Thursdays Sept 11, 18, 25 | 3:30-5:30pm

Many people serving on nonprofit boards bring a passion for the organization’s mission but have little experience serving on an organization’s governing body. This 3-part training program will provide information and tools for building a high-functioning board.

The workshops will cover:

Roles and responsibilities of the board
Tips for high-functioning boards
Board and staff roles
Board agreements and job descriptions
Organizational assessment
Board culture
Developing an annual calendar and work plan
Committee structure
Board recruitment, orientation, and onboarding
Building a culture of philanthropy and fundraising

We strongly recommend that 3-4 Executive Committee members attend the training together, as there will be time within each session for your committee to work on needs specific to your organization. Executive Directors of the organization are also encouraged to participate. We will provide templates, worksheets, and resources to improve the capacity of your board.

This training is sponsored by UW–Madison Extension Dane County and Mission Forward. The cost of the training is subsidized. Individual registration is $100 for 3 sessions. Organizational registration is $250/organization. Organizations can send 3-4 people, and will receive a pro-bono consulting session, if requested. Scholarship pricing is available.

This 3-part training program will be facilitated and taught by Jeff Burkhart (Mission Forward) and Sharon Lezberg (Dane County Extension). Both Jeff and Sharon have extensive experience working in nonprofit organizations, serving on boards, and consulting with nonprofit organizations.

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.

You may request an interpreter, materials in an alternative language or format, or other services to make this event more accessible, by contacting Sharon Lezberg at 608-224-3719 or email sharon.lezberg@wisc.edu by August 25, 2025. There’s no added cost to you for these services.