Empowering Nonprofits, Strengthening the Community: The Lasting Impact of the Douglas W. Eberle Board Governance Series
In February 2008, the Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette (CFGL) launched a Board Governance Training series for board volunteers and nonprofit executives, under the leadership of then-President and CEO Douglas Eberle. The goal of the series was to strengthen and sustain boards by bringing in experts from the region and beyond to provide dynamic learning opportunities for the community’s nonprofit leaders.
From the outset, the community rallied around this initiative, including a partnership with the United Way of Greater Lafayette and sponsorship by North Central Health Services (NCHS). It quickly became clear this continuing education series was both needed and appreciated by nonprofit professionals.
Eberle was committed to ensuring the program’s continuation, and it resumed the following year. Tragically, Eberle did not live to see the fruits of his labor. In April 2009, he lost his life in an accidental death. To honor Eberle’s life and legacy, the series was named in his memory, becoming the Douglas W. Eberle Board Governance Series, affectionately known as “the Eberle Series.”
David Lasater, ‘James Kirby Risk’ President & CEO of The Foundation
Over the years, the series has continued to grow and improve as new leadership maintained its focus on providing valuable services to the community. As the current James Kirby Risk President & CEO of The Foundation, David Lasater, shared, “Good board governance is the key to success in any nonprofit organization.”
In 2022, seeking to expand the program and streamline its efficiency, CFGL partnered with Hedges, an Indiana-based consulting firm which builds the capacity of nonprofit organizations, foundations, and corporations. This collaboration introduced a new board training series, facilitated by Hedges’ Board Source Certified Consultants with first-hand experience and in-depth knowledge of the training topics.
Today, much like its founding, the series focuses on enhancing nonprofit board effectiveness through key topics, including elevator pitch development, board responsibilities, leadership performance evaluation, board engagement, governance sustainability, committee activation, and fundraising essentials. Each session aims to strengthen board operations and drive organizational success.
“The Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette doesn’t have needs,” said Lasater. “Our needs are represented by the needs of the nonprofits within the community, and we want to find the best way to serve nonprofits to make them successful. This is one avenue through which we can do so.”
Eberle Training Series Session 2024
Over the past three years, in collaboration with Hedges, the Eberle Series has been highly successful, with registrations tripling and interest continuing to grow. Participants value the hands-on learning, tangible takeaways, expert facilitators, and the opportunity to connect with fellow community leaders.
Claire Eagle of the Tippecanoe County Historical Association remarked, “This series is the most valuable professional development I have been a part of. Every session teaches me something new and how to apply it.”
Lindsay Mputubwele of Transformed Birth Services shared, “I really enjoyed being a part of this series. Being in the room with others who are also working towards being a positive force in our community is very inspirational.”
Typically, training like this would be costly for nonprofits, but thanks to a 17-year-long collaboration with NCHS and United Way of Greater Lafayette, individuals can attend nearly 30 hours’ worth of sessions for less than $200. The price includes learning materials, lunch, and networking opportunities. For the leaders at CFGL, ensuring that the board governance series remains accessible is a top priority.
Over the last five decades, CFGL has consistently leveraged philanthropy to support Greater Lafayette, helping donors maximize their impact and ensuring nonprofits access essential resources. The Eberle Series is just one of the many ways CFGL has risen to the occasion to meet the needs of the community. In addition to this series, CFGL is offering professional coaching services and continuing education certificates for individuals in the nonprofit sector.
Gretchen Shelmon, CFGL Director of Communications, Marketing, and Grants
Gretchen Shelmon, CFGL’s Director of Communications, Marketing, and Grants, said it best when she shared, “By providing these resources, we’re making our community’s nonprofits stronger, allowing them more opportunities for sustainability and funding, which is mutually beneficial for these organizations and the Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette.”
The Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette showcases its dedication to strengthening nonprofits through a creative approach that includes education, partnership, and accessible resources. By empowering organizations with the tools they need to thrive, CFGL continues to build a stronger, more vibrant community for all.
Interested in learning more about Hedges’ training topics? Visit their training opportunities page for more details and upcoming sessions. Hedges is an IPA sponsor and supporter.