RADFORD -- Radford University’s Governmental and Nonprofit Assistance Center (GNAC) is committed to providing quality training for nonprofit organizations in the Commonwealth. Beginning in February 2009, the center will extend its popular nonprofit training program to Wythe and Bland counties through a new partnership with Wytheville Community College (WCC).

WCC will establish a Nonprofit Development Program offered through RU’s Nonprofit Leadership and Management Development Certificate Program. Available to eligible nonprofit employees, board members and volunteers in the Wythe-Bland area, the 80-hour program will be designed to offer a variety of classes that meet the needs of Wythe-Bland nonprofit organizations so that they may better serve the citizens of their counties. There are approximately 40 nonprofit organizations in Wythe and Bland counties.

“We are happy to partner with Radford University to bring this service to our nonprofits,” said Ron Proffitt, vice president of instruction and student services at WCC. “With the expertise and resources available through RU GNAC and the personnel at WCC, we expect this to be a tremendous program.”

Proffitt initiated the partnership after hearing about RU GNAC director Bruce Chase’s work in nonprofit training. Proffitt and WCC subsequently submitted a proposal to the Wythe-Bland Community Foundation (WBCF) to fund the partnership. WBCF, which will identify organizations that are eligible to participate in the training program, provides opportunities to improve the health, education and welfare of the citizens of Wythe and Bland communities. According to Gail Catron, executive director of WBCF, the organization will provide $20,000 for two years of courses designed by GNAC staff.

“This partnership increases the capacity building for nonprofits in the Wythe-Bland area,” said Catron. “The program is a tremendous opportunity for organizations in this area.”

The first slate of the training program will include understanding accounting and financial statements, researching grant opportunities, nonprofit branding, being an effective nonprofit leader, and conflict management.

The Governmental and Nonprofit Assistance Center is part of the RU College of Business and Economics. To learn more, visit http://www.gnac.radford.edu or call (540) 831-5453.