Lab iMPACTLY Nonprofit Workshop
Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Room 201A (Price Lake), Plemmons Student Union
Tickets: $35 (Early Bird — Ends March 2) | $40 (Regular)
BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University's Department of Government and Justice Studies, in collaboration with the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning for Student Success, will host the second Lab iMPACTLY Nonprofit Workshop on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Room 201A of the Plemmons Student Union.
This year’s workshop anchors itself in the urgent reality that the nonprofit sector is undergoing a massive shift, requiring organizations to simultaneously embrace rapid technological innovation and deepen human connection. Under the theme "The Future-Proof Nonprofit: AI-Driven Storytelling and Strategic Governance," participants will explore how to navigate an era in which funding landscapes shift rapidly and digital tools are redefining engagement. By converging the power of artificial intelligence with the timeless art of storytelling and pairing it with robust governance strategies, the workshop aims to offer a holistic roadmap for organizations to not just survive the next decade, but to lead the charge in community impact.
The event is organized by Assistant Professor of Public Administration Dr. Mac-Jane Crayton. "Lab iMPACTLY is not a passive lecture series; it is a hands-on, simulation-based learning environment," explained Dr. Crayton. "We have designed this year's curriculum with a 'no fluff' policy. Participants will engage in interactive learning labs and leave with practical templates, roadmaps, and tools they can immediately implement at their agencies to see results."
Program Highlights and Confirmed Speakers
The workshop brings together regional experts and funders to lead sessions on:
The Intersection of AI and Storytelling: Leveraging new technology to craft data-driven narratives that captivate modern donors.
Winning and Managing Large Grants: Insights from major funders, including Alison Duncan (Grants Manager, Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust), Brandon Zeigler (Chief Impact Officer, The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro), and Ismael Salgado (Program Manager, Foundation For The Carolinas).
Fundraising Strategy: Madeleine Nance (Co-Founder, Kind Word) will share expertise on strategic development and communication.
Building and Leading an Effective Board: Strategies for governance that drives growth, led by experts, including Mark Bumgarner (Executive Director, Catawba County United Way), and others.
One of the most critical tangible outcomes for attendees will be the acquisition of a proven framework for securing and managing major funding. Through the interactive "Winning and Managing Large Grants" simulation, attendees will leave with practical templates for grant management and specific techniques to craft data-driven narratives that resonate with today’s sophisticated donors.
Direct Response to Community Feedback
Based on feedback from the inaugural workshop, this year’s program features two significant additions:
Expanded "Netgiving" Opportunities: Moving beyond standard networking, the schedule is designed to facilitate resource sharing and peer-to-peer problem solving, allowing attendees to connect deeply with fellow leaders.
New Session on Volunteer Management: In response to local demand, a dedicated session will cover "Recruiting, Retaining, and Managing Nonprofit Staff and Volunteers," offering best practices for stabilizing the nonprofit workforce.
"My goal with Lab IMPACTLY is to close the gap between the university and the community by moving from transaction to true reciprocity. We aren't just sending students out to observe; we are building partnerships where local agencies receive high-level professional support, and students learn that their impact is measured by real-world results, not just a grade on a transcript." — Dr. Mac-Jane Crayton
Workshop tickets cost $35 through March 2, then the price increases to $40. The registration fee is all-inclusive, covering breakfast and lunch, as well as exclusive access to the Nonprofit Success Toolkit. Attendees will receive a comprehensive Implementation Kit to take home, allowing them to immediately apply what they’ve learned, including:
Board recruitment templates and skills matrices
Fundraising and stewardship planning worksheets
Ready-to-edit Case for Support templates
Strategic planning frameworks for immediate use
For details and registration, visit gjs.appstate.edu/news-events/lab-impactly-nonprofit-workshop. For a disability accommodation, visit odr.appstate.edu. Questions can be directed to Crayton via email at craytonmm@appstate.edu or via phone at (828) 262-6345.
The Lab iMPACTLY Nonprofit Workshop aims to equip local nonprofits with the tools, strategies and insights needed to enhance their impact, particularly in securing and managing grants.
The Lab iMPACTLY Nonprofit Workshop aims to equip local nonprofits with the tools, strategies and insights needed to enhance their impact, particularly in securing and managing grants.