MPCC offers interactive learning series for nonprofits

Mid-Plains Community College will offer a 10-session series geared toward nonprofit organizations at the end of the month.

Shreya Agrawal-Kanade, founder of ZAPS Consulting, will lead “EmpowerED Nonprofits,” an engaging and interactive learning series providing nonprofit leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to draft stronger strategic plans and enhance overall organizational impact. Each session will offer practical insights and strategies to maximize effectiveness.

Agrawal-Kanade has a Master of Business Administration degree from the Yale School of Management, with a focus on nonprofit management and global social enterprise, as well as a master’s degree in international public health from Johns Hopkins University.

Her classes will begin Jan. 31 and continue from 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays on a bi-weekly basis through June 5. They will be in Room 209, of the W.W. Wood Building, 1101 Halligan Drive, in North Platte. A distance learning option is also available.

The cost is $360. Registration is required by Jan. 29 by contacting Jeff Smeltzer, MPCC Business and Community Education coordinator, at smeltzerj@mpcc.edu or (308) 535-3687.

About the classes

Sessions will consist of:

Jan. 31 – Strategic Visioning – Participants will gain clarity about their organization’s purpose, vision and values, laying the foundation for a powerful strategic plan.

Feb. 14 – Stakeholder Engagement – This class will explore effective techniques for engaging and involving stakeholders, ensuring diverse perspectives to shape strategic planning.

Feb. 28 – SWOT Analysis – Agrawal-Kanade will explain ways to conduct a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis to identify areas for improvement and determine potential strategic initiatives.

March 13 – Theory of Change – Participants will develop a robust theory of change that serves as a guiding roadmap for their organization’s transformative journey. The session will include a focus on developing logic models.

March 27 – Goal Setting and Measurement – Attendees will establish clear, measurable and time-bound objectives, known as smart goals, that align with a mission and will learn how to consistently monitor them over time.

April 10 – Fundraising Strategies – Agrawal-Kanade will talk about effective fundraising techniques, donor stewardship and relationship management.

April 24 – Marketing and Outreach – Information will include how to build a strong brand, tell a compelling story and increase community presence.

May 8 – Risk Management – A proactive approach will be developed to identify, assess and mitigate risks, ensuring resilience in achieving strategic goals.

May 22 – Board of Directors – The best practices for recruiting, engaging and utilizing a Board of Directors will be identified to help nonprofits effectively enhance organizational impact.

June 5 – Continuous Improvement – Strategies for ongoing monitoring and evaluation will be explored, ensuring a strategic plan remains dynamic and responsive.

About Agrawal-Kanade

Agrawal-Kanade has 15 years of experience working across various industries, including humanitarian assistance, global public health and K-12 education.

Her expertise includes strategy development, program management, budget and financial analysis, monitoring and evaluation tool development, grant writing, fundraising and capacity building of leaders. She has experience working in many countries, including Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda and India.

Agrawal-Kanade lives in North Platte with her husband and two children. She has served as president of The Connection Homeless Shelter board of directors, vice president of the North Platte Community College Foundation board of directors and was the 2023 Gala committee chair for the Great Plains Health Care Foundation.