Southwest Minnesota nonprofit professionals and SWIF fund partner advisory board members are invited to join us for a day of learning and connection.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 | 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. | Jackpot Junction
New this year! Distinct tracks for nonprofit professionals and volunteer advisory board members so that both audiences leave with new skills and knowledge to help them in their unique roles.
What hasn’t changed? Top-notch plenary speakers (Dr. Terry Wu will be back!), valuable breakout sessions, delicious food, and great connections. Plus, the closing reception will feature a special celebration and surprise grant awards.
There is no cost to attend. Register early! Last year’s event was at capacity.
Agenda
| 8:30 a.m. | Registration and light breakfast |
| 9:00 a.m. | Welcome & opening remarks, Scott Marquardt, Southwest Initiative Foundation |
| 9:05 a.m. | Plenary 1: Henry Jiménez, President & CEO, Propel Nonprofits |
| 9:45 a.m. | Break |
| 10:00 a.m. | Plenary 2, Part 1: Dr. Terry Wu, Neuroscientist and Leadership Expert |
| 11:00 a.m. | Break |
| 11:15 a.m. | Plenary 2, Part 2: Dr. Terry Wu, Neuroscientist and Leadership Expert |
| 12:15 p.m. | Lunch and table discussions |
| 1:00 p.m. | Breakout sessions |
| 2:00 p.m. | Break |
| 2:15 p.m. | Breakout sessions |
| 3:15 p.m. | Break |
| 3:30 p.m. | Breakout session |
| 4:30 p.m. | Celebration & grant awards |
1:00 p.m. Breakout Sessions
Track 1 for Nonprofit Professionals: Assessing the Health of Your Nonprofit Organization, presented by Propel Nonprofits
Track 2 for Nonprofit Professionals: Protecting Your Mission: Compliance Best Practices, presented by Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
Track for SWIF Fund Partners: FUNdraising Fundamentals: What You Need to Know as a Volunteer, presented by Jenna Ray, GiveMN
Session descriptions will be available soon.
2:15 p.m. Breakout Sessions
Track 1 for Nonprofit Professionals: Managing Cash Flow, presented by Propel Nonprofits
Track 2 for Nonprofit Professionals: What Nonprofits Need to Know: The Latest Federal Updates, presented by Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
Track for SWIF Fund Partners: Building Prosperity in Your Community: Your Community Foundation’s Role in the Transfer of Wealth, presented by Kathryn Leys, U of MN Extension
Session descriptions will be available soon.
3:30 p.m. Breakout Sessions
Track 1 for Nonprofit Professionals: Scenario Planning in Uncertain Times, presented by Propel Nonprofits
Track 2 for Nonprofit Professionals: What Nonprofits Need to Know: Crisis Communications, presented by Vantage Point Marketing Consultants
Track for SWIF Fund Partners: Best Practices (and Practical Tips!) for Advisory Boards, presented by Amy Pokela, AMPO Nonprofit Solutions
Session descriptions will be available soon.
Agenda and breakout sessions subject to change.
Thank you to Propel Nonprofits for sponsoring this conference!
Questions? Contact Meghan Laffen at [email protected] or (320) 326-8984.
