Spring has been busy here at Mission Forward. I’ve been spending a lot of time planting new things in the garden, and while it’s a lot of work, I love seeing what pops up and having fresh veggies throughout the summer.
Here are a few updates on recent projects, upcoming trainings, and opportunities to connect.
Nonprofit Board Leadership Training – July Cohort
Strong nonprofits depend on strong boards.
Boards are often doing their best, but struggle with clarity of roles, engagement, and effectively supporting their organization.
This three-part training, developed last year in collaboration with UW-Extension, gives board members practical tools to strengthen governance and leadership.
Across the three sessions, we focus on:
- Clear roles and responsibilities
- Strengthening accountability
- Focusing meetings on the future
- Systems for onboarding, recruitment, and succession
- Culture of philanthropy
I encourage organizations to come with 3–4 board and staff leaders to workshop ideas and carry the lessons into board development conversations.
Upcoming Cohort Dates
- July 14
- July 21
- July 28
What Participants Are Saying
“Lots of really helpful information! I feel like there was the right amount of time to check in with the boards we serve, and learn from one another.”
“These sessions have been so useful to help get organized and thinking strategically about the board’s function and process to support our organization.”
Upcoming Trainings & Speaking Engagements
Free Webinar: Donor Retention
On Wednesday, May 27, at 1:00 pm, I’ll be hosting a free webinar on donor retention sponsored by Park Bank. We’ll focus on practical ways to strengthen and sustain long-term donor relationships.
2026 Wisconsin Nonprofit Summit
I’ll also be presenting on building a consulting practice at the 2026 Wisconsin Nonprofit Summit in Milwaukee on June 17.
Recent Projects & Partnerships
With awesome GCC co-workers Dan, Howard, Jenn and Paige
Wrapping Up My Work at Goodman Community Center
Between June 2025 and April 2026, I served as Interim Executive Director at Goodman Community Center, working with staff, board, volunteers, and community partners to help keep the vital work of GCC building and growing.
We strengthened internal communication, improved staff retention, reinforced financial systems, and clarified board roles and expectations.
I am inspired by GCC’s deep commitment to our community and thankful for the opportunity to serve in this role to support the long-term vision and be a part of its impact.
All the best to the awesome team at Goodman Community Center!
UW–Green Bay Nonprofit Conference
Jen Wilson of New Leaf Coaching and Consulting, Stuart Hee of Center for Community Stewardship, and I co-presented at the UW-Green Bay nonprofit conference.
Our presentation was The Wisdom Is in the Room: Co-created Conversations about Recharge, Renew, Reconnect in the Face of Uncertainty.
We were impressed by the sold-out conference with more than 300 participants, and a wide-ranging selection of breakout sessions including board development, advocacy, nonprofit HR, use of technology, fundraising practices, data practices, marketing, and more.
Check it out for next year!
Strategic Planning & Organizational Partnerships
Madison School & Community Recreation
I’m wrapping up my work with the awesome team at Madison School & Community Recreation on their next three-year strategic plan. It’s been a lot of fun working with them!
Current Partner Organizations
I’m also working with:
- Briarpatch Youth Services
- WayForward Resources
- Wisconsin Academy of Arts, Letters, and Sciences
helping build resilient structures for a stronger future. I’ve focused on listening deeply and co-creating creative, tangible, and practical strategies.
If your organization is entering a season of change, growth, or transition, I’m always happy to chat with you.
Wishing you well in this dynamic time.
Jeff Burkhart
Founder | Mission Forward