Association of Consultants to Nonprofits upcoming events

2026 ACN AI Circle (06/04/2026)

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

ACN AI Circle Dates

February 5, 2026

April 2, 2026

June 4, 2026

August 6, 2026

October 1, 2026

December 3, 2026

10:00 am - 11:00 am CST

ACN Members Only

This collaborative group will meet every other month on the first Thursday of the month. We use a model that provides value to new and longstanding attendees, allowing for group members to flow in and out of the group.

Whether you’re curious, skeptical, or ready to integrate AI into your practice, this workgroup provides a supportive space to learn, share, and experiment-- helping you and the nonprofits you serve thrive in the digital age.

This group is run by ACN member, Cathy Yen. Please email Cathy if you have any questions.

2026 ACN Working Parents Circle (06/09/2026)

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 18:00:00 GMT

ACN Working Parents Circle
Second Tuesday of Every Other Month
1:00 - 1:45 pm CST

2026 DATES
February 10

April 14

June 9

August 11

October 13

December 15

ACN Members Only

Parents with kids still living at home, balancing work and life, and sharing experiences and perspectives about the unique challenges from peers who are “in the season with you.” Contact Lidia Varesco-Racoma for more information.

ACN Circle Groups are intended to be forums for like or complementary groups of professionals to empower each other with a diversity of thinking, knowledge, shared experience, perspective, support, intentional networking, business development, and inspiration. The groups will be member-driven and self-directed in terms of content, frequency of meetings, duration, number of participants, and general meeting objectives. Participation in ACN Circle Groups is open to all ACN members.

Meeting links are included in your registration confirmation email. Please contact the ACN office if you need assistance - 312-940-4008

Tips and Tricks: Building a More Efficient and Effective Consultancy (06/11/2026)

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Tips and Tricks:
Building a More Efficient and Effective Consultancy

Thursday, June 11, 2026
12:00 - 1:00 pm CT
Virtual Members Only Event

Please join us as four veteran ACN consultants share their tips and tricks for building a more efficient and effective consultancy. In June, we’re bringing ACN members together to exchange game-changing insights that help us work smarter and focus on what matters most: serving our clients.

Panelists include Carol White, Melanie Stathis, Lidia Varesco Racoma, and Melissa Lagowski, moderated by Jean de St. Aubin. Topics will range from when to outsource tasks to favorite Excel hacks and other productivity tools.

Most importantly, we want to hear from fellow ACN members who have developed their own effective shortcuts, strategies, and best practices.

Please contact ACN Association Manager, Jennifer Heffernan, at execdirector@acnconsult.org if you have any questions.

ACN 2026 Annual Business Meeting (06/23/2026)

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:00:00 GMT

ACN 2026 Annual Business Meeting

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

12:00 - 1:00 pm CST

MEMBERS ONLY

Please join us for ACN's 37th Annual Business Meeting. We will recap last year's achievements, give you a sneak peek of what's coming up this year and introduce the newly elected members of the FY27 Board of Directors. We will also present the new budget and discuss other business-related topics.

Please send an email to execdirector@acnconsult.org with questions.

Ask a Consultant Series: Hiring and Working With Consultants (06/24/2026)

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Ask a Consultant Series:
Hiring and Working With Consultants

Wednesday, June 24, 2026
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. CST
Free Webinar - Registration Required

REGISTER HERE

Nonprofits operate at a high tempo, balancing mission delivery with organizational strength. Bringing in a consultant can be a powerful way to accelerate progress and make the most of available resources when approached thoughtfully.

This session will help nonprofit leaders make informed decisions about when and how to engage consultants and structure those relationships for meaningful, lasting results.

Ask a Consultant is a renewed collaboration between Forefront and the Association of Consultants to Nonprofits. As we relaunch the series, our aim is to build a quarterly program that delivers practical guidance and timely insight for nonprofits navigating an evolving landscape.

We begin with a foundational and frequently asked topic: how to effectively hire and partner with a consultant.

ACN New Member Q&A Session (06/25/2026)

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

ACN New Member Q&A Session

Thursday, June 25, 2026

11:00 - 11:30 am CST

Join us on the last Thursday of every other month for a 30-minute session designed for new ACN members, or if you've been a member for a while and have some questions. We'll start with quick introductions, then open the floor for your questions about the Association of Consultants to Nonprofits. It's a chance to connect with fellow newcomers and established members, build your network, and get oriented to ACN.

Please send an email to execdirector@acnconsult.org with questions.

