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News and Events - Archive
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View the our archive of News and Events by clicking on the dates below.

News & Events – December 15, 2006

 The Directory of Texas Foundations, 26th Edition

The Nonprofit Resource Center of Texas in San Antonio is holding a pre-publication sale for the 26th edition of The Directory of Texas Foundations.  The sale price is $130 until January 15, 2007.  Contact (210) 227-4333 or purchase online at www.nprc.org.

New Leadership Program Certificate Program

The Alliance for Nonprofit Management and the Center for Social Leadership announced a new partnership for their Executive Nonprofit Leadership Certification Program.  The program will be offered as ten one-half day sessions in Washington DC starting in January, 2007.  The deadline for registration is December 15, 2006.  The 10 half-day classes offer both strategic (leadership) and tactical (skill-building) sessions, including facilitated panels, break-out sessions, case studies, and small group work and leadership circles. It will culminate with a final strategy paper written by each participant on a critical challenge their organization is currently facing and suggested recommendations on organizational development. 

They will also offer a five-day immersion ECPNL session will be offered June 25-30, 2007 for nonprofit leaders and capacity builders nationwide.  The immersion program features a session on cultural competency, which is critical to transformational leadership in the 21st century and an important asset of the Alliance's field-building efforts.  For more information or to register for either session, please visit www.allianceonline.org or www.socialleaders.org.

Nonprofit Almanac

The National Center for Charitable Statistics at the Urban Institute has updated its Nonprofit Almanac.  The 2005 data indicates that nonprofit organizations now account for 5.2% of the nation’s economic input and paid 8.3% of all wages and salaries in 2005.  There were 1.4 million nonprofit groups registered with the Internal Revenue Service in 2004.  Americans continue to be generous in donating $260 billion in 2005 and 29% of Americans volunteered in their communities.  A free copy of the highlights of the Nonprofit Almanac is available at http://www.urban.org.

Risk Management Training

The Nonprofit Risk Management has released its schedule of 2007 Webinars.  These one-hour sessions offer a convenient way to learn about risk factors for nonprofit organizations.  The sessions start January 17 through December 5, 2007 EST.  Topics range from Risk Communication: Engaging the Board in Forecasting and Managing Risk, Financial Risk Management, and Evaluating the Adequacy of Your Insurance Coverage.  Participants can register for one webinar or the entire series; costs range from $59 for one session to $399 for the 12-part series.  Go to www.nonprofitrisk.org for additional information.

Survey – Masters in Nonprofit Management

As a professional involved in the nonprofit industry in Texas, Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio is interested in your attitudes towards and expectations regarding continuing education opportunities in the field of Nonprofit Management.  Please click on the link below to complete the survey.  Your name will be entered in a drawing for $100.

http://websurveyor.net/l.dll/JGs5061D770C6lNHD9U46034J.htm

If you have any questions regarding this survey, please contact Barb Johanningmeier at Prost Marketing, Inc. (210) 824-7799.

Nonprofit Organizations Institute

The School of Law at the University of Texas at Austin will sponsor its Nonprofit Organizations Institute on January 11-12, 2007 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin, TX.  Optional sessions will be held during the evening of January 10, 2007.  Participants can earn up to 16.25 hours of credit including 2.5 hours of ethics credit.  For the conference program and registration, go to www.utcle.org. 

News & Events – November 27, 2006

 New Compensation Resource

The Texas Association of Nonprofit Organizations (TANO) and the Center for Community-Based & Nonprofit Organizations at Austin Community College have just published the first Central Texas Nonprofit Compensation Study.  This collaborative project included the contributions of many and the participation of 67 Austin area nonprofits.  Plans call for this report to be conducted on an annual basis and to hopefully conduct similar studies in other parts of Texas.  Survey participants received a free copy of this report; it is available for $30 for TANO members and $50 for other organizations.  To purchase, go to www.tano.org/compsurvey-purchase.html or email barry@tano.org.

Philanthropy Reports

  1. Wealth and Generosity by State:  Having wealth does not necessarily equate with sharing wealth, according to the latest survey by the NewTithing Group.  States with the most generous residents are not the wealthiest.  Read the report and see tables by state. See how your state fares.
     
