tim Strauch
Leading a nonprofit requires a wide variety of skills. This course serves as an introduction to a career in nonprofit management and covers the fundamentals and general best practices for running a nonprofit organization. You will learn about the common challenges nonprofit leaders face as well as the major areas of responsibility for a career in nonprofit management.
Organizational Strategy & Planning 10/15/2026 - Robert Coleman
Understand the major areas of responsibility for nonprofit leaders including organizational strategy, leading staff & volunteers, managing budgets, fundraising, program development, board governance and more. A nonprofit’s strategy is a critical factor of whether it will be successful. Although nonprofits are not concerned with maximizing shareholder value, establishing effective organizational strategies is the key to a nonprofit’s ability to effectively deliver on its mission. A Nonprofit’s strategies determine how they will execute their programs and services in order to achieve the overall vision of the organization. Establishing your strategy will help your nonprofit achieve its goals and take steps towards meaningful impact.
Financial Management in Nonprofits 10/22/2026 - Annamarie Licina
Fundraising is one of, if not the most important activities in a nonprofit organization. In order to finance programs and services, fundraising is an essential component of how nonprofits remain financially sustainable. In this comprehensive training, you will learn about the fundraising pyramid, learn the elements of an effective fundraising strategy, and gain the essential knowledge and skills you will need as you engage in fundraising in a career in nonprofit leadership.
Fundraising 101 10/29/2026 - Keegan Bell
Effectively leading volunteers is an essential skill for any nonprofit leader. In this session, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of how volunteers are involved in the nonprofit sector, as well as how to exercise leadership best practices to keep volunteers excited, engaged and retained. You will learn about the different types of volunteer roles in a nonprofit organization with specific attention given to the role of board members and the relationship between the board and nonprofit leadership.
Leading Volunteer Groups 11/5/2026 - Chris Ruoff
The finances of an organization can be mystifying and inaccessible to nonprofit professionals who have not had an opportunity to obtain an orientation to the fundamentals of finance. In this course you will learn to understand basic financial terms and definitions, understand how to analyze financial statements, build budgets, as well as understand true program costs. This training will help understand the finances of your organization and prepare you for a future role in nonprofit management.
Program Development & Management 11/12/2026 - Tiffany Mitchell
In nonprofits, our programs are the heart of the organizations’ vision and mission, which drive our passion and priorities. In order to be successful, program directors and managers need the time and skills to identify the peaks and valleys of a program’s cycle. This course is essential for those new to the nonprofit sector, newly appointed directors or managers, and those looking to revitalize their program’s goals and purpose as it relates to the mission.
New Supervisor Skills
Are you new to a supervisory role and looking for guidance on leading effectively?
“New to Supervising: The Do's and Don’ts” is a training program designed to equip first-time supervisors with the essential skills and best practices they need to succeed. Leading a team for the first time can be challenging, but this course will help you navigate common pitfalls and set you up for success by focusing on the do’s and don’ts of effective supervision. Join us to build confidence in your role and learn how to inspire and manage your team while fostering a positive, productive work environment.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the key responsibilities of a supervisor and how to balance leadership with managing day-to-day tasks.
Learn effective communication techniques to establish clear expectations, provide feedback, and resolve conflicts.
Explore common supervisory pitfalls and how to avoid them to build trust and accountability within your team.
Gain practical strategies for motivating and developing your team members to drive performance and engagement.
Meet the Trainer: Kesha Thomas Clark
Kesha Thomas Clark is a learning and development professional with a rich background spanning social services, corporate insurance, and talent development. Kesha has worked with organizations such as UCLA’s Office of Undergraduate Admission and OneOC to facilitate leadership workshops to executive staff and senior managers. Driven by a desire to help people, Kesha is interested in partnering with teams to create impactful strategies and learning experiences that support professional growth, employee engagement, and organizational success.
Legal Compliance for California Nonprofits: IRS, FTB, Attorney General & Governance Best Practices
Stay in Good Standing: Your Guide to Annual Legal Compliance for California Nonprofits
This session, led by attorneys from the Public Law Center, will provide nonprofit professionals, board members, and advisors with a comprehensive overview of annual legal compliance obligations for California charitable organizations. The session will walk participants through the key reporting, filing, and renewal requirements with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), California Attorney General’s Registry of Charitable Trusts, and the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB), including Form 990 filings, RRF-1 registration renewal, state tax-exemption compliance, and corporate obligations under California nonprofit law.
