READY Nonprofits is a learning track offered by READY Appalachia, the Appalachian Regional Commission’s new community capacity-building initiative offering free training and flexible funding to Appalachian nonprofits, community foundations, local governments, and Local Development Districts.
Formerly the Appalachian Nonprofit Resource Center (ANRC), READY Nonprofits builds off ANRC’s well-established curriculum to help nonprofit executives and board members increase their own capacity, strengthen their organizations, and better serve their communities.
The Fall 2022 term of 10-week instruction begins the week of September 12 for 75 nonprofits based in the Appalachian Region. The cohort-based learning will include skill development and grant opportunities to increase their capacity to solve pressing issues and create positive economic change.
Nonprofit organizations in Appalachia are encouraged to use the READY Nonprofits Resource Center to access highly curated content to enhance their skills in six topic areas:
- Board Development
- Financial Management
- Fundraising
- Human Capital: Recruitment & Retention
- Marketing Communications
- Programs & Operations
READY Nonprofits offers free online access to curated resources for nonprofit organizations navigating beyond the COVID-19 crisis. Registered users also receive a Free GrantStation Membership. Additional resources can be found on the Appalachian Regional Commission website.
Nonprofit Resources
- Nonprofit Board Responsibilities
- Board Member Job Description
- Board Self-Evaluation Mechanisms
- Committee Structure & Responsibilities
Financial Management Resources
- Talking Finance
- Financial Policies & Tools
- Cash Flow Management
- Decision Framework
- Balance Sheet Approach
- Financial Leadership
- Philanthropic Trends
- Measuring Fundraising Effectiveness
- Virtual Fundraising
- Fundraising Techniques and ROI
- Development Plans
- The Board’s Role in Fundraising
- Staff Recruitment and Retention
- Remote Work Options
- Performance Evaluation
- Salary Policies
- Professional Development
- Volunteer Recruitment, Engagement, and Recognition
Marketing Communications Resources
- Market Research
- Advertising & Promotions
- Public Relations & Advocacy
- Branding
- Social and Digital Media
- Crisis Communications
Programs & Operations Resources
- Scenario, Paradigm, & Strategic Planning
- Program Evaluation
- Operations Refresh
- Strategic Alliances & Mergers
- Mission Alignment & Values
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Below are recent examples of resources for the above topics.
Nine Ways Nonprofits Can Increase Community . . .
Description: Being engaged and relevant is even more critical, especially to get your message heard. In a recent article on givingcompass.org, nine members of the Forbes Nonprofit Council recommended ways to better engage with your. . .
10 Ways to Onboard New Employees
Description: In this Forbes Nonprofit Council article, other nonprofit organizations share ideas about the ten keys for onboarding your new employees. The quicker they get up to speed, the faster they can contribute to your. . .
Audit standards, going concern, nonprofit audit . . .
Description: This is a thought-provoking article driven by the heightened awareness of the current racial justice climate. A nonprofit’s commitment to equality and inclusion can be seen in its financial priorities. This piece cites. . .
“Find Me the Money” Webinar
Description: This webinar is the third hosted as part of the ARNC Alumni Professional Development Series. Set as a conversational format facilitated by ARC’s Bettina Jones, two experts – Tracey Rowan from the Economic Development . . .
How Nonprofits Can Incorporate Equity into Their . . .
Description: This piece, and the accompanying Conversation Starter, are designed to help nonprofits better understand how they can evaluate objectively their efforts to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion. Bridgespan has created. . .
Board Self Evaluation Survey
Description: This piece provides an alternate approach to a Nonprofit Board Self-Evaluation Survey that can be administered either in person, via email, or online.
