San Antonio Area Foundation

Million Dollar Gifts, Part 2: Executing your Major Gifts Strategy – John Norman
2025-09-23 13:30 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | San Antonio Area Foundation, 155 Concord Plaza Drive Suite 301, San Antonio, TX, 78216, United States
In this session, you will use your internal assessment developed in Part 1 to craft a major donor strategy that delivers for your organization. You will discover effective tactics for conducting research, developing donor cultivation plans, engaging your board, and creating moments that truly inspire. By the end, you will have a realistic long-term plan for securing million-dollar gifts. The next time you read about an eye-popping donation in the news, we want your organization and your worthy cause to be the one celebrating.
Objectives:

Use your internal assessment from “Million Dollar Gifts, Part 1” to select the most effective major gift strategy for your organization.
Learn key tactics for connecting with major donors, including one-on-one cultivation, strategic events, board development, and gratitude.
Create a realistic, long-term implementation plan for your new major donor strategy

Who Should Attend: Nonprofit Management Program participants, Nonprofit Development Officers, Fundraising Professionals, staff and anyone interested in enhancing their career with these skills.
Registration Closed

Understanding Nonprofit Financials – Chris Carmona
2025-09-30 09:00 - 12:00 | San Antonio Area Foundation, 155 Concord Plaza Drive Suite 301, San Antonio, TX, 78216, United States
Financial management for nonprofit organizations is becoming more important due to increased donor sophistication and access to information, increased competition, and reliability of financial data for executives and board members to make key decisions. This course will provide a basic overview of financial statements and key financial metrics applicable to nonprofit organizations.
Objectives:

Understand key financial concepts applicable to nonprofit organizations.
Using financial ratios and metrics to assess the financial health of the organization.
Learn the differences between a financial statement, audit, review, compilation, and agreed-upon procedures

Who should attend: Nonprofit Management Program participants, CEOs, CFOs, COOs, Controllers, board chairs, and others interested in minimizing risk.
Register Closed

Nonprofit Budget Essentials – Chris Carmona
2025-09-30 13:30 - 16:30 | San Antonio Area Foundation, 155 Concord Plaza Drive Suite 301, San Antonio, TX, 78216, United States
An annual budget is a planning tool that helps nonprofit organizations develop short-term financial plans to reflect and reach long-term financial goals related to the organization’s programs, mission, and strategic plan. This course will provide basic steps in developing, implementing, and executing an effective budgeting process for your nonprofit organization.
Objectives:

What a budget is and why budgeting is important to a nonprofit organization
How to create an effective budget
How to use your budget as a tool

Who should attend: Nonprofit Management Program participants, CEOs, CFOs, COOs, Controllers, board chairs, and others interested in minimizing risk.
Register Closed

The Art of Board Leadership
2025-10-03 09:00 - 2025-10-04 12:00 | San Antonio Area Foundation, 155 Concord Plaza Drive Suite 301, San Antonio, TX, 78216, United States
Participants will learn core governance principles, including strategic oversight, ethical leadership, and effective decision-making. The session also covers financial responsibilities, focusing on budgeting, financial reporting, and ensuring the organization’s fiscal health. Designed for both new and experienced board members, this training empowers participants to foster organizational success and sustainability.
Who should attend: This 1 ½ day training is ideal for board chairs, board members, CEOs, and nonprofit staff that work closely with their board.
Key Takeaways:

Understanding Governance Roles and Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership Skills
Enhance Financial Stewardship
Promote Ethical and Transparent Practices
Improve Board Engagement and Collaboration
Build Fundraising and Resource Development Capacity
Empower Effective Advocacy and Community Representation

Date(s) & Time(s): One- and One-half days to be held as follows
October 3, 2025, Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, six hours of classroom time (Lunch is provided!)
October 4, 2025, Saturday, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, three hours of classroom time (light refreshments are provided)
Register Closed