In addition to reviewing statutory and regulatory requirements, the course will highlight common compliance pitfalls, penalty risks, and strategies to maintain good standing across agencies. Participants will leave with actionable tools, timelines, and checklists to support annual compliance and strengthen organizational health and transparency.
Who Should Attend:
Executive Directors, board members, finance staff, pro bono attorneys, and anyone working with or advising charitable nonprofit organizations in California.
Meet Your Trainers:
Brigid Joyce has been practicing law for twenty-two years. She joined Public Law Center as the Supervising Attorney of the Small Business and Nonprofit Project (“SBNP”) and Associate General Counsel in 2023. Ms. Joyce previously worked in the areas of environmental law and general civil litigation (including the areas of employment, business and transactional law). She also served as an Adjunct Professor at Whittier Law School from 2012 through 2015, teaching three courses in legal writing.
Shara Darden is a Staff Attorney at Public Law Center. She works with new, emerging, and established small businesses and nonprofits serving low-income and under-resourced communities, providing guidance on legal formation, structure, and ongoing compliance issues.
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Video Storytelling on a Budget
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the best in the industry and take your organization's brand impact to the next level.
Throughout the course, participants will learn the importance of video marketing for nonprofits, and how a well-told story can significantly increase brand awareness and impact.
Learning Objectives:
Learn how to use good filmmaking techniques as a powerful tool for raising awareness, inspiring engagement, and attracting donors to your cause.
Understand the fundamentals of storytelling in video marketing and how it can become the cornerstone of your nonprofit's branding strategy.
Discover how to identify and articulate the key messages that define your nonprofit's mission, creating videos that connect with your audience on a deeper level.
Explore real-world examples and case studies to learn how to produce impactful, documentary-style videos that amplify your nonprofit's voice.
Learn how to harness the emotional power of storytelling to create meaningful connections with your audience and turn viewers into long-term supporters.
Who Should Attend:
Marketing and Communications Staff: Individuals responsible for promoting the nonprofit's message and increasing visibility.
Development and Fundraising Professionals: Those aiming to engage donors and supporters through compelling storytelling.
Program Managers and Coordinators: Staff looking to showcase program successes and impact via video content.
Executive Directors and Senior Leaders: Decision-makers interested in integrating video strategies into organizational branding.
Social Media Managers: Professionals focused on enhancing online engagement and reach through video platforms.
Volunteer Coordinators: Individuals aiming to recruit and retain volunteers by highlighting impactful stories.
Meet Your Trainer: Michael Bauch
Hands-Only CPR: Learn Life-Saving Skills
This Emergency Preparedness Training Series is presented by OneOC in partnership with the American Red Cross and made possible through funding from the Edison International Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness Grant.
In a cardiac emergency, immediate action can make the difference between life and death. This interactive Hands-Only CPR training, led by trained and certified American Red Cross volunteers, teaches participants the essential skills needed to respond confidently to a sudden cardiac arrest.
During this session, participants will learn how to recognize the signs of cardiac arrest, assess responsiveness, call 911, and perform continuous chest compressions until professional help arrives. Through demonstrations and hands-on practice, attendees will gain practical experience and confidence in responding to a life-threatening emergency.
This course is designed to increase community preparedness and empower more people to take action when every second counts. Please note that this is an awareness and skills-building course and does not provide CPR certification.
Supported by: Edison International
Meet the Funder- Farmers & Merchants Bank
What is “Meet the Funder”?
Tiffany Roberts, First Vice President, FMB Foundation Director, Farmers & Merchants Bank
Meet the Funder is a unique opportunity for nonprofit leaders to connect directly with major funders, gain valuable insights into their giving priorities, and explore potential partnerships. Join us to hear firsthand about their philanthropic initiatives, community impact goals, and how your organization can align with their vision to build meaningful support for your mission.
Why Attend?
Insights: Gain insider knowledge about funding priorities and the application process for Framers & Merchants Bank.
Engagement: Ask questions and connect directly with decision-makers.
Opportunities: Discover how your nonprofit can align with their mission for a greater chance of funding success.
Learn more about Farmers & Merchants Foundation HERE
Social Media Strategy for Small Teams
Create a sustainable social media strategy that maximizes impact without overwhelming your team.
