Greater Vancouver Chamber Launches Excellence for Nonprofit Leadership (ENL) Program

GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER LAUNCHES EXCELLENCE FOR NONPROFIT LEADERSHIP (ENL) PROGRAM

Intensive 3-Day, 9-Session Course Aims to Empower Nonprofit Leaders and Elevate Professional Standards

Vancouver, WA - The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is thrilled to announce the launch of the Excellence for Nonprofit Leadership (ENL) Program, beginning this October. Supported by The Firstenburg Foundation and Clark County Washington, this in-depth training program is specifically designed to strengthen nonprofit organizations and elevate professional standards across the sector.

The ENL program provides a comprehensive 3-day, 9-session course that covers key areas essential for nonprofit success. Participants will gain expertise in core topics including Nonprofit Management, Organizational Assessment, Governance & Leadership, Human Capital, Marketing and Communications, Finance, Strategic Planning, Legal, and Fund Development. The program will take place over three consecutive Wednesdays: October 30th, November 20th, and December 18th.

Designed for current and aspiring nonprofit leaders, the program is ideal for individuals involved in succession planning, executive committees, such as Board Chairs or incoming Board Chairs, and executive boards of all-volunteer nonprofits.

"Our growing community in Southwest Washington needs more access to leadership roles," said Janet Kenefsky, Vice President of Membership & Operations for the Greater Vancouver Chamber. "This program is designed to provide the essential training to help our nonprofit leaders to thrive. With over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, I am deeply committed to supporting both business and nonprofit sectors in fostering a vibrant community. A key priority is increasing diversity in leadership roles within Clark County's nonprofit sector, ensuring that nonprofits reflect the communities they serve. By doing so, these organizations can maximize their impact and more effectively fulfill their missions. Our goal is to build a pool of qualified applicants ready to lead with purpose and knowledge, eliminating the need for extended interim directors."

The program's mission is to elevate professional standards and boost the capacity of nonprofit organizations in the region. By offering strategic and technical support, the initiative aims to cultivate a pipeline of leadership-ready candidates, strengthening the nonprofit sector's ability to achieve its goals.

To ensure the program is accessible and affordable, the Chamber and its partners are offering scholarships to professionals and organizations in need. These scholarships will remove financial and logistical barriers, enabling nonprofits of all sizes to benefit from high-quality leadership training.

Jennifer Rhoads of The Firstenburg Foundation expressed enthusiasm for the program, stating, "We are dedicated to supporting future leaders within our nonprofit sector, especially for our culturally specific and by/for organizations, small nonprofits and grassroots organizations. The Excellence for Nonprofit Leadership program will provide access to educational resources for individuals at all levels of an organization from volunteer to the executive director position.”

For more information about the Excellence for Nonprofit Leadership program or to apply, please visit https://www.vancouverusa.com/excellence-for-nonprofit-leadership-enl/ or contact the Chamber at YourChamber@VancouverUSA.com.