Strategic Planning for Nonprofits – Shaun Lee
2025-10-07 09:00 - 12:00 | San Antonio Area Foundation, 155 Concord Plaza Drive Suite 301, San Antonio, TX, 78216, United States
Understanding the importance of a clear, compelling strategic vision is common, yet leaders often face negative experiences while developing them. In this course, we will focus on creating lean plans and emphasize the clarity of organizational identity before envisioning the future. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn how to strategize effectively. Bring your team to further the impact of your learning experience!
Objectives:

Learn how to create a strategic plan.
Learn how to ensure it doesn’t sit on a shelf.
Learn how to integrate strategic work into your regular operating rhythms

Who should attend: Nonprofit Management Program participants, board members, executives, human resources, and management staff.
Registration Closed

Part I: Grant Writing Readiness and Preparation – Sharon Sanchez
2025-10-14 09:00 - 12:00 | San Antonio Area Foundation, 155 Concord Plaza Drive Suite 301, San Antonio, TX, 78216, United States
Join us for an engaging and informative session designed to equip you with the essential skills for successful grant writing. By the end of this session, you will have a solid foundation in grant writing readiness and preparation, setting you up for success in securing funding for your projects.
Objectives:

Participants will know where to find grant opportunities, different types of grants available and how to determine alignment with their organization’s mission.
Participants will learn about the various data resources available and how to access data to strengthen grant applications.
Participants will learn how to review a funding notice (Request for Application) to determine eligibility and alignment with organizational needs.

Who should attend: Nonprofit Management Program participants, executives, and development staff interested in enhancing their careers to include these skills.
Register Here

Part II: Writing a Successful Grant and Next Steps After Your Grant is Submitted – Sharon Sanchez
2025-10-14 13:30 - 16:30 | San Antonio Area Foundation, 155 Concord Plaza Drive Suite 301, San Antonio, TX, 78216, United States
In this session, we will pick up where Part I ended. This will be a deeper dive into the intricacies of grant writing and explore the crucial steps to take after submission. By the end of this session, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to write successful grants and navigate the next steps with confidence.
Objectives:

Participants will learn the different parts of a grant and have an opportunity to complete different grant components.

Participants will learn best practices that can be implemented to improve their chance of being awarded after a grant is submitted.

Participants will learn strategies to use if their grant is not awarded.

Who should attend: Nonprofit Management Program participants, executives, and development staff interested in enhancing their careers to include these skills.
Register Here

Succession Planning – Matt Scott
2025-10-21 09:00 - 12:00 | San Antonio Area Foundation, 155 Concord Plaza Drive Suite 301, San Antonio, TX, 78216, United States
Are you prepared for a change of leadership?  Do you have a plan for who will take your job?  In caring for your nonprofit, you need to consider contingency plans for key leadership roles and how those transitions will occur. We will talk through key considerations and plans for transition so you, your board and organization are prepared for whatever comes your way.
Objectives:

Understand the importance of succession planning for organizational stability and continuity.

Identify key leadership roles and develop contingency plans for smooth transitions.

Learn strategies to prepare for leadership changes and ensure your organization is ready for any scenario.

Engage in discussions on key considerations for effective succession planning with your board and organization.

Who should attend: Nonprofit Management Program participants, board members, executives, human resources, and management staff.
Register Now

Workforce Development – Matt Scott
2025-10-21 13:30 - 16:30 | San Antonio Area Foundation, 155 Concord Plaza Drive Suite 301, San Antonio, TX, 78216, United States
People are the key to any organization, but especially nonprofits. How we develop our people not only differentiates our workforce, but it also helps us differentiate our organization to attract and develop top talent. We will cover systems and practices for developing your workforce to help them grow into top talent.
Objectives:

Recognize the critical role of workforce development in nonprofit success.

Explore systems and practices to develop and nurture top talent within your organization.

Learn techniques to differentiate your workforce and attract high-quality candidates.

