Board Development Series
City of Santa Clarita
The City of Santa Clarita, in collaboration with Arts Consulting Group (ACG), presents a Board Development Series, providing practical, accessible sessions that strengthen nonprofit governance and leadership capacity.
Arts and cultural organizations play a unique and essential role in shaping community identity, creativity, and belonging.Strong, informed, and engaged board members are at the heart of that work.
This Board Development Series is designed to support you in deepening your understanding of nonprofit governance while strengthening the leadership practices that help arts organizations thrive.
Six Core Areas of Board Leadership
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- Nonprofit culture and board roles
- Financial stewardship
- Board recruitment and development
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- Volunteerism and community engagement
- Advocacy and messaging
- Funding and fundraising
Each session blends practical tools with sector-specific context, recognizing that arts organizations operate at the intersection of creativity, community, and sustainability. Whether you are new to board service or a long-time arts advocate, this series aims to build confidence, clarity, and connection.
Throughout the series, you'll receive practical takeaways, actionable worksheets, and tools to strengthen your board leadership. Thank you for your commitment to strengthening the arts in our community. We look forward to learning with you and supporting your leadership journey throughout the 2026 series.
Help Us Tailor Your Experience
Complete our brief intake form to indicate your anticipated interest in attending each session. Your responses will help us ensure each session reflects the realities and opportunities facing arts and culture boards today.
Overview of Sessions and Goals
01
22 APRIL 2026 | 4:00–5:00 PM PT | 60 MINS
Introduction to Nonprofit Culture
Board Roles and Responsibilities
Participants explore the unique culture of nonprofit organizations and the essential duties of board members. The session emphasizes mission alignment, fiduciary responsibility, and the collaborative nature of nonprofit governance.
- Understand core board responsibilities and legal/ethical obligations.
- Recognize how nonprofit culture shapes decision-making and leadership.
- Strengthen confidence in fulfilling governance roles effectively.
Arts Consulting Group
ACG is the partner arts and culture organizations turn to across the United States and Canada. From leadership transitions to strategic planning to capital projects and financial challenges, we deliver hands-on expertise and extraordinary results. Personally and passionately committed, we stay with you through it all.
02
20 MAY 2026 | 4:00–5:00 PM PT | 60 MINS
Financial Stewardship
Nonprofit Finances and Financial Management
This session demystifies nonprofit financial structures, focusing on budgets, audits, revenue streams, and financial oversight. Participants learn how to read financial statements and ask the right questions.
- Build foundational literacy in nonprofit financial documents and terminology.
- Understand the board’s role in financial oversight and risk management.
- Strengthen the ability to evaluate organizational financial health.
CREative Connection
This Board Development Series is presented through the City of Santa Clarita's CREative Connection program, which provides practical resources and professional development opportunities for local arts and cultural organizations.
03
17 JUNE 2026 | 4:00–5:00 PM PT | 60 MINS
Board Recruitment and Development
Participants examine strategies for building strong, diverse, and engaged boards. The session covers recruitment pipelines, onboarding, succession planning, and cultivating a culture of accountability.
- Learn effective approaches to identifying and recruiting board talent.
- Understand how to structure onboarding and ongoing board development.
- Explore strategies for building a high-performing, inclusive board culture.
04
15 JULY 2026 | 4:00–5:00 PM PT | 60 MINS
Planning for Action and Volunteerism
This session focuses on translating mission into action through volunteer engagement and program alignment. Participants explore how volunteers extend organizational capacity and deepen community connection.
- Understand the strategic role of volunteers in nonprofit operations.
- Learn best practices for volunteer recruitment, management, and retention.
- Connect volunteer engagement to organizational goals and impact.
05
19 AUGUST 2026 | 4:00–5:00 PM PT | 60 MINS
Advocacy and Messaging
Participants learn how nonprofits influence public policy, shape narratives, and communicate mission-driven messages. The session highlights the board’s role in advocacy and public leadership.
- Understand the legal and strategic dimensions of nonprofit advocacy.
- Strengthen skills in crafting clear, compelling mission-centered messages.
- Explore how board members can serve as effective ambassadors in the community.
06
16 SEPTEMBER 2026 | 4:00–5:00 PM PT | 60 MINS
Funding and Fundraising
This session introduces the fundamentals of nonprofit fundraising, including donor cultivation, stewardship, and the board’s role in resource development. Emphasis is placed on relationship-building and mission storytelling.
- Understand the board’s responsibilities in fundraising and donor engagement.
- Learn key principles of donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Build confidence in communicating the organization’s case for support.