MARQUETTE -- Representatives from over 100 non-profit organizations came to Northern Michigan University Friday.

The 8th annual U.P. Nonprofit Conference gave attendees the opportunity to network and learn from one another. The all day event was sponsored by the Great Lakes Center for Youth Development and featured various speakers and workshops.

All of it was aimed at helping non-profit groups thrive in the U.P.

"A lot of times non-profits are under funded and under resourced, and so people working in nonprofits have to wear many hats," explained Amy Quinn, president-elect of GLCYD. "We bring in for-profit and non-profit experts in various fields, such as finance, board development, strategic planning, so that it helps non-profits to just take a day and learn more."

Matthew Downey, an expert in non-profit management, gave the keynote address. He spoke of the importance of non-profits improving communication with potential volunteers and donors.

"I do very much believe that people want to help serve their community and help make the world a better place, but people aren't always sure where to start," said Downey.

Over 150 non-profit groups were present Friday, with some coming from as far south as Wisconsin and others as far east as Sault Ste. Marie. That distance is also one of the biggest challenges facing non-profits in the area.

But modern technology and social media has opened up new opportunities to connect.

"Because of Facebook and Twitter, people can learn about non-profit organizations all over the world," Downey said. "Organizations have to do more to get the word out, to be effective in their communications strategies."

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