Develop actionable plans to enhance employee growth and organizational effectiveness.

Who should attend: Nonprofit Management Program participants, board members, executives, human resources, and management staff.
Register Now

The Power of Resilience
2025-10-23 09:00 - 12:30 | Meals on Wheels, 2718 Danbury, San Antonio, TX, 78217, United States
Resilience is a hallmark of effective leadership. Developing resilience requires acceptance, focus, and a willingness to effectively prioritize one’s time through self-management practices. Resilience has gained more importance as work/life balance has diminished, as crisis, workplace transformation, and time demands have contributed to higher levels of stress in our careers and lives.
Focus: The “Power of Resilience” workshop explores barriers to resilience and illustrates how changes in attitude and mindset can help you develop and grow this critical leadership trait. In this class, you will complete the Johari Window assessment.
Prework or Assessment: Complete Johari’s Window reading and assessment.
Who Should Attend:
It is suitable for staff at all levels, new learners, and those who may want to revisit previous learning.
NOTE: Registration closes 3 weeks in advance of class to allow participants to complete the assessment.
Register Here

Crafting Your Dream Team - Best Practices in Board Recruitment
2026-03-31 09:00 - 12:00 | San Antonio Area Foundation, 155 Concord Plaza Drive Suite 301, San Antonio, TX, 78216, United States
Building a board isn’t just about filling seats – it’s about finding the perfect fit for your organization’s mission and creating an environment where every member feels valued and motivated. In this interactive workshop, we’ll walk through a hands-on process for recruiting passionate, skilled board members and keeping them engaged. With insider tips on governance models, board structures, and committee roles, you’ll gain the know-how to create a dynamic, effective board that’s ready to make a real impact!
Objectives:

Understand the steps to finding, recruiting, and engaging nonprofit board members to increase board capacity and effectiveness.
Gather ideas for improving the effectiveness and composition of the board to reflect the community and constituency served.
Learn that there are a variety of ways to organize a board, and to articulate why there is no “right” governance model for all boards.
Understand how meeting tools such as dashboards and consent agendas can help to avoid common board meeting problems and increase engagement.

Who should attend: Nonprofit Management Program participants, board members, nonprofit staff and volunteers and those interested in learning more about board building and engagement.
REGISTER CLOSED

Energizing Board Governance and Engagement
2026-03-31 13:30 - 16:30 | San Antonio Area Foundation, 155 Concord Plaza Drive Suite 301, San Antonio, TX, 78216, United States
Get ready to dive into the exciting world of nonprofit governance! Being part of a board can be incredibly rewarding but also challenging. In this session, we’ll break down what makes boards thrive and how they can evolve alongside their organizations. Through lively discussions and real-world examples, we’ll explore the unique phases of a nonprofit board’s lifecycle and the shifting roles and responsibilities that make each phase unique. You’ll leave inspired and equipped to help your board grow and adapt like never before!
Objectives:

Understand the steps to finding, recruiting, and engaging nonprofit board members to increase board capacity and effectiveness.
Gather ideas for improving the effectiveness and composition of the board to reflect the community and constituency served.
Learn that there are a variety of ways to organize a board, and to articulate why there is no “right” governance model for all boards.
Understand how meeting tools such as dashboards and consent agendas can help to avoid common board meeting problems and increase engagement.

Who should attend: Nonprofit Management Program participants, board members, nonprofit staff and volunteers and those interested in learning more about board building and engagement.
REGISTER CLOSED

Elements of Successful Nonprofit Program Development
2026-04-14 09:00 - 12:00 | San Antonio Area Foundation, 155 Concord Plaza Drive Suite 301, San Antonio, TX, 78216, United States
Developing a nonprofit program requires skill, expertise, and confidence in a wide range of competencies. Good program managers can effectively supervise staff, develop strong budgets, engage community members, evaluate their success, and so much more. Does this seem daunting, confusing, exhausting – or maybe even exciting? This highly interactive course will provide opportunities to learn and practice new skills in program development. Participants will receive a curated list of resources to use for career-long success in program development.
Objectives:

Understand the components of effective program development — planning, executing, and evaluating programs.
Identify resources available to support consistent professional development in program development skills.