Managing social media with limited staff and resources can feel overwhelming, but a focused strategy can help organizations build engagement and visibility more effectively. This session will explore practical approaches for creating and managing social media content with small teams, including planning, content creation, audience engagement, and platform prioritization. Participants will learn how to develop realistic strategies that support organizational goals while maintaining consistency and avoiding burnout.
Learning Objectives:
Develop a practical and sustainable social media strategy for a small team
Learn how to prioritize platforms, plan content, and increase audience engagement
Explore time-saving tools and strategies to create consistent, mission-driven communications
Meet Your Trainer: Julian Castaneda
Maximizing Your Board’s Role in Fundraising
Empower your board to become confident ambassadors and active partners in fundraising success.
Board engagement plays a critical role in building a strong culture of philanthropy and long-term organizational sustainability. This session explores the board’s role in fundraising and how nonprofit leaders can better engage board members in meaningful, mission-driven ways. Participants will learn strategies to clarify expectations, leverage individual strengths, and build board confidence around fundraising, relationship-building, and community engagement.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the board’s role and responsibilities in nonprofit fundraising
Learn strategies to increase board engagement and participation in fundraising efforts
Explore ways to align board members’ strengths, networks, and interests with fundraising activities
Build approaches to strengthen board confidence in donor and community conversations
Develop strategies to create a stronger culture of philanthropy across the organization
Meet Your Trainer: Tim Strauch is the President & CEO of OneOC in Orange County, California, where he has leveraged his strategic leadership to support over 950 organizations. With more than 30 years in nonprofit leadership, Tim has guided individuals and organizations to achieve their highest potential and amplify community impact. He serves on the California Volunteers Commission and collaborates with national committees through Points of Light. A key figure in the Service Enterprise program, Tim has helped over 150 organizations nationwide enhance their volunteer engagement. Previously, he held various leadership roles at the YMCA, including Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer. Tim’s expertise spans leadership development, operations, board and volunteer advancement, fundraising, and strategic planning. He holds a master’s degree in athletic administration from Florida State University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California.
Ethical Storytelling: Sharing Impact with Integrity
Nikki Dutra, Senior Director of Brand Strategy & Marketing, Orangewood Foundation
Tell powerful stories that inspire action while honoring the dignity and experiences of those you serve.
Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools nonprofits use to build awareness, inspire supporters, and communicate impact. However, organizations must balance compelling storytelling with ethical responsibility and respect for the individuals and communities they serve. This session explores how to craft authentic, mission-driven stories that build trust, protect dignity, and avoid harmful or exploitative narratives. Participants will learn practical strategies for gathering, sharing, and amplifying stories in ways that align with organizational values and strengthen community relationships.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the principles and importance of ethical storytelling in nonprofit communications
Learn strategies for sharing impactful stories while protecting dignity, privacy, and trust
Explore approaches to creating authentic, community-centered narratives that align with organizational values
Meet The Trainer: Nikki Dutra is a strategic marketing and communications leader with more than 20 years of experience helping mission-driven organizations build trust, inspire action, and deepen community engagement through authentic storytelling. As Senior Director of Brand Strategy and Marketing, she leads integrated marketing, communications, and fundraising initiatives that have generated millions in philanthropic support while strengthening brand visibility and stakeholder relationships. Nikki is passionate about ethical storytelling that honors the dignity, agency, and lived experiences of those whose stories are shared. She enjoys helping nonprofit professionals use storytelling to build meaningful connections, advance their mission, and create lasting impact.
The Art of Public Speaking: Communicate with Confidence and Impact
Build confidence, engage audiences, and deliver your message with impact.
Daniel Allen, Specialist, Talent, Tarsus
Whether you're presenting to a board, speaking at a community event, leading a meeting, or making a fundraising ask, strong public speaking skills are essential for inspiring action and building credibility. This interactive workshop will help participants develop the confidence and techniques needed to communicate effectively in front of any audience. Participants will learn how to organize their message, engage listeners, manage nervousness, and deliver presentations with greater clarity and impact. Through practical tips and hands-on exercises, attendees will leave with tools they can immediately apply to presentations, meetings, and everyday professional communication.
Learning Objectives
Structure and deliver presentations with greater clarity and purpose by organizing key messages in a way that engages and informs audiences.
