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The News and Events page will be updated every two to three weeks.  You can view the most current News and Events, and in case you missed the previous news simply click on the links above.

News & Events - June 27, 2008

Fundraising Academy 

The Nonprofit Management Center of Wichita Falls is offering the 2008 Perkins Prothro Fundraising Academy.  It includes the workshops, Storytelling for Grantseekers, Double Your Donations, The Essential Fund Development Plan, and Fun, Functional and Fundraising with Special Events.  They are scheduled from June 25, 2008 to August 27, 2008 and individuals can register for individual workshops or the series.  For additional information, go to www.nonprofitcenterwf.org or call (940) 322-4961.

Train-the-Trainer for Elements of Effective Practice (EEP) for Mentoring

The Center for Community Based & Nonprofit Organizations at Austin Community College will offer a Train-the Trainer for EEP Mentoring in August. This three-day train-the-trainer event will develop a cadre of EEP trainers that will support capacity building of mentoring programs in their communities. Based on “How to Build a Successful Mentoring Program Using the Elements of Effective Practice,” this training, designed by the National Mentoring Partnership, provides forms, templates and advice that, when followed, ensure a standard of quality for both existing programs and those just starting out. For more information on the EEP visit the website: www.mentoring.org. If you are a mentoring professional and interested in participating in a train-the-trainer for the EEP Mentoring, please contact OneStar Foundation about Train-the-Trainer scholarship information at kyla@onestarfoundation.org

Save the Date: 31st Annual Governor’s Nonprofit Leadership Conference

The 31st Annual Governor’s Nonprofit Leadership Conference (formerly Governor’s Volunteer Leadership Conference) will be held December 4-5, 2008 in Houston, Texas. This year’s conference will focus on core capacity building strategies for nonprofit organizations as well as strategies for businesses to get involved in their communities, revenue strategies, leadership development, board development and volunteer management. The conference is geared toward nonprofits, business community affairs offices and governmental agencies.  Go to www.onestarfoundation.org for additional information.

Giving USA 2008 Numbers 

The Giving Institute has released its Giving USA 2008 report.  Total 2007 giving in the United States increased to $306.39 Billion.  The majority of these funds continue to come from individuals and through their bequests. 

·         Individuals: $229.04 or 74.8%
Bequests: $23.15 or 7.6%
 Foundations: $38.52 or 12.6%
 Corporations: $15.69 or 5.1%

To purchase the full report, go to www.givinginstitute.org.

Corporate Giving Report 

The Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy has released a report about corporate giving.  Giving by corporations increased 5.6% based on the preliminary findings, and the survey participants included 155 companies, 69 which were listed on the Fortune listing of the 100 most- profitable companies.  In 2007, the median amount these corporations donated to the community was $26 million.  Based on the survey results, the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy predicts that corporate giving will remain steady in 2008.  The complete report will be issued in August or September, and additional information can be found online at http://www.corporatephilanthropy.org.

News & Events - June 9, 2008

2008 Nonprofit Congress

Texas was a strong contingent at the second Nonprofit Congress held in Washington DC from June 1-4, 2008.   28 individuals from the Network, TANO, and individual nonprofit organizations participated in the event; Texas had the largest group other than the participants from the District of Columbia.  The second Nonprofit Congress reported on progress from the first Nonprofit Congress: Public Support and Awareness of the Sector, Organizational Effectiveness with an Emphasis on Leadership and Accountability, and Advocacy and Grass Roots Community Activities.  During the first day, participants attended Plenary Sessions and breakout sessions; the tab below is a link to many of the presentations on nonprofit management, advocacy, fundraising, and technology tools.  On the second day, individuals from states gathered to discuss next steps for their states, and on the third day, individuals called on elected officials.  In other news from the National Council of Nonprofit Associations, they will formally change their name to the National Council of Nonprofits and Audrey Alvarado will retire on June 30, 2008.  Tim Delaney has been selected as the next President of the organization, and he will assume his new duties on July 1, 2008.  In the next two years, the Nonprofit Congress will be held on May 14-16, 2009 in New Orleans and in Portland, Oregon in May, 2010. 

