Nonprofit Board & Volunteer Development

Join Us for a Free Nonprofit Training!

The Center for Economics, Enterprise & Innovation (CEEI), in partnership with Bastrop County Cares, invites nonprofit organizations from Bastrop County and surrounding communities to attend our Nonprofit Board & Volunteer Development training.

Learn practical strategies to build a strong board, recruit and retain volunteers, and strengthen your organization’s impact.

Registration is required. Please scan the QR code on the flyer to reserve your spot.

For more information, contact Norma Hinojos at (512) 667-4497 or education@ceei.us

Telling Our South Texas Stories

A gathering for South Texas arts & culture creators, educators, stewards & advocates

In South Texas, the arts thrive through conjunto music, contemporary art, festivals, murals, culinary traditions, and community gatherings that celebrate the identity, culture, and stories of the region. Big cities, small towns, rural spaces, and colonias all play an important role in telling our culturally unique South Texas stories.

How do artists share these stories to strengthen their impact in the region?

Join MINDPOP’s Rural Texas Arts and Culture NetworkTexans for the Arts FoundationTexas Commission on the Arts and San Benito Cultural Arts Department for a day of pláticas and resource sharing sessions. Explore how to communicate the distinct cultural identity and impact of the arts to enhance grant proposals and amplify advocacy for the arts locally and statewide. We’ll consider ways to collaborate to strengthen grant proposals, hone individual storytelling, and share available funding opportunities and resources to support your work.

We have sliding scale travel stipends available, according to participants’ (self-identified) need. Participants can request up to $150 to support their travel costs. Please apply here to request funds.

Introduction to Grants Workshop

This workshop will give a basic introduction and overview of grants. The workshop is designed for individuals who are just beginning the process of seeking grants and is not intended for seasoned grant writers. Topics of discussion will include:
What is a grant?
How do you find a grant opportunity?
How do you apply for a grant?
What are best practices when seeking funding?
What do you do after the funding decision?

There will be a one-hour lunch break. Participants can choose to order a box lunch, bring their lunch, or leave during that time.

About the Presenter
Jessica Hartman, MS Ed, MNLM, MCHES, is CEO of Haven Health Clinics in Amarillo, Texas. Jessica has earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Education from Baylor University and a Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management from Arizona State University. A Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES), Jessica has spent her entire career with nonprofits in the Texas Panhandle. Jessica has experience as a grant seeker and has spent over ten years creating and managing grantmaking programs in the Texas Panhandle.

Strategy for Nonprofit Organizations

Strategy for Nonprofit Organizations – Community Impact Workshop Series

Building a strong strategy is essential for nonprofit organizations seeking long-term growth and community impact. This workshop, led by Mark Terry of the Center for Economic Enterprise & Innovation (CEEI), will provide participants with practical tools and strategies for organizational planning, goal setting, and mission alignment.

Attendees will learn how to develop strategic approaches that strengthen programs, improve decision-making, and support sustainable nonprofit success. This session is ideal for nonprofit leaders, board members, staff, and community organizations looking to strengthen their organizational direction and effectiveness.

Date: July 9, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: First National Bank, Bastrop – Second Floor Conference Room

For more information or to register, contact Kirsten Kampeier at kirsten@bastropcares.org.

Outcome Driven Program Development

Outcome Driven Program Development – Community Impact Workshop Series

Join Bastrop County Cares for an engaging workshop focused on developing nonprofit programs that create measurable and meaningful community impact. Presented by Norma Mercado of Bastrop County Cares and Rene Gaitan of the University of Texas at Austin, this session will guide participants through strategies for designing programs with clear goals, measurable outcomes, and sustainable results.

Attendees will gain insight into program planning, evaluation, and community-centered approaches that help organizations better serve their populations and demonstrate effectiveness. This workshop is ideal for nonprofit professionals, program coordinators, and community leaders seeking to strengthen program development practices. Lunch will be provided for attendees.

Date: July 11, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Friendship Baptist Church

For more information or to register, contact Kirsten Kampeier at kirsten@bastropcares.org.

Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations

Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations – Community Impact Workshop Series

Strong leadership is essential to building successful and sustainable nonprofit organizations. This collaborative workshop, presented by Norma Mercado of Bastrop County Cares and Dr. Guajardo of Texas State University, will focus on leadership development, communication, organizational culture, and strategies for leading mission-driven teams effectively.

Participants will explore ways to strengthen their leadership approach while fostering growth, collaboration, and positive community impact within their organizations. Whether you are an emerging leader, executive director, program manager, or board member, this workshop offers valuable tools and insight to help elevate your leadership skills in the nonprofit sector. Lunch will be provided for attendees.

Date: June 6, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Friendship Baptist Church

Contact Kirsten Kampeier at kirsten@bastropcares.org for more information or to register.