Beyond the 501(c)(3): Thinking Differently About Governance, Nonprofit Structure, and Social Change

Our traditional nonprofit model -- the 501(c)(3) organization -- is a legacy structure dating back many decades. Does it still work in today's world? If not, what are the alternatives? Join us for a provocative, interactive session where we consider a broad range of options: everything from modest tweaks to board composition to entirely different governance models and legal structures.

Come ready to learn about multiple examples from across the country, and feel free to bring examples and experiences of your own to share with the group!

About the Presenters

Christal M. Cherry, The Board Pro, worked 23 years as a nonprofit fundraiser serving higher education institutions, seminaries, and human service organizations. Now as a board consultant for nonprofits, she equips and empowers boards to support their missions and change the world. Her services as Principal and CEO of The Board Pro include recruitment, governance, fundraising, conflict resolution and diversity, equity, inclusion, access and belonging.

Christal earned an MA in Counseling from Hampton University, a BA in Liberal Arts from Hofstra University and professional development certifications in nonprofit leadership, social media fundraising, and nonprofit management. She recently earned certification as a Quadrant 3 Leadership Coach and as a Nonprofit Board Consultant with Board Source. She is the founder and Board Chair of Fabulous Female Fundraisers, and she authored her first children’s book, Mac and Cheez, Being Different is Okay in 2021. Christal lives in Atlanta with her son Mac and her dog, Charlie.

Andy Robinson provides training and consulting for nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies. Over the past 28 years, Andy has worked with clients in 47 US states and Canada.

Since pandemic began in March 2020, he has designed and facilitated more than 175 online meetings, webinars, and remote workshops covering a variety of topics, including fundraising, board development, marketing, leadership development, facilitation, planning, change management, alternatives to 501(c)(3), and train-the-trainer  programs.

Andy is the author of six books, including Train Your Board (and Everyone Else) to Raise Money, www.trainyourboard.com. His latest is What Every Board Member Needs to Know, Do, and Avoid. He lives in Plainfield, Vermont.

Dr. Renee Rubin Ross is a recognized leader on board and organizational development and strategy and the founder of The Ross Collective, a consulting firm that designs and leads inclusive, participatory processes for social sector boards and staff.

Committed to racial equity in the nonprofit sector, Dr. Ross guides leaders and organizations in strategic plans and governance processes that deepen social change, racial justice, stakeholder engagement, and community strength.

In addition to her consulting work, Dr. Ross is the Director of the Cal State University East Bay Nonprofit Management Certificate program and teaches Strategic Planning and Board Development for the program.