Who should attend: Nonprofit Management Program participants, executives and management staff who have program development responsibilities, and entry-level staff interested in progressing their career to include these responsibilities.
REGISTER HERE

Measuring Impact: Evaluation for Scale and Sustainability
2026-04-14 13:30 - 16:30 | San Antonio Area Foundation, 155 Concord Plaza Drive Suite 301, San Antonio, TX, 78216, United States
Evaluation is the key to successfully scaling and sustaining the impact of nonprofits. When we don’t know IF our program works or WHY it works, we may struggle to justify continued funding. We may also risk losing community engagement, and we may disengage from the core mission that drives our work. In this session, we will explore what and how to evaluate programs to ensure the future of your organization through scale and sustainability. Participants will leave with specific tools to implement and a stronger theoretical understanding of the nature of evaluation.
Objectives:

Understand the components of effective program development — planning, executing, and evaluating programs.
Identify resources available to support consistent professional development in program development skills.

Who should attend: Nonprofit Management Program participants, executives and management staff who have program development responsibilities, and entry-level staff interested in progressing their career to include these responsibilities.
REGISTER HERE

Results-Oriented Communication that Works
2026-04-21 09:00 - 12:00 | San Antonio Area Foundation, 155 Concord Plaza Drive Suite 301, San Antonio, TX, 78216, United States
This interactive class provides turnkey frameworks and methods for communicating and interacting as a leader in ways that enable clarity, performance, and engagement. Leaders turn plans into reality by effectively knowing how to convey what they need from others in empowering ways that get everyone onto the team and into aligned action. Different situations call for different forms of interaction – is the objective of the conversation relationship, alignment, agreement, problem-solving, or binding action? We also examine the pros and cons of different communication mediums in leadership interactions (as opposed to administrative ones): explosive emails or convincing conversations. Size up your stakeholder, the situation, and the self-interests- then select the right approach. You will move to results quickly with a minimum of misunderstandings. What leader doesn’t want a lot more of that?
Objectives:

Learn to effectively assess what any given communication moment requires in order to select the most effective method to reach alignment and action with others.
Acquire practical tools and methods that can be used impactfully and reliably to engage others across a variety of common scenarios that leaders find themselves in.
Engage in peer practice and learning to build skills and also share support and encouragement as we find ways to take on the many tricky moments that leaders are faced with together

Who should attend: Nonprofit Management Program participants, first-time managers and coordinators, individuals moving from individual performer/subject matter expert roles to group leader roles, and experienced leaders looking for a fresh perspective to tune up their personal toolset.
Registration Closed

Change Management in Uncertain Times
2026-04-21 13:30 - 16:30 | San Antonio Area Foundation, 155 Concord Plaza Drive Suite 301, San Antonio, TX, 78216, United States
Everyone understands that in times of adversity, we have two choices – adapt or die. ​This class will explore how to lead organizational change during VUCA circumstances (Volatile, Uncertain, Chaotic, Ambiguous). Rooted in the neuroscience of change, we’ll examine the hidden impediments to change, and how calls to action during uncertain times like these can galvanize your team’s best thinking to adapt, pivot and overcome.
Objectives:

How our brains are wired and why they are resistant to change.
Methods to ensure your staff feel confident and empowered in the midst of change.
How to create “buy-in” for initiatives and communicate individual and department concerns

Who Should Attend: Nonprofit Management Program participants, first-time managers and coordinators, individuals moving from individual performer/subject matter expert roles to group leader roles, and experienced leaders looking for a fresh perspective to tune up their personal toolset.
Registration Closed