Apply techniques to manage public speaking anxiety and build confidence before and during presentations.
Use verbal and nonverbal communication skills effectively to increase audience engagement, credibility, and overall presentation impact.
Understanding Your Nonprofit Budget
Gain the financial knowledge to make informed decisions and strengthen your organization’s sustainability.
Understanding your organization’s budget is essential for effective planning, decision-making, and long-term sustainability. This session will break down the fundamentals of nonprofit budgeting in a practical and approachable way, helping participants better understand revenue, expenses, financial reporting, and budgeting processes. Whether you are new to nonprofit finance or looking to strengthen your financial confidence, this training will provide tools to better interpret and manage organizational budgets.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the key components of a nonprofit budget
Learn how to interpret common financial reports and budget documents
Explore strategies for aligning budgets with organizational priorities and goals
Identify common budgeting challenges and approaches to managing them
Strengthen financial confidence to support planning and decision-making within your organization
Meet Your Trainer: Annamarie Licinia, an Enrolled Agent with a background in Tax Preparation, Small Business Accounting, and Financial Planning. She holds a BS in Business Administration with emphases in Management and International Business and a minor in Leadership and Organization Studies from Chapman University. Annamarie is a proud Big Sister through the Big Sister Big Brothers program and enjoys volunteering, especially when teaching Financial Literacy to the youth. She is happy to have joined the OneOC team in 2020 where her love for helping others in accounting and in supporting non-profits combine.
Cybersecurity Fundamentals: Protecting Data, People & Trust
Protecting Your Mission
Cyber threats are becoming increasingly common, and nonprofits are not immune. This practical training session will help organizations strengthen cybersecurity practices to better protect donor information, financial records, staff accounts, and sensitive community data. Participants will learn how to recognize common cyber risks and implement essential safeguards to reduce vulnerabilities and improve organizational resilience.
In Partnership with techHeights
Learning Objectives:
Identify common cybersecurity threats facing nonprofit organizations, including phishing, ransomware, and data breaches.
Learn best practices for protecting sensitive organizational and donor information.
Understand key cybersecurity strategies such as employee training, secure access controls, backups, and incident response planning.
Starting a Nonprofit: Is It Right for You?
Did you know there are over 10,000 nonprofits in Orange County?
But only about 3,000 are active due to their filing with the IRS. Every year, passionate people are sparked with ideas to address the needs of their community, and often times, their answer to the problem is, “I’ll start a nonprofit!” But is it right for you? An even better question, is it right for your community? Join this virtual seminar via Zoom to learn the basics of what you should know before starting down the 501c3 path.
Learning Objectives:
What is a nonprofit/ Public Benefit, and what are the pro’s and con’s?
What are other options to consider? Like Fiscal Sponsorship.
Legal steps to forming a 501c3: timeframe and paperwork.
The need for a business plan. How do you plan on sustaining your NPO?
What is your mission and why does the community need it? Is anyone else doing it? What are the resources already out there that would help fund it.
Meet Your Trainer:
Robert Coleman- Born and raised in England, Robert Coleman brings over 30 years of executive leadership experience in the nonprofit sector. With a background in electronics, he furthered his education with a postgraduate diploma in management studies and an MBA. Throughout his career, Robert has served as CEO for organizations focused on youth homelessness, reentry programs, drug and alcohol treatment, and health & wellness initiatives.
Currently, Robert oversees 50 fiscal projects, the Nonprofit Learning Center, and membership services at OneOC. His expertise in strategic leadership, program development, and organizational growth makes him a valuable facilitator, dedicated to empowering nonprofit professionals with the tools and knowledge to drive meaningful impact.
Preparedness Essentials and Disaster Kit Assembly Workshop
Seats are officially filled for this session!
This Emergency Preparedness Training Series is presented by OneOC in partnership with the American Red Cross and made possible through funding from the Edison International Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness Grant.
Supported by: Edison International
Being prepared starts with having the right supplies on hand before an emergency occurs. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the essential components of household preparedness, including emergency preparedness kits, household plans, and registration for emergency alerts. All three are important for a prepared household!
Guided by an American Red Cross preparedness expert, participants will assemble their own starter emergency kit to take home, providing a practical first step toward household readiness. The workshop will also cover how to customize and expand the kit over time based on individual needs, family size, pets, and local hazards. By the end of the session, participants will leave with both a completed starter kit and the knowledge needed to continue building their preparedness for future emergencies.
