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From Civic Association to Nonprofit: Is Starting a 501(c)(3) Right for You?

September 12, 2026 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (EDT)

Description

At a time when many civic associations are struggling to find the financial support they need to deliver their community-based programs and activities, establishing a nonprofit 501(c)3 may provide access to new funding opportunities. Wilmington City Council recognizes this and is partnering with the Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement (DANA) to provide civic associations in Wilmington with the information your organization needs to decide if that is the right path for you. 

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This three hour workshop will give participants a clear, practical roadmap for becoming a legally formed, mission-driven nonprofit organization. Topics covered during the workshop will include:

  • An overview of the legal and ethical responsibilities that come with being a 501(c)3 nonprofit.
  • Steps for the creation of a nonprofit corporation, from defining a compelling mission and assessing community need, to choosing the right legal structure, building a Board of Directors, and completing state and IRS registration. 
  • An introduction to early operational planning, including creating By Laws, and compliance basics. 

You’ll also be provided with tips and tools to help navigate the formation process should you decide to create a 501(c)3 nonprofit. 

Register here

This workshop is being held in partnership with the Wilmington City Council


The workshop will be presented by: 

Earl Sissell, M.Ed, Vice President of Consulting, DANA | Earl Sissell, DANA’s Vice President of Consulting. Earl brings a combination of business development, financial management, strategic planning, and leadership expertise to DANA and its members. Before coming to DANA in 2022, Earl’s work experience included more than a decade in public and private finance and venture capital. Earl then moved into the education sector, serving as a faculty member in public and independent schools, as well as serving as Head of School, Principal, and CEO in both private and charter schools in the Philadelphia region. As a consultant, he has consulted with clients in a variety of nonprofit sectors on strategic planning, board governance and development, succession planning and leadership transition, and leadership development. Earl is a graduate of Kenyon College (BA in Sociology and Anthropology) and the University of  Pennsylvania (M.Ed. in Elementary Education). He is also a Standards of Excellence certified consultant. 


Debbie DiVirgilio, DANA Affiliated Consultant, President and Founder of DiVirgilio and Associates | Debbie DiVirgilio is a Certified Governance Trainer through BoardSource and has more than 20 years of experience serving in the nonprofit sector in Maryland, Delaware and across the United States. Debbie is a nonprofit coach, consultant, teacher, facilitator and certified grant professional who holds a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management from Regis University. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Grant Professionals Institute for seven years. Debbie is a Credentialed Christian Nonprofit Leader through the Christian Leadership Alliance and Azusa Pacific University. She began partnering with DANA within the last two years and is committed to helping nonprofits thrive. 

Pricing

No charge to attend

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Contact Information

Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement (DANA)
Name: Earl Sissell
Phone: 3023307225
Email: esissell@delawarenonprofit.org
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