Founded in FoCo 2025: Full Schedule

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10:00am MDT

Creating stock for successful grant writing SEATS AVAILABLE

Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT

competing for grant funding is highly competitive. You can set your organization up for success by developing quality stock. In this case, stock is a supply of writing and documents accumulated for future use. When seeking support from family foundations, corporations, and government grantors, nonprofit organizations can greatly increase their capacity to respond to funding opportunities by building up their stock.

Easy-to-use stock is boilerplate language for frequently-posed questions, a cover letter, a program budget and additional required attachments. For nonprofit organizations that are new to grant writing, the Colorado Common Grant Application (CCGA) is the optimal starting point. Ashley Kasprzak will refer to the CCGA and share what funders expect when evaluating requests for support. She will help you and your organization become better prepared to respond to grant opportunities.

Speakers

Ashley Kasprzak

Partner for Purpose, Ashley Kasprzak Consulting, LLC

Ashley Kasprzak believes that creative people make our community more interesting and unified. Artists are as valuable to community as business leaders, professionals and service workers. They can benefit from residency programs and to often do not apply. Ashley wants to artists thrive... Read More →

Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
Lupine 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

NonProfit Track

Subject NonProfit, Mindset, Marketing, Strategy
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10:00am MDT

From Plans to Progress: Unlocking Strategic Planning through Action-Packed “Strategic Doing” SEATS AVAILABLE

Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT

Twinberry Auditorium

Tired of plans that collect dust? This session dives into the art of Strategic Doing—a dynamic, action-oriented approach to strategic planning that moves beyond rigid frameworks. Participants will explore how technology and AI can enhance the planning process by increasing efficiency, streamlining decision-making, and strengthening alignment. Through creative challenges and collaborative exercises, attendees will learn to build agile strategies, leverage AI for data-driven insights, and pivot quickly in response to change. By harnessing tech tools and innovation, participants will leave with practical strategies to involve their teams, sustain momentum, and turn plans into real-world results.

Speakers

Rebecca Toll

Co-Founder + Consultant, Periscope Theory, LLC

Rebecca has dedicated her life and career to spanning boundaries across issues, geography, and sectors. Her portfolio includes business development and revitalization projects, securing funding for capital improvements and programmatic needs, strengthening state and local government... Read More →

Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
Twinberry Auditorium 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

NonProfit Track

Subject Strategy, Growth, Technology, AI, Leadership, NonProfit
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10:00am MDT

Steps to Starting a Nonprofit SEATS AVAILABLE

Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT

Sand Lily

Do you want to form your own nonprofit but don’t know where to start? In this session we will walk through all the steps to file the paperwork to obtain your 501c3 tax-exempt status. Learn how to meet all the requirements for the 1023 application.

Learn the elements of a healthy nonprofit
Clarify your vision and mission
Draft and file the Articles of Incorporation
Determine your Bylaws and establish your Board of Directors

Speakers

Kim Fisher

Nonprofit Strategist, Vision Catalyst

Kim Fisher is the CEO of Vision Catalyst. She specializes in creating and implementing infrastructure for nonprofit start-ups. Kim does everything from completing the IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit application requirements, to board training and development.Kim has over 30 years-experience... Read More →

Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
Sand Lily 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

NonProfit Track

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11:15am MDT

Building Trust to Achieve Big Outcomes SEATS AVAILABLE

Tuesday March 11, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT

Sand Lily

Trust based philanthropy was one positive outcome of the COVID pandemic, where grant makers extended flexibility to nonprofits as we all adapted to challenging circumstances. The trust placed in us during that period allowed us to focus on the big picture, rethink our roles, and make investments in long-term outcomes rather than short-term outputs. The result was more durable solutions, driven by the communities we serve. Why is this not the norm? In this presentation I'll share why it should be and how we can get there.