Part I: Grant Writing Readiness and Preparation
2026-04-28 09:00 - 12:00 | San Antonio Area Foundation, 155 Concord Plaza Drive Suite 301, San Antonio, TX, 78216, United States
Join us for an engaging and informative session designed to equip you with the essential skills for successful grant writing. By the end of this session, you will have a solid foundation in grant writing readiness and preparation, setting you up for success in securing funding for your projects.
Objectives:

Participants will know where to find grant opportunities, different types of grants available and how to determine alignment with their organization’s mission.
Participants will learn about the various data resources available and how to access data to strengthen grant applications.
Participants will learn how to review a funding notice (Request for Application) to determine eligibility and alignment with organizational needs.

Who should attend: Nonprofit Management Program participants, executives, and development staff interested in enhancing their careers to include these skills.
Registration Closed

Part II: Writing a Successful Grant and Next Steps After Your Grant is Submitted
2026-04-28 13:30 - 16:30 | San Antonio Area Foundation, 155 Concord Plaza Drive Suite 301, San Antonio, TX, 78216, United States
In this session, we will pick up where Part I ended. This will be a deeper dive into the intricacies of grant writing and explore the crucial steps to take after submission. By the end of this session, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to write successful grants and navigate the next steps with confidence.
Objectives:

Participants will learn the different parts of a grant and have an opportunity to complete different grant components.

Participants will learn best practices that can be implemented to improve their chance of being awarded after a grant is submitted.

Participants will learn strategies to use if their grant is not awarded.

Who should attend: Nonprofit Management Program participants, executives, and development staff interested in enhancing their careers to include these skills.
Registration Closed

Understanding Nonprofit Financial Statements, Budgeting, and Form 990
2026-05-05 09:00 - 12:00 | San Antonio Area Foundation, 155 Concord Plaza Drive Suite 301, San Antonio, TX, 78216, United States
This course will build an understanding of non-profit financial statements and the information they contain, highlight different strategies to employ when budgeting for the future, explain the parts of Form 990, and convey how donors use Form 990 to determine which organizations they should support.
Objectives:

Participants will learn which financial statements are included in an audit, what unrestricted, temporarily restricted, and permanently restricted funds are, how they are presented in financial statements, and the rules for using them.
Participants will understand the importance of making budgets that show monthly activity, when to consider multi-year budgets, and how to build consensus when building a budget.
Participants will learn the major components of Form 990 and how donors use the form to determine which organizations to support.

Who should attend: Nonprofit Management Program participants, CEOs, CFOs, COOs, Controllers, board chairs, and others interested in minimizing risk.
REGISTRATION CLOSED

Safeguarding Your Organization with Internal Controls and Policies
2026-05-05 13:30 - 16:30 | San Antonio Area Foundation, 155 Concord Plaza Drive Suite 301, San Antonio, TX, 78216, United States
This course will build your understanding of how internal controls reduce the risk of a loss of funds and information by both employees and outsiders and will help you identify when a loss may have taken place. Such losses can tarnish the reputation of an organization, affecting potential funding and staff and board recruitment. The course will include an overview of how policies and procedures can bring best practices to organizations, reducing operational, financial, and reputational risk.
Objectives:

Participants will learn what internal controls are and how to implement them, particularly in a small organization.
Participants will understand how to make banking relationships more secure.
Participants will come away with ways to use internal and external audits to identify potential areas of concern.

