Events

NONPROFIT PARTNER EVENTS

We believe that Shiawassee nonprofits should have access, locally, to experts in nonprofit management, and we bring presenters to our community for free educational programs. If you’d like to participate and are not already a member of our Shiawassee NonProfit Capacity Building program, please email Rachel Osmer at: rachel@cookfamilyfoundation.org or call 989-725-1621.

     

Starting a Michigan Nonprofit Workshop

Are you considering starting a nonprofit organization? This workshop is your comprehensive guide to building a successful and impactful nonprofit. Whether you’re just beginning to explore the idea or are ready to take the next steps, this session will help you navigate the process with confidence. Workshop Highlights
  • Understand the Basics: Learn the essential steps and legal requirements for forming a nonprofit organization.
  • Explore Your Options: Discover alternatives to starting a nonprofit, including 501(c)(3), L3C, and “B” Corporation models.
  • Strategic Planning: Prioritize and plan effectively to ensure a sustainable and mission-driven organization.
  • Eligibility Guidance: Find out if you qualify for the streamlined IRS Form 1023-EZ application process.
Bonus Resources: Participants will receive a comprehensive PDF which includes checklists, sample forms, an overview of articles of incorporation, and additional resources to support your journey. Designed For –  This workshop is ideal for individuals considering or in the early stages of starting a nonprofit organization. By the end of the session, you’ll have the tools, knowledge, and resources to turn your vision into a sustainable nonprofit. Join us to take the first step toward creating meaningful change in your community!

Date: Wednesday, August 6, 2025  Time: From 1:00 pm until 3:30 pm *Location: on Zoom Cost: This is a FREE opportunity facilitated and sponsored by Nonprofit Network.

*Registration is required. If you need any accommodations for accessibility, please describe them in the registration form so that we can ensure the best learning experience for you.

Jackson County DHHS, and Nonprofit Network invite you to attend this FREE online training for community members who support those that may have experienced childhood trauma. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood. ACEs can include violence, abuse, and growing up in a family with mental health or substance use problems. Toxic stress from ACEs can change brain development and affect how the body responds to stress. ACEs are linked to chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance misuse in adulthood. However, ACEs can be prevented. Session Agenda: Thursday, August 21, 2025 from – 1 PM until 4 PM Online (These sessions are not recorded to allow a safe space for sharing)
  • Neuroscience and how Trauma Affects the Brain
  • Epigenetics – History and Trauma
  • Adverse Childhood Experiences
  • Resilience and Positive Childhood Experiences
Preventing ACEs can help children and adults thrive. The science and research show that children who have high ACEs, may face a life of risky health and social behaviors, chronic health conditions and even early death, without intervention. This presentation will educate on ACEs and how each of us can make a difference moving forward and will educate the audience on how ACEs affect our population. This ACEs presentation also includes information on brain development, epigenetics, potential interventions, and how to build resilience in the lives of our children and our communities.
**Please be advised: We would like everyone to be aware that this session will provide education on childhood trauma and doing this also requires that we each think back to our own childhoods.  This may cause stress or trigger some memories and feelings that are difficult.  The presenters will also speak to this at the beginning of the workshop.
REGISTER HERE
Title: Beyond the Board Table: Accountability, Advocacy, and Executive Partnership Date: September 30, 2025  (2 time choices)
AM Option: 9 AM to 11:30 AM (ET US and Canada) in-person or on Zoom (majority registrations decide how it’s presented) PM Option: or 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM on Zoom only DESCRIPTION: Board service doesn’t end with meetings and minutes. Today’s nonprofit boards are being called upon to serve as visible champions, accountable stewards, and powerful partners to their executive directors. This 2-hour interactive workshop will ground board members in the core responsibilities of community representation, offer practical strategies for supporting the executive director without overstepping governance boundaries, and clarify what real accountability looks like—individually and collectively. This session will challenge participants to reflect on how their presence, communication, and decision-making affect the organization’s integrity, public trust, and leadership effectiveness. Designed for both new and seasoned board members, the workshop draws on principles of justice, equity, and inclusive governance to elevate board culture and performance.  Required Pre-Work:  Board 101 (Foundations of Board Governance) is a pre-requisite to this workshop (provided for free). This on-demand video is granted during a completed registration and can be taken on your time, anytime prior to this workshop in our Online Learning Center. (No need to take the access form) Designed For –  This workshop is ideal for all Executive Directors, Board Chairs and any Board Members
    Register Here for the AM Session                              Register Here for the PM Session   
Missing your registration email and Zoom links?  Log into your profile! You can review your email history to see a copy of every email sent to you.
Cancellations must be made 48 hours prior to the meeting if you are unable to attend.  These workshops are offered at no-cost and “No-Shows” may affect the ability of organizations to participate in future events.
If you need assistance with a cancellation, a change in your registration or access assistance please email Tracey@NonprofNetwork.org or call our office at 517-796-4750 ext.1

Upcoming Partner Events with Nonprofit Network

Getting the months started off right! These Peer Support events will be highly supportive and interactive opportunities to share lessons learned. These events will help you be responsive to current issues, staffing, or whatever else you want to discuss. Come prepared to share what you know and as always, we will find time to breathe, laugh, cry – or whatever may be necessary.

  • Register for the October 4 event Here
  • Register for the December 9 event Here

August 12th – Nonprofit Network ED Retreat with Cook Partners

Event: ED Retreat with Cook Partners Date:  Tues. August 12, 2025 Time:  9:30 AM Arrival Location: Earthwell Retreat Center: 18580 Grass Lake Rd, Manchester MI 48158

Register Here

If you have any other questions please email Tracey@Nonprofnetwork.org or call 517-796-4750 x1 or reach to Rachel.
**Please note**

If you are a member of our NonProfit Capacity Building Program and would like to see a workshop brought to our area, we would consider supporting this effort IF you collaborate with at least two other nonprofits on your chosen topic for Nonprofit Network (or another facilitator) to present, AND IF each participating organization can commit to bring at least five members of their organization (Board Members, Staff, Volunteers, etc.) to the workshop.

Feel free to contact Rachel Osmer (989.725.1621) or the professionals at Nonprofit Network (517-796-4750) for more information on any session topic, or to determine if collaborating to coordinate a future session would be right for you and your organization.

For more information on workshops, our other learning opportunities and to learn more about the NonProfit Capacity Building program click here: Capacity Building Participation.

SCHOLARSHIP-RELATED EVENTS

Through the Shiawassee Advantage, the Cook Family Foundation offers at least a $3,000 scholarship to all Shiawassee area students who are admitted to University of Michigan–any one of their three campuses.  (Clickhere for full details regarding our scholarship work.) We encourage the best and brightest high school graduates from the greater Shiawassee County region to pursue an education at a premier university, including the world class University of Michigan.  If you are a Shiawassee area senior (or rising senior) and are interested in the University of Michigan (any of their campuses) please read more about our scholarship programs https://www.cookfamilyfoundation.org/scholarships/ and look at the FAQs and testimonials.  Most importantly, fill out an application for our scholarship.  This will make it possible for us to give you the most help.  For Michigan residents, UM may be your most affordable option and is certainly a great value.  

In addition to helping students receive scholarships and the maximum amount of financial aid, the Foundation is committed to providing top students advice and help throughout their high school years on up through and beyond the application process (and through the Shiawassee Scholars program, which is expertly run by the Shiawassee Regional Education Services District’s, Kelsee Gewirtz.)   To that end we try to round up expert information and share with students and parents. See below for our upcoming scholarship-related events and how to participate.