Self-Paced Nonprofit Program – Module 7

MODULE 7 – Proactive Risk Management and Crisis Planning

Nonprofit leaders must be prepared to manage risk before a crisis occurs. This module explores the fundamentals of risk management and provides guidelines for reviewing internal controls across your organization.

Participants learn how to develop a crisis communications policy to protect their organization’s reputation and prepare for media interaction during challenging situations. Practical steps help leaders respond with clarity and confidence when it matters most.

Includes: risk review guidelines, crisis planning resources, and communications policy guidance.

My name is Nancy Heskin-Rakness, Director of Nonprofit Education for Strengthen ND. My background is 25 years with the Girl Scouts, two years as a troop leader and 23 years in the role of regional CEO. During that time, I gained national certification status by meeting the competencies of a nonprofit executive through application and testing. My career history also includes the following roles: district administrator, interim executive director, and human resources manager. Through the years, I attended well over one hundred educational conferences, and I kept track of what worked and made a positive impact. My aim is to share what I learned to support your efforts to increase the capacity and sustainability of your nonprofit.

Each module in Strengthen ND’s Nonprofit Certificate Program is designed to build practical leadership capacity through structured, self-paced online learning. Participants complete pre- and post-session confidence surveys, review curated resources, and download editable templates to apply directly within their organization. Course materials are accessible only through registration and cannot be edited online.