Nonprofit Utopia

12/10/2025

https://www.einpresswire.com/article/873701659/nonprofit-utopia-launches-impact-circle-to-help-organizational-leaders-strengthen-fundraising-systems-and-sustainability

New Community Helps Nonprofit Leaders to Raise Their First $25K or Increase Fundraising by 25%

12/08/2025

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/new-community-helps-nonprofit-leaders-strengthen-systems-leonard-3s5nc/?trackingId=ZlSVaRwqNo0cuToPn7WsSA%3D%3D

Chicago, IL — December 8, 2025 — Nonprofit Utopia, a trusted nonprofit capacity-building ecosystem, today announced the launch of the Nonprofit Utopia Impact Circle, a year-long learning and support community designed to help nonprofit leaders strengthen fundraising strategies, build durable sys...

12/06/2025

I’m excited to introduce the Nonprofit Utopia Impact Circle, a comprehensive fundraising and leadership development program designed to help nonprofit founders and executive directors strengthen their fundraising systems, increase revenue, and build sustainable organizations.

We bring together nonprofit founders and directors who are strengthening their fundraising strategies and systems to learn what works, practice proven skills alongside peers, and support one another every step of the way. We help nonprofit startups raise their first $25K and more established organizations increase fundraising by 25%, grow sustainable organizations, and create meaningful impact in the communities we serve.

Learn more about the 12 monthly themes and enrollment details here:

Whether you're thinking about joining now, later, or just want to understand how the Impact Circle could support you, this session will give you the clarity you need. Come ready to learn. Come ready to ask questions. And come ready to reimagine what’s possible for your nonprofit in the year ahead....

10/29/2025

Breakin' It Down Chicago had their annual conference on October 24, 2025, at City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College. I had a chance to catch up with folks I hadn't seen in person in a while, including Dr. Jeannyne Staten, PhD and Michael C. Rohrbeck and many others. There were interesting discussions on transformational advocacy and navigating the current philanthropic landscape.

I was deeply honored to have been invited to facilitate a pre-conference session on developing a theory of change and logic model. We built on those lessons learned to show people how to translate the community needs assessment, theory of change and logic model into winning proposals. I thank the Breakin' it Down Committee and Elaine Lehman for the opportunity to present.

10/29/2025

Leadership Cruise: Chart the Course Before You Set Sail

Featuring John Maxwell’s Law of Navigation
Thursday, June 19, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Navy Pier, Chicago
Admission: $150.00

Step aboard the Leadership Cruise for a one-of-a-kind professional development experience that blends inspiration, strategy, and celebration—all against the breathtaking backdrop of Chicago’s skyline. Hosted by Nonprofit Utopia, this immersive leadership event brings John Maxwell’s Law of Navigation to life, helping nonprofit and business leaders alike learn how to chart their course with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

During this dynamic, three-hour cruise, participants will explore how great leaders don’t just steer the ship—they plan the journey, anticipate challenges, and rally their teams toward shared success. The featured workshop, The Law of Navigation, usesJohn Maxwell's proprietary NAVIGATE™ Route Map, a practical one-page framework designed to help you move from vision to victory. You’ll leave with a 90-day roadmap for your next major goal, strategies for anticipating obstacles, and the confidence to communicate your vision with focus and conviction.

In addition to the leadership workshop, the cruise will include a special Juneteenth acknowledgement, honoring the resilience, freedom, and faith that continue to guide our communities forward. Guests will enjoy time on the observation deck, networking with mission-driven peers while soaking in the views, and a lunch buffet featuring delicious cuisine. Afterward, unwind and celebrate your accomplishments with a DJ, dancing, games, and a cash bar, keeping the atmosphere lively and joyful as you build new relationships and reflect on lessons learned.

The Leadership Cruise is more than a workshop—it’s an experience that captures the essence of leadership itself. As John Maxwell reminds us, “Anyone can steer the ship, but it takes a leader to chart the course.” This event will help you step into that role, providing the tools and insight you need to navigate uncertainty, strengthen your leadership presence, and inspire others to follow your vision. Whether you’re launching a new initiative, rebuilding after a setback, or positioning your organization for growth, you’ll return to shore with renewed energy, clarity, and purpose.

Join Nonprofit Utopia on June 19, 2026, for a day of learning, laughter, and leadership on the water. Come ready to connect, reflect, and chart a bold new course toward your next horizon.

10/13/2025

https://www.youtube.com/live/je_LHmVliI8

Join me, Valerie F. Leonard, Founder of Nonprofit Utopia, LLC, for an engaging conversation with Matt Hugg, Founder of Nonprofit.Courses and co-sponsor of th...

05/03/2025

05/03/2025

Check out our Nonprofit Founders Academy website and proposed courses, in formation.
https://nonprofitutopiaacademy.learnworlds.com/pages/home?preview=true

02/02/2025

https://nonprofitutopiaacademy.learnworlds.com/course/90-days-to-a-new-nonprofit-without-an-attorney?site_template_id=679466b8768f0fbf5103611b

01/08/2025

Register for the Spring Session of the Capacity Building For Community Healers program! https://forms.gle/mPGf8W6q1iHJrEk99