In the next four months, there will a meeting within Texas for interested individuals to discuss and plan a statewide meeting for the nonprofit community.

http://www.nonprofitcongress.org/?q=2008materials

Reminder – Form 990-N

The IRS has reminded small nonprofits about the need to submit the new Form 990-N.  For small nonprofits with less than $25,000 in revenue, they must complete the form by the 15th of the fifth month after the end of their fiscal year.  The form collects basic information about name, address, and confirmation of gross receipts.  If organizations do not complete the form three years in a row, the IRS will automatically revoke its tax exempt status.  For additional information, go to www.irs.gov.

Technology Conference

The 2009 Nonprofit Technology Conference will take place Sunday, April 26 through Tuesday, April 28 at the San Francisco Hilton. ·       Rooms at the Hilton will be $199 at their group rate,

·       NTC Registration will cost the same as this year, starting at $349 for Members, $549 for non-members.

Updated Study Examines Online Use by Nonprofits

eNonprofit Benchmarks Study
M+R Strategic Services and NTEN have announced the release of an updated eNonprofit Benchmarks Study for 2008. The study analyzes online messaging, fundraising, and advocacy data from 21 leading nonprofit organizations in order to provide readers with reliable current information. Questions answered by the study include: How does your email list stack up against other nonprofits? Is it just your open rate that’s declining, or are all nonprofits seeing the same results? And just what is a good online fundraising response rate? Visit the website listed above to download the updated study.

Texas Grantwriting Workshops

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will sponsor three Grantwriting Workshops in Texas to educate participants about federal grant applications, HUD common factors for awards, and grant writing techniques. 

  • Arlington: September 10-11

  • Dallas: September 16-17

  • Houston: September 17-18

For more information and to register, go to http://www.hudgov/offices/fbci/grantwriting08.cfm.

The Collaboration Prize

The Lodestar Foundation in collaboration with members of the Arizona-Indiana-Michigan Alliance is introducing a $250,000 prize for nonprofits that have chosen collaboration over competition.  If you know of a nonprofit collaboration that is working and achieving great community impact, visit www.thecollaborationprize.org.

News & Events - May 28, 2008

Technology Focus Groups in San Antonio

NPower Texas, a Network member will conduct two focus groups in San Antonio on Thursday, June 12 and on Tuesday, June 17th to learn about the technology needs of local nonprofit organizations.  The groups are one component of their Extreme Web Makeover competition; area nonprofits will have an opportunity to win an in-kind Web design and development services from NPower Texas and one free year of web hosting from Rackspace.  The value of this project will be $4,800.  Both sessions will be held at Rackspace Managed Hosting at 9725 Datapoint Drive, Suite 100, San Antonio, TX  78229 from 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.  Register online at http://npowertexas.org/ewm-focusgroup.aspx. Organizations must be a 501(c)(3) organization in Bexar County to participate.

News & Events - May 23, 2008

Grantsmanship Training Program 

The Grantsmanship Center’s signature Grantsmanship Training Program is coming to Texas in 2008: 

  • El Paso: June 23-27, hosted by El Paso Public Library

  • Corpus Christi: July 28 - August 1, hosted by Del Mar College

  • Dallas: July 14-18, hosted by Dallas Public Library

  • Austin: September 8-12, hosted by Goodwill Industries of Central Texas and YMCA of Austin

  • Amarillo: October 6-10, hosted by Amarillo Area Foundation

The Grantsmanship Training Program is a comprehensive, hands-on workshop that covers the complete grant development process, from researching funding sources to writing and reviewing grant proposals.  More than 110,000 nonprofit and government personnel have attended this five-day workshop, which is followed with a full year of membership support services.

