The Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership is offering a series of capacity-building workshops for Pittsburgh-area nonprofits!
The following sessions will be presented at the University of Pittsburgh and are open to nonprofit leaders in the Pittsburgh region. We are partnering with academics, professionals, and consultants to present on each of these topics with relevant, nonprofit-focused information. Details will be added to this page and emailed to interested nonprofits as they become available. If you'd like to receive email updates for a particular session, please fill out this form.
AI 101 for Nonprofits Workshop - February 2026
Beth Schwanke is the executive director of the University of Pittsburgh’s Institute for Cyber Law, Policy, and Security (Pitt Cyber), where she leads work on AI governance, cybersecurity workforce and education, and information ecosystems. Schwanke holds a JD from the University of Michigan School of Law.
Schwanke will present AI 101: AI Basics for Non-Profit Users, covering the essentials of integrating GenAI into your work and your organization. Topics include prompting fundamentals, best practices for individuals and institutions, key risks and challenges to consider, and guidance on developing use policies.
Staff Retention Workshop - January 2026
Led by Dave Coplan, Executive Director at Human Services Center Mon Valley, this session is part of our Nonprofit Capacity Building Workshop Series. Learn practical strategies to retain your best staff and strengthen your organization’s impact! Gain actionable insights to build capacity and take your team’s success to the next level.
Cybersecurity Workshop - October 24th, 2025
Led by Laurie Iacono, Director of Threat Intelligence at Bay Security. Laurie also has over ten years of cyber intelligence experience at NCFTA and Kroll Cyber Risk. Additionally, she has delivered investigative services and cybersecurity awareness training for hundreds of clients and end users.
This session highlights the importance of cybersecurity for all nonprofits and discusses the risks associated with cyber threats such as financial fraud and ransomware.
Program Evaluation Workshop - July 2025
We’re thrilled to welcome our very own alum Rachel Vinciguerra (MID/MSW’ 19), VP of Programs at Hello Neighbor, for a hands on Program Evaluation Workshop: Collecting and Utilizing Data that Matters.
Whether you’re new to evaluation or looking to sharpen your skills, this session will equip you with practical tools to align your programs with mission, community needs, and impact. Real world examples, inclusive strategies, and participatory methods await!
Strategic Management Workshop - May 2025
Led by LaTrenda Leonard Sherrill, founder of Common Cause Consultants, this hands-on session will guide participants through essential components of the strategic management process
This session is designed to meet nonprofits where they are and help them build actionable strategies to move forward with clarity and confidence. Attendees will leave with practical planning tools, funding insights, and a framework for their organization’s next chapter.
Fundraising & Grant Writing Workshop - March 2025
This hands-on workshop, led by expert Maureen Mahoney-Hill, focused on the valuable practices of both fundraising and grant writing. Designed to enhance grant writing skills and strengthen an organization’s fundraising capacity, participants gained practical strategies, tools, and templates to apply to their organization or their future career in the non-profit sector.
Financial Management Workshop - June 2024
Financial Management took place on June 26, 2024, and was attended by 32 professionals from 25 organizations. The workshop focused on budgeting, internal controls, and long-term sustainability.
It was led by Diane McMillen, a seasoned finance professional with decades of experience across the for-profit and nonprofit sectors who also serves as an adjunct professor in the School of Public and International Affairs.
Thank you to those who attended! View the slides here.