2009 Regional Conferences
Risk Management & Finance Essentials for Nonprofit Leaders
June 11–12, 2009 • The Colony Hotel • Kennebunkport, ME
The Center is grateful to the Public Entity Risk Institute for its generous sponsorship of this conference.
I attended the regional conference in Denver last week. Thank you for putting together such an informative day! It was just what I needed to help get our agency going in the right direction in looking at these risk issues.
— Tamra Schmitt, Adoption Alliance, Denver, CO
For the fourth year in a row, the Nonprofit Risk Management Center, Maine Association of Nonprofits and New Hampshire Center for Nonprofits proudly present a conference designed to help nonprofit leaders effectively integrate sound finance and risk management principles into day-to-day operations. At an inspiring, oceanfront location, you’ll learn what steps are needed to achieve a greater measure of accountability and harness practical tools to strengthen your mission. The conference offers a time and place for the sharing of ideas, the opportunity to acquire information for informed decision-making and a welcoming environment for champions of effective financial management in the nonprofit sector. The conference is designed for nonprofit CFOs, finance professionals, CEOs, program managers, board members, department heads and professional advisors serving nonprofit organizations. Veteran nonprofit professionals, as well as new managers, will feel at home at this challenging, information-packed educational event.
This Training Is for You
- executive directors
- chief operating officers
- chief financial officers and treasurers
- fiscal managers
- professional risk managers
- program managers
- board members
- advisors to nonprofits
If you are responsible for finance or risk management or have volunteered as your nonprofit’s treasurer or risk management champion, don’t wait to reserve a place at this upcoming seminar. Click here to enroll today.
Conference Agenda
Day 1
| 8:30–9:00 am | Registration, Breakfast and Ice-Breaker |
| 9:00–10:30 am | Opening SessionRisk Management, Culture and Organizational ChangeMost nonprofit leaders agree that adopting risk management principles and practical approaches is good for the health of their organizations. But like so many good ideas, best practices, and suggested approaches, making something “stick” in your nonprofit organization depends a great deal on culture and organizational change. The opening session for this year’s conference will delve into the culture changes necessary to imbed sound risk management into day to day operations. The speaker will introduce four key components necessary to make your risk management program bullet-proof in the short term, and mission-supporting in the long term: the culture of candor, the culture of foresight, the culture of inclusiveness and the culture of reflection. Speaker: Melanie Lockwood Herman, Executive Director, Nonprofit Risk Management Center |
| 11:00 am–12:30 pm | Employment Risks and Your Nonprofit: Hot Topics for 2009One of the fastest growing categories of lawsuits is in the area of employment practices. The Maine Human Rights Commission handles about 800 new cases each year and many are directed at employers. From harassment to discrimination to wrongful termination, employers have significant risks and often know little about how to legally avoid these accusations and their accompanying costs—not to mention the hassle. Learn what practices you should put in place to avoid this legal minefield. Speaker: Michael Bourque, APR, Vice President, Corporate Marketing and Communications, Maine Employers' Mutual Insurance Company — MEMIC, Portland, ME |
| 12:30–1:30 pm | Lunch |
| 1:30–3:00 pm | Managing Fundraising RisksRaising money for your organization is a noble affair, right? Are there potholes along the path to riches? You bet! This workshop will provide a refresher course on regulatory requirements that govern registration, solicitation language and disclosure in various states as well as fundraising on the Internet. You’ll also learn more about specific challenges that emerge when nonprofits hire professional fund raisers, partner with other organizations to raise funds, and solicit gifts for annual, capital, and endowment campaigns. Speaker: Melanie Lockwood Herman, Executive Director, Nonprofit Risk Management Center |
| 3:15–4:30 pm | Volunteer Risk Management: Your Amazing RaceDuring the final session of Day 1, we’ll work in teams to address challenges that arise in volunteer service. We’ll begin with a set of scenarios drawn from actual client experiences, and each team will collaborative in devising the most effective response. You’ll examine these difficult issues from a variety of perspectives, and in doing so you will be more confident when you return to your nonprofit and encounter similar challenges. Speaker: Michael Gurtler, Safe-Wise Consulting |
Day 2
| 8:30–9:00 am | Registration, Breakfast and Networking |
