Executive Director's Message | | |
My faith in humanity was boosted a little this month by our participation in Junior Achievement’s “Inspire to Hire” career event March 10-11, welcoming thousands of area high school students. Our “A Force for Good” booth was aimed at getting nonprofit careers on high school students’ radar. We (okay, I) thought it might be a tough crowd, but they were thoughtful and engaged.
To make the initial connection, we asked them what matters. In this unscientific “dot poll” of what they cared about most, mental health was the top pick. That makes me sad, but also glad they are perceptive and compassionate. Many also knew that healthcare is subpar for the people around them. They also care a lot about the arts and justice! We then drew a line to careers that combined a mission they care about with a skill or profession, like finance, law, construction, marketing, etc.
We were really inspired by these future leaders and will continue to find ways to connect them to your work and encourage them to consider a career path that makes them A Force for Good!
Marching right along …
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Beth Benson
Executive Director
P.S. Save the Date! Securing the Future Conference – October 20, 2026
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Our next BOLD cohort begins April 30 - secure your spot now!
New in 2026! BOLD has been streamlined to 4 sessions with more networking.
| | Designed for aspiring or novice board members, our core BOLD program will help you turn your passion into action and elevate your impact in our community! | | |
Check out what BOLD graduates are saying...
"All the speakers were fantastic and it was energizing to be in a room with so many passionate people, many of whom are navigating real challenges within their organizations, and to hear those realities discussed so openly. That sense of community was much-needed." –Rachel Ahrnsen, Ignite Philanthropy, BOLD 23 graduate
"I love the program and really enjoyed it!! Thank you for investing in the next generation of nonprofit board leaders — it truly turns passion into meaningful action. Proud BOLD graduate!" –Latoya Chambers, Cincinnati State, BOLD 24 graduate
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BOLD Next Level
We are planning to offer at least one session of BOLD Next Level in 2026, the “201” level of BOLD for more experienced board members. To learn more and make sure we notify you of the dates, click here.
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Compensation survey reminder: If you are a Tristate nonprofit, you can get a free copy of our 2026 Compensation & Benefits Study later this spring, if you complete the survey.
An individualized link was sent to the HR or executive contact at most nonprofits (sender address salarysurvey.mranet@periscopeiq.com – please check your spam). The deadline is March 27. If you didn’t receive it, please submit this form.
We are honored to have recently received a $10,000 grant for A Force for Good from the Millstone Fund. Thank you!
| | Have you renewed your Leadership Council membership for 2026? As part of a regional network of 200+ organizations, our members enjoy access to exclusive programming, valuable resources, and meaningful connections throughout the year. Visit our membership page to join or renew today. Thank you to all of our new and renewing members! | | Join Leadership Council and take advantage of our many programs and opportunities for cost saving and networking! Whether your organization is large or small, Leadership Council is here to help you tackle your unique challenges and achieve your mission. Plus, one membership covers your entire team! Learn more and join or renew today. | | | UST Unemployment Savings & Workforce Solutions | | |
Elevate your nonprofit's success with UST’s innovative workforce solutions! UST offers cost-saving programs designed to improve cash flow, mitigate risk, ensure HR compliance, and add operational efficiencies so you can do more to impact your local communities. Whether your primary focus is to protect your assets, ensure compliance, reduce unemployment costs, or to build a thriving work culture to keep your employees engaged, UST has a solution for you. Learn more about UST today!
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Leadership Council Job Board
Are you taking advantage of this FREE member benefit? As a Leadership Council member, you have exclusive access to our job board for posting your organization's job openings – absolutely free! Take advantage of this valuable resource today.
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Quarterly Nonprofit HR Forum
If you are a member of a nonprofit staff with HR responsibilities, you won't want to miss our brand-new quarterly Nonprofit HR Forum to meet with your peers for presentations and discussions on high-level issues affecting our nonprofit workforce.
Topic: Culture Without Chaos: Balancing Flexibility, Accountability, and Well Being to Become an Employer of Choice
Thanks to our sponsor and host Clark Schaefer Strategic HR!
Date: April 15, 2026
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Quarterly Nonprofit Executive Forum
Join us for our new quarterly Nonprofit Executive Forum to meet with your peers for presentations and discussions on high-level issues affecting our sector.
These in-person meetings will be exclusive to CEOs and executive directors and open to members and nonmembers. Stay tuned for the topic announcement!
Thanks to our sponsor UHY (formerly Flynn & Co, CPAs)!
Date: May 21, 2026
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Zonta Club Grant Applications
Due April 1: Zonta Club of Cincinnati is now accepting grant applications from Greater Cincinnati area nonprofits. The applicant preferably is an IRS 501(c)(3), local to the Greater Cincinnati area, and the majority of clients served by the organization must be women or girls. Learn more here.
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Millstone Fund LOI Applications
Due April 1: Millstone Fund supports the Greater Cincinnati community in the areas of health, education, and arts, and is now accepting LOls until April 1 from eligible organizations. Learn more about eligibility requirements and the application process.
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AI for Good: Our Favorite Tools and Resources
April 8: Join AI for Good Alliance for a free, one-hour webinar designed specifically for nonprofit teams who want practical AI guidance without the tech jargon. Jeremy Brown from Talbert House and Kendra Ramirez from KR Digital will walk you through their favorite AI tools right now, what's changed in the landscape recently, and where to find trusted resources to keep learning. Register here.
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