Nonprofit Peer Groups

Objective

The Johnson County Nonprofit Peer Groups were created at the request of many of our nonprofit partners who were looking for ways to connect and grow together. In 2022 we piloted 5 peer groups which met quarterly. Each peer group is focused around a particular topic – usually an article, podcast, or video – and after a short dive into that common topic/material, the conversation opens to current news and trends, challenges or new opportunities that need group ideation, or simply networking and connection with peers. The conversations are open to all and directed by those in attendance.

The goals of the Community Foundation of Johnson County’s Nonprofit Peer Groups are to:

Provide learning opportunities relevant and timely for nonprofit professionals, volunteers, and board members;
Create space for open discussion and dialogue in a confidential and safe space;
Bring the CFJC to the forefront of nonprofit leaders’ radar as a community connector and convener; and
Raise awareness of the CFJC’s resources for nonprofit organizations.

Peer Groups

The Johnson County Nonprofit Peer Groups are open to any and all who wish to attend, though content is directed at nonprofit professionals within Johnson County. We welcome diverse voices, experiences, organizational foci, and organization sizes to attend these peer group sessions. These sessions are designed to allow connection, resource and idea sharing, and networking among nonprofit leaders in diverse roles across organizations.

Session Structure

Sessions will be held quarterly via Zoom for ease of participation from professionals across the county. The following is the anticipated structure for peer group sessions. They will be topic/content based and then open for networking and engagement as the group sees fit.

Introductions (5-10 min)
Topic/Content Specific Presentation or Guided Conversation (15-20 min)
Open Conversation/Networking (30 min)

A Community Foundation staff member will facilitate peer group meetings, but conversation is always open to participant engagement.

Fees/Cost

Nonprofit Peer Groups are free to attend and open to all, though content is directed toward nonprofit professionals in Johnson County.

Calendar

The Nonprofit Alliance Peer Group will meet quarterly on Wednesday mornings from 9-10am. We will meet virtually via zoom. Links to register for each session can be found below.