  2. Bank of America Study of High Net-Worth Philanthropy: This report was commissioned by Bank of America to determine how wealthy Americans view philanthropy.  Researchers from the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University surveyed 945 households with an average income of at least $200,000 or liquid assets of at least $1 million.  The report is available free on the bank’s website at http://newsroom.bankofamerica.com in the section labeled “press kits”.

Books & Reports

  1. Second Edition of the Nonprofit Sampler:  BoardSource has released the Second Edition of this publication by Barbara Lawrence and Outi Flynn.  It contains over 200 samples of policies, job descriptions, committee starters, and codes of ethics.  The book includes a CD-ROM to save time for nonprofits as they draft policies and procedures. www.boardsource.org.

  2. Weathering the Storm: The Role of Local Nonprofits in the Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts: The Nonprofit Sector Research Fund published this report to document the role of local organizations in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.  The report by Tony Pipa, guest lecturer the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, outlines efforts of local nonprofits and concrete steps for policymakers and foundations to take to ensure resources reach the local level.  Suggestions for policymakers include creating a coordinating body, increasing funding for preparedness, and instituting more flexible funding.  Suggestions for foundations include responding faster, partnering for re-granting, and creating coordination systems.  To purchase the report, call the Aspen Institute Publications office at (410) 820-5338 or email publications@aspeninstitute.org.

Grants Management Training

The Council for Nonprofit Innovation will hold a 3-day Grants Management training on January 22-24, 2007 in Arlington, VA.  Key topics include Problem Identification, Winning the Grant, Measure Success, Staying Compliant, and Evaluating the Grant.  Please email kristan@cniweb.org for a copy of the agenda.  Please include code N108-BK for your special conference rates.

News & Events – November 6, 2006

Volunteer Resources

Funding Your Volunteer Program

Betty Stallings recently wrote a lengthy article on the subject of funding your volunteer program. It is in the current edition of www.e-Volunteerism.com.  If you are not a subscriber, you can get copies of the article from http://www.energizeinc.com/  From Ms. Stallings’ perspective, it generally makes better sense to request for funds to support the volunteer program/initiative which is expanding the mission of the organization.  Funders are interested in the impact of their funds on a mission. It is that principle of asking for something to enhance the mission, not the organization.  E.g.  If you want computers for your staff/volunteers, phrase the request in terms of the impact that having computers will have on the mission. Otherwise it is a request to enhance the organization and everyone could easily write the same request.

Nonprofit Organizations Institute

The School of Law at the University of Texas at Austin will sponsor its Nonprofit Organizations Institute on January 11-12, 2007 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin, TX.  Optional sessions will be held during the evening of January 10, 2007.  Participants can earn up to 16.25 hours of credit including 2.5 hours of ethics credit.  For the conference program and registration, go to www.utcle.org. 

Evaluation of a Volunteer Program

UPS has a booklet for funders who do not know how to evaluate a volunteer program. It is a free PDF at www.community.ups.com/downloads/pdfs/guide.pdf.

Upcoming Conferences

¨       The North Texas DOVIA will present the 2006 NT DOVIA Volunteer Management Conference on November 17, 2006 from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Denton.  To learn more about the conference, go to www.ntdovia.org.

¨       Board Leadership Forum: December 3-4, 2006 in Chicago, www.boardsource.org.
 

¨       International Association of Facilitators Conference 2007: March 8-10, 2007 in Portland, Oregon, http://www.iaf-world.org, click on North American Conference Program.

The MetLife Foundation/Civic Ventures BreakThrough Award

After their inaugural year, nominations have been reopened for the 2007 Purpose Prize.  In its first year, innovative achievements of outstanding older social innovators were recognized.  In 2007, they have created a new award to honor nonprofits and public sector agencies developing innovative ways to employ people over 50 or help them find meaningful jobs solving social problems.

For information about both awards, visit the following websites:

¨      The Purpose Prize: http://www.purposeprize.org

¨      The BreakThrough Award: http://www.civicventures.org/breakthrough/

Now nominations are being accepted for the 2007 Purpose Prize.  To nominate someone or apply yourself, visit www.purposeprize.org. The application deadline is February 1, 2007. The awards will be announced in September 2007.

New Report: The Bank of America Study of High Net-Worth Philanthropy

The Bank of America has released a report, the Study of High Net-Worth Philanthropy Initial Report. The report was researched and written by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.  High Net-Worth households, those with incomes of greater than $200,000 or assets in excess of $1 million, represent 3.1% of total US households.  However, this very small number of households accounts for approximately two-thirds of all household charity in this country.  Thanks to the Bank of America for underwriting the research for this study.  Click for the PDF report.

