2003 Report Index

	Cher Hersrud, Director The first Nonprofit Management Institute was held in 2003. Ten nonprofit directors from across the state were invited to meet in beautiful Stump Lake Park to learn and share information about nonprofit management. This core group has become the Directors Network.
	The Network represents North Dakota, both nonprofit organizations and rural communities. It represents all types of nonprofits, and all areas of the state. The ten directors have committed to working with the Resource Center to expand its services. This is perhaps the most significant step the Center has taken. The development of this network will provide more comprehensive and more accessible services to North Dakota. The diversity of the group will bring a diversity of experience and voice. We will serve both nonprofits and rural communities through individual assistance and workshops.
	A partnership with Northwest Area Foundation supported the creation and distribution of the Rural Community Planning Handbook. Offering a basic process and sample documents, the Handbook encourages community development through community planning.
	The partnership also supported the development of a Rural Community Resource Forum within the North Dakota Community Foundation web page. The Forum is an opportunity for rural residents to communicate and learn from each other’s experiences. It is also an opportunity for the Resource Center to list resources and opportunities available.
	The Resource Center was acknowledged nationally as a unique statewide program in 2003. A presentation at the Alliance for Nonprofit Management Conference, followed by selection to be one of three Commentators for a national study of capacity building was an honor.
	It has been another exciting year. Thanks go to the NDCF, (what would I do without Valerie), the Otto Bremer Foundation, Northwest Area Foundation, and the organizations and communities across North Dakota for making it one.