WVDO offers a variety of on-going education programs for all levels of nonprofit development.

To submit an RFP for 2011 programs, please download this pdf. Call_for_Proposals_for2011.pdf


Third Thursday: meets the third thursday of each month, except August and December. This program focuses on an overview of a specific development topic with simple steps that can be implemented immediately by participants. The workshops is 1.5 hours long and meets at the Portland YWCA, 1111 SW 10th Ave., 3rd Floor Meeting Room. There is no charge for this event, though registration is required starting in July, 2010 due to limited seating. Anyone looking to gain an understanding of a specific development topic is encouraged to attend.

Advanced Skills: quarterly, intensive workshops designed for the nonprofit professional. These 3 hour workshops take a more in-depth look at a topic with regional experts as workshop leaders. Past topics have included: program metrics, lean development, board training, prospect management. These workshops are held at a variety of locations. Registration and payment is required. There is a varied rate for members and non-members.

Vancouver Series: this program meets in Vancouver and reflects similar topics to the Third Thursday program. Vancouver meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month and does not meet during the summer months. There is no charge for this event, though registration is required due to limited seating.

Affinity Groups: these member only programs are an opportunity for casual conversation and learning from peers as well as local experts. Affinity Groups meet on their own scheduled established at each meeting. Currently, Affinity Groups exist for Grant Writing, Major Gifts, Consultant/Business Members. More are created based on interest. Registration is required for limited seating though there is no charge. These Groups are limited to WVDO members.

Biennial Regional Conference: the conference is an opportunity for development professionals from around Oregon and SW Washington to gather for an intensive 2-day series of workshops, national speakers, and the Crystal Awards. This year's conference is held May 20-21, 2010 at the Lloyd Center Doubletree. 28 workshops, 3 keynote speakers, Meet the Funders, Crystal Awards, Exhibitors and more were hosted by WVDO. Registration is required and there is a price difference for members and non-members.


Special Series: Several of our sponsors provide additional workshop resources for WVDO members.

Bank of the Cascades: This quarterly series is hosted by the Bank of the Cascades at the Multnomah Athletic Club. There is no charge to attend, though registration is required due to limited seating. The BOTC series looks to bring in speakers with a wide-knowledge of the nonprofit and business community to provide a wider view of the work being done in our community.

Washington Trust Bank: This 3-part series focuses on financial topics important to development professionals as well as their Executive Director, CFO and Board leadership. Registration is required due to limited seating and locations vary.