Grant Writing in the Age of AI Certificate Course
This hybrid workshop is designed to help students develop award-winning grant proposals in an interactive style.
This workshop explores how Artificial Intelligence can enhance grant writing, including where it helps most and where to proceed with caution. You'll learn the key components of a strong grant proposal, including budgets and narratives, and how to tailor them for success. We'll cover how to identify aligned funders and position your request to support their goals. Participants will receive feedback on real examples from their organization, and when possible, hear directly from a foundation representative on how funding decisions are made.
Q – Everyone has AI. Do they really need a course on grant writing?
Scott – AI is very good at some aspects of grant writing, but it misses a couple of very important things.
Q – Such as?
Scott – First, AI often misses the strategy behind a proposal. It can write words, but it doesn't always know which points deserve the most emphasis and which details to minimize. In the course, we focus on identifying and communicating those key points that win support.
Second, the class emphasizes something AI can't easily teach: how to think like a funder.
We talk a lot about funders: What are they Like? What do they Know? What are they looking for? What are red flags in a proposal? Once you understand that mindset, your writing changes dramatically—and it becomes much more persuasive.
Q – Does AI change the way you teach the course?
Scott – Absolutely. AI allows us to spend less time worrying about grammar, sentence structure, and basic wording. I have a couple of great prompts I use to get AI to phrase things in a way that is most appealing to family and corporate foundations.
Because AI can assist with the mechanics of writing, we can spend more time on strategy.
Q – You mention family and corporate foundations. Is that the focus of the class?
Scott – Yes. The course is specifically designed for organizations seeking support from family and corporate foundations. Government grants are a very different process, so they aren't a major focus.
Q – Do You use AI in your grant writing?
Scott – I do. My current view of AI is that of a collaborator, a writing partner. I craft the strategy and a draft. I work “with” AI and hammer it out. We go back and forth until I think we have the best and most persuasive proposal.
Q – What is the structure of the class?
Scott – There are five sessions. #1 and #5 are in-person and 2-3-4 are via Zoom.
We cover all aspects of the proposal. At the conclusion of the class, students have a sort of template they can use for all the online proposals they submit.
One of the most valuable parts of the course is the weekly homework assignment. Students submit their work, and we review examples together during class. I provide feedback live and then follow up with written comments afterward. I invite students to comment on each other’s proposals.
There's another benefit that's easy to overlook: most nonprofit professionals never get to see grant proposals from other organizations. In this class, you'll see a dozen or more real examples. You'll learn what works, what doesn't, and you'll discover ideas and phrases you can adapt for your own proposals. I’m all for stealing ideas!
Q – It sounds like you’re enjoying this.
Scott – I really love teaching this class. It's rewarding to help nonprofits tell their stories more clearly and watch their proposals come to life. Over the years, I've had many conversations with funders, and one thing I've heard repeatedly is that a surprising number of proposals are confusing. Most funders say at least 30% of the proposals are confusing. Many say 50% and one even said 90%!
My big win is getting the proposals from my students to be in the basket of proposals funders DO understand. I’m helping nonprofits. I’m helping people explain their programs better. I’m even helping funders in receiving more comprehensible proposals. All of that is super fun!
Q – Anything else?
Scott - Almost forgot to mention that each student gets access to Foundation Search for one month. You can’t buy access for a single month. You can only purchase a year or more at a time. The cost? $3-5000 per year. You’ll love using it.
Course Dates:
July 29, 2026 - In Person
August 5, 2026 - Virtual
August 12, 2026 - Virtual
August 19, 2026 - Virtual
August 26, 2026 - In Person
Meet the Instructor:
Scott Evans has been a freelance grant writer since 2005 and is the former Director of Development for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. Scott has written proposals for many types of non-profits including education, research, human services, youth development, workforce development, and the arts. He also serves as the Administrator for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Orange County chapter and is a Past-President of the organization. His measurement of the success of the course is dependent on the students’ writing improvement and their better understanding of the audience, that is reading their proposals and making decisions. With that, students will create clear overtures that accurately portray their organizations’ good work.
Train the Trainer: Empowering Effective Instruction for Lasting Impact
Elevate your training skills with our course, this course provides new trainers and participants in training with essential techniques to deliver engaging and impactful training sessions.