| 9:00–10:15 am | Financial Risk ManagementDuring the kick-off session for Day 2 of the conference we will explore some of the key topics covered in Financial Risk Management: A Guide for Nonprofit Executives, including: aspirations for financial management, financial management risks, risk management basics applied to the realm of financial management, and fifteen key lessons for nonprofit leaders. Speakers: Melanie Lockwood Herman, Nonprofit Risk Management Center |
| 10:30 am–Noon | Financial Management Assessment ToolDuring the follow-up segment to the morning plenary session we will discuss the use of an online tool for developing a financial management plan for your nonprofit. Conference attendees will have an opportunity to “beta test” a brand-new tool that will help nonprofit leaders assemble a multi-component plan covering various aspects of financial management. Learn how to take your spreadsheets, goal statements and position descriptions and turn them into a plan that is ready for prime time. As part of the discussion we’ll also consider the importance of candid discussions about finance, and considering the options that are present when, after a thoughtful review, the viability of an organization is in question. |
| Noon–1:00 pm | Lunch |
| 1:00–3:30 pm | AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONSSession #1Nonprofit Financial BasicsWhat is the difference between nonprofit and for profit financial reporting? What reports do I need to prepare, and how do I read them once they are done? During this time of financial change and uncertainty, am I reviewing the right financial information on a regular basis? What questions should I be asking and do my financials help me answer those questions? This introduction to the world of nonprofit finance will provide you with some of the tools you need to get meaningful information from your financial management system. There will be time for questions, so feel free to bring your toughest questions and test the wisdom of our presenter and the other participants! During this presentation we will cover:
Speaker: Cathy Ramsdell, CPA, Executive Director, Friends of Casco Bay Session #2Advanced Financial Management — Sustainability in Times of Changing EconomicsPART I: Investing in Capacity Building During Times Of Deficit The afternoon workshop sessions are co-presented along the theme of organizations struggling to maintain their mission activities during times of budget deficits ~ and help them become critically aware of the long-range impact that may be created by their business choices. Speakers: Chris Amann, Retired CFO, Maine Public Broadcasting and former MANP Board President, and Peter Montano, Partner, MacDonald Page & Co. and MANP Board Treasurer |
| 3:30–4:00 pm | Conference Close — Networking Poolside |
About the Faculty
Melanie Lockwood Herman serves as Executive Director of the Nonprofit Risk Management Center, a position she has held since 1996. As the Center’s CEO Melanie has written and co-authored more than 15 books on various risk management topics, and has delivered countless workshops and keynote presentations to nonprofit leaders in the U.S. and abroad. Melanie provides expert help to nonprofit boards and senior staff seeking risk management advice on topics ranging from governance risk to employment practices, financial risk management, protecting vulnerable clients, volunteer risk management and merger/collaboration risks. She also regularly delivers presentations on insurance topics for audiences seeking to better understand their insurance needs and existing insurance policies. In 2007 Melanie was named to the 10th annual NonProfit Times Power & Influence Top 50, a list of "executives and thinkers ... selected for the impact they have now and for the innovative plans they are putting in place to evolve the charitable sector." Melanie graduated from American University and George Mason University School of Law.
Conference Workshops
- Risk Management, Culture and Organizational Change
- Employment Risks and Your Nonprofit: Hot Topics for 2009
- Managing Fundraising Risks
- Volunteer Risk Management: Your Amazing Race
- Financial Risk Management
- Financial Management Assessment Tool
- Nonprofit Financial Basics
- Advanced Financial Management — Sustainability in Times of Changing Economics
Lead Sponsor
Sponsors
Co-Sponsor
Conference Sponsors
Maine Association of Nonprofits — The Maine Association of Nonprofits (MANP) is a statewide membership organization committed to strengthening the capacity of Maine’s nonprofit sector, and its membership currently consists of over 660 nonprofit members and 110 business and individual supporters. Founded in 1994, MANP provides a broad range of management support programs, resources and services for the boards, staff and volunteers of Maine’s nonprofits. These include management training programs, statewide conferences, capacity building programs for nonprofit leaders, assessment tools, legislative alerts, a job board, marketing opportunities, technical assistance and referrals, sector reports, access to affordable healthcare and benefit plans, and a compilation of management resources to assist nonprofit leaders in achieving mission related goals.