Tuition for the Grantsmanship Training Program is $875 and $825 for each additional registrant from the same organization.  Class size is limited to 30 participants. To register, to learn about scholarship opportunities for qualifying organizations, or for more information, visit www.tgci.com or call The Grantsmanship Center’s Registrar at (800) 421-9512.

TechSoup: Plan Ahead for Technology Needs

Many nonprofit organizations are already taking advantage of hardware and software purchases through Tech Soup.  Since organizations need to wait 12 months after your first request for donated Microsoft software from TechSoup to place a second request, it pays to think about everything your organization will need in the coming year. Some of the benefits of planning ahead are:

  • Saving 96% on the Microsoft software you'll need
  • Boosting productivity by having the right tools on hand
  • Not forgetting to request important software

 Your Step-by-Step Tech Planning Guide

A. Find Out When Your Microsoft Anniversary Is:

If your organization is qualified to receive Microsoft donations, you may make two requests within a two-year period:

 Your first request of Microsoft software starts the two-year cycle.

·         After the cycle has begun, your organization must wait one full year before making a second request.

In every two-year cycle, your organization may request up to six software titles and up to 50 user licenses per title (or one license per server title).

To check when you can next place a request for Microsoft software, log into your Order Status page and check when your two-year cycle began. If you've never requested Microsoft software from TechSoup, now's a great time to see what they offer.

2. Download Their Tech Planning Spreadsheet

Graduate Courses in Nonprofit Management

The Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University is pleased to offer online graduate courses in nonprofit management. Students can apply these courses toward a Certificate in Nonprofit Management or toward a Master’s degree is Public Service.  Students who complete the certificate will gain an understanding of the nonprofit sector, nonprofit organizational structures, and management practices appropriate to the sector (i.e., strategy, volunteer behavior, and fund raising). With this preparation, students will be able to offer effective leadership in the management of nonprofit organizations. Students complete 12 credit hours of graduate level coursework. An applicant, once admitted, can enter the certificate program at any time and must have a bachelor’s degree and meet other required qualifications. Individuals who successfully complete the program will be awarded a certificate and it will appear on their Texas A&M University transcript. For additional information, please contact the Bush School certificate advisors at 1-866-988-BUSH or (979) 862-7810.  Students can also find information online at http://bush.tamu.edu/extendeded/cnpm/.

News & Events - May 5, 2008

AT&T New Grant Program 

The AT&T Foundation based in San Antonio has announced a $100-million grant program to help keep students in school and prepare them for college or a career.  In the next four years, AT&T will make grants to schools and nonprofit organizations, sponsor research, encourage its workforce to serve as mentors, and conduct 100 community-based meetings to increase awareness of this community issue.  Go to www.att.com/education-news.   

Fund Offers Financial Services for Nonprofits

Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF) is a national leader in financing nonprofits, strengthening their financial health, and improving their capacity to serve their communities. NFF serves both nonprofits and their funders, offering an integrated package of financial and advisory services, including facilities and working capital loans and lines of credit, asset-building programs, intensive workshops, and other consultations to help nonprofits understand the impact management decisions have on their finances. Click on Nonprofit Finance Fund for additional information.

IRS Reminder to Nonprofit Organizations 

In this election year, the IRS is making efforts to remind nonprofit organizations and churches about federal laws banning political-campaign activities. According to a recent article in the Chronicle of Philanthropy, “churches and charities” may not “participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of any statements) for any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.  The IRS is also notifying the Democratic and Republican National Committees of these regulations.  For additional information, go to www.irs.gov. 

2009 Call for Proposals 

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has announced its 2009 Call for Proposals.  The foundation is seeking grant partners for projects that significantly improve the health of individuals in a community.  Up to 14 grants between $200,000 and $500,000 will be available.  These grants must be matched dollar-for-dollar by local grantmakers.  The brief proposal deadline is July 8, 2008, and the complete information is available on the foundation’s website at www.rwjf.org/cfp/lfp. 

