Workshops & Events

Governing -- the "verb of the board" -- is key to effective organizations, but we don't often talk about what it actually means to govern. If you are new on a board, or looking to expand or refresh your knowledge as a continuing board member, this workshop is for you. Ned Cooney, retiring consultant who has worked with many boards over the last 25 years, will share his parting thoughts about: 

• Governance framework to understand the work of the board within organizations
• Roles and responsibilities of boards, collectively and individually 
• The difference between governing, supporting, managing and doing the work of delivering on the mission
• Effective relationships between board members 
• Relationships with the Executive Director and other staff

About Ned

Ned Cooney began his consulting practice in 2005. After years of serving as staff and volunteer in a variety of organizations, Ned’s goal is to leverage his experience to assist clients to learn and make better decisions together, and ultimately to succeed in reaching their aspirations. Ned brings to this work a heart for the importance of a strong civic society, and the importance of the nonprofit sector, volunteer action, and committed public servants. He brings a unique combination of perspectives: as both grant-maker and grant-seeker; as volunteer, staff, and board member in a variety of organizations; as educator and consultant in organizational and academic settings; and as active participant in several community coalitions at the state and local levels. Ned is a former member and Board Chair of the Board of Directors of the Montana Nonprofit Association and has served as a member of MNA’s Nonprofit Public Policy Council since its start in 2006.

Celebrate the 2026 Great Fish Community Challenge with us! We'll announce our special awards and present each participating nonprofit with their check, plus announce the grand total raised during the Challenge. Light refreshments will be served. This event is free to attend and open the public.

Major gifts are built on meaningful relationships. This interactive workshop is designed to increase participants’ confidence and comfort in engaging donors through authentic discovery conversations, active listening, and relationship-building strategies. Attendees will learn practical techniques for identifying donor interests, strengthening trust, navigating gift conversations naturally, and creating lasting partnerships that inspire philanthropy. Whether new to fundraising or looking to sharpen your skills, participants will leave with actionable tools you can put into practice immediately.

About Deb

Debra Gill brings more than 40 years of fundraising leadership experience across a wide range of nonprofit sectors, with deep expertise in philanthropy, campaign strategy, and organizational development. Her career includes leadership roles with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Montana State University–Bozeman, Bozeman Health Foundation, and a nationally recognized philanthropy consulting firm before founding Alliance Philanthropy in 2021. Today, Deb provides strategic counsel to nonprofit organizations nationwide. Her expertise includes executive coaching, organizational capacity building, campaign planning and counsel, board and staff development, strategic assessments, major and planned giving, and nonprofit leadership.

Registration Info Coming Soon!