Non-profit organizations play a critical role in our lives and in the North Shore economy. A 2005 Mass, Inc. study reported that non-profits in Massachusetts have more than $137 billion in assets. The Enterprise Center then conducted its own research to determine the needs of non-profits on the North Shore of Massachusetts.

One of the key findings was that, while non-profits do have some unique needs, they also want and need business training. Non-profits today are under tremendous pressure to demonstrate that they are well run and use funds effectively. Grant makers want to see “capacity-building” programs that will enable the recipient organization to become more financially independent. Non-profits are expected to be run like any business, and they need the appropriate business skills to do so. In the face of fierce competition for donations, they also need to be savvy fundraisers.

Our goal is to help non-profit organizations operate more efficiently and effectively. We encourage attendees to register for general business skill programs as well as those programs specifically for non-profits.

For more information about our non-profit track, contact Laura Swanson at lswanson@enterprisectr.org.

Did you know we have two CEO groups just for the Executive Directors/CEOs of non-profit organizations?

The Enterprise Center has recently added an Established Non-Profit Executive Director/CEO Group for small and mid-sized, established non-profits this fall.  Since it is a new group, we are still welcoming new members through December 2016.  We are also currently continuing with our traditional Million Dollar Non-Profit Executive Director/CEO Group, and will begin recruitment for that group in January 2015 with a start date in March 2015.

While there are specific qualifications for each group we will reach out individually to those interested in participating, in order to place each Executive Director/CEO into the appropriate group. Read below for qualification requirements:

Million Dollar Non-Profit Executive Director/CEO Group Criteria:

  • Currently running. Enrollment closed.
  • Organization has been in operation for more than three years
  • Operating Budget is over $750,000
  • Cost: $850 (payable in two installments)

Established Non-Profit Executive Director/CEO Group Criteria:

  • Enrollment open. First meeting in early 2015.
  • Organization has been in operation more than three years
  • Operating Budget is between $150,000 and $750,000
  • Cost: $450 (payable in two installments)

Enrollment for our Executive Director/CEO Groups remains open 4 to 8 weeks after the first official meeting, which is September 19th for the Established Non-Profit Group (see below). The first meeting you attend is absolutely FREE, and serves as a chance for you to gain understanding for the structure and dynamic of the group. If you decide you like the group after the first meeting you are welcome to join!

CEO groups are facilitated, confidential monthly meetings where CEOs (Executive Directors) share challenges and exchange ideas with peers. Click here to learn more about our CEO groups.