New Hampshire Center for Nonprofits — Founded in 1986, the New Hampshire Center for Nonprofits is an association of over 400 member nonprofit organizations who have joined together to strengthen the state's nonprofit sector. The Center works to increase public awareness of how indispensable nonprofits are to NH's well being and is dedicated to strengthening the effectiveness of New Hampshire nonprofits by providing them with the knowledge, resources, and tools necessary to enhance their ability to serve the citizens and communities of New Hampshire. For more information, visit www.nhnonprofits.org.
The Public Entity Risk Institute (PERI) is a tax-exempt nonprofit whose mission is to serve public, private and nonprofit organizations as a dynamic, forward thinking resource for the practical enhancement of risk management. PERI provided generous funding to support the delivery of this conference. For more information on PERI, visit the organization’s Web site.
Conference Location
The Colony Hotel
140 Ocean Avenue
PO 511
Kennebunkport, ME 04046
phone: (800) 552-2363
Lodging
The Colony Hotel is reserving a limited amount of rooms at the highly discounted rate of $145/night for garden side & garden house rooms. Reservations must be made by Monday, May 4, 2009 to ensure the special rate and availability. One night's deposit will be taken with a credit card when making the reservation. Full refund can be made on the credit card if reservations are cancelled at least 3 days prior to arrival. Guests should mention the Maine Association of Nonprofits or Nonprofit Risk Management Center when making the reservation. Call (800) 552-2363 for reservations.
About The Colony Hotel
The Colony Hotel is one of Maine's most outstanding resorts. Spectacularly situated on the rock promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the mouth of the Kennebunk River, we have a heated saltwater swimming pool, private safe surf beach and gorgeous organic gardens. We are within walking distance of the charming village of Kennebunkport. Area attractions include golf, tennis, sea kayaking, nature trails, bicycling, boating, shopping and art galleries.
The Boughton Family has maintained a reputation for excellence throughout 57 years of owning and managing the Boughton Hotel Corporation. Our courteous atmosphere is conducive to work or play. As the first environmentally responsible hotel and U.S. Backyard Wildlife Habitat in the state of Maine, we are committed to providing our guests with a quality experience while maintaining our policy of respect for Nature and our surroundings.
Spectacular ocean views, unequaled natural beauty, cool sea breezes, the sound of the sea, and a sense of history distinguish The Colony Hotel.
- Open mid-May through late October
- Hotel Environmental Action Plan
- Heated Saltwater Outdoor Pool
- Private Sandy Beach and Safe Bathing
- Acclaimed New England Dining featuring Maine Lobster and Local Seafoods
- Poolside Lunches in summer season
- Afternoon Tea 4–5 pm daily
- Room Service — Limited Hours
- Poolside Marine Room Lounge
- Wedding, Banquet and Conference Facilities Available
- Intimate Ballroom
- Hotel Gift Shop featuring Maine-made gifts
- Beautiful Rose, Herb and Flower Gardens
- Verandas Overlooking Gardens and Ocean
- Fresh Flower Bouquets from the Gardens
Directions
- Once you have paid the toll on the Maine Turnpike (I-95) North or South take exit #25, formerly exit #3 for the "Kennebunk's."
- Turn left heading south onto Route 35 — following the signs for "Kennebunkport". Travel 1 1/2 miles to Route 1. At the traffic light, turn left (go approximately 200 feet). Turn right onto Route 35.
- Travel 4 miles toward Kennebunkport. At the light turn left onto Route 9.
- Travel over the bridge and after the Dock Square Monument (White Sign) in the town center, turn right onto Ocean Avenue.
- Travel 1 mile until you see the sign on the left for King's Highway. Take a left up the hill to the main entrance.
Conference Registration Fee
- $195 for the first registration and $170 for each additional registration if your organization is a member of:
- Maine Association of Nonprofits
- New Hampshire Center for Nonprofits
- $295 for the first registration and $270 for each additional registration if your organization is not a member of one of the above organizations
The Conference Registration Fee includes breakfast and lunch on both days. Registrants will also receive a resource guide containing handout materials.
Special Pricing for Small Nonprofits
If your nonprofit’s annual revenues are $500,000 or less, you may register at the special rate for small organizations: $150 for members of the Maine Association of Nonprofits or the New Hampshire Center for Nonprofits, and $250 for non-members.
Refund Policy
Cancellations received in writing by June 1, 2009 will be eligible for a refund, minus a $50 processing fee. No refunds will be given after June 1, 2009, however all registrations are transferable.
Questions?
Call (202) 785-3891 or send an email.