SHREVEPORT – A free interactive workshop centered around starting a nonprofit organization today will kick off quarterly sessions in nonprofit development.

The session lasts from 6-7:30 p.m. today on LSUS’s campus (in Bronson Hall Room 117) and on Zoom for those outside the area.

Dr. Heather Carpenter, who heads LSUS’s Institute for Nonprofit Administration and Research, will guide participants through the nonprofit startup process, drafting a mission statement, and navigating the legal steps to obtain 501(c)(3) status.

Funding is a central issue for every nonprofit, and Carpenter will address how to develop a budget and create and fundraising plan while also laying the foundation for the organization’s governance and compliance.

Carpenter said these free workshops will supplement the newly opened Nonprofit Resource Center in Bronson Hall.

“INAR wants to continue to provide consistent professional development for nonprofits,” said Carpenter, who is an LSUS faculty member who leads the expert workshops with fellow faculty members. “We’re adding these free quarterly workshops about starting a nonprofit to our quarterly networking breakfasts in partnership with Healthy Blue and Louisiana Alliance for Nonprofits.

“We have a variety of free options for nonprofit leaders who cannot afford to pay for a workshop through our resource center.”

Register for Tuesday’s workshop at LSUS Continuing Education.

Tuesday’s free workshop is the first of quarterly sessions that also take place Nov. 8 and Feb. 26.

The resource center provides nonprofit leaders booklets and research resources while also offering a small meeting space.

INAR, the leading nonprofit research and resource entity in the state, also offers paid workshops that target specific areas in the nonprofit world.

Examples include advocating for your nonprofit, building a financial future, digital nonprofit marketing, strategic planning, nonprofit resilience, and board development among others.

The classes, which aren’t for academic credit, are offered through LSUS Continuing Education and taught by LSUS faculty.

“LSU Shreveport has a strong tradition of supporting the regional workforce through short-course, non-credit offerings that can respond quickly and effectively to evolving needs,” said Leigh Chambers, executive director of events and community initiatives. “This includes the nonprofit sector, which males up a vital part of our local economy and community fabric.

“Our partnership with INAR to develop targeted programming for the nonprofit workforce reflects our commitment to meeting people where they are ad providing practical, relevant training that strengthens both individuals and the broader community.”

The sessions occur throughout this fall and next spring with early-bird registration costing $50.

For a full schedule of sessions, visit the LSUS Continuing Education website.