Speakers

Sebastian Africano

Executive Director, Trees, Water & People

Sebastian has worked for Trees, Water & People for 20 years, including the last seven as executive director. During this last period his primary focus has been creatively improving the viability of nonprofit careers by reducing friction in the nonprofit workplace, from both internal... Read More →

Tuesday March 11, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Sand Lily 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

NonProfit Track

Subject People, Strategy, Growth, Communication Skills, Leadership, NonProfit, Mindset, Creativity
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11:15am MDT

What Makes an Event go from Good to Great? SEATS AVAILABLE

Tuesday March 11, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT

Foxtail 1

Learn from some of NoCo's premier event coordinators how they have built highly effective and profitable events that people are excited to attend. Our panel represents a cross section of widely different but effective events and will be sharing tips and strategies with the audience.

Moderators

Alex Koenigsberg

Fundraising, Philanthropy, Biz Dev, Arula

Alex founded Arula Fundraising in 2019 and grew the company to eight staff before making it an employee-owned company. He co-founded 1+ to help people start and administer philanthropic foundations. Alex also serves as the Business Development Officer for Quorum Prosthetics, the country's... Read More →

Speakers

Susan McKenzie

Fundraising & Development Manager, Life Stories Child & Family Advocacy

Susan McKenzie is a seasoned event planner and fundraising expert with a profound impact on the nonprofit sector. She brings over 15 years of experience in designing and executing large-scale events that elevate brand presence and foster community engagement. Her career has been defined... Read More →

Kaitlin Bjork

Development Director, Respite Care, Inc.

Kaitlin joined the Respite Care team in November of 2021. She oversees all fund development and relationship building activities in the community. She also manages the Development Team and the planning and execution of all fundraising and donor events to support Respite Care’s work... Read More →

Abbi Lockner

Development Manager, Respite Care Inc., Respite Care Inc.

Abbi has been at Respite Care since August of 2017. She works on the development team managing fundraising events and community outreach. She organizes Respite Care's two major fundraisers annually (the Holiday Ball and the Luncheon) and leads community tours, as well as oversees... Read More →

Wally Van Sickle

President/Founder, IDEA WILD

Wally Van Sickle III Wally Van Sickle’s lifelong passion for wildlife conservation, research and travel led him to pursue volunteer conservation work in Kenya, Belize, and Australia in addition to his field work as a mountain lion researcher in the U.S. After experiencing firsthand... Read More →

Tuesday March 11, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Foxtail 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

NonProfit Track

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11:15am MDT

You Don’t Find Fulfillment, You Build It: How to Build a Culture of Fulfillment Where People Thrive SEATS AVAILABLE

Tuesday March 11, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT

Stage

You’re a purpose-driven leader on a mission, charging ahead to achieve your goals. You’ve got drive and momentum. And yet, the rapidly changing landscape of work has left you and your team feeling exhausted and in reaction mode. What you want is to thrive, but how do you get there? Whether you’re leading a small business or a larger team and organization, thriving starts with intentionally investing in a culture of fulfillment. In this session, learn how to lead through the six drivers of fulfillment so you can fulfill goals in ways that also fulfill people. Through evaluation of current practices and creation of a priority goal, you’ll walk out with the model, awareness, and action steps to start building a culture of fulfillment where you support yourself, your team, and your organization to thrive.

Speakers

Andrea Delorey

Founder and CEO, WellVenture Consulting

For more than 30 years as a leader and educator, Andrea has supported individuals’ growth, driven organizations to build positive cultures, and led people to achieve strategic goals, operational excellence, and purposeful impact. Andrea builds cultures of fulfillment by guiding... Read More →

Tuesday March 11, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Stage 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

NonProfit Track

Subject People, Leadership
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1:00pm MDT

From Basics to Best Practices: Strengthening Nonprofit Boards Together SEATS AVAILABLE

Tuesday March 11, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT

Lupine

As an executive director, your leadership is key to fostering a high-performing board that supports your organization’s mission. This session is designed to empower executive directors with the knowledge and tools to build and sustain strong board relationships. We’ll explore topics such as clarifying roles and responsibilities, cultivating trust and collaboration, and enhancing board-CEO partnerships. Through interactive activities and peer discussions, you’ll gain actionable strategies to strengthen governance, build board alignment, and drive long-term success for your nonprofit—all in a supportive and engaging setting.

