Course Overview

Friday, April 4th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 5th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (In- Person)

Participants will learn core governance principles, including strategic oversight, ethical leadership, and effective decision-making. The session also covers financial responsibilities, focusing on budgeting, financial reporting, and ensuring the organization's fiscal health. Designed for both new and experienced board members, this training empowers participants to foster organizational success and sustainability. 

Meet Your Expert Speakers

Managing Consultant M. Leslie Palmer

After decades of for-profit and nonprofit experience, Leslie decided to strike out on her own, intending to share her expertise with the community, partner with other strong practitioners, and help grow the capacity and success of the nonprofit community in San Antonio and beyond. Professionally, Leslie has had significant experiences in Annual & Major Gift Fundraising, Board Development, Capacity Building, Change Management, Communications, Community Collaboration, Marketing & Public Relations, and Strategic Planning. She has served on numerous boards. Originally from Newport, RI, Leslie is a graduate of Villanova University. She has 3 wonderful adult children, a fabulous daughter-in-law, two delightful grandsons and a rescued dog.

Senior Consultant Denise E. Bennett

As a specialized writer of grants, policies, procedures and well-told stories, Denise’s career spans more than 35 years of for-profit and nonprofit experience in the medical, banking and social services professions. Her financial acuity and love of writing led her to a successful career in grant writing and nonprofit fundraising. Denise has significant experience in fund development, grant writing and management, as well as operations oversight for a variety of nonprofit organizations. An achievement-focused innovator, she is a strong collaborator and strategic thinker, able to resolve workplace challenges. Denise is a graduate of Belmont University and has an MBA from Keller School of Management.

Course Objectives

1. Understanding governance roles and responsibilities

2. Strengthen strategic leadership skills

3. Enhance financial stewardship

4. Promote ethical and transparent practices

5. Improve board engagement and collaboration

6. Building fundraising and resource development capacity

7. Empower effective advocacy and community representation.

Key Information

Who Should Take This Course and How Long is the Course Itself?

  • Board members, Executive Directors, CEOs, and anyone working closely with their board is encouraged to attend. 
  • Day 1 will have a total of six hours of classroom time
  • Day 2 will have a total of three hours of classroom time. 
  • Refreshments will be provided for both days. A lunch will be provided for Day 1 (Friday).  
  • Certificate of completion available through LMS.



Membership Discount

Members are eligible to use their discount benefit for the course. Please reach out to [email protected] to obtain your discount code before enrolling!

Don't Miss Out!

Registration closes on March 24, 2025!

Connect With the San Antonio Area Foundation

  • Learning and Development Team!

    Please notify us at [email protected] if you have any unique accommodations needs.

Refund/Credit Policy

  • The San Antonio Area Foundation has a No Refund policy.

    If a workshop and/or class has been unexpectedly cancelled and/or postponed by the Area Foundation, a refund or credit towards another workshop and/or class will be issued. If a registrant is unable to attend a workshop and/or class, a substitute may be sent or a credit may be issued. No credits will be given for cancellations received less than 48 hours before a workshop.

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