IS Announces New Estimate for Value of Volunteer Time

The Independent Sector in Washington DC has announced the 2007 estimate for the value of a volunteer hour has reached $19.51. This figure increased from $18.77 per hour in 2006.  IS calculates the hourly value of volunteer time based on the average hourly wage for all non-management, nonagriculture workers as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a 12 percent increase to estimate for fringe benefits. Learn more about the hourly value of volunteer time.

News & Events - April 23, 2008

New Report - Family Foundations

The Foundation Center in New York has released the report, "Key Facts on Family Foundations."  This report shows that giving by family foundations has increased 21% in 2006 from 2005 to reach $17 billion.  Individuals and families continue to create these foundations to contribute back to communities throughout the country.  For the full report, go to http://foundationcenter.org/gainknowledge/research/pdf/key_facts_fam_2007.pdf.

Request for Proposals -- Database for Non-US Based NGO's

The Council on Foundations, Foundation Center, Independent Sector, and InterAction are soliciting proposals for an organization to establish and maintain a centralized database on non-US NGO's.  The host organization will create a central repository and determine whether the NGO is the equivalent of a U.S. public charity.   Go to www.iaa.com/NGORepositoryRFP.html for a copy of the proposal.  The deadline for a letter of inquiry if May 19, 2008 and the proposal deadline is June 20, 2008.  Send all submissions and email questions to NGORepositoryRFP@iaa.com.

Grant Training Workshop

The North Central Texas Council of Governments and Grant Writing USA will offer a two-day grant management workshop in Arlington, TX on May 19-20, 2008.  This workshop will cover government grant funding.  Tuition is $595 and includes Grant Writing USA's 450-page grant management workbook and reference guide.  For more information and to register, go to http://GrantWriting USA.com.

Beaumont - Cooperating Collection Library

The new Southeast Texas Nonprofit Development Center has assumed responsibility for the Cooperating Collection library for the Beaumont area.  The Center is located at 700 North Suite D, Beaumont, TX  77701.  Individuals and nonprofit organizations can use a Cooperating Collection library to do research for corporate foundations and private foundations throughout the country.  The phone number of the library is (409) 832-6565, and the Executive Director is Marcia Stevens.  For a full list of Cooperating Collection libraries in Texas, click on the Library tab at www.txnetwork.org.

News & Events - March 31, 2008

Masters Leadership Program

The Masters Leadership Program of San Antonio is accepting applications for its 2008 year.  Applications for the Masters Leadership Program Class V are due by May 23, 2008; results of the selection process will be mailed in early June.  Class members are typically executives or professionals who are retired or semi-retired or new individuals to the San Antonio area who want to become actively involved in the community. Tuitions for the 2008-2009 program is $1,000 and sessions are scheduled from October, 2008 - April, 2009.  For information and application form, go to www.mlpsa.org.

Hill Country Nonprofit Summit VIII

The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and Bank of the Hills will present a 2-day conference for Hill Country nonprofits on April 15-16, 2008.  The conference will be held at the Hermann Sons Hilltop Camp in Comfort.  Speakers include Jackie Beretta, Kathy MacNaughton, Rose Mary Fry, Mark Tuschak, Perri Rosherger, Faynuz Benyousef, and Kim Fischer.  The cost is $95 per person and $50 for the second board-focused day.  To receive a brochure, email beth@communityfoundation.net or amy@communityfoundation.net. The registration deadline is Monday, April 7, 2008.

Governor’s Volunteer Awards

OneStar has extended the deadline for nominations for the Volunteer Awards.  The new deadline is April 7, 2008.  www.onestarfoundation.org.

New Resource - Corporate Funding Directory

The Nonprofit Resource Center of Texas in San Antonio has published the 1st Edition of the Directory of Corporate Philanthropy in Texas.  The new directory lists over 400 corporate giving programs in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio.  The cost is $99 plus shipping and taxes.  To order, go to www.nprc.org or call (210) 227-4333.

