Over 100 nonprofit professionals from across Northwest Indiana recently gathered at the Crown Point Community Foundation’s Nonprofit Academy conference.
This year’s professional development conference was entitled “The Power of We: Stress Less. Connect More. Achieve Big.” Attendees took part in a day of learning, connection and inspiration designed to strengthen leadership, collaboration and organizational impact.
This year’s conference featured two keynote speakers. Dr. Deb Mashek, author of “Collabor(h)ate: How to Build Incredible Collaborative Relationships at Work,” emphasized the role of collaboration in advancing missions and building cross-sector partnerships. Dr. Rebecca Heiss, author of “Springboard: Transform Stress to Work for You,” offered strategies for reframing stress as a tool for success and elevating personal and organizational resilience.
Attendees participated in nine breakout sessions led by regional and national nonprofit experts, including Thrive Nonprofit Solutions, Socially Acceptable Content & Solutions, Hedges, CCS Fundraising and more. Sessions explored corporate partnerships, social media strategy, technology and operations, measuring and communicating program impact and nonprofit financial health.
The Humane Society of Hobart and Community Help Network were selected to receive $2,500 grants during a random drawing at the event.
“We are so thankful to once again be a recipient of a surprise $2,500 CPCF grant,” said Bonnie Meyer, Community Help Network executive director, in a press release. “We are deep into formulating our 2026 budget and this $2,500 will serve to make that task a little easier as we work towards serving more food insecure students and their families.”
Petra Julian, Lake County Master Gardeners board member and grant writer, said the keynote speakers were inspiring.
“The sessions on technology, financial health and partnerships were all packed with useful takeaways I can apply to our work with the Lake County Master Gardeners,” Julian said. “It was wonderful to connect with other nonprofit leaders and leave feeling energized and equipped with fresh ideas.”
Mackenzie Covault, MAAC Foundation development officer, praised the conference for offering professional development and networking opportunities.
“The breakout session Unlikely Collaborators – Enhance Your Collaboration Ecosystem with Dr. Deb Mashek was exactly how sessions should be – engaging, thought-provoking and collaborative,” Covault said. “It was wonderful to brainstorm, connect and build relationships with others in the community. The experience really highlighted the power of working together to create positive change. I’m already excited for next year!”
