SANFORD - Nonprofit organizations have long been known for their compassionate service, but few people realize their significant economic influence - creating jobs, increasing revenue, and facilitating successful relationships within the community.

As a non-profit itself, Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) - through its Department of Economic and Community Development in Chatham, Harnett, and Lee counties - is offering a series of instruction exploring the potential of nonprofits as a powerful source for good both socially and economically.

CCCC will co-sponsor a nonprofit leadership workshop titled "Compassion 2015" from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at the McSwain Center in Sanford. CCCC, the Sanford Area Chamber of Commerce, and the United Way of Lee County sponsor the event.

In addition, a non-profit leadership conference will be held from 10 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on March 19 at the Holmes Conference Room of the Chatham County Library in Pittsboro.

The workshops focus on the six practices of high-impact nonprofits discussed in the book, "Forces for Good," by Leslie Crutchfield and Heather McLeod Grant. These six successful practices were distilled from surveying thousands of nonprofit CEOs over a period of four years and studying a dozen highly successful nonprofits. Author Crutchfield will be on hand to discuss her book at the Chatham County workshop on March 19.

"We have a vested interest in strengthening nonprofit organizations," said Carl Thompson, CCCC's Director of Continuing Education in Chatham County. "Being a nonprofit institution itself, the college seeks to serve clients in our three-county area as efficiently as we can. A critical part of our mission is to help develop the skills and provide current knowledge of best practices to nonprofits in our service area. By assisting community development organizations like nonprofits to better serve their clients, we improve the quality of life in the communities we serve."

Among the successful practices of nonprofits identified in the book, Crutchfield and McLeod list making markets work by harnessing market forces and seeing business as an influential partner in creating social impact, advocating for public policy that will better serve clients, inspiring leaders to become "evangelists" for their cause, and building networks of nonprofit allies to advance their common cause.

"One of the inspirations behind the college's involvement in these events is the uncertain economic outlook of these times," said Thompson. "There have been governmental cutbacks, philanthropic sources have been reduced, and we've seen funding for nonprofits virtually disappear. It is a necessity for us to strengthen these organizations now more than ever before because of the important services they provide. In order for nonprofits to survive, they must become more efficient, a goal they can achieve with the help of this book, 'Forces for Good.'"

The nonprofit series "Compassion 2015" in Lee County is a six-hour certification course in which students may earn .6 CE credits. Participants are encouraged to purchase (www.cccc.edu) and read the book prior to the start of class. Cost of the workshop is $30 with lunch included.

To register or for more information on the upcoming nonprofit workshop "Compassion 2015" or the nonprofit leadership conference in Pittsboro, call the Central Carolina Community College Student Support Center at 919-718-7500.

For more information on the Central Carolina Community College, visit www.cccc.edu.