Updated Financial Resource - Nonprofit Organizations

BoardSource has published Understanding Nonprofit Financial Statements, Third Edition.  This book explains nonprofit financial statements in a clear and concise manners.  The book includes practical tips for board and staff members as well as a CD-ROM with a ready-made presentation for board and staff training.  Go to www.boardsource.org.

Nonprofit Resources from the University of Texas School of Law

On an annual basis, the University of Texas School of Law sponsors a one-day training program for nonprofit organizations.  The latest resources from their 2008 conference are now available in a variety of formats: eLibrary, online courses, course binders, audio CD and in-house programs.  Listed below is a segment of courses highlighted in a recent email:

© 2008 The University of Texas School of Law Continuing Legal Education, 727 East Dean Keeton Street Austin, Texas 78705-3224
(512) 475-6700

News & Events - February 18, 2008

Houston Training - Featuring Author Peter Block

The Management Assistance Program at the United Way of Greater Houston is sponsoring "Community Leadership - A New Conversation" on Tuesday, May 6, 2008 from 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 Noon.  Noted author and consultant Peter Block will challenge participants to recreate conditions required for community engagement.  Participants will review a preview of his new book, COMMUNITY - The Structure of Belonging.  To register, go to the MAP workshop site at www.unitedwayhouston.org.

Circuit Rider Technology Project - Wichita Falls Area

The Texas Nonprofit Management Assistance Network has received a $20,665 grant for a Circuit Rider Technology from the Priddy Foundation in Wichita Falls.  The Network staff will lead a Technology: Trends and Resources for Nonprofits workshop for the community on May 20, 2008 and five nonprofit organizations will be selected for technology consulting projects.  The Network will work with its member the Nonprofit Management Center in Wichita Falls on this project.

Environmental Site -- Reduce Catalogs & Save Paper

A new Website Catalog Choice allows individuals to request that their names be deleted from catalog mailing lists.  19 billion catalogs are mailed in the united States each year.   Catalog Choice is a project of the Ecology Center in Berkeley, CA, and the National Wildlife Federation and the National Resources Defense Council help run the website.  Started in October, 2007, 500,000 people have already used the website to delete unwanted catalogs.  Go to www.catalogchoice.org.

Nonprofit Reporting on Income Not Related to Charitable Purpose

Until 2006, nonprofit organizations were not required to make public the federal tax returns on income not related to their charitable purpose.  However, the law now requires that all charities publicly disclose their "Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return, the Form 990-T.  The law covers forms filed with the IRS after August 17, 2006, the date the statute went into effect.  This guideline applies to all organization with charity status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code including churches and religious groups that are exempt from filing the Form 990.  Disclosure rules require that nonprofit organizations provide a copy of their Form 990-T on the same day as requested by an individuals.  If there is a written request, it must be provided within 30 days.  If charities refuse to provide the forms or allow them to be copied, they can be fined $20 per day up to a maximum of $10,000.  If copies are easily accessible through their website, they are not required to provide a separate copy.  For additional information, contact go to www.irs.gov.

2008 Nominations - Governor's Volunteer Awards

On behalf of the Office of the Governor, OneStar Foundation is now accepting nominations for the 25th annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards.  These awards celebrate excellence in volunteerism by recognizing individuals and organizations who contribute their time and talents in serving others. Nominations will be accepted for individuals, non-profit organizations, businesses, government agencies and faith and community-based organizations. The deadline for nomination is March 31, 2008. After a state-wide open nomination process, and a two-tiered selection process including a Review Committee and a Blue Ribbon Panel, the selected award winners will participate in a recognition program and ceremony on June 4, 2008 in Austin, Texas.

