Nonprofit leaders from throughout the region attended eight days of virtual training that covered the breadth of nonprofit management topics, including finance, development, strategic planning, board governance, and more. All 23 attendees completed the coursework and received Nonprofit Management Certificates from Duke’s Office of Continuing Studies. The training sessions were conducted virtually, due to COVID restrictions.
A Community Foundation grant of $30,000 afforded the first 20 students registered with scholarships to offset the $2,250 tuition cost. Awards were paid to affiliated nonprofit organizations after program completion. Organized by former executive director Bob Muller the course was originally scheduled to take place in 2021 but had to be postponed due to COVID-19. The courses were taught by Duke instructors from a variety of disciplines within the nonprofit arena.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive.
“The Duke training was fantastic,” said Peace Garden Project Executive Director Michelle Lewis. “It gave me the opportunity to engage with some managements tools I hadn’t yet tried. It also provided me with some useful tools to get and keep stakeholders engaged.”
Room In The Inn Executive Director Mike Jones said, “Everything about the class, including the instructors, the class content, and the interactions with classmates was top notch.”
“Having worked as a registered nurse and regional safety-net coordinator, I understood the challenges of accessing health care that uninsured, financially-challenged adults faced,” said Lyn Jenkins, Community Care Clinic of Dare. “To be an effective Executive Director of a free/charitable clinic, however, I had to learn how to lead so our organization could make positive, social change. The Duke Nonprofit Management Certificate Program taught me the key leadership skills that I needed to form the vision and culture for the Community Care Clinic of Dare staff, volunteers, and Board of Directors.”
The Community Foundation’s sponsorship of the Duke Training Series is part of ongoing, annual efforts to support and mentor nonprofits through training opportunities. Those interested in receiving more information about upcoming events are encouraged to sign up to receive its nonprofit events newsletter at obcf.org.
The Outer Banks Community Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization that connects people who care with causes that matter. Based in a historic flat top cottage in Southern Shores, the Community Foundation manages $25 million across more than 200 charitable funds for individuals and agencies, awards grants to nonprofits, administers 60 scholarship programs, and provides tailored services to help donors pursue their charitable interests. Since its inception in 1982, the Community Foundation has awarded more than $12 million in grants and scholarships to local nonprofits and students.
