TDS Telecom supports over 65 Great Falls nonprofits with training workshop
TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS®) is proud to partner with the Great Falls Public Library today, Feb. 26, to support a training for board members of more than 65 nonprofit organizations.
The Nonprofit Board Excellence event was hosted by the Great Falls Area Community Foundation (GFACF) as part of an overall effort to support the nonprofit sector.
“We are grateful for the support from TDS. This partnership helps us keep costs low and resulted in broad participation – so much so that we ran out of space at the library and had to open a waitlist,” said Sarah Cawley, President of the GFACF.
Participants in the packed house learned “board basics” including the legal duties of nonprofit board members, different modes of governance, tools for high-performing boards, and an “elevator pitch” for each nonprofit.
The workshop featured Shelby Rogala from the Montana Nonprofit Association. Rogala is a BoardSource Certified Board Consultant, Montana State University alum, serves on the National Board for Ski and Snowboard Instructors, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in adult education from Colorado State University.
Proceeds from the registration fee go to the GFACF. The organization is building an endowment fund to help smaller nonprofit organizations in Great Falls with specific projects. Additionally, the group aims to equip board members with the tools to elevate their impact. Raymond Porter, associate manager of Field Marketing with TDS, is a GFACF board member and is planning more nonprofit training events in 2024.
“We plan to grow this effort so more volunteers, staff, and philanthropists in our community can better utilize time and resources,” Porter said. “For nonprofits to be successful, board members must put in the effort and know what is required. If you would like to elevate your impact, please join us for future trainings.”
Porter serves as a board member of the Great Falls Development Alliance, the Great Falls Area Community Foundation, and the Great Falls Symphony Association. Additionally, he is the treasurer of the Great Falls Chamber’s Nonprofit Alliance. Part of TDS’ presence in Great Falls includes community efforts to support education, economic development, the arts, and downtown.
TDS is building a network in Great Falls featuring internet speeds up to 8 Gig as well as TV and phone service. Residents can visit TDSFiber.com to register for service, monitor the progress of the build, and sign up for notifications about the new service.