Speakers

Rebecca Toll

Co-Founder + Consultant, Periscope Theory, LLC

Tuesday March 11, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Lupine 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

NonProfit Track

Subject People, Strategy, Leadership, Networking, NonProfit, Creativity
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1:00pm MDT

What It Takes to Lead Differently: Equity, Justice, and Meeting Community Needs SEATS AVAILABLE

Tuesday March 11, 2025 1:00pm - 2:45pm MDT

Stage

This diverse panel of non-profit leaders will share their experiences around inclusive approaches to more effectively meeting community needs. We will discuss the principles that inform how they make decisions to better serve those who are most often overlooked and underserved by dominant service models and business practices, and the benefits of doing so. By honoring differences in lived experiences within existing systems, we will learn how these non-profit organizations are putting values of equity and justice into practice, and why everyone should do so.

Moderators

Cori Wong

Positive Philosophy Consulting

Dr. Cori Wong (she/her) is a queer, biracial Asian American feminist philosopher and owner of Positive Philosophy Consulting. She’s a passionate speaker, writer, and community-centered educator. Values of liberation, love, creativity, and freedom inform the means and ends for her... Read More →

Speakers

Dexter Beasley

Executive Director, Feeding Our Community Ourselves, Inc. (DBA FoCo Cafe)

Dexter Beasley serves as the Executive Director of FoCo Cafe, a nonprofit restaurant in Fort Collins, Colorado that operates on a pay-what-you-can model. With a background in Human Development and Family Studies from Colorado State University, Dexter brings a unique perspective to... Read More →

Caitlin Wyrick

Executive Director; Assistant Vice President of Branch Banking with Fnbo, Heart and Sol

Caitlin Wyrick was born and raised in Northern Colorado. Her Mother's side of the family has called Northern Colorado home for over 100 years (Indigenous to New Mexico) while her Father immigrated from Mexico in the 1980's as a teenager. Working to create a more welcoming, inclusive... Read More →

Jesus Castro

Programs Director, ISAAC

Jesús is a DACA recipient who came to the US as a child. He has worked with numerous community-based organizations, has special expertise in cultivating adult and youth leadership, and has a passion for advocacy, theater and the arts. Jesús has a curiosity to learn, loves creative... Read More →

India Phoenix

Community Organizer, The BIPOC Alliance

India Phoenix (she/they) is a dynamic community organizer and specialist in Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI). With a deep commitment to creating equitable spaces, they bring a wealth of experience in grassroots organizing, leadership development, and strategic consulting... Read More →

Hannah Norris

Founder and Executive Director, Arboretum Coffee

Hannah Norris (she/her) is the Founder and Executive Director of Arboretum Coffee, a nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to empowering refugee and immigrant communities through dignified, holistic job training, education, and mentorship. With nearly a decade of experience in the... Read More →

Kyle Rogers

Reentry Navigator, Yarrow Collective

As a dedicated member of the Yarrow Collective, Kyle focuses on supporting the re-entry population by providing essential resources, a compassionate listening ear, and a dependable shoulder to lean on. Motivated by his own journey toward freedom—both physical and mental—Kyle is... Read More →

Tuesday March 11, 2025 1:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Stage 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

NonProfit Track

Subject People, NonProfit, DEI
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2:00pm MDT

Nonprofit Lifecycles - Knowing Which Lever to Pull Next SEATS AVAILABLE

Tuesday March 11, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT

Foxtail 2

As a nonprofit leader, you're probably used to putting out fires. Whether inside the business, with your board, or somewhere in the external operating environment, I know your attention is constantly pulled in several directions at once, everything seems urgent, and it's often difficult to prioritize.

Nonprofit Lifecycles is a simple way to assess organizational health by diagnosing where your organization falls across five operational categories. This tool will help you reinforce your strengths, and objectively identify your weaknesses. What you learn will help you decide what's most important to focus on TODAY to improve your organization's performance.

Join Sebastian Africano to lean how his 26 year old nonprofit grew, then collapsed, then turned itself around by reconnecting with its purpose, reframing its priorities, and pulling the right levers to drive the organization into eight years of consecutive growth.