News & Events - October 23, 2006

NPower - Rural Technology Survey 

NPower is a national organization that provides technology services to local nonprofit organizations. They are working with partners in several states to explore the possibility of providing services to rural communities.

Your response to this brief survey will help NPower better understand the technology needs of nonprofit organizations in rural areas. Please respond if your organization serves a community outside of a major metropolitan area. To respond, please click here:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=521862686286.  Please respond to the survey by October 31, 2006.

If you have any questions about this survey, please contact rtisurvey@npower.org.  For more information about NPower, please visit www.NPower.org.

News & Events - October 20, 2006

Update on First Nonprofit Congress

Earlier this summer the Network coordinated Town Hall meeting in Houston, Midland, San Antonio, or Wichita Falls.  These meetings were hosted by our local members in those communities and funded by an AT&T Foundation grant.  Rose Mary Fry, Executive Director of the Network, attended as a Texas delegate at the Nonprofit Congress on October 16-17, 2006.  There were approximately 400 delegates and participants to the Congress and 47 states were represented.  Texas had 20 delegates and participants represent our state.  It was exciting and challenging to discuss effectiveness of the nonprofit sector and how we can work better together. 

The Nonprofit Congress Guiding Principles were: 

  • Catalyst for Change and Innovation

  • Commitment to Serve Others

  • Dedication to the Betterment of the Communities We Serve

  • Ethics & Integrity

  • Promotion of Civic Engagement & Volunteerism

  • Respect for Individuals & Groups

  • Sustainers of Hope 

Through 117 Town Hall meetings, there were Six Priorities identified:

  • Nonprofit Organizational Effectiveness

  • Advocacy and Grassroots Community Activities

  • Nonprofit Collaboration

  • Partnerships with Government and Business

  • Public Awareness and Support of the Nonprofit Sector

  • Social Change

After discussion and a voting process by delegates, the Top Three Priorities were identified as follows: 

  1. Nonprofit Organizational Effectiveness

    A priority of the nonprofit sector is to ensure that the sector has the resources it needs to serve communities and is effectively and efficiently managed.
    Key Focus:

Accountability and Best Practices - The nonprofit sector is accountable, responsive,

and operates efficiently and is accountable to its clients and donors.

Leadership - The nonprofit sector has effective and strong leadership with a focus on mission.

 

  1. Advocacy and Grassroots Community Activities

    A priority of the nonprofit sector is to advocate for the sector at large and engage our constituents to solve problems at the grassroots level.
  2. Public Awareness and Support of the Sector
    A priority of the nonprofit sector is to increase public understanding and support so that nonprofits can continue to do their best work.

In the coming months, participants and delegates from all states will determine how to strengthen work in these areas in their states.  The Network will host 3-4 conference calls with the Texas participants/delegates to further our discussions.  We are also raising funds to bring a State-Branded Standards of Excellence program to Texas.  You are working in a much needed sector of our communities.  As work progresses, information will be posted on the Network website at www.txnetwork.org. Information will also be posted at www.nonprofitcongress.org.  If you have any questions, please call or email Rose Mary Fry.

News & Events - October 10, 2006

BoardSource Resource

The Nonprofit Policy Sampler, Second Edition, is now available from BoardSource.  The book and CD provides practical tips in 50 areas plus 200 sample policies, job descriptions, board member agreements, etc.  This is a great time-saving tool as boards and staffs update their policies.  Cost is $60 for members and $80 for nonmembers.  Organizations will be able to individual download policies at $6.00 per policy for members and $8.00 for nonmembers.  www.boardsource.org.

New Report: Creating a Community of Learners: Successful Evaluative Learning for Nonprofits and Funders

The TCC Group has released a paper about successful evaluation learning and how to conduct nonprofit evaluations in an effort to find one that is both meaningful to the staff and useful for their funders. This paper explores the Community of Learners approach as an evaluation method that actively involves the staff and leaders of a foundation or nonprofit in the evaluation process.  This paper provides examples of organizations that utilized the Community of Learners approach to strengthen their staffs’ skills and understanding of evaluation.  Download this briefing paper as a PDF file: Creating a Community of Learners  

Governor’s Volunteer Conference 

The annual conference will be held October 11-12, 2006 at the Westin Galleria Hotel in Houston, TX.  Network members Kathleen McCleskey and Jonathan Schick will make the following presentations: 

        Kathleen McCleskey
¨       Keeping PACE in Your Nonprofit, Part I
¨       Setting Volunteers Up for Success – Engaging Successful Volunteer Engagement 

        Jonathan Schick
¨       Six Principles of Board/Executive Partnerships
¨       Ethical Leadership in Today’s Challenging Climate
¨       Developing Vision Mission & Goals 

Go to www.onestarfoundation.org.

