Center for Excellence in Nonprofits

Target demographics: Bay Area Nonprofita

Geographic areas served: Santa Clara County, San Mateo County, San Francisco, and the surrounding Bay Area

Programs: CEN Leaders Institute - A high-impact professional development opportunity for a select group of nonprofit leaders. Program content includes executive coaching, networking, and discussions with authentic leaders. CEN LeadersLink - One-hour interactive teleconferences with prominent experts business, academia and the nonprofit sector. Governance Initiatives - Speakers, roundtables and best practice exchanges on governance-related topics. Nonprofit Excecutive Roundtables - Structured and facilitated networking and shared learning opportunities for executive directors. Annual CEN Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership Award - Launched in 2001 to honor executive directors who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in their nonprofit organizations and community with a $25,000 honorarium. Best Practice Exchanges - Best Practice Exchanges are partial day events that examine successfule leadership and organizational development strategies. These events are interactive and focus on the practical use of these strategies. Workshops - CEN offers interactive workshops on selected topics of interest to our members. CEN Publications - In two major books we have captured members' best practices with wisdom on important topics: 1) "Wired for Good: Strategic Technology Planning for Nonprofits"; and, 2) "For the Good of the Cause: Board-Building Lessons from Highly Effective Nonprofits" Harvard "Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management" Scholarships - Through a CEN endowment, each year we offer scholarships for members to attend this program - an intensive 6-day residential experience that offers nonprofit leaders the oportunity to step back from the day-to-day pressures of the workplace to examine their missions and rethink their approaches to carrying them out. Harvard Alumni Learning Group- Following the completion of Harvard's program, we convene graduates regularly to continue their learning through review and discussion of books and case studies on critical nonprofit leadership topics. Mission and Money Simulation - Using the elements of a board game, "Mission and Money" demonstrates the linkages between the operation of a nonprofit organization and its finances. Participants gain insight into their program mix and current challenges. Library and Conference Room - CEN has an impressive library of nonprofit leadership titles and a centrally-located conference room, both available to members and nonprofit colleagues. CEN..E-Connection - Our bi-weekley e-newsletter is the best way to keep up with CEN's programs and services. Filled with information on special offers and resources, the e-newsletter also helps CEN members get the word out by announcing their events or offers. A special section features "leadership learnings" from our programs and our affiliate members. Executive Coaching - CEN can provide profession coaching resources to assist EDs and senior staff members in becoming more effective in achieveing their organizational and personal/professional goals and objectives.