Leading a nonprofit organization in today’s world is one of the most challenging jobs there is, with increasing pressure on accountability, competition for funding, and complex issues facing our communities.

Cherokee Preservation Foundation and other philanthropic groups in the region established WNC Nonprofit Pathways in 2005 with the purpose of sharpening the skills of local nonprofit leaders and making the sector stronger. Nonprofit Pathways provides up-to-date information, training and workshops, assessments, tailored consultancies and networking to help nonprofit leaders strengthen the governance and management of their organizations.  It helps nonprofits in 18 western counties, stretching from Murphy in the west to Morganton in the east and the communities in between.

“We want Western North Carolina to have a vibrant and healthy nonprofit sector that works with individuals, business and government to address needs and opportunities so that our communities succeed and thrive,” said Susan Jenkins, executive director of the Cherokee Preservation Foundation. “Nonprofits play such an important role in our mountain region – as an economic engine and employer, as community builders who improve our quality of life, and as the providers of the safety net that cares for our citizens with the greatest needs.”

Nonprofit Pathways’ education and training offerings include Fundamentals courses on planning, board leadership, finance/legal, communications, fund development, and evaluation.  Other services are on-site tailored consultancies to help organizations address specific needs, from financial management to strategic planning.  The support is offered at no or low-cost.  For more information, visit www.nonprofitpathways.org.