New Technology Initiative from AT&T Foundation

AT&T AccessAll is a landmark, $100 million philanthropic initiative that connects families and communities with technology tools that can improve lives. AT&T AccessAll , the AT&T Foundation's new signature giving program, is the largest single philanthropic commitment in AT&T’s history and the nation’s largest-ever program to provide in-home technology access.

On June 14, 2006, AT&T Chairman Ed Whitacre announced one of the inaugural and most significant AT&T AccessAll initiatives.  It is a collaboration with One Economy, Habitat for Humanity and other low-income housing providers to deliver technology packages, including Internet access, to 50,000 low-income families.

Low-income Americans remain significantly less likely to be online than middle- or high-income households, according to a study by the Pew Internet and American Life Project. AT&T will put technology tools into low-income households identified by the nonprofit One Economy Corporation.  For information, go to http://att.sbc.com/gen/landing-pages?pid=3309

Unified Registration Statement

Life is becoming a bit easier for nonprofits to register as they perform charitable solicitations within various states.  The Unified Registration Statement is organized by the National Association of State Charities Officials and the National Association of Attorney General; it is one Standardized Reporting Project whose aim is to standardize, simplify, and economize the material filed by nonprofit organizations.  The most recent version of the URS is v.3.02 which was released in July, 2006.  http://www.multistatefiling.org/index.html 

Nonprofit Congress 

Texas will be well-represented for the first Nonprofit Congress on October 16-17, 2006 in Washington DC.  Delegates Silona Bonewald, Tanya Debose, Marianne Ehrlich, Layla Fry, Rose Mary Fry, Rita Fryer, Hedy Helsell, Pamela Lemoine, Frank Rene Lopez, Ray McLeod, Richard Meyer, Cynthia Nunn, Sandie Palomo-Gonzalez, Jason Sabo, Jonathan Schick, Elena Serna, Barry Silverberg, and Tamara Thomas, Teresa Wright, and Daniel Zorn will participate and then share the results with their nonprofit colleagues throughout the state.  

Texas delegates will meet at 8:00 a.m. on October 16, 2006 prior to the start of the Nonprofit Congress.  Nonprofit Texas and The Texas Association of Nonprofit Organizations will provide a Special Briefing on the Nonprofit Congress on Monday, October 23, 2006 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. To register for the briefing, go to http://www.tano.org/npcongress.html.

News & Events – September 20, 2006

Decision - AT&T Excelerator Grants

If your organization applied for a technology grant from the AT&T Excelerator program, grant decisions will be announced in November, 2006.

Midland Town Hall Meeting 

The Network conducted a Town Hall meeting in Midland on September 11, 2006.  Listed below are the participants’ perspectives. 

1.   What do all nonprofits have in common?
Top Three Responses
¨        Volunteer boards with challenges and involvement
 ¨       Do more with less
¨       Time for administrative and fundraising needs

2.     What is your ideal vision for the nonprofit sector in your state?
Top Three Responses
¨           Better understanding of state needs, and collaboration efforts to address those needs
¨           Resource directory, certification, and registration procedures
¨           Balanced community participation and ownership in nonprofits more reflective of demographics

 3.   What are the obstacles common to all nonprofits – regardless of mission – that prevent us from reaching this vision?  Prioritize the order in which these obstacles and challenges should be addressed?
Top Three Responses
¨       Lack of needed resources: time, money, and leadership and public perception that nonprofits should do great work with few resources
¨       Lack of accountability
¨       Skilled board and staff leadership 

4.   What key short-term steps can nonprofit organization collectively take to eliminate these obstacles?
Top Three Responses
¨       Increased dialogues between the profit, nonprofit, and governmental sectors
¨       Statewide campaign to dispelling negative images about nonprofits and educating the realities of nonprofit sector
¨       Form alliances

 5.       What are key long-term steps can nonprofit organizations collectively take to eliminate these obstacles?
Top Three Responses
¨       State registration and a directory of nonprofits
¨       Incentives for developing collaborative efforts
¨       Statewide benefits for nonprofits to provide retirement and benefits

 2006 Greenlights Nonny Awards

Greenlights for Nonprofit Success in Austin will sponsor the 2006 Greenlights Nonny Awards on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. at the Design Center of Austin at Penn Fields.  Join the festivities to honor, celebrate, and meet the most innovative and creative nonprofit leaders in Central Texas.  Go to www.greenlights.org for additional information. 

