Training and Events

In partnership with The Council of Southeastern PA, the Catalyst Center for Nonprofit Management is excited to once again offer Catalyst NPU!

June 8, 2026

Bucks County Community College

Gallagher Room   275 Swamp Rd., Newtown, PA 18940

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We are thrilled to announce an exciting half-day conference designed exclusively for nonprofit organizations and the passionate professionals who power them.

Participants may choose three of six sessions led by seasoned professionals who understand the challenges and rewards of mission-driven work, as well as the importance of high-quality training opportunities. Catalyst NPU 26 is your opportunity to grow, connect, and leave better equipped to serve the communities you care about.

Conference Schedule-June 8, 2026

8:00-8:30 amRegistration & NetworkingJoin us for breakfast and networking!
8:30-9:30 amArtificial Intelligence in the Nonprofit Sector: Promise, Pitfalls, and Practical Realities
Jen King, CEO The Council of SEPA

Jean Holmes, All Systems Go Consulting

Leslie Slingsby, CEO, Mission Kids
CAC
Is AI a game-changer for nonprofits — or just another tech trend? Join us for an honest, grounded conversation featuring Jean Holmes, All Systems Go consulting and Leslie Slingsby, CEO of Mission Kids CAC as they share their experiences and insights. Facilitated by Jen King, CEO of The Council of SE PA, this panel will pull back the curtain on what AI looks like in practice and its potential— from the wins that save time and stretch capacity, to the missteps, ethical questions, and limitations to be considered. Whether you're AI-curious or already experimenting, this session will help you think more clearly about where these tools can serve your mission and where caution is warranted.[/
Employment Law Essentials for Non-Profits
Michael J. Torchia, Esq., Semanoff Ormsby Greenberg & Torchia, LLC
In this session, the attendees will learn the essential employment laws that apply to businesses with a focus on non-profit organizations. Rather than a discussion about case law and statutes, it will be a series of issue spotting and practical tips designed to reduce liability for employers.
9:45-10:45 amThe Strategic Restructuring Landscape
Lindsay Kijewski, Nonprofit Repositioning Fund/SeaChange Capital
The Nonprofit Repositioning Fund supports long-term sustained collaborations to build nonprofit organizational strength and grow community impact across the five-county Greater Philadelphia Region. This workshop will guide executive directors, board members, and senior staff through the full spectrum of strategic restructuring options available to nonprofits, from informal collaboration to affiliations, administrative consolidations, and full mergers.
Understanding Nonprofit Accounting & Financial Reports
Amy O'Connor, CPA, Director of Business Development, Bookminders
Strengthen your nonprofit’s financial stewardship and governance with confidence. This practical session equips senior leaders and board members with a shared foundation to interpret key financial statements, understand financial KPIs, and ask informed, constructive questions that reinforce transparency, accountability, and sound decision-making.
10:45
Break
11:00-12:00 pmInside the Review Room: What Grantmakers Really Discuss
Morgan Clark, MS, Director Grants & Programs, Foundations Community Partnership

Patricia Stern Smallacombe, Ph.D., Board Member & Program Development & Education Committee Chair, FCP
This interactive session offers a behind-the-scenes look at the grant review process from two critical perspectives: foundation staff and board members. Participants will walk step-by-step through how proposals move from initial review to final decision, gaining insight into how each group evaluates alignment, assesses risk, and prioritizes funding.

Drawing on real-world experience, the workshop explores how staff conduct initial screenings, assess organizational capacity, and frame recommendations, while board members focus on big-picture impact, community benefit, and responsible stewardship of funds. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of how these perspectives intersect, and where strong proposals can gain or lose momentum.
Budgeting in a Crisis
Cindy Bergvall, CPA, Bee, Bergvall & Co.
When funding dries up, a major donor walks away, or an economic downturn hits, nonprofits can't afford to improvise. This hands-on workshop equips financial and program leaders with the tools to build crisis-ready budgets — whether you're already navigating turbulence or building safeguards before the storm arrives.

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Thank you to our Catalyst NPU Partners & Sponsors!

Partnership Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

#NPU2026

 

PAST WORKSHOPS AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING

Watch Now Understanding Nonprofit Financials

June 6, 2023

 

Watch Now  Board Basics of Governance

April 18, 2023

Watch Now  Understanding Your Financials

June 14, 2022

WATCH NOW  Harnessing the Power of Key Performance Indicators and Dashboards

January 19, 2021

 Sponsor, BLBB Charitable. 

 

WATCH NOW US Nonprofits: A Practical Guide to Global Mission Delivery

Gold Sponsor : Bookminders 

WATCH NOW Board Boot Camp: Governing in a Crisis

During this 60 minute session we will cover the roles and responsibilities of board members as well as discuss best practices that can be activated in addressing a crisis.  We will keep the call open for an additional 30 minutes for Q&A and to give participants a chance to connect and share.

Liz Vibber, MS, – Director, Bee, Bergvall & Co. &  Catalyst Center for Nonprofit Management

Mini-Sessions

The Catalyst Center for Nonprofit Management is pleased to offer a series of one and two hour training sessions for busy Boards.  Note we are happy to provide virtual training options for your board!  Contact us for more information-

Our training professionals are able to attend your regular Board meetings and conduct mini-trainings in a variety of areas. Popular topics include:

  • Strategic Thinking for Boards
  • Board Roles and Responsibilities
  • The Board’s Role in a Development Plan
  • Understanding your Financial Statements

Allow us customize any topic to suit the needs of your Board. Trainings are 1 -2 hours in length and include handout materials. For more information, please contact Liz Vibber, 215-343-2727 or e-mail: lvibber@bbco-cpa.com