CORE 2025

CORE CONFERENCE: Strengthening Nonprofits. Empowering Leaders. Building Community.

The CORE Conference for Nonprofits is a powerful one-day gathering designed for nonprofit leaders, board members, and changemakers across Portage County and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or a volunteer-driven startup, this event is your opportunity to build capacity, sharpen skills, connect with peers, and leave energized for your mission.

Join us at beautiful Hobbs Hall for a day of learning, collaboration, and practical insight you can take back to your organization immediately.

What to Expect:

  • A day of energizing sessions with nonprofit experts and thought leaders
  • Practical tools for fundraising, strategy, leadership wellness, design, and advocacy
  • Opportunities to connect with peers and build your local network
  • Light breakfast and refreshments provided

Your $100 registration includes continental breakfast, refreshments throughout the day, lunch and a full day of skills building sessions.

Mark your calendars and get ready for an inspiring day at the CORE Conference!

CORE Conference for Nonprofits
  • September 12, 2025
  • 8:30 am-4 pm
  • Hobbs Hall (UUC), Kent, Ohio
Register before August 12th and save $20!
CORE Conference

Invest in Your Mission

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to expand your knowledge, meet fellow nonprofit leaders, and strengthen your organization.

Featured Speakers & Sessions

Join us for a day filled with outstanding speakers and impactful sessions, including:
Flo Brett
Founder and CEO, Effective Leadership Academy
Keynote Speaker
Nonprofit leaders often put themselves last—and burnout follows. Flo Brett shares real-world strategies to help you stay well, lead effectively, and foster a culture of resilience in your organization.
Mary Kate Hastings
Northeast Ohio District Director, US Senator Jon Husted
Connecting with Government: Resources, Funding & Advocacy for Nonprofits
Get practical insight into how your nonprofit can work with government partners to find federal funding and advocate effectively. Learn about key issues impacting Portage County—and bring your questions to this interactive session and Q&A.
Danielle Hupp
Director of Communications and Annual Giving, Kent State University
Fearless Fundraising: Practical Tools to Build Donor Relationships That Last
Does the word “fundraising” make you break into a cold sweat? You’re not alone. Learn real-world strategies for outreach, tracking what works, and building authentic donor relationships—so you can raise more support with less stress, whether you’re flying solo or working with a team.
Paul Khacherian
Founder and Principal Consultant, NPC Strategy, LLC
From Stuck to Strategic: Reclaiming Momentum for Your Mission
If your organization is spinning its wheels—or facing tough questions about whether to pivot or evolve—this session is for you. Learn how to bring your strategic plan to life, identify signs of organizational stagnation, and regain forward momentum with clarity and purpose.
Russ Kern
Principal of Kern Creative Design; Design Faculty at Kent State & University of Akron
Design Like You Mean It: Pro Tips to Make Your DIY Graphics Stand Out
Even with tools like Canva and Adobe Express, DIY designs can still look… well, DIY. Learn insider design principles—like spacing, alignment, and layout—that elevate your graphics and make them look professionally polished. If you’re not hiring a designer, this session gives you the confidence and skills to be one.
Jasmine Golden
Business Management Supervisor at Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Mission, Money & Mindset: Building Stronger Budgets for Sustainable Impact
Budgeting doesn’t have to be intimidating—or disconnected from your mission. Learn how to move from reactive to strategic budgeting, use tools like scenario planning and cash flow forecasting, and make your numbers tell a story. This session is designed to boost confidence and bring clarity to your budgeting process—no matter your comfort level with spreadsheets.

Partnerships with an Impact – Become a Sponsor

Your legacy, OUR mission.

Create a lasting impact on your most cherished causes while gaining tax benefits for yourself. Contact us today and help build a brighter future.