Catalyst NPU 2026

In partnership with The Council of Southeastern PA, the Catalyst Center for Nonprofit Management is excited to once again offer Catalyst NPU!

We are thrilled to announce an exciting half-day conference designed exclusively for nonprofit organizations and the passionate professionals who power them.

Catalyst NPU 26 offers six dynamic workshops focused on practical, high-impact learning tailored to the unique needs of the nonprofit sector.

Sessions will be led by seasoned professionals who understand the challenges and rewards of mission-driven work, as well as the importance of high-quality training opportunities.

Catalyst NPU 26 is your opportunity to grow, connect, and leave better equipped to serve the communities you care about.

Location: Bucks County Community College, Newtown, PA 18940

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Breakfast & Networking: 8:00 – 8:30 AM

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8:30-9:30 AM

Workshop Session I

Artificial Intelligence in the Nonprofit Sector: Promise, Pitfalls, and Practical Realities

Jen King, CEO The Council of SEPA
Jean Holmes, All Systems Go Consulting
Leslie Slingsby, CEO, Mission Kids CAC

Is AI a game-changer for nonprofits — or just another tech trend? Join us for an honest, grounded conversation featuring Jean Holmes, All Systems Go consulting and Leslie Slingsby, CEO of Mission Kids CAC as they share their experiences and insights. Facilitated by Jen King, CEO of The Council of SE PA, this panel will pull back the curtain on what AI looks like in practice and its potential— from the wins that save time and stretch capacity, to the missteps, ethical questions, and limitations to be considered. Whether you're AI-curious or already experimenting, this session will help you think more clearly about where these tools can serve your mission and where caution is warranted.

Employment Law Essentials for Non-profits

Michael J. Torchia, Esq., Semanoff Ormsby Greenberg & Torchia, LLC

In this session, the attendees will learn the essential employment laws that apply to businesses with a focus on non-profit organizations. Rather than a discussion about case law and statutes, it will be a series of issue spotting and practical tips designed to reduce liability for employers.

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9:45-10:45 AM

Workshop Session II

The Strategic Restructuring Landscape

Lindsay Kijewski, Nonprofit Repositioning Fund/SeaChange Capital

The Nonprofit Repositioning Fund supports long-term sustained collaborations to build nonprofit organizational strength and grow community impact across the five-county Greater Philadelphia Region. This workshop will guide executive directors, board members, and senior staff through the full spectrum of strategic restructuring options available to nonprofits, from informal collaboration to affiliations, administrative consolidations, and full mergers.

Understanding Nonprofit Accounting & Financial Reports

Amy O'Connor, CPA, Director of Business Development, Bookminders

Strengthen your nonprofit’s financial stewardship and governance with confidence. This practical session equips senior leaders and board members with a shared foundation to interpret key financial statements, understand financial KPIs, and ask informed, constructive questions that reinforce transparency, accountability, and sound decision-making.

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11:00-12:00 PM

Workshop Session III

Inside the Review Room: What Grantmakers Really Discuss

Morgan Clark, MS, Director Grants & Programs, Foundations Community Partnership
Patricia Stern Smallacombe, Ph.D., Board Member & Program Development & Education Committee Chair, FCP

This interactive session offers a behind-the-scenes look at the grant review process from two critical perspectives: foundation staff and board members. Participants will walk step-by-step through how proposals move from initial review to final decision, gaining insight into how each group evaluates alignment, assesses risk, and prioritizes funding.

Drawing on real-world experience, the workshop explores how staff conduct initial screenings, assess organizational capacity, and frame recommendations, while board members focus on big-picture impact, community benefit, and responsible stewardship of funds. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of how these perspectives intersect, and where strong proposals can gain or lose momentum.

Budgeting in a Crisis

Cindy Bergvall, CPA Bee, Bergvall & Co.

When funding dries up, a major donor walks away, or an economic downturn hits, nonprofits can't afford to improvise. This hands-on workshop equips financial and program leaders with the tools to build crisis-ready budgets — whether you're already navigating turbulence or building safeguards before the storm arrives.

For details and registration: https://www.catalystnonprofit.com/our-services/training-events/nonprofit-university/