Download a nomination form

See previous winners

News & Events - February 1, 2008

Mutual of America – Community Partnership Guidelines

Mutual of America has announced its application and guidelines for the 2008 Community Partnership Award.  The annual award recognizes the important contributions that nonprofit organizations, in partnerships with public, private, and other social sector organizations make to society and their communities.  The application can be downloaded, and the deadline is April 1, 2008.  Download an application. If unable to download the application, please contact:

Mr. Thomas Gilliam
Chairman & CEO
Mutual of America Foundation
320 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022-6839
Telephone: 212-224-1147
Fax: 212-207-3001

Generational Changes in Nonprofit Leadership

The Building Movement Project is researching and writing about the role and need for younger leaders and staff in nonprofit organization.  A report: Generational Leadership: Implications for Social Change Organizations is available for review. 

In addition to the report, the staff conducted listening sessions with young leaders in seven cities to discuss the report, to gather reactions to the reports, and to learn more about the experiences of these leaders within nonprofit organization. Their findings are summarized in the monograph: Up Next: Generation Change and the Leadership of Nonprofit Organizations.

This report, published in conjunction with the Annie E. Casey Foundation, takes a broader look at the issue of generational change and presents different frames and solutions that move us beyond the “crisis” view of leadership transition and expansion:

  1. Next Shift: Beyond the Nonprofit Leadership Crisis: [ Download/Next View File ]
  2. What’s Next? Baby Boom Leaders in Social Change Nonprofits.  [ Download/View File ]
  3. Generation Change and the Leadership of Nonprofit Organizations
     [ Download/View File ]
  4. Up Next: Generational Leadership Listening Sessions Report, [ Download/View File ]

News & Events - January 16, 2008

Texas C-Bar – Holiday Fitness for Tax-Exempt Organizations

With permission from Texas C-Bar, the following holiday letter is shared for Texas nonprofit organizations: 

New filing requirement:

Small 501(c)(3) Organizations have a new filing requirement. Even if you had less than $25,000 income, you now must file an annual report or tax return with the IRS. If you currently do not file a Form 990 or a Form 990-EZ, then you must file an e-Postcard.

The e-Postcard is a simple electronic form that must be filed annually with the IRS beginning in 2008 for tax year 2007. The e-Postcard must be filed by the 15th day of the fifth month after the end of an organization's tax year.  Organizations that did not file Form 1023 because their gross receipts were $5,000 or less must also file the e-Postcard.  An organization is required to file the new form.  Failure to file the e-Postcard three years in a row may result in loss of tax-exempt status.  For more information, see http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=169250,00.html.

 Expiration of Advance Ruling

If you obtained tax-exempt status through an advance ruling by the IRS, that ruling expires at the end of the fifth fiscal year following the date the Articles of Incorporation were filed. Check the top right corner of the exemption letter from the IRS to check the date the ruling expires.

 Form 802 

This form provides updated information to the Secretary of State regarding your current address, registered agent, directors, and officers. Failure to file form 802 with the Secretary of State’s office may result in the termination of your charter. For more information, see www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/forms_option.shtml.

Policies Required by the IRS

Nonprofit organizations should adopt the following: a.     Conflict of Interest Policy, b.    Whistleblower Policy, and c.     Document Retention Policy 

Please contact Texas C-BAR at info@texascbar.org or (512) 324-2710 if you need assistance with any of these legal matters.  Contact Names: Frances Leos Martinez, Executive Director or D’Ann Johnson, Legal Services Director.

Introduction of New Online Fundraising Resource 

The mission of Network for Good’s new online Learning Center is to provide nonprofits with free access to the best available web-based fundraising and nonprofit marketing resources. The Learning Center features hundreds of articles in six areas: Online Fundraising, Social Networking, Website 101, Email 101, Donor Database, and Nonprofit Marketing. Much of the content comes from nonprofit professionals, coaches, trainers, bloggers, and consultants who are working everyday to improve fundraising and marketing effectiveness. Visit the website at Network for Good Learning Center  to review the resources offered by the Learning Center. 