Interest in Federal Grants

As a nonprofit, you may consider federal grants as a funding source for your nonprofit organization.  More federal grants are now available through www.grants.gov.  Before nonprofits apply for a grant via grants.gov, they must take the following steps: 

  1. Register your organization.
  2. Register yourself as an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR)
  3. Get Authorized as an AOR by your Organization

For additional information, visit www.grants.gov.

 The Pension Protection Act of 2006 & Supporting Organizations

The Pension Protection Act of 2006 was signed into law on August 17, 2006; the Act contains several provisions affecting charitable foundation. 

 One provision concerns grants made by private foundations to supporting organizations as classified by the Internal Revenue Service.  In general terms, a supporting organization is a 501(c)(3) that qualifies as a public charity because it has a close relationship with another 501(c)(3) public charity.  Supporting organizations fall into one of three categories: Types I, II, and III. If you are designated as a supporting organization, your nonprofit will probably be receiving paperwork or questions from private foundations if you have pending or committed grants.  The new law has guidelines and restrictions about how private foundations can fund supporting organizations.  If you receive questions, talk to your CPA firm about the type of nonprofit your supporting organization is. 

Executive Director Opening - Greenlights for NonProfit Success

Greenlights for Nonprofit Success in Austin is seeking an Executive Director; Greenlights is an Austin-based management support organization that strengthens Central Texas nonprofits through consulting, education, networking, and information.  The organization is recruiting an experienced nonprofit leader with proven skills in administration and fundraising, knowledge of nonprofit management and governance, and a demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with community partners and a diverse board.  A competitive salary and benefits package is available. Send letter of interest, resume, names of three references and salary history to search@greenlights.org by October 20, 2006.  EOE. www.greenlights.org.

News & Events – August 31, 2006

Funding Opportunity – AmeriCorps* Texas

OneStar National Service Commission (OneStar) has announced funding opportunities for AmeriCorps*Texas grants. Under this request for proposals, OneStar has identified the following funding opportunities:

¨       Disaster Readiness & Preparedness AmeriCorps*Texas Funds

¨       2007 Competitive Funds
 - AmeriCorps*Texas State Competitive Funds
 - Education Award AmeriCorps Funds

Applicants that have never received funding from the Corporation or AmeriCorps are encouraged to apply for funding under this Notice.  Programs that have completed three years of funding are required to re-compete for a new three-year grant period.

Step 1: Go to www.OneStarFoundation.org to download the Request for Proposals, the Program Planning Toolkit, and the appropriate Concept Paper Application Instructions.

Step 2: Submit your completed Concept Paper Application by mail or drop off at their office by October 4, 2006 at 4:30 pm CST. No e-mail submissions will be accepted.

Technical Assistance: A series of Technical Assistance conference calls will be available to answer specific questions regarding the application requirements, process, and receive general feedback from OneStar staff.  To view the schedule of Technical Assistance conference calls visit the OneStar Foundation Pathfinder.

Independent Sector Conference

The Independent Sector’s Annual Conference will be held October 22-24, 2006 in Minneapolis/St. Paul.  Approximately 800 participants are expected.  A new session has been added to the conference agenda; Gates Foundation CEO Patty Stonesifer and Independent Sector President and CEO Diana Aviv will address the opportunities and challenges that could flow from the generous gift of Warren Buffet to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  www.independentsector.org

Dallas Center: A Night of Light

The Center for Nonprofit Management in Dallas will sponsor A Night of Light on November 17, 2006 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dallas.  It is an annual awards dinner benefiting the Center.  The annual dinner features the Awards of Excellence recognizing organizations that exemplify distinctive achievement in nonprofit management with $5,000 cash awards.  www.cnmdallas.org

News & Events – August 16, 2006

Tyler Town Hall Meeting

The Nonprofit Development Center of the United Way of Tyler/Smith Country will sponsor a Town Hall meeting on September 28, 2006 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon at the United Heritage Credit Union Building.  The address is 1620 S. Broadway.  The Town Hall meeting participants will discuss five questions in preparation for the first Nonprofit Congress on October 16-17, 2006 in Washington, DC.  Nonprofit staff, board, funders, and media are encouraged to share their perspectives about the nonprofit sector.  RSVP to Vicki Harvey at (903) 581-6376, ext. 211.

