On May 4, the Idaho Nonprofit Center will present its second annual North Idaho Nonprofit Forum at the Coeur d’Alene Inn in Coeur d’Alene from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Open to the public, this forum will provide nonprofits unique access to prominent funders, opportunities to network with other nonprofit professionals, and roundtable discussions with 15 local and regional funders.  Registration is available online at www.idahononprofits.org or by phone, 208-424-2229.

It is vital in these economic times for nonprofit leaders to network together, fostering a community of peer learning and exchange of creative ideas.  Those that do will emerge from the recession as stronger organizations, better managed and more capable of delivering high quality services.

“We know the strength of Idaho’s nonprofits comes from the resourcefulness of our people, working together to accomplish what can’t be done alone” says Nonprofit Center Executive Director Lynn Hoffmann.  “We want to avoid the temptation to dig in our heels and stick to old habits when times get tough.  As nonprofit leaders, our challenge is to embrace change, broaden our thinking and try new approaches to move ahead in these turbulent times.”

Leaders will have the opportunity to hear directly from foundation representatives as they share observations about what makes healthy organizations from their interactions across many years with nonprofits throughout the state.

-  Bob Hoover, President and CEO, Idaho Community Foundation

-  Linda Tracy, Western Program Director, The Steele-Reese Foundation

-  Kit Gillem, Program Director, M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust       

-  Bill Vesneski, Director of Evaluation, Planning & Research, Paul G. Allen Family Foundation

-  Mark Hurtubise and Linda Graham, Inland Northwest Community Foundation

-  Michael Faison, Executive Director, Idaho Commission on the Art

In addition to panel and breakout conversations, participants will have an opportunity to meet with these and other local funders in three, 20-minute Roundtable Discussions at the end of the day.

The North Idaho Nonprofit Forum is underwritten by the Idaho Community Foundation, with support from U.S. Bank, Avista Foundation, and Panhandle State Bank.  Other sponsors include: Coeur d'Alene Public Library Foundation; Magnuson, McHugh & Co, P.A.; North Idaho Title; and United Way of Kootenai County.

The Idaho Nonprofit Center serves and unites nonprofits through statewide training, education, collaboration and advocacy programs.  Information: www.idahononprofits.org.