Is a nonprofit right for you?
October 21 | 3:30 PM- 5:00 PM | CF Campus
Are you considering whether starting a non-profit is the right decision for you? If you have a vision or idea that you would like to turn into a reality in order to make a meaningful impact on your community, then this workshop is for you. Join us for an engaging and informative workshop designed to help you test your vision or idea. With guidance from a seasoned mentor with extensive experience in founding and working with nonprofits, you’ll gain insights and real-world advice to help determine if forming a nonprofit is the right path for you.
This workshop is tailored for individuals who have a feasible idea for a nonprofit and are ready to explore the practicalities of starting and running one. Topics of discussion will include:
- Assessing the viability and impact of the vision for those you’ll serve
- Transforming your idea into a concrete plan that can become a non-profit organization.
- The basics of how to begin forming your non-profit
- Networking opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for making a difference
Whether you’re looking to address a community need, promote a cause, or create a social enterprise, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and inspiration to evaluate if a nonprofit is the right fit for your goals.
Don’t miss this chance to refine your vision and start your nonprofit journey with confidence—join us and take the first step toward turning your dream into reality! Register here.
About the Presenters
Paula Van Ness, MS is a seasoned nonprofit executive with more than 40 years in CEO/Executive Director positions locally and nationally. Previously, she served in the chief executive position for Family Planning Centers of Greater LA, AIDS Project Los Angeles, National AIDS Fund, National Alliance to End Homelessness, Make-A-Wish America, Starlight Children’s Foundation, and Connecticut Community Foundation. She has served in leadership roles for several national and local nonprofit boards including Independent Sector where she was the treasurer, Gift of Adoption Fund which she chaired, and SafeParking LA which she chaired. She currently serves on the board of the Pima Community College Foundation board, where she chairs the audit committee, and her church council, where she chairs the finance committee. She possesses a master’s degree in organizational development from the University of San Francisco, a BS from the University of Arizona, and currently directs the Center for Healthy Nonprofits at the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona.
Valerie Pullara, SCORE Mentor for the nonprofit sector, has over 45 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She has been involved in start-ups, growth, and strategic planning for all types of nonprofits. Her professional positions have included, city management, executive director, development director, and HR director. She also has over 40 years in the animal welfare area and currently serves as the Executive Director of a nonprofit, AGR Foundation. She frequently helps people determine if starting a nonprofit is right for their vision and business journey.
Megan Finck is the Senior Program Manager at Startup Tucson. Through educational programs, mentorship, and member resources, Startup Tucson helps entrepreneurs in Southern Arizona navigate their journey to business success. With a background in education program management, Megan has been part of the team for more than two years and plays various roles, including teaching workshops, offering individual coaching, and providing mentor pairings and resources for our members.