Learn to present information clearly, lead interactive activities that reinforce learning, and navigate challenging training scenarios with confidence.Equip yourself with the tools to inspire and support your learners, ensuring their success and fostering a culture of continuous development.
Learning Objectives:
Learn the fundamentals of effective training, including methods to engage participants and enhance their learning experience.
Identify and accommodate various learning styles and preferences to create an inclusive training environment.
Who Should Attend:
New Trainers – Individuals who are new to delivering training or educational sessions within a nonprofit setting.
Program Coordinators or Managers – Staff responsible for onboarding, educating, or leading volunteers or clients.
Volunteer Leaders – Volunteers who facilitate workshops, lead orientations, or train other volunteers.
Supervisors or Team Leads – Those who need to provide training as part of their role but lack formal instructional experience.
Subject Matter Experts – Individuals who are knowledgeable in their field but need to build confidence and skills in presenting or facilitating learning.
Peer Educators or Ambassadors – Nonprofit professionals or volunteers tasked with sharing knowledge or training in community settings.
Meet Your Trainer: Cassie Nguyen is a Program Team Coordinator at Johnson & Johnson MedTech with a strong background in designing and delivering impactful, in-person training programs within highly regulated environments, including pharmaceutical and medical device industries. She has built her career at the intersection of training and quality, leading GMP new hire orientation programs and developing compliance-driven learning experiences that support both regulatory requirements and business performance. Cassie has also designed and facilitated Train-the-Trainer Level 1 and 2 programs, equipping facilitators with the skills to confidently deliver engaging, learner-centered sessions using a variety of instructional methods. Her expertise is grounded in adult learning theory, instructional design, and training compliance, supported by credentials including the Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD), ATD Adult Learning and Instructional Design certificates, and DDI Facilitator Certification. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Instructional Design and Technology at the University of San Diego, further strengthening her ability to create meaningful, effective learning experiences that drive performance and continuous development.
Employee Engagement: Building a Culture of Care
Employee engagement is no longer a "nice-to-have" - it is an organizational imperative. Every employee has a story about why they stay - or why they leave - and there is evidence to support that managers strongly influence their overall experience and commitment. This workshop will introduce managers to a dynamic framework of care and highlight how consistent, intentional acts lead to engagement and a shift in organizational culture. Through discussion, hands-on practice, and engaging activities, participants will explore strategies to increase employee impact and retention.
Learning Objectives: by the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Understand the CARE model of employee engagement.
Assess engagement with their team and identify opportunities to build connection, collaboration, and commitment.
Create an action plan to begin to move the needle on engagement, including next steps and measuring success.
Meet Your Trainer: Kesha Thomas Clark
Kesha is a learning and development professional who works to leverage her background in business, training, and social work to drive employee engagement and career development. Kesha has worked with organizations such as UCLA’s Office of Undergraduate Admission and OneOC to facilitate leadership workshops to executive staff and senior managers. Driven by a desire to help people, Kesha is interested in partnering with teams to create impactful strategies and learning experiences that support professional growth and organizational success.
Measuring What Matters: Using Data to Tell Your Impact Story
Start the (fiscal) year off right with metrics!
With the end of the fiscal year approaching for many organizations, many non-profits will be scrambling to finalize their year-end metrics for their fundraising appeals and promotional pieces. Join with professional evaluator Paul Bonfanti of Bonfanti Consulting to discuss innovative ways to get more out of your year-end metrics. Are you measuring the most important things your organization does? Are you speaking to your outcome and impact, or just counting services? Are you using your metrics to inform decision-making throughout the year to address issues and improve your work? We'll discuss designing and choosing metrics, creating and using dashboards, instituting structures to track and use data during the year, and much more. Any organization that is looking to institute more data-informed decision-making will benefit from this session.
Learning Objectives:
Learn how to choose and track the right metrics so your organization can clearly show results and impact, not just activities, in year-end appeals and reports.
Understand how to use data throughout the year to spot issues, make better decisions, and improve programs and fundraising efforts.
