The NOWC Insider Webinar Series regularly features content experts who provide technical training and resources on a range of topics, assisting Watershed Councils in sharing information and applying best practices for nonprofit management. These webinars are offered as a NOWC member benefit, and were identified in 2021 by member councils as a priority resource.
December 14th, 2021: Governance of Nonprofit Organizations, featuring Dyana Mason, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Director of the Master’s in Nonprofit Management at the University of Oregon.
Abstract: This webinar focuses on governance principles, decision-making in organizations, and Board-Staff relationships in decision-making and governance.
NOWC Governance of Nonprofit Organizations slide deck
March 2nd, 2022: Financial Policies and Best Practices, a panel presentation, featuring:
- Tom Birch, CPA, Director of account.ability. Tom contracts as an accountant/bookkeeper for NOWC and for several watershed councils
- Bruce Follansbee, Coquille Watershed Association Board Member, Resource Advisor
- Tara Langston, Director of Financial Operations for the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council and the Deschutes River Conservancy
April 26, 2022: Life Cycles of Watershed Councils, featuring Jon A. Souder, Ph.D., Forest Watershed Extension Specialist, Oregon State University.
Abstract: Like salmon, watershed councils have life cycles with various stages requiring different “habitats” to be successful. This talk identifies the characteristics of each stage and highlights the behaviors and types of people most attracted to each stage. This linkage of life stage and behavior allows for organizations to build staff and Boards appropriately.
NOWC Life Cycles of Watershed Councils Slide Deck
May 25, 2022: Program and Grant Updates from ODA and ODFW, featuring Chandra Ferrari, ODFW Habitat Division Deputy Administrator & Program Manager and Dr. Michael Badzmierowski, ODA Soil Health Specialist.
Abstract: Each speaker discussed infusions of federal funding, emerging RFPs and how watershed councils might best participate. They are also received feedback about how their agencies might best engage with watershed councils in the future.
October 11, 2022: Partnership Opportunity to Leverage Capacity and Resources, featuring Dave Lowe, Program and Education Director from SOLVE.
Abstract: Dave (re)introduced SOLVE to watershed councils and shared how we can partner with them to help organize, promote, and amplify volunteer and outreach events.
October 27, 2022: Insurance for Watershed Councils, featuring Judy Charles, Account Executive and Certified Insurance Counselor, Assured Partners.
Insurance for Non-Profits
Great American Insurance Resources
Insurance Certificate Requirements
Non-Profit Claim Examples
Best Practices — Financial Controls
Driver Evaluation Guidelines
Paid Leave Oregon Information:
* Overview
* Employer Guidebook
* Model Notice
* Contributions Fact Sheet
* Benefits Fact Sheet
November 16, 2022: Grant Management 101 for OWEB’s Open Solicitation Grant Program , featuring Sue Greer, OWEB Region 6 Program Representative
Abstract: This presentation was aimed towards new(ish) Coordinators/Directors, but seasoned veterans could probably pick up some useful tips as well. Sue’s presentation includes basics on how to manage your OWEB Open Solicitation Grants from start to finish, including understanding grant agreements, how to submit payment requests and specific requirements related to first and final fund requests, reporting (progress/completion/Post-Implementation Status Reports), and communication with your OWEB project manager before things go awry including time extensions, SOW modifications and grant amendments.
December 7, 2022: Nonprofit Leadership Transitions & the Role of an Interim Executive Director, featuring Nick Hardigg, Nonprofit Transition Consultant.
Nick Hardigg’s career spans 20 years as a nonprofit and public agency executive, including 15 years as Executive Director, most recently for Portland Audubon. (LinkedIn page). His work focuses on consulting to boards and executive directors through leadership transitions and strategic planning. He has served as Executive Director for three organizations (Returning Veterans Project, Columbia Slough Watershed Council, and Coalition of Oregon Land Trusts), and served as Director of Finance and Operations for The Nature Conservancy in Oregon. Nick has an MBA with a focus on nonprofit management from the Yale School of Management. He serves as an advisor to Columbia Slough Watershed Council, as well as PDX People of Color Outdoors (POCO), African Youth & Community Organization (AYCO), and Thimbleberry Collaborative Farm.
Abstract: Executive Directors often have exceedingly broad roles, carrying much of the institutional relationships, knowledge, and responsibilities of the nonprofits they serve. Not surprisingly, given the responsibilities and resource shortages they face, ED positions also tend to have a high turnover rate, with an average tenure of 5 years. Leadership change is not a matter of “whether” but when. Given that likelihood, how do we prepare our organizations? How do we recruit a new Executive Director, and what is the value of hiring an interim Executive Director? Within the limits of the program, nonprofit transition consultant Nick Hardigg will share some information, resources, and experiences, and invite questions for discussion.
January 26th, 2023: Putting the “Fun” in Fundraising, featuring Heather King, Executive Director, the Columbia Slough Watershed Council
Abstract: Running an organization, educating the public about your mission, and raising the necessary funds to keep it going can be a daunting task. Join us to learn some basic development tools as we review a case study of 187 Miles of Wonder, a unique fundraising event created, planned, and executed in 8 weeks, all in the middle of a pandemic. We will wrap up by discussing and sharing creative ideas on how to bring new sources of funding into our organizations!
Fun in Fundraising slide deck_King
April 6th, 2023: Update on the Private Forest Accords, featuring Andy Spyrka, Private Forest Accord Coordinator, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Abstract: There have been quite a few changes to the Private Forest Accord. Andy shared historical context and updates about the program, with information about eligibility and how/when to apply.