REGISTRATION CLOSED

Navigating Compassion Fatigue and Setting Boundaries for Non-Profit Professionals
2026-05-12 09:00 - 12:00 | San Antonio Area Foundation, 155 Concord Plaza Drive Suite 301, San Antonio, TX, 78216, United States
This class helps non-profit professionals navigate compassion fatigue and burnout, focusing on the differences between burnout and secondary trauma. Participants will learn practical tools for setting boundaries and managing emotional fatigue. Through interactive activities, self-assessments, and scenario analysis, attendees will gain insights into their compassion fatigue and develop actionable self-care strategies. By the end, participants will be equipped with a deeper understanding of their emotional triggers and practical steps to maintain balance while continuing to support their communities.
Objectives:

Participants will be able to identify the signs of compassion fatigue, differentiate it from burnout and secondary trauma, and understand its impact on their personal and professional lives.
Participants will learn practical techniques for setting and maintaining healthy boundaries to prevent emotional exhaustion while maintaining a commitment to serving their communities.
Participants will leave with a self-care action plan that includes strategies for recognizing emotional triggers, managing stress, and integrating balance into their daily routines.

Who should attend: Nonprofit Management Program participants, executives and management staff, and anyone interested in learning about compassion fatigue.
REGISTRATION CLOSED

Cultivating Psychological Safety on Your Team
2026-05-12 13:30 - 16:30 | San Antonio Area Foundation, 155 Concord Plaza Drive Suite 301, San Antonio, TX, 78216, United States
This class explores the importance of psychological safety as a foundation for effective teamwork and well-being in the workplace. Participants will learn how to foster an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas, taking risks, and providing feedback without fear. Through practical strategies and real-world examples, attendees will discover ways to build trust, enhance collaboration, and empower individuals to bring their full selves to work.
Objectives:

Participants will be able to define psychological safety, understand its benefits for workplace trust and performance, and identify barriers to creating a safe team environment.
Participants will learn actionable steps to foster open communication, encourage vulnerability, and create a culture where team members feel valued and supported.
Participants will gain tools to empower their teams to share ideas, take risks, and provide constructive feedback, resulting in improved collaboration and innovation.

Who should attend: Nonprofit Management Program participants, executives and management staff, and anyone interested in psychological safety.
REGISTRATION CLOSED

Fundraising Essentials – Certificate
2026-05-14 09:00 - 2026-05-15 16:00 | San Antonio Area Foundation, 155 Concord Plaza Drive Suite 301, San Antonio, TX, 78216, United States
This two-day course is focused on learning practical and hands-on strategies for successful organizational fundraising. The expanded course will address traditional fundraising strategies, the donor cycle, an introduction to grant research, writing and management, individual giving with an emphasis on major gifts, corporate partnerships, earned income, crowdfunding, and more. Through interactive sessions and real-world examples, attendees will develop actionable plans to create a balanced and sustainable funding portfolio, ensuring long-term organizational success.
Who should attend: This workshop empowers nonprofit leaders and fundraisers, including board members, to build financial resilience by exploring diverse funding sources.
Investment: $250 *includes lunch on both days!
Objectives:

Diversify Funding – Build a balanced portfolio for sustainability and risk management
Expand Revenue Streams – Individual giving, major gifts, grants, corporate partnerships, earned income, crowdfunding, events
Create Actionable Strategies – Align with mission and capacity; develop step-by-step plans
Master Grant Writing – Research opportunities and craft compelling proposals
Leverage Tech & Culture – Use digital tools, integrate stewardship, engage board, staff, and volunteers

Funding Support may be available. Contact learning@saafdn.org to inquire.
Discount eligibility: ask about how to become a member at membership@saafdn.org
REGISTER HERE

The Power of Values-Based Leadership and EQ Mastery
2026-06-24 09:00 - 12:30 | Meals on Wheels, 2718 Danbury, San Antonio, TX, 78217, United States
In today’s competitive talent landscape, prospective employees seek meaning and purpose in their work. Simply having a mission statement and core values is not enough to attract and retain high-performing job seekers. This combined workshop, “The Power of Values-Based Leadership and EQ Mastery,” explores how integrating values and emotional intelligence can drive your organizational culture and enhance leadership impact.
Focus: Participants will learn the distinction between merely displaying values and actively integrating values-based leadership to motivate and align their organization. Additionally, the workshop will cover the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in leadership, emphasizing that effective leadership is not solely about IQ but about combining skills with self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management
Additional Content: Participants will complete an Emotional Intelligence Assessment and pre-reading assignment before the session (including in the session fee). Registration closes three weeks before the class date to allow time for these preparations.
Who Should Attend: Open to staff members at all levels and suitable for new learners and those who may want to revisit previous learning.
Pre-Work or Assessment: Complete the EQ Assessment
NOTE: Registration closes 3 weeks in advance of class to allow participants to complete the assessment
Investment for this class: $155
REGISTER NOW

