Trainings for Nonprofit Board & Staff
At the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound, we’re proud to be a partner in the professional growth of local nonprofit board and staff members. Our trainings—led by trusted local and national experts—offer practical skills, fresh perspectives, and a chance to connect with peers who share your commitment to the South Sound. Each session is designed to strengthen governance, management, and leadership skills that help nonprofits thrive.
Together, we’re building a stronger, more vibrant sector—and we can’t wait to learn alongside you.
Upcoming Trainings
THURSTON COUNTY
Succession Planning Re-Imagined: Leadership Continuity to Sustain Your Mission
Presented by Interim Executives Academy & hosted by the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound
October 22, 2025 | 2:00 - 6:00 pm PT | SPSCC Lacey Campus
What does "succession planning" mean in your organization? Nonprofit executives and their boards often react nervously, even negatively, to the idea of leadership succession discussions. And according to BoardSource, 73% of nonprofits don't have a written succession plan.
Those organizations face significant risk should they experience a sudden vacancy in a key position. But leadership transitions also provide opportunities for growth if an organization has a culture focused on developing the human capital it needs for the future.
We are pleased to offer this session to help your organization build such a culture. Starting with the belief that an organization's people are its most valuable resource, this session will demonstrate that succession planning is more than just preparing for a vacancy in the executive director's position—it's about creating and sustaining leadership continuity throughout the organization.
Designed for executive directors, senior staff, and board members, this session will help you:
- Understand the components of a strong succession planning framework
- Assess your organization's leadership landscape
- Build a board leadership pipeline
- Champion a culture that values people as your most vital asset
Let's shift the conversation from "What if someone leaves?" to "How do we keep growing?"
Schedule:
- 2:00 - 2:30 pm: Networking
- 2:30 - 6:00 pm: Training
Refreshments will be provided throughout the event.
Questions?
For questions about a specific event or to share any accessibility needs, please contact Heidi Oehler, Engagement & Initiatives Officer at heidi@thecommunityfoundation.com or by phone at 360.705.3340.
The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound is proud to sponsor this training to make it free and accessible to our nonprofit community. Space is limited, so we ask that you register in advance to reserve your spot.
Give Local, and initiative of the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound, is an annual invitation for people across Lewis, Mason, and Thurston counties to turn their attention—and generosity—to the vital work local nonprofits do every day. Get ready for this year's campaign, with our free nonprofit trainings and tools!
Fiscally sponsored projects & nonprofit teams that work in Lewis, Mason, and Thurston counties are invited to participate in Give Local. To learn more about this year's campaign and register your team to participate, be sure to visit spsgives.org.
Maximize Your Impact: Matching Grants
Presented by Mightycause & Community Foundation of South Puget Sound
October 2, 2025 | 10:00 am PT | Zoom (1 hour)
A webinar designed to help your nonprofit leverage matching grants to amplify donations during Give Local. Matching grants are a powerful tool to incentivize giving, engage donors, and stretch every dollar further, but securing and using them effectively requires strategy.
All About Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
Presented by Mightycause & Community Foundation of South Puget Sound
October 9, 2025 | 11:00 am PT | Zoom (1 hour)
A webinar designed to help your nonprofit leverage matching grants to amplify donations during Give Local. Matching grants are a powerful tool to incentivize giving, engage donors, and stretch every dollar further, but securing and using them effectively requires strategy.
Save The Date
The following trainings are currently being scheduled. More information will be added to this page as details are finalized.
MASON COUNTY
Boards In Gear
Presented by Nonprofit Association of Washington in Partnership with Community Foundation of South Puget Sound
November 13, 2025 | 10:30 am PT | Mason County Senior Activities Center