The newest nonprofit in North Texas is dedicated to fostering the growth and success of nonprofits in the North Texas region. The North Texas Nonprofit Institute (NTX NPI), a nonprofit organization, will focus on building community leaders, impactful organizations, and thriving communities through workshops, resources, and networking programs that empower nonprofits with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to succeed. By fostering collaboration and providing affordable, high-quality programming, NTX NPI strives to create a sustainable and vibrant nonprofit sector throughout the region.
Over the past two years, NTX NPI has conducted an extensive needs assessment with nonprofits and foundations to identify the gaps and challenges nonprofits face in North Texas. This research has guided the development of a comprehensive range of future programs, services, and resources designed to address these needs and empower nonprofits to achieve their full potential.
Dr. Colton Strawser has been named the founding Executive Director of the Institute, having previously worked and trained at The Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego. “When I relocated to Texas in 2020, I found that capacity-building support was limited for many nonprofits. The Institute we are launching is unique since it is an academic research center that focuses on rigorous community research and serves as a mission support organization focused on translating research to practice. Think of us as the equivalent of the Center for Nonprofits & Philanthropy at Texas A&M or the Center for Nonprofit Management and Leadership at Midwestern State University, but higher education adjacent.”
Dr. Strawser received his Ph.D. in Nonprofit and Philanthropic Leadership from the University of San Diego and studied at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. He is a national expert on community philanthropy and nonprofit capacity building, having published and trained extensively on both topics. Strawser owns Colton Strawser Consulting and indicated that his firm and the Institute have similar, yet separate missions. “I’ve always been an educator, which is what I am most passionate about when working with nonprofits. In consulting, I work one-on-one with organizations to solve challenges and pursue opportunities. The Institute role allows me to extend my work as a nonprofit professional while collaborating with other trainers and capacity builders. Our programming will be very diverse and feature numerous local and national experts. I’ve agreed to serve as the Executive Director part-time for the first two years.”
NTX NPI will provide a variety of workshops, a comprehensive resource library, and valuable networking programs to support nonprofits throughout the region. Workshops will cover various topics, including strategic planning, financial management, board governance, fundraising, marketing, and more. These interactive sessions will be facilitated by industry experts, ensuring that participants receive the highest quality instruction and guidance.
In keeping with its commitment to sustainability, NTX NPI is dedicated to offering affordable programming without compromising on quality. The organization firmly believes that all nonprofits, regardless of their size or financial resources, should have access to the tools and knowledge needed to thrive. “It will be very rare to see a full-day training cost more than $100, and any conferences will likely be capped at $150,” Strawser noted. By providing cost-effective solutions, the institute aims to level the playing field and create a stronger, more resilient nonprofit sector in North Texas.
To stay informed about the latest updates from NTX NPI and be notified when its new website is launched, individuals are encouraged to sign up for the group’s email list at www.ntxnonprofits.org. This will allow for timely notifications about upcoming workshops, resource additions, and networking opportunities.
As an official kick-off, the NTX NPI will host the inaugural North Texas Nonprofit Summit on September 29th at the Bob Duncan Center in Arlington. This event will serve as a platform to bring together nonprofit leaders, professionals, and stakeholders from across the region. At the summit, we will unveil the highly anticipated North Texas State of Nonprofits and Philanthropy report. This groundbreaking report highlights the economic and social impact of nonprofits in North Texas, providing valuable insights into their role in driving positive change.
“The launch of the North Texas Nonprofit Institute represents a significant milestone for the nonprofit sector in our region,” said Colton, Executive Director of NTX NPI. “We are excited to offer a diverse range of programs and resources to help nonprofits thrive, and we are committed to promoting collaboration and knowledge-sharing among organizations. By strengthening nonprofits, we can build stronger communities together.”