Grant Writing Certificate
2026-08-06 09:00 - 2026-08-07 16:00 | San Antonio Area Foundation, 155 Concord Plaza Drive Suite 301, San Antonio, TX, 78216, United States
Unlock the secrets to successful grant writing with our comprehensive Effective Grant Writing for Social Impact Certificate class!
Dive into the world of funding opportunities, master the art of persuasive storytelling, and learn to tailor your proposals to meet funder priorities. Through interactive exercises and expert-led sessions, you’ll gain the essential skills to elevate your grant writing prowess and secure crucial resources for your organization. Join us and earn your certificate, paving the way to a brighter, more impactful future!
Who Should Attend? This workshop equips nonprofit professionals with the skills to research, write, and submit compelling grant proposals to government agencies and private foundations.
Objectives: Participants will learn how to identify funding opportunities, craft persuasive narratives, and align proposals with funder priorities. Through hands-on exercises and expert guidance, participants will gain practical tools to improve their grant writing success and secure vital resources for their organizations. You will learn to:

Understand the Grant Funding Landscape
Enhance Grant Research Skills
Develop Effective Proposal Writing Techniques
Align Proposals with Funder Priorities
Master the Art of Budgeting for Grants
Strengthen Collaboration for Grant Success
Learn Submission Best Practices
Build Confidence in Grant Reporting and Stewardship

Date: Thursday, August 6 and Friday August 7, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. both days
Location: San Antonio Area Foundation 155 Concord Plaza Dr., Suite 301, San Antonio, TX 78216
Key Information:

This program will be held over two days.
Lunch is included *participants are welcome to bring their lunch if they have dietary restrictions.
Participants are encouraged to bring their laptop or tablet.
Participants receive an e-certificate 7- 10 business days after completing the program.

Investment: $250
ARE YOU A MEMBER? Please reach out to membership@saafdn.org before registering.
Funding Support may be available. Contact learning@saafdn.org to inquire.
Discount eligibility: Ask about how to become a member at membership@saafdn.org
Registration closes 2 weeks before the class date. Don’t wait to sign up!
REGISTER HERE

The Power of Adaptability and Feedback
2026-08-19 09:00 - 12:30 | Meals on Wheels, 2718 Danbury, San Antonio, TX, 78217, United States
Giving and receiving effective feedback is a cornerstone of leveraging self-awareness, self-management, individual/team performance, and leadership potential. The typical workplace environment values communication greatly, but the most significant barrier to effective communication is “assuming it has occurred.” Do you tell more than you ask? Judge everything you experience or learn from it?
Participants complete the DiSC Behavioral Assessment before the session (included in the fee).
Focus: This workshop clarifies the value of developing “intentional feedback habits” in your leadership journey and illustrates how a process-based approach can eliminate gaps and maximize relationships with others.
This workshop examines the power of asking effective questions versus telling through behavioral style adaptability and self-awareness. The content in this workshop creates value that goes well beyond the workplace.
Who Should Attend: This course is suitable for staff at all levels, new learners, and those who may want to revisit previous learning.
Pre-work or Assessment: Complete the DiSC Assessment
NOTE: Registration closes 3 weeks in advance of class to allow participants to complete the assessment
Investment for this class: $155
Register Now

