Non-Profit Council

In an effort to partner with and strengthen the non-profit organizations of our community, the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with our newly formed Non-Profit Council, seeks to provide low cost, accessible training and tools on governance, fundraising, donor relations, grant writing and other common concerns of non profits. 

Non-Profit Council Meetings:  Are held at 12pm the first Tuesday of every month in the conference room at the Culpeper County Library.  All non-profits are encouraged and invited to come and participate. 

These basic webinar courses are recommended for those new to the grantseeking process.  All courses are FREE, and will be held in the Conference Room of the Culpeper County Library. Training is limited to 12 spaces, you must pre-register for each class separately, call 825—8691 to sign-up.   Each course is approximately 60 minutes long.

Grantseeking Basics
This course will provide you with an overview of the funding research process for nonprofit organizations seeking grants from private grantmakers. Topics covered include: getting ready to seek funds; the world of grantmakers; research strategies; and, Foundation Center tools and resources.   September 16 – 2 p.m., October 12 at 1 p.m.

Introduction to Fundraising Planning
This course will introduce you to strategies for devising a fundraising plan that best reflects your organization's needs and resources. Topics covered include: assessing your organization's strengths; developing your case for support; formulating fundraising goals; looking at diverse sources of support; and how to begin putting it all together in a plan. September 21 at 1 p.m.

Your Board and Fundraising: An Introductory Class
This course will introduce you to strategies and ideas for actively engaging your nonprofit board in the fundraising process. Topics covered include: the role of your board; tips for fostering interest and engagement in fundraising; and strategies for board recruitment and orientation. September 9 at 2 p.m.

How to Approach a Foundation
This course will offer tips on building relationships with foundations, starting with the initial approach. Topics covered include: how to initiate contact with potential funders; planning calls and other communications; managing site visits; and communicating with funders after a grant decision.  October 26 at 2 p.m.

Proposal Budgeting Basics
This course will teach you the essentials of budget preparation and presentation in a grant proposal. Topics covered include: compiling both expense and income elements; preparing the personnel section; incorporating overhead costs; and the budget narrative. September 30 at 2 p.m.

Proposal Writing Basics
This course will introduce you to the key components of a proposal to a foundation or corporation. Topics covered include: gathering information to help you prepare the proposal; tips for writing and structure; and, communicating with the funder after a decision is made. September 24 at 2 p.m.; October 21 at 3 p.m.

Before You Seek a Grant: A Checklist for New Nonprofits
In this course you will learn to employ a step-by-step checklist approach to assess your new nonprofit's readiness for foundation fundraising. Topics covered include: characteristics of effective nonprofits; putting together the board of directors; and other legal and operational issues involved in starting a nonprofit organization. September 10 at 1:00 p.m.


Guide to Online Grantseeker Resources
This course will introduce you to the wide range of resources available on the Foundation Center's web site and teach you how to navigate the site efficiently. Topics covered include: tapping into the "knowledge base" of information on the Center's web site; tools for finding foundation data; and, sources for foundation news and requests for proposals (RFPs). October 7 at 2 p.m.