Meet Your Trainer: Paul Bonfanti is the founder and lead consultant of Bonfanti Consulting, LLC, partnering with nonprofits to deepen their impact through evaluation, strategic planning, and organizational development. With nearly 30 years of experience, Paul combines academic rigor with real-world nonprofit practice, focusing on practical, actionable strategies that organizations can actually implement. He has supported nonprofits across a wide range of issue areas, taught in Villanova University’s Master of Public Administration program, and brings a particular passion for helping small nonprofits turn their size and flexibility into a strength.
Mega Mixer
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Table Sponsors
New Supervisor Skills
Are you new to a supervisory role and looking for guidance on how to lead effectively?
“New to Supervising: The Do's and Don’ts” is a training designed to equip first-time supervisors with the essential skills and best practices needed to succeed. Leading a team for the first time can be challenging, but this course will help you navigate common pitfalls and set you up for success by focusing on the do’s and don’ts of effective supervision. Join us to gain confidence in your role and learn how to inspire and manage your team while fostering a positive and productive work environment.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the key responsibilities of a supervisor and how to balance leadership with managing day-to-day tasks.
Learn effective communication techniques to establish clear expectations, provide feedback, and resolve conflicts.
Explore common supervisory pitfalls and how to avoid them to build trust and accountability within your team.
Gain practical strategies for motivating and developing your team members to drive performance and engagement.
Meet the Trainer: Steven Tran
AI Governance: Why Your Non-Profit Can't Afford to Wait
Navigating AI Safely: Governance Strategies for Nonprofit Organizations
AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot are already changing how organizations work, but without clear policies and safeguards, nonprofits face serious risks related to data security, reputation, and compliance. This session will explore how nonprofits can use AI responsibly while protecting sensitive information, maintaining donor trust, and preparing for a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Learning Objectives:
In Partnership with techHeights
Identify key AI-related risks facing nonprofit organizations, including data privacy and reputational concerns.
Understand the fundamentals of AI governance and responsible AI use in the workplace.
Learn practical strategies to create policies, staff guidelines, and safeguards for safe AI adoption.
Strengthening Your Professional Brand on LinkedIn
Turn your LinkedIn presence into a professional asset.
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for building visibility, credibility, and connections, but only when used intentionally. This training breaks down how to optimize your LinkedIn profile and activity to better reflect your expertise, attract the right opportunities, and strengthen professional relationships. Participants will leave with clear, actionable steps to improve their presence and use LinkedIn more effectively and confidently.
Learning Objectives:
Optimize key sections of your LinkedIn profile to clearly communicate your experience, skills, and professional value.
Use practical LinkedIn strategies to increase visibility, strengthen connections, and engage more effectively on the platform.
Meet The Trainer:
Jessica Joy Reveles
Change Management: Frameworks, Tools, and Best Practices for Leading Successful Change
In today's dynamic workplace, change is an inevitable force that can shape an organization's future.
Mastering the art of change management is not just beneficial, it's essential. This transformative course empowers you with the skills and mindset necessary to lead your team through the complexities of change, whether it’s a minor adjustment or a major overhaul. You’ll explore the foundational principles of Organizational Change Management and acquire practical strategies to implement successful transitions while minimizing disruptions. Learn how to harness the power of change to drive growth, enhance performance, and foster a resilient organizational culture. Join us to become an effective change agent and guide your organization to thrive amidst change!
Learning Objectives:
Understand the responsibilities and influence of change agents in facilitating successful organizational change.
Grasp the stages of the change cycle and apply effective strategies to accelerate progress through each phase of the process.
Utilize the steps of successful change management to create a tailored action plan that addresses the unique needs of your program or organization.
Analyze how changes affect people, processes, and performance, and learn to implement strategies that optimize outcomes.
Identify potential challenges during the change process and discover simple yet effective strategies to prevent costly mistakes.
MEET YOUR TRAINER:
Barry Ross is Executive Director, Justice Partnerships for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, where he oversees the Sisters of St. Joseph Healthcare Foundation and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange Fund. Prior to taking on this role in June 2022, he served Providence St. Joseph Health for 35 years, including leading community benefit programs for their hospitals in Orange and San Bernardino counties. He currently serves as a Vice Chair/Commissioner for the Buena Park Homeless Navigation Center Commission, a Board member for Providence Humboldt County and for St. John of God Continuum of Care Communities and as an Executive Coach for Executive Coaches of Orange County. He has served on many non-profit boards in leadership capacities. He obtained his BSN, MPH, and MBA degrees from Columbia University.