The first webinar of 2010 will examine methods for evaluating and addressing governance risks. The program will examine a wide range of topics including the composition of the board and best practices for empowering the board to discharge its legal responsibilities.

During February we will continue our review of governing structures by using the risk management process to evaluate the roles and responsibilities of the finance committee and audit committee.

During the March webinar we will explore the role of ethics and conflicts of interest policies to strengthen the foundation of a nonprofit. What role do these policies serve and how should leaders go about developing practical policies that set the right tone for the nonprofit?

Effective budgeting and forecasting are vital components of sound risk management. This webinar will offer a risk management approach to budgeting and forecasting, highlighting practical strategies to position both activities as assets to the overall risk management program.

The need to look into the future and how to approach that process will be explored in the May program in the Center’s 2010 series of webinars. The program will examine long-term financial planning and investment strategies from a risk management perspective.

Nonprofit executives need practical advice to develop practical, defensible document destruction and retention policies. No leader wants to retain more than is necessary, but we all fear destroying something that might be needed to defend our organization. This webinar will explore the process for developing a practical and custom documents destruction and retention policy. The policy of another nonprofit may not work… don’t risk it by “borrowing” a policy ill-suited to your nonprofit.

A nonprofit’s mission requires a solid foundation on which to deliver services. Many nonprofits are at risk of not realizing their missions because the underlying structure of the organization isn’t as solid as it needs to be. Or perhaps the sound policies of the nonprofit aren’t being followed to a “t.” This webinar will offer strategies for examining the risks you face that stem from things outsiders can’t see. Learn how to diagnose risks and shore up the foundation of your nonprofit.

A nonprofit’s reputation is a vital asset on which it depends. Yet that asset is at risk everyday and many leaders feel powerless to evaluate the degree to which reputation is at risk and respond capably when the “brand” is tarnished. Sources of brand risk include every stakeholder group near and dear to the heart of the nonprofit: volunteers, staff, donors, client/members, and more. This webinar will explore the process for managing reputation and offer practical tips on protecting the name and mission of your nonprofit safe.

Nonprofit leaders who seek to integrate risk management into their operations often look far and wide for “best practices.” Yet the fundamental activities of volunteer, staff and client orientation, in-service training are important components of your risk management strategy. Attend this webinar to explore the role of effective education in an overall risk management program.

Fundraising and resource development are vital components of every nonprofit’s operations and some leaders report that fundraising takes more time than ever. Risk may be the reason for this phenomenon. A growing array of risks arise when a nonprofit seeks support from individual and institutional donors, and the complexity of laws regulating fundraising activities frustrates even the most seasoned leader. This webinar will explore the risks associated with asking for and accepting the support your nonprofit needs to deliver its mission. The presenter will offer practice strategies for managing the risks you know about as well as those that are coming around the bend.

The nonprofit sector’s reliance on the Internet and modern technology has grown beyond anything most leaders imagined was possible. In many cases modern technology has enabled small and midsized nonprofits to reach unreachable audiences with mission-related messages. But it’s a dangerous world out there! Attend this webinar to find out what you don’t know about cyberspace that could hurt your nonprofit and impair or disrupt your mission. Explore practical steps for risk identification and the design of effective strategies for managing the risks of your online presence.

The story of your nonprofit is told in various ways and formats. One of the ways is through your published financial statements and Form 990. While you may hope that stakeholders are focusing on your “vision statement” and the compelling descriptions of programs on your Web site, in reality their attention may be riveted to the story your numbers tell. Attend this webinar to learn how to manage the risks associated with telling your story in numbers and practical steps for ensuring that the story is both accurate and mission-advancing.