Congress of Volunteer Administrator Associations

Organizations are encouraged to send a representative to the Congress of Volunteer Administrator Associations in Denver, Colorado on December 4-6, 2006.  Participants will consider what the field needs on a national level, as these associations are already the representatives of a large percentage of our field and have never been formally convened before.  Additional information is available at a new Web site, http://www.covaa.org.

Continuing Education Course for Volunteers

 

The University of North Texas, a Network member in Denton, TX, is offering its first online continuing education course, “Are You Ready for Volunteers?” starting in January, 2007.  It was developed by Kathy McCleskey, another Network member.  The course will be 2 hours, and it will cost $20.  Participants complete the course on their pace and schedules.  There will be networking opportunities with colleagues through interactive media.  The online courses will be developed by recognized subject matter experts, and they can lead to a certificate.  They are good learning opportunities for new professionals and great as refresher courses for experienced pros.  For additional information, go to the link below:

http://www.cps.unt.edu/untvols/cont_ed.html 

Professional Course: Disaster Volunteer Manager 101

 

Many Texas communities dealt with disasters during and after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  The Dallas Association of Directors of Volunteers will sponsor the workshop “Disaster Volunteer Manager 101” to better prepare staff and volunteers to handle these situations.  It will be held on Tuesday, September 19th from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Dallas Heritage Village, 1515 S. Harwood, Dallas, TX  75215.  Seminar cost includes lunch: $15 for DADV members; $20 for non-members. Registration forms can be requested from Melissa Prycer (214) 413-3671 or mprycer@dallasheritagevillage.org or downloaded at www.dadv.org.  Registration forms and checks payable to DADV must be received by Tuesday, September 12th at the following address- DADV, PO Box 224934  Dallas, TX 75222-4934.

News & Events – July 10, 2006

Network Board Election

Network members elected two members to the Network board, Katy E. David, Tax Attorney at Oppenheimer, Blend, Harrison, & Tate in San Antonio and Pamela J. Sybert, Director, Educational Consortium for Volunteerism , College of Public Affairs & Community Service at the University of North Texas in Denton.  Their work experience and nonprofit expertise will benefit the statewide board of the Network.  Their first term runs from July, 2006 to June, 2009. 

Professional Development Conferences

¨       Independent Sector Conference:  This Annual Conference will be held October 22-24, 2006 in Minneapolis/St. Paul.  www.independentsector.org/annualconference/2006/index.html

¨       2006 Power Tools for Nonprofits Conference: Wednesday, November 15, 2006 in Houston at the Reliant Parkway.  Keynote Speaker: Jeannette Clift George, A.D. Players.

¨       2006 BoardSource Leadership Forum: Chicago, December 3-4, 2006, www.boardsource.org.  Featured speakers include Roxanne Spillett: Boys and Girls Clubs of America; Richard P. Chait,: Harvard Graduate School of Education; James E. Canales: The James Irvine Foundation; Thomas J. Tierney: Bridgespan Group; Deborah S. Hechinger: BoardSource; David Nygren: Mercer Delta Consulting; and Michael Chu: Pegasus Capital.

News & Events – June 30, 2006

Volunteerism Report

If you volunteer at a nonprofit, your school, or church, you’re in good company.  A recent report was conducted by the Corporation for National and Community Service.  A total of 65.4 million adult Americans or about 29% of the population volunteered for charitable causes last year.  This 2005 number represents a 6% increase from three years ago.  The 146 page report, “Volunteering in America: State Trends and Rankings” is available at http://nationalservice.gov/about/volunteering /index.asp.  The report also provides information on a regional basis.

Save the Date

Greenlights for Nonprofit Success will sponsor Crossroads 2006 on September 13, 2006 from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Austin Convention Center.  Registration is now open at www.greenlights.org.