News & Events - January 3, 2008

Civic Ventures – 2008 Purpose Prize

Civic Ventures has opened nominations for the 2008 Purpose Prize, a major initiative that invests in people over 60 who are leading a new age of social innovation.  The Purpose Prize provides five awards of $100,000 and ten awards of $10,000 to people over 60 who are taking on society's biggest challenges.  Additional information is posted at www.purposeprize.org. 

2008 Standard Mileage Rates 

The IRS has set the 2008 standard mileage rates as follows:

   ¨             50.5 centers per mile for business miles driven

¨             19 cents per mile for medical or moving purposes, and

¨             14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations.

 For additional information, go to www.irs.gov.

Grantmaking Resource

The Nonprofit Resource Center of Texas in San Antonio will publish the 27th Edition of the Directory of Texas Foundations by February 15, 2008.  To order a print or online version, go to www.nprc.org.

Printing Program for Texas Nonprofits

The Texas Association of Nonprofit Organizations (TANO) is offering a free secure, proprietary software to save on printing costs.  By registering at www.tano.org, nonprofits can download their version of Desktop Direct 6.0 and start saving up to 70% on 4 color printing. 

Call for Nominations – The John W. Gardner Leadership Award

The Independent Sector is seeking nominations for the John W. Gardner Leadership Award.  Since 1985, the award has been presented to an individual whose leadership has transformed, mobilized and unified people, institutions, or causes to improve lives.  For nomination instructions, go to www.independentsector.org or call (202) 467-6100.  Nominations are due by January 31, 2008. 

News & Events - December 10, 2007

Change of Nonprofit's Name in Texas

If a nonprofit organization wants to change its change, it must file a Certificate of Amendment with the Secretary of State's Office.  An entity that is governed by the Texas Business Organizations Code (BOC) changes its legal name by filing a Certificate of Amendment. See Form 424 (Word 80kb , PDF 90kb) . An entity that is not governed by the BOC changes its legal name by filing Articles of Amendment. See Forms 404-409.

Volunteer Training Conferences 

The DADV in Dallas, DOVIA Tarrant County, and the Volunteer Center of Texas will jointly sponsor an annual “Volunteer Management Conference on Friday, March 7, 2008. 

Study Highlights Arts Role in the Economy

“Arts & Economic Prosperity III: The Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts and Culture Organizations and Their Audiences,” a study commissioned by Americans for the Arts, documents the key role played by the nonprofit arts and culture industry in strengthening our nation’s economy. This study demonstrates that the arts and culture industry is an economic driver in communities – a growth industry that supports jobs, generates government revenue, and is the cornerstone of tourism. To download a copy of the report, visit the website at Americans for the Arts.

Change in Postal System for Nonprofit Rates

The US Postal Service has announced a new method for calculating the rates for nonprofit mailings.  The new system will allow the Postal Service to increase postage rates annually, but it will require the increases to be no higher than the rate of inflation.  It is estimated nonprofit organizations will see more frequent rate increases but at a smaller level.  The new rates will be announced in February and take effect in May, 2008.

News & Events - November 26, 2007

GVLC Seminar Materials and Evaluation

Seminar materials from the Governor’s Volunteer Leadership Conference, including select handouts and PowerPoint presentations, are now available online.  Individuals are invited to download seminar materials and an evaluation form at www.onestarfoundation.org/gvlc.

Grantsmanship Training in San Antonio

The Grantsmanship Center will presents its Grantsmanship Training in San Antonio, TX from
January 28 - February 1, 2008.  It is being hosted by the Alamo Area Council of Governments.  This intensive course combines instructions and practical exercises on the various aspects of grantwriting. The cost is $875 and registration is available at www.tgci.com.

