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Upcoming Workshop:

The Purpose-Driven Board

Rethinking what effective governance looks like for small and mid-sized nonprofits

In-person on June 1, 2026 in Kitchener, ON

Register Now
The illustration depicts a diverse group of people working together to assemble a large lightbulb from puzzle pieces, representing collaboration, shared leadership, and collective insight.

About the workshop


Details

  • In-person workshop for Executive Directors, Board Directors and nonprofit governance leaders
  • 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday June 1 2026
  • Kitchener Central Library, 85 Queen St N, Kitchener, ON N2H 2H1

 

Why rethink governance?

When it comes to nonprofit governance, the status quo isn’t working. Board members feel undervalued and disengaged, EDs are overwhelmed, and organizations aren’t getting the strategic leadership they need.

This full-day, hands-on workshop takes a fresh look at governance by putting your organization’s purpose front and centre. Together, we’ll explore how governance really happens in your organization (hint: most of it isn’t at board meetings!), uncover some of the hidden sources of tension in nonprofit governance spaces, and design some new approaches that will make your board more effective and engaging.

 

What to expect

Through interactive presentations, peer discussions, and hands-on activities, you’ll gain new perspectives and practical tools to strengthen your organization’s governance. 

By the end of this session, you’ll be able to:

  • Assess your organization’s governance to identify what’s working and what needs to change.
  • Challenge conventional wisdom and ‘best practices’ to find governance approaches that actually work for your organization.
  • Understand the “minimum viable board” model and how streamlining the board’s role can strengthen governance.
  • Explore how to navigate the complexity of governance spaces, leveraging people, process, and power to navigate challenges and implement change.

 

Registration Fee

The registration fee for this event is $400.00 CAD + HST.

This is a full-day, in-person workshop designed for small-group learning, so space is limited. Early registration is encouraged to reserve your seat. 

If the registration fee is a barrier, Rise + Run Co. reserves 10% of seats for each workshop at a sliding scale. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

 

Register Now

Your Facilitator: Nic Gagliardi

Nic Gagliardi is a nonprofit governance and strategy advisor with nearly two decades of experience supporting boards and executive leaders across Canada. With a focus on purpose-driven governance, strategic planning, and capacity building, Nic helps organizations move past outdated assumptions to create practical approaches that actually work. A sought-after speaker and facilitator, Nic's work has been featured in Future of Good, Charity Village, The Small Nonprofit Podcast and Hilborn Charity News. Nic is also the author of the popular governance advice column Nonprofit Board Stories.

A headshot of Nic Gagliardi, and individual with short curly red hair, looking directly at the camera.

“The workshop was incredibly valuable. The practical insights on board governance gave me new tools to strengthen our nonprofit’s impact. It also gave me insight into how to better support the board as an Executive Director. I’m leaving with clearer strategies to work more efficiently with our board and a renewed sense of purpose.”

- Shannon Reid, Executive Director, Sunshine Coast Resource Centre

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to attend this workshop. Everything about the day was thoughtful, inclusive, and welcoming. It was truly inspiring to be in a room full of keeners. And Nic - wow. Your presentation was well organized, interactive, and delivered with such a relatable, lived-experience style. Thank you for an inspiring day.”

- Kathie Tweedie, Board Director, Pender Harbour Health Centre 

“Thank you for sharing a perspective on governance that was realistic and achievable for small organizations. I loved the empathy for both board and staff perspectives and the reminder that we do have flexibility. Thanks to Nic for creating a format that prompted helpful discussions and generous sharing of experiences and advice.”

- Barbara Adler, Artistic Director, The Only Animal Theatre Society

Ready to Rethink Governance? 

A full-day, hands-on workshop for nonprofit boards and leaders who are ready for more engaging, effective and sustainable governance.

Register Now