Speakers

Sebastian Africano

Executive Director, Trees, Water & People

Jana Sanchez

Chief Alchemist, Alchemy With Words

Jana Sanchez has been helping companies get results for more than 20 years. With an extensive background in organizational management, marketing, and facilitation, she helps companies get clarity to know where they need to go, and which tools will get them there. She’s an entrepreneur... Read More →

Tuesday March 11, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Foxtail 2 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

NonProfit Track

Subject Growth, Strategy, People, Leadership, Marketing, Mindset, NonProfit
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3:15pm MDT

Nonprofit Lifecycles II - How To Prepare for Strategic Planning SEATS AVAILABLE

Tuesday March 11, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT

Foxtail 2

This is a followup session to Nonprofit Lifecycles - Knowing Which Lever to Pull Next. Attendance at the previous session is not required.

Nonprofit Lifecycles is a simple way to assess organizational health by diagnosing where your organization falls across five operational categories. In this session we'll dive deeper into how the tool can be used and why it should be used prior to starting your strategic planning process. You'll see how to assess where the organization is today and how to build a Competency Improvement Plan to ensure you have the skill sets needed to accomplish your next big goals.

Join Jana Sanchez and Sebastian Africano to learn how and when to implement the Nonprofit Lifecycles framework in your organization and how your results impact your strategic planning process.

Speakers

Jana Sanchez

Chief Alchemist, Alchemy With Words

Sebastian Africano

Executive Director, Trees, Water & People

Tuesday March 11, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Foxtail 2 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

NonProfit Track

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3:15pm MDT

Speed Dating for Cross Sector Collaborations SEATS AVAILABLE

Tuesday March 11, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT

Prairie Sage 1

In this dynamic and interactive session, nonprofits will engage in a "speed-dating" style networking activity designed to spark new partnerships and collaborative projects. Participants will rotate through short, focused conversations with potential partner organizations to quickly identify shared goals, complementary strengths, and opportunities for collaboration. The session will begin with a group discussion on best practices for forming and sustaining partnerships, as well as tips on turning initial connections into successful joint initiatives. Perfect for nonprofits seeking to expand their impact through collaboration!

Speakers

Elizabeth Martin

Connector, Communicator and Creator, Museum of Art l Fort Collins

Supporting Social Sector Leadership in: Creative Solutions l Sustainable Futures l Inspired Leadership I work with leaders in the social sector--arts and culture, foundations, nonprofits, and municipal governments- to create strategies to change, manage transitions and create an... Read More →

Alex Koenigsberg

Fundraising, Philanthropy, Biz Dev, Arula

Tuesday March 11, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Prairie Sage 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

NonProfit Track

Subject People, Growth, Leadership, Networking
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3:15pm MDT

The Non Profit Accounting Difference SEATS AVAILABLE

Tuesday March 11, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT

Lupine

Dive into the distinctive challenges and opportunities in non-profit accounting with Becky Ezzell, a seasoned expert in mission-driven bookkeeping. As the owner of Keep Smart Books and the founder of Keep Smart Books Academy, Becky has dedicated her career to supporting non-profits and businesses with a purpose, through premier accounting services and education. This session offers non-profit professionals actionable insights into navigating the financial landscape unique to their sector, emphasizing the importance of principled bookkeeping in achieving their mission.

Becky’s approach is deeply rooted in her experience with non-profits, understanding their specific needs and the critical role of transparent accounting in fostering long-term relationships and community impact. Attendees will learn strategic financial management practices tailored to non-profits, alongside the benefits of developing a solid accounting foundation to support their organization's goals.

Join us to gain from Becky’s decade-long journey of empowering non-profits through effective financial stewardship, demonstrating her commitment to community service and the success of mission-driven entities. This session is a must-attend for anyone looking to enhance their non-profit's financial practices with expert guidance.

Speakers

Becky Ezzell

Founder & Owner, Keep Smart Books

Becky Ezzell, founder/owner of Keep Smart Books, began her career in the insurance and legal services industries where she gained a thorough understanding of the “bottom line.” Becky followed her dream in 2010 of owning an accounting firm that would truly help people put their... Read More →

Tuesday March 11, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Lupine 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

NonProfit Track

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Founded in FoCo 2025

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