Educational Seminars Offered by the IRS for Small to Mid-Sized Nonprofits

The IRS has announced a special series of workshops designed for administrators, volunteers or tax practitioners responsible for a nonprofit organization's tax compliance.  Each workshop is limited to 200 attendees and will be filled on a first-come basis.  The cost is $45 and includes a text and other IRS forms and publications. Pre-registration is required.  If you can’t attend any of the workshops in person, you can take the IRS on-line workshop for exempt organizations that is available from the IRS website.

The dates and locations for the one-day workshops in 2008 and links to registration materials (where available) are as follows:

The workshops will explain what 501(c)(3) organizations must do to keep their tax-exempt status and comply with tax obligations, the benefits and responsibilities of tax-exempt status and actions that could jeopardize that status; unrelated business income and gaming; employment issues; an explanation of the IRS Form 990 and the new “e-Postcard“ filing requirement; and required disclosures. Workshop leaders will also discuss how the Pension Protection Act of 2006 affects exempt organizations.  Information and registration for the workshops is also available by calling Events by Design, the registration services provider for the IRS, at 1 (800) 521-3980.

King Foundation Grants Available

The Carl B. and Florence E. King Foundation is accepting letters of inquiry for funding opportunities in several areas including children and youth, education, and indigent populations. These funding opportunities are for applicants in the Dallas-Fort-Worth area, the Permian Basin and in rural counties without significant philanthropic resources. For more information, please visit www.onestarfoundation.org/king.

News & Events - November 13, 2007

Free Camcorders for Social Change

|In December 2007, Pure Digital Technologies will begin giving away 1 million Flip Video camcorders to nonprofit organizations as part of its Flip Video Spotlight Program. The camcorders, loaded with software to organize, edit, and publish videos online, will help nonprofits "highlight the need for their services, better communicate with their donors, and broadcast their accomplishments to the world." Online sign-up for qualified nonprofits and NGOs begins soon; until then you can check out the press release and a related article in the Wall Street Journal.

AFP - New Ethical Standards for Fundraisers

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) has released new ethical standards for individuals raising funds for nonprofit organizations.  The guidelines set standards for confidentiality of gifts, disclosure of contractual relationships, respect for intellectual-property and copyrights, and guidelines for accepting products and services.  The link below outlines the new standards for fundraising professionals.

http://www.afpnet.org/ka/ka-3.cfm?folder_id=887&content_item_id=24270

Diversity Resources

Many nonprofit organizations and foundations have resources for organizations wanting to diversify their board or staffs.  Listed below are several organizations and links:

The Annie E. Casey Foundation: Offers a "Race Matters" Toolkit online.  http://www.aecf.org and search for race matters.

Council on Foundations:  Includes a homepage with articles and resources throughout the grantmaking world.  Go to http://www.cof.org, click on the Learn tab, and click on "Diversity."

Alliance for Nonprofit Management: Offers the Cultural Competence Initiative as training for consultants working with diverse groups. Go to http:///www.allianceonline.org/cci.

Nonprofit Sector Workforce Coalition:  Maintain a database of research and articles related to nonprofit employment including diversity issues.  Go to http://www.humanics.org/insc and click on the "Research and Resources" link.

IRS Assistance for Smaller Nonprofit Organizations

Starting in 2008, nonprofit organizations with $25,000 or less in annual revenues must complete the new IRS Form 990-N informational return.  To help with compliance, the IRS has posted a questions and answers page at the following link:

http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id+173864,00.html

News & Events - October 29, 2007

Nonprofit Congress

The second Nonprofit Congress will be held on June 2-4, 2008 in Washington, DC.  Click on www.nonprofitcongress.org to review and sign the Nonprofit Constitution.  As leaders in the nonprofit sector, this website will keep you updated about activities at the national level.  In the coming months, the registration process will be posted on the Nonprofit Congress website.  The Network will work with its members to coordinate a Statewide Nonprofit Day.  Save the date of Wednesday, April 23, 2008; meeting agenda and location will be announced in the coming months.

Upcoming Seminar in San Antonio