From Passion to Protection: 10 HR Essentials Every Nonprofit Leader Can’t Ignore (06/29/2026)

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Monday, June 29, 2026 | 10 am - 10:30 am CST

Free Webinar - Registration Required

REGISTER HERE

Nonprofit leaders are often driven by mission, but without a strong HR foundation, even the most impactful organizations can face serious risks. The top 10 HR tips focus on building clear policies, staying compliant with ever-changing employment laws, and creating consistent processes for hiring, onboarding, and performance management. Leaders must prioritize documentation, fair and equitable pay practices, and proper employee classification to avoid costly mistakes. Just as important is developing managers who can communicate effectively, coach employees, and address issues early before they escalate. A strong workplace culture rooted in trust, accountability, and clarity not only protects the organization but also improves retention and engagement. When nonprofit leaders get HR right, they free themselves up to focus on what matters most—their mission and the communities they serve.

Presenter:
Kathy Knipp
Knipp Consulting, LLC

Kathy Knipp is the Founder and CEO of Knipp Consulting, LLC, where she partners with small businesses and nonprofit leaders to simplify the people side of their organizations. With nearly 30 years of Human Resources experience, she helps leaders turn complex HR challenges into practical solutions that reduce risk and support growth. Kathy specializes in building strong HR foundations, including compliance, employee handbooks, recruitment, onboarding, and performance management. She is a certified facilitator of Everything DiSC® and The Five Behaviors® of a Cohesive Team and the creator of The New Manager Training Academy, a hands-on program designed to develop confident, effective leaders. Known for her warm, relatable, and real-world approach, Kathy makes complex topics easy to understand and apply. In addition to her consulting and speaking work, she is a podcast host and author passionate about helping others lead with clarity, confidence, and courage.

ACN has partnered Nonprofit Learning Lab (NLL) to help serve the sector by providing quick, 30-minute webinars featuring ACN members. The Nonprofit Learning Lab is a national nonprofit that connects, supports and trains individuals in the nonprofit sector. NLL offers daily online nonprofit trainings. with workshops that focus on fundraising, board development, social media, marketing, volunteer management, and organizational leadership.

2026 ACN New Consultants Circle (07/21/2026)

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 19:00:00 GMT

ACN New Consultants Working Circle Dates

May 19, 2026

July 21, 2026

September 15, 2026

November 17, 2026

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm CST

ACN Members Only

The New Consultants Working Circle is for new consultants to nonprofits who are looking to connect with others who are in the same stage of business-building. It will be great for anyone who has less than five years of experience in consulting. The group allows for new consultants to share their wins, ask for advice, and problem solve..

This group is run by ACN member, Allison Wong Grant. Please email Allison if you have any questions.

2026 ACN AI Circle (08/06/2026)

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 15:00:00 GMT

ACN AI Circle Dates

February 5, 2026

April 2, 2026

June 4, 2026

August 6, 2026

October 1, 2026

December 3, 2026

10:00 am - 11:00 am CST

ACN Members Only

This group is run by ACN member, Cathy Yen. Please email Cathy if you have any questions.

2026 ACN Working Parents Circle (08/11/2026)

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 18:00:00 GMT

ACN Working Parents Circle
Second Tuesday of Every Other Month
1:00 - 1:45 pm CST

2026 DATES
February 10

April 14

June 9

August 11

October 13

December 15

ACN Members Only

Meeting links are included in your registration confirmation email. Please contact the ACN office if you need assistance - 312-940-4008

ACN New Member Q&A Session (08/27/2026)

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 16:00:00 GMT

ACN New Member Q&A Session

Thursday, August 27, 2026

11:00 - 11:30 am CST

Please send an email to execdirector@acnconsult.org with questions.

2026 ACN New Consultants Circle (09/15/2026)

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 19:00:00 GMT

ACN New Consultants Working Circle Dates

May 19, 2026

July 21, 2026

September 15, 2026

November 17, 2026

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm CST

ACN Members Only

This group is run by ACN member, Allison Wong Grant. Please email Allison if you have any questions.

2026 ACN AI Circle (10/01/2026)

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

ACN AI Circle Dates

February 5, 2026

April 2, 2026

June 4, 2026

August 6, 2026

October 1, 2026

December 3, 2026

10:00 am - 11:00 am CST

ACN Members Only

This group is run by ACN member, Cathy Yen. Please email Cathy if you have any questions.

2026 ACN Working Parents Circle (10/13/2026)

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 18:00:00 GMT

ACN Working Parents Circle
Second Tuesday of Every Other Month
1:00 - 1:45 pm CST

2026 DATES
February 10

April 14

June 9

August 11

October 13

December 15

ACN Members Only

Meeting links are included in your registration confirmation email. Please contact the ACN office if you need assistance - 312-940-4008

ACN New Member Q&A Session (10/29/2026)

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

ACN New Member Q&A Session

Thursday, October 29, 2026

11:00 - 11:30 am CST

Please send an email to execdirector@acnconsult.org with questions.