Part 1: Understanding Generative AI for Nonprofits
2026-09-01 09:00 - 12:00 | San Antonio Area Foundation, 155 Concord Plaza Drive Suite 301, San Antonio, TX, 78216, United States
In this interactive morning session, nonprofit professionals will gain a foundational understanding of generative AI tools such as Copilot and ChatGPT. Through practical examples and guided discussion, participants will explore how these technologies can enhance data visualization and storytelling. The session will emphasize strategic applications of AI to elevate nonprofit communication, deepen audience engagement, and amplify mission-driven narratives.
Objectives:

Understand Generative AI Tools – Learn about generative AI tools and their applications in nonprofit data visualization and storytelling.
Enhance Data Visualization – Discover how generative AI can support the creation of compelling visual data narratives.

Who should attend: This training is ideal for nonprofit professionals at all levels – CEOs, program directors, fundraisers, and communications staff – who want to unlock the potential of AI for storytelling and data-driven engagement
REGISTER HERE

Part 2: Master Storytelling with Data
2026-09-01 13:30 - 16:30 | San Antonio Area Foundation, 155 Concord Plaza Drive Suite 301, San Antonio, TX, 78216, United States
This interactive afternoon session builds on insights from Part 1: Understanding Generative AI for Nonprofits and focuses on the craft of data storytelling. Participants will learn how to transform complex data into compelling narratives that drive action and highlight impact. Through hands-on activities, attendees will explore practical techniques and AI-powered tools to enhance nonprofit communications and make data more accessible, engaging, and persuasive.
Objectives: Develop practical skills for telling impactful stories with data to make reports and presentations more engaging and persuasive.
Who should attend: This training is ideal for nonprofit professionals at all levels – CEOs, program directors, fundraisers, and communications staff – who want to unlock the potential of AI for storytelling and data-driven engagement.
REGISTER HERE

Million Dollar Gifts, Part 1: Preparing your Major Gifts Strategy
2026-09-22 09:00 - 12:00 | San Antonio Area Foundation, 155 Concord Plaza Drive Suite 301, San Antonio, TX, 78216, United States
When you see headlines in the news about multi-million-dollar donations to a local nonprofit, do you ever wonder “How did they do that?” This session will peel back the curtain on how high-performing development teams cultivate and maintain relationships with major donors. We will start by examining the types of major donors and their motivations. We will learn about the unique donor landscape in San Antonio. We will then evaluate your organization’s current relationships, capacity, and history of success with major donors. Please also consider joining us for Part 2 of this series, “Executing your Major Gifts Strategy”, in which we’ll use your internal assessment to craft a major donor strategy that delivers for your organization. The next time you read about an eye-popping donation in the news, we want your organization and your worthy cause to be the one celebrating.
Objectives:

Understand the value of major gifts and why they are often overlooked.
Learn the different types of major donors and what motivates them.
Understand the major donor landscape in San Antonio.

Who should attend: Nonprofit Management Program participants, Nonprofit Development Officers, Fundraising Professionals, staff and anyone interested in enhancing their career with these skills.
REGISTER HERE

Million Dollar Gifts, Part 2: Executing your Major Gifts Strategy
2026-09-22 13:30 - 16:30 | San Antonio Area Foundation, 155 Concord Plaza Drive Suite 301, San Antonio, TX, 78216, United States
Evaluation is the key to successfully scaling and sustaining the impact of nonprofits. When we don’t know IF our program works or WHY it works, we may struggle to justify continued funding. We may also risk losing community engagement, and we may disengage from the core mission that drives our work. In this session, we will explore what and how to evaluate programs to ensure the future of your organization through scale and sustainability. Participants will leave with specific tools to implement and a stronger theoretical understanding of the nature of evaluation.
Objectives:

Understand the components of effective program development — planning, executing, and evaluating programs.
Identify resources available to support consistent professional development in program development skills.

Who should attend: Nonprofit Management Program participants, Nonprofit Development Officers, Fundraising Professionals, staff and anyone interested in enhancing their career with these skills.
REGISTER HERE
