Overview: This introductory module presents Ted Bilich, the founder and CEO of Risk Alternatives, and his approach to building resilience and sustainability in nonprofit organizations. It emphasizes the unique challenges faced by nonprofits, particularly in risk management and process improvement.

Key Topics:

1. Introduction to Ted Bilich:

• • Background and expertise of Ted Bilich, including his legal career and teaching experience at Georgetown University Law Center.
  • Over 30 years of experience in counseling nonprofits.

1. Risk Alternatives' Mission:

• • Overview of Risk Alternatives, a company focused on training nonprofits in risk management and process improvement across the United States.

1. Challenges in Nonprofit Sector:

• • Understanding the precarious nature of the nonprofit business model.
  • Comparing the financial vulnerabilities of nonprofits to larger corporations.

1. Nonprofits Serving Vulnerable Populations:

• • Highlighting the critical role of nonprofits in serving vulnerable communities, especially during emergencies.
  • The increased importance of risk management in nonprofits compared to private businesses.

1. Real-Life Implications of Risks in Nonprofits:

• • Discussing the severe consequences of emergencies in nonprofits, such as homeless shelters, and contrasting these with challenges in commercial businesses like Starbucks.

Learning Outcomes: Participants will gain an understanding of the unique challenges faced by nonprofits in terms of risk management and sustainability. Through Ted Bilich's expertise and real-world examples, they will learn the critical importance of effective risk management strategies in protecting vulnerable populations and ensuring the continuity of essential services provided by nonprofits. The module sets the foundation for developing robust risk management and process improvement skills tailored to the nonprofit sector.