Contracting with Confidence: Best Practices for Contracting with Clients (11/16/2026)

Mon, 16 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Contracting with Confidence:
Best Practices for Contracting with Clients

Monday, November 16, 2026
10:00 - 11:00 am CT
Virtual Zoom Event

There are so many ways to approach contracting with clients. And so many questions to consider. Questions like:

Is your contract language adequately protecting you?
Should you bill by the hour or the job?
How do you handle a client’s preferred contract?
What if an engagement goes wrong? How will you untangle things and still get paid for what you’ve done?
What if the engagement goes so right that the client wants more of you, and more, and more?

Come get the answers to these and other questions from Kelly Kleiman of NFP Consulting, Kelly was once a lawyer and nonetheless has made every contractual error imaginable. Some people can only learn from painful experience, but you can skip the painful part while benefiting from Kelly’s experience. Come prepared with questions.

Kelly Kleiman

Kelly Kleiman, a lawyer educated at the University of Chicago, has spent more than 30 years in the nonprofit sector. She founded NFP Consulting in 1988 after serving as Executive Director of the Chicago Children’s Choir and Assistant Dean of IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law. Earlier in her career she practiced real estate and zoning law with the firm of Rudnick & Wolfe, now DLA Piper. Through her consulting practice Kelly helps nonprofits with fundraising, strategic planning, Board development and the use of high-skills volunteers. She also frequently serves as interim Executive Director for nonprofits undergoing leadership transition. Details at NFPConsultingChicago.com/

Kelly co-founded the Association of Consultants to Nonprofits, ACNConsult.org, and served for several years as its President. She has taught professional development courses for the Axelson Center, the Association of Volunteer Administrators, the United Way of Lake County, the College of DuPage, and other educational and professional organizations. She wrote advice and commentary for nonprofits online as The Nonprofiteer from 2010 to 2014.

Please contact ACN Association Manager, Jennifer Heffernan, at execdirector@acnconsult.org if you have any questions.

2026 ACN New Consultants Circle (11/17/2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 20:00:00 GMT

ACN New Consultants Working Circle Dates

May 19, 2026

July 21, 2026

September 15, 2026

November 17, 2026

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm CST

ACN Members Only

This group is run by ACN member, Allison Wong Grant. Please email Allison if you have any questions.

2026 ACN AI Circle (12/03/2026)

Thu, 03 Dec 2026 16:00:00 GMT

ACN AI Circle Dates

February 5, 2026

April 2, 2026

June 4, 2026

August 6, 2026

October 1, 2026

December 3, 2026

10:00 am - 11:00 am CST

ACN Members Only

This group is run by ACN member, Cathy Yen. Please email Cathy if you have any questions.

2026 ACN Working Parents Circle (12/15/2026)

Tue, 15 Dec 2026 19:00:00 GMT

ACN Working Parents Circle
Second Tuesday of Every Other Month
1:00 - 1:45 pm CST

2026 DATES
February 10

April 14

June 9

August 11

October 13

December 15

ACN Members Only

Meeting links are included in your registration confirmation email. Please contact the ACN office if you need assistance - 312-940-4008

Association of Consultants to Nonprofits upcoming events

2026 ACN AI Circle (06/04/2026)

2026 ACN Working Parents Circle (06/09/2026)

Tips and Tricks: Building a More Efficient and Effective Consultancy (06/11/2026)

Tips and Tricks: Building a More Efficient and Effective Consultancy

Thursday, June 11, 2026 12:00 - 1:00 pm CT Virtual Members Only Event

ACN 2026 Annual Business Meeting (06/23/2026)

Ask a Consultant Series: Hiring and Working With Consultants (06/24/2026)

ACN New Member Q&A Session (06/25/2026)

From Passion to Protection: 10 HR Essentials Every Nonprofit Leader Can’t Ignore (06/29/2026)

2026 ACN New Consultants Circle (07/21/2026)

2026 ACN AI Circle (08/06/2026)

2026 ACN Working Parents Circle (08/11/2026)

ACN New Member Q&A Session (08/27/2026)

2026 ACN New Consultants Circle (09/15/2026)

2026 ACN AI Circle (10/01/2026)

2026 ACN Working Parents Circle (10/13/2026)

ACN New Member Q&A Session (10/29/2026)

Contracting with Confidence: Best Practices for Contracting with Clients (11/16/2026)

Contracting with Confidence: Best Practices for Contracting with Clients

Monday, November 16, 2026 10:00 - 11:00 am CT Virtual Zoom Event

2026 ACN New Consultants Circle (11/17/2026)

2026 ACN AI Circle (12/03/2026)

2026 ACN Working Parents Circle (12/15/2026)

Tips and Tricks:
Building a More Efficient and Effective Consultancy

Thursday, June 11, 2026
12:00 - 1:00 pm CT
Virtual Members Only Event

Contracting with Confidence:
Best Practices for Contracting with Clients

Monday, November 16, 2026
10:00 - 11:00 am CT
Virtual Zoom Event