Strong Board Governance Series
Hunt and Diane Harris Center for Nonprofit Excellence programs support the growth and development of local nonprofits.
May-October 2026
Delivered in partnership with Wastyn & Associates and Iman Consulting
All nonprofits share one common, crucial ingredient—an engaged, effective board working together effectively to fulfill a shared mission and vision.
Designed for aspiring and current board members, nonprofit leaders, and corporate leaders who want to learn proven strategies for building and strengthening effective boards.
In this series, participants can register for any of the six 90-minute interactive, in-person sessions—or attend the full series at a discounted rate. Each session includes pre-work and one-year access to a digital learning library with on-demand learning modules, templates, and sample documents to support real-world application.
This year’s series includes additional content and expanded resources to deepen learning and spark meaningful conversations. Even if you participated last year, you’ll gain fresh perspectives through new tools, discussions, and shared experiences. Consider joining with a board member, executive leader, or colleague to learn together and strengthen alignment within your organization.
After each session, participants can schedule 1:1 coaching sessions to identify and address challenges and receive support in implementing learnings within their board goals. The program concludes with a graduation event, and participants can be listed in a Board Connections database to help local individuals and organizations find opportunities for board service.
Participants will also be eligible for Continuing Education Credits and Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Credits.
Registration Dates:
Registration open: Monday, 11/17, 2025
First Virtual Information Session: Monday, 11/17/25, QCCF staff provided an overview of the Effective Nonprofit Management Cohort and Strong Board Governance Series. Watch the recording here.
Second Virtual Information Session: Thursday, May 7, 3:00pm – 4:00pm QCCF staff will provide an overview of the Strong Board Governance Series. There will be time for questions with the expert consultants who develop and deliver these programs.
Session Dates – 2026
Location: Quad Cities Community Foundation
Board Orientation and Recruitment - Register Here
Thursday, May 14, 2:30pm – 4:00pm | Register by May 5
Board Member Roles and Responsibilities - Register Here
Thursday, June 11, 2:30pm – 4:00pm | Register by June 2
Engaging Board Members - Register Here
Thursday, July 16, 2:30pm – 4:00pm | Register by July 7
Board Member Role in Development - Register Here
Thursday, August 13, 2:30pm – 4:00pm | Register by August 4
Full participation is applicable for 1.0 points in Category 1.B -Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.
Managing Change with Your Board - Register Here
Thursday, September 10, 2:30pm – 4:00pm | Register by September 1
Effective Board Chairs - Register Here
Thursday, October 15, 2:30pm – 4:00pm | Register by October 6
Graduation: Thursday, October 15, 4:00pm – 6:00pm (attendees of any sessions welcome)
Why should I participate in the Strong Board Governance Series?
Engaging content and program design that makes the best use of your time - in-person sessions will use a combination of case studies, large and small group discussions, and short lectures on important topics.
For nonprofit organizations, it can be very valuable for staff leadership and board chair to enroll and attend together so everyone is hearing the same message and can strategize to implement what you’ve learned.
Receive practical tools through our digital learning library, such as sample documents, guides, assessments, and on-demand learning modules to enhance board meetings.
After each session, engage in a 30 to 60-minute virtual coaching session to support your board goals, giving participants the opportunity to discuss an issue or question privately with one of the two lead consultants.
Build a network of supportive peers.
Who should register for the Strong Board Governance Series?
In our inaugural year, we had a wide range of experience levels – from long-time nonprofit executives and board members to brand-new board chairs, to individuals aspiring to serve on a board someday.
We welcome current board members, nonprofit CEOs and Executive Directors, nonprofit development staff, corporate philanthropy partners, and individuals not currently serving on board.
RECENT NEWS from the Hunt and Diane Harris Center for Nonprofit Excellence
HAVE QUESTIONS?
To learn more about programs and the Hunt and Diane Harris Center for Nonprofit Excellence, contact Daisy Moran.
Daisy Moran / email
Call (563) 326-2840
Registration Cost and Scholarship Support
With investment from the Quad Cities Community Foundation and the generous support of our donors, we are able to offer our flagship programs at a significantly subsidized rate. Registration for Strong Board Governance is $100 per session for each participant. early-bird pricing and bundling options available
Register before March 13th to receive early-bird pricing:
Single Ticket - $75 for any one session
6 Session Bundle - $375 for 1 participant for all sessions
Multi-Ticket Bundle - $225 for 4 participants in any one session
To access the bundle: select your session and click on an add ticket. Then select the bundle option.
Important: The bundle option only appears after you click on add ticket for an individual session.
At The Quad Cities Community Foundation, we believe all nonprofits deserve equitable access to expert-led programs with high-quality resources. To ensure that cost is never a barrier to participation scholarships will be available beginning March 14th, after the early-bird pricing has ended.
If you have questions about making this opportunity work for you, please contact Daisy Moran at daisymoran@QCCommunityFoundation.org.