by John Dowd
Local nonprofit leaders gathered at the Daly Mansion on Oct. 7 for a training session hosted by the Montana Nonprofit Association (MNA) and the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce. The training was the fourth MNA session held in the Bitterroot Valley and focused on the roles of nonprofit boards and staff, as well as how to build a positive and effective board culture.
About 30 people representing roughly 15 different nonprofits signed up for the training. Because many of the participants are involved with multiple organizations, the information shared could reach considerably more nonprofits throughout the valley, according to Jodie Mitchell, executive director of the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Mitchell also serves as a rural ambassador for the MNA, a role she began in 2025. Her job is to help bring information about MNA programs into the Bitterroot Valley and connect local nonprofits with training, tools and other resources. The valley has more than 450 nonprofit organizations, Mitchell said, many of which rely heavily on volunteers and have individuals serving in multiple roles. “My role is kind of listening to what needs to happen,” Mitchell said.
As a rural ambassador, Mitchell can bring one free MNA training to the area each year, as well as a second training that is funded through the program.
Last week’s training focused on helping nonprofit leaders understand the responsibilities of boards and staff and the importance of clearly defining those roles. “It’s about focusing on the board as leaders,” said Adam Jespersen, executive director of the MNA.
Jespersen said the training emphasized that responsibility ultimately rests with a nonprofit’s board. “The buck stops at the board,” Jespersen said.
The session also covered board member onboarding and the different types and responsibilities of nonprofit boards. Mitchell said those topics are particularly important because nonprofit boards frequently rotate members. While bringing on new board members can bring new energy and ideas to an organization, Mitchell said it can also create challenges if new volunteers are not given a clear understanding of their roles.
The training also addressed the importance of creating a positive organizational culture, which Mitchell said begins with the board. “Everybody means well. Everybody here cares about what they are doing,” Mitchell said. Mitchell said bringing nonprofit leaders together for training and networking is one of her favorite parts of her work with the MNA.
The training was free and held at the Daly Mansion, giving the organization an opportunity to highlight another local nonprofit. “It’s always going to be free,” Mitchell said, adding that hosting the training at the Daly Mansion brought the event “full-circle” by showcasing another nonprofit organization. Jespersen said the MNA has 13 rural ambassadors across Montana who work outside the state’s largest population centers. The ambassadors help bring MNA resources to rural communities, where nonprofit organizations can sometimes be more under-resourced and under-connected. “We help network and connect people to our resources,” Jespersen said.
The MNA provides training and resources on topics including leadership, fundraising, financial management, board development and organizational planning. The organization also provides networking opportunities, business connections, partnerships and discounts for nonprofit organizations. Most MNA trainings run three to four hours, Jespersen said, giving participants enough time to learn the material and discuss how it applies to their organizations.
Jespersen said nonprofits also play an important role in Montana’s economy. According to the MNA, nonprofits employ about 12% of Montana’s workforce, with health care accounting for a significant portion of that employment.
In addition to training and networking, the MNA advocates for nonprofit organizations at the state legislative level and works to promote policies that support the nonprofit sector. “We are committed to serving all of Montana,” Jespersen said.
Those interested in learning more about the Montana Nonprofit Association and its resources can visit the organization’s website, at mtnonprofit.org.
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