The Nonprofit Knowledge Network brings together Central Illinois nonprofit leaders for hands-on learning, practical skill-building, and meaningful connections- empowering you to lead with confidence and maximize your organization's impact.
Check out the 2026 events below to learn more!
2026 Events
Practical AI Training for Non-Profit Section Leaders
Description: This session introduces nonprofit professionals to the practical and ethical considerations of integrating artificial intelligence into their work. It highlights how AI can strengthen fundraising, donor engagement, service delivery, and administrative efficiency through tools such as predictive analytics, automated communication, chatbots, and volunteer-matching systems.
Date: Wednesday, January 28th
Time: 11:30am - 12:00pm: Networking and BYO Lunch
12:00pm -1:00pm: Learning Session
Location: LLCC Medical District, Room 202- 130 West Mason Street, Springfield, IL
Speaker: BJ Fletcher, Assistant Professor in the School of Public Management and Policy
From Mission to Momentum: Talent Strategy & HR Essentials for Nonprofit Leaders
Description: Nonprofits achieve their mission through people, but leaders often feel caught between big-picture talent questions and day-to-day HR needs. This session bridges both. We'll explore essential questions—Who are we? Who's on our team? What's our work?—and connect them to practical HR tools you can use immediately. Walk away with a clear talent strategy framework and an HR essentials checklist. Designed for nonprofit leaders who wear many hats, this session helps you align your people and practices with your mission while reducing risk and increasing impact.
Date: Wednesday, February 25th
Time: 11:30am - 12:00pm: Networking and BYO Lunch
12:00pm -1:00pm: Learning Session
Location: LLCC Medical District, Room 202- 130 West Mason Street, Springfield, IL
Speaker: Kelly Gust, HR Full Circle
Sharing the Story
Description: Join us for an interactive improv storytelling workshop led by Justine Moser and Carla Wilson of Capital City Improv, designed specifically for nonprofit leaders. Through simple, low-pressure activities, you’ll practice tools for clearer communication, stronger collaboration, and navigating uncertainty with confidence.
Bio: Justine Moser is a performer, educator, and member of Capital City Improv. With over a decade of improv experience and 14 years as a middle and high school English/theatre teacher, she now serves as Education Coordinator at the UIS Performing Arts Center. Justine leads with creativity, empathy, and what she calls “core spontaneity”—the ability to trust your authentic self to respond with clarity and adaptability in any situation.
Carla has proven her parents wrong by using her undergraduate degree in Theatre in the real world. Throughout a career in Human Resources and Corporate Training (aided by a Master’s Degree in Human Resources Development) she constantly uses the building blocks of Improvisation to foster clearer communication and problem-solving skills focused on building solutions. As a member of the local theatre community and Capital City Improv, Carla enjoys sharing performance skills in the context of the workplace.
Date: Wednesday, March 25th
Time: 11:30am - 12:00pm: Networking and BYO Lunch
12:00pm -1:00pm: Learning Session
Location: LLCC Medical District, Room 202- 130 West Mason Street, Springfield, IL
Speaker: Justine Moser & Carla Wilson, Capital City Improv
Closing the Generational Communication Gap
Description: Generational traits show up in everyday moments—email response times, meeting etiquette, tone, boundaries, and conflict style. This session explains the root causes behind these behaviors and offers clear, practical guidance for navigating them with professionalism and respect. Attendees learn how to adapt communication and set expectations without compromising standards.
Date: Wednesday, April 29th
Time: 11:30am - 12:00pm: Networking and Lunch provided by LLCC
12:00pm -1:00pm: Learning Session
Location: LLCC Medical District, Room 202- 130 West Mason Street, Springfield, IL
Speaker: Diana Heeb Bivona, DBA- Director of Continuing Education & Business Solutions at LLCC
Internal Controls for Effective Financial Management
Description: Developing good internal controls is a key component of effective financial management. Attendees to this session will learn: how to develop good internal controls, the role your auditors have in your organization, what you can expect to get from an audit, and the key parts of the IRS form 990. The session will bring together the viewpoints of both the auditor and the financial manager.
Date: Wednesday, May 27th
Time: 11:30am - 12:00pm: Networking and BYO Lunch
12:00pm -1:00pm: Learning Session
Location: LLCC Medical District, Room 202- 130 West Mason Street, Springfield, IL
Speaker: Kenneth A. Kriz, PH.D. Professor of Public Management & Policy at the University of Illinois Springfield
Kenneth A. Kriz, Ph.D. is the University of Illinois Distinguished Professor of Public Management and Policy at the University of Illinois at Springfield. A nationally recognized scholar for his work on public finance and quantitative data analysis, Dr. Kriz has published 3 academic books and over 50 journal articles and book chapters. Dr. Kriz has consulted with several public and nonprofit organizations on financial and economic matters. Most recently, he served as Interim Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration for UIS. In that role, he oversaw all fiscal operations for the Springfield campus as well as the Human Relations, Campus Safety, Purchasing, Sponsored Programs Post-Award, Performing Arts Services, and Facilities and Services Departments. Dr. Kriz served as Vice-Chairperson of the City of Omaha, Nebraska Civilian Employees Retirement System from 2006 to 2011 and on the Board of Trustees of the Wichita, Kansas Police & Fire Retirement System and on the Joint Investment Committee for the city’s pension funds from 2014 to 2018.
Frameworks for Fearless Dialogue
Description: This course is designed to equip participants with the tools and strategies needed to prepare for and structure difficult conversations with confidence. In this session, we will explore the natural responses our bodies have to conflict, identify common tendencies to avoid challenging topics, and introduce practical frameworks for navigating these discussions effectively.
Date: Wednesday, June 24th
Time: 11:30am - 12:00pm: Networking and BYO Lunch
12:00pm -1:00pm: Learning Session
Location: LLCC Medical District, Room 202- 130 West Mason Street, Springfield, IL
Speaker: Becky Gabany, ChangeBridge Consulting
Details about the Central Illinois Volunteerism Conference 2026 Coming Soon!
Strategic Networking is Marketing
Description: Nonprofit leaders often have limited marketing budgets, but one of the most powerful free tools is strategic networking. Forget speed-dating style introductions—this session will equip you to be strategically prepared with tailored messaging for different audiences at every opportunity. Learn how to craft compelling messages that resonate whether you're meeting potential volunteers, donors, grant officers, or board members. Walk away ready to turn everyday conversations into meaningful connections that yield real results for your organization.
Date: Wednesday, August 26th
Time: 11:30am - 12:00pm: Networking and BYO Lunch
12:00pm -1:00pm: Learning Session
Location: LLCC Medical District, Room 202- 130 West Mason Street, Springfield, IL
Speaker: Sandy Garza, CFRE
The Super Bowl of Fundraising: Mastering Your-End Fundraising Campaign
Description: September is your pre-season training camp! Join this high-energy workshop designed to turn fundraising professionals into year-end giving champions. Walk away with a clear Q4 playbook, master the art of compelling written appeals, and gain confidence for face-to-face major gift asks. Don't wait until the fourth quarter—bring your goals and energy, and leave fully prepared to dominate your most critical fundraising period!
Date: Wednesday, September 30th
Time: 11:30am - 12:00pm: Networking and BYO Lunch
12:00pm -1:00pm: Learning Session
Location: LLCC Medical District, Room 202- 130 West Mason Street, Springfield, IL
Speaker: Bev Neisler, Owner at 411, LLC
Details Coming Soon!
Nonprofit Knowledge Network Holiday Social
Save the Date for Wednesday, November 18th
More Details Coming Soon!
No Event - Happy Holidays!
We hope to see you at one of the sessions!
