The Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement has selected the theme of nonprofit sustainability for its annual IMPACT Delaware conference set for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, April 26, at Clayton Hall, University of Delaware in Newark.

DANA’s annual conference includes informative speakers, workshops to gain new skills, networking opportunities and lunch. The keynote speaker is Steve Zimmerman, co-author of “Nonprofit Sustainability and the Sustainability Mindset.” Zimmerman has tremendous experience in nonprofit finance and sustainability. He promotes an integrated approach to balancing mission impact with financial viability.

For nonprofits, staying in business with a dynamic climate can be challenging. With changes in levels of government and corporate funding, and shifts in service demand, nonprofit leaders and board members need to remain agile, adapting their strategies to remain relevant and solvent. Nonprofit sustainability, though, is more than just the funding aspect. Leadership, brand reputation, storytelling, collaboration, advocacy and strategy also play critical roles in the resiliency of a nonprofit in times of turbulent change.

Conference registration begins at 8 a.m. when attendees can network and visit with the businesses that provide services to nonprofits in Delaware. Opening remarks by DANA President and CEO Sheila Bravo will begin at 9 a.m. After the keynote speech by Zimmerman, DANA will offer a series of breakout sessions where attendees can gain insights into different aspects of sustainability, including: mission sustainability through advocacy, brand reputation, minding market trends, leadership continuity, sustaining impact, and strategic planning through LEGO Serious Play. “We selected this range of topics as they all play different roles in helping a nonprofit deliver its mission over the long term,” said Bravo.

In the afternoon, DANA will hold a special two-hour workshop with Zimmerman, who will discuss components of nonprofit business models and take participants through the sustainability matrix he outlines in his book. This workshop is available to conference attendees at a considerable discount.

The Delaware General Assembly designated April as Nonprofit Impact Month. During April, stories of the impact of Delaware’s nonprofits are being shared through DANA’s social media outlets. “Sustaining the health and vitality of the entire nonprofit sector in Delaware is critical for our communities to thrive,” said Bravo. “We are sharing these stories for us all to feel pride in the amazing work being done by thousands of volunteers and employees in Delaware nonprofits.”

The Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to strengthen, enhance and advance nonprofits and the sector in Delaware through advocacy, training, capacity building and research. For more information, go to www.delawarenonprofit.org.