Area nonprofit directors, their staffs and board members may take advantage of a four-part nonprofit board training program aimed at helping improve their effectiveness and programs.

The Community Foundation of Jackson County, Greater Seymour Chamber of Commerce, Brownstown Chamber of Commerce, Jackson County Visitor Center and Jackson County United Way have teamed up to bring the 2017 Lunch and Learn Series to the community.

The first session, set for Feb. 21, is titled “Fundraising Success … A Closer Look.”

“Fundraising is a critical part of every nonprofit’s ability to sustain itself and to grow,” said June Miller, regional director of Indiana Nonprofit Resource Network. “This workshop will help participants see the critical elements of fundraising as they apply to every fundraising vehicle from annual letters and special events to personal appeals and even thank-you phone calls.”

Miller will present the training with all sessions taking place at the foundation office at 107 Community Drive in Seymour.

The topics were selected to offer helpful information for the executive directors leading area nonprofits, said Tonja Couch, United Way executive director.

Sessions are from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The $20 cost per session includes lunch and materials.

Other session dates and topics include:

• May 2: Developing a Strong Board of Directors
• Aug. 8: Strategic Planning … Seven Steps to Success
• Nov. 9: Crucial Conversations: Learn to Successfully Navigate the Conversations You are Avoiding

You can enroll online through the community calendar on the Greater Seymour Chamber of Commerce’s website, seymourchamber.com.

“We encourage our community partners in the nonprofit sector to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Dan Davis, the foundation’s president and CEO.

The series, however, is aimed at more than nonprofit directors and their staff.

“It’s a great opportunity for business people to learn more about their volunteer responsibilities in our community by participating on the boards of area nonprofits, including what their responsibilities might be and what kind of questions they might want to ask,” said Tricia Bechman, president of the Seymour chamber.

This is the second year for the board leadership training classes for area nonprofits. New to the sponsoring partners this year are the Brownstown chamber and the visitor center.

“We’re excited to be a part of this effort to help nonprofits and volunteers throughout Jackson County,” said Arann Banks, who is with the Brownstown chamber and director of the visitor center. “We hope to see participants from Brownstown, Crothersville, Medora and elsewhere sign up and benefit from this training.”