Professional Development

The talent and leadership to move a nonprofit forward are among the most critical components of a high-performing organization — a role that requires strong leadership and management skills, as well as knowledge about the changing trends and demands of the sector. The Forbes Funds invests in professional development opportunities at all levels — Board, CEO and staff — to support the individuals who build strong communities and, therefore, strong organizations.

Examples of The Forbes Funds leadership in professional development include:

(Click on a name below to read more about that professional development initiative.)

Conversations & DC Days
Conversations is a program developed by The Forbes Funds to provide a safe and confidential environment for nonprofit leaders to convene and discuss challenges and issues of importance to their organizations. Participants meet several times, including a two-day trip to Washington, D.C., to discuss and learn about issues concerning the nonprofit sector. The program began with an Informal Network Gathering for participants to learn more about the program and each other. The topic for each session was driven by what participants stated were issues of concern and challenges they or their organizations face. We then embark on a journey to Washington, D.C., for DC Days, to discuss issues and policies affecting the sector with experts in the field. Conversations concludes with a session to celebrate and reflect on our accomplishments. Since its inception, Conversations has been a forum for discussion on issues concerning nonprofit leaders. Participating executive directors have been able to utilize this space to identify a range of subjects about which they had questions, ideas and opinions.

Conversations & DC Days

Conversations is a program developed by The Forbes Funds to provide a safe and confidential environment for nonprofit leaders to convene and discuss challenges and issues of importance to their organizations. Participants meet several times, including a two-day trip to Washington, D.C., to discuss and learn about issues concerning the nonprofit sector.

The program began with an Informal Network Gathering for participants to learn more about the program and each other. The topic for each session was driven by what participants stated were issues of concern and challenges they or their organizations face. We then embark on a journey to Washington, D.C., for DC Days, to discuss issues and policies affecting the sector with experts in the field. Conversations concludes with a session to celebrate and reflect on our accomplishments.

Since its inception, Conversations has been a forum for discussion on issues concerning nonprofit leaders. Participating executive directors have been able to utilize this space to identify a range of subjects about which they had questions, ideas and opinions.

Executive Education Opportunities
The Forbes Funds provides scholarships to local nonprofit executives to attend premier executive education programs at Stanford University and Harvard University. Participants are selected by a competitive application process and selection committee after receiving an invitation to be considered. Upon returning from training, The Forbes Funds sponsors a breakfast series where the Executive Education scholarship recipients conduct a workshop based on best practices obtained from their training experience.

Executive Education Opportunities

The Forbes Funds provides scholarships to local nonprofit executives to attend premier executive education programs at Stanford University and Harvard University. Participants are selected by a competitive application process and selection committee after receiving an invitation to be considered. Upon returning from training, The Forbes Funds sponsors a breakfast series where the Executive Education scholarship recipients conduct a workshop based on best practices obtained from their training experience.

News and Announcements

Financial Management Series

Turning to Social Services

Social service agencies are seeing greater demand as more people turn to them for help. Read More

Neighbor-Aid

The Pittsburgh Foundation announces campaign to support nonprofits. Read More

Rocky Times All Around

Charities face the same rocky times as clients. Read More

Nonprofits Need to Master Change

Study finds that nonprofit leaders need to master changing environment. Read More