Town Hall Meetings in Texas

Thanks to a grant from the AT&T Foundation, the Network will host four Town Hall meetings to gather information for the first Nonprofit Congress on October 16-17, 2006.  The San Antonio meeting was held on June 27, 2006 in partnership with the Center for Policy Studies and Nonprofit Management Program in the College of Public Policy at UTSA.  Approximately 70 Executive Directors, board members, funders, and corporate managers discussed common visions, challenges, and opportunities for the nonprofit sector.  Listed below are the top responses from the five discussion questions from the San Antonio Town Hall meeting:

1.   What do all nonprofits have in common?

  1. Serve those in need, desire to serve others and improve lives
  2. Serves the community, providing services to meet various needs
  3. Based on an ideal – a mission to help a larger community

2.   What is your ideal vision for the nonprofit sector in your state?

  1. Strong, supportive and sustainable - funding, board, staff, etc.
  2. Successful partnerships and collaborations
  3. To have a unified voice to represent nonprofit and community needs

3.   What are the obstacles common to all nonprofits – regardless of mission – that prevent us from reaching this vision?  Prioritize the order in which these obstacles and challenges should be addressed.

  1. Lack of collaboration among nonprofits
  2. Lack of a nonprofit strategic plan to focus and direct efforts in a more effective manner
  3. Recruitment and retention and development of staff, board, and donor

4.   What key short-term steps can nonprofit organizations collectively take to eliminate these obstacles?

  1. Making a real effort to foster collaboration for funding, training, resources, and planning
  2. Meet with other nonprofits to create a “voice” (like we are doing today)
  3. Strategic planning with “stakeholders”

5.   What key long-term steps can nonprofit organizations collectively take to eliminate these obstacles?

  1. Effective strategic planning
  2. Roundtable and networking for like organizations
  3. Greater political involvement/government lobbying – create awareness, tax law changes, stabilize funding, nonprofit representative in government

o If you would like to attend a future Town Hall Meeting, upcoming meetings are listed below:

¨       Houston: The Management Assistance Program of the United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast will host a meeting on July 11, 2006 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.            http://www.unitedwayhouston.org/help/map_work.html

¨       Wichita Falls: The Nonprofit Management Center of Wichita Falls will host a meeting on August 23, 2006 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.  Nonprofit Management Center of Wichita Falls Texas

¨       Midland: The Nonprofit Service Center of the Permian Basin will host a meeting on September 11, 2006 from 9:00 a.m. -12:00 noon.   http://www.nmc-pb.org/calendar.html

Release of Giving USA 2005 Data

AAFRC has changed its name to the Giving Institute: Leading Consultants to Non-profits.  They have release the 2005 Giving Charts; the report shows that Americans gave $260.3 billion to nonprofits in 2005, an increase of 2.7% after inflation.  Listed below are the key funding sources:

¨       Individuals: $199.07 billion, 76.5%, 2.9% increase adjusted for inflation

¨       Foundations: $30 billion, 11.5%, 2.1% increase adjusted for inflation

¨       Bequests: $17.44 billion, -8.6 decrease adjusted for inflation

¨       Corporations: $13.77 billion, 18.5% increase adjusted for inflation

For additional information, go to http://www.givingusa.org/

Workshop: Fiscal Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards

The Nonprofit Management and Volunteer Center in Laredo will be presenting “Fiscal Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards” on July 18, 2006, at the Laredo Public Library at 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.  The presenter will be Rose Mary Fry, Executive Director, of Texas Nonprofit Management Assistance Network.  During this presentation you will learn about community needs and the role of nonprofit organizations; financial duties of boards; 20 questions for financial health; and recent developments.  Board members, financial officers, nonprofit accountants and key nonprofit staff are encouraged to attend this workshop.  For additional information, contact Diana Fullerton at 956-795-2400 ext. 2255 or by e-mail at Diana@laredolibrary.org.

News & Events – June 12, 2006

Nonprofit Panel Makes Recommendations in Nine New Areas

The Panel on the Nonprofit Sector has released a Supplemental Report, offering recommendations for action by Congress, the IRS, and charitable organizations in nine areas, including international grantmaking and charitable solicitation.  This Supplemental Report is a companion to the Panel's Final Report, delivered to Congress in June, 2006.  It is part of its continuing effort to strengthen the accountability of the nation's 1.3 million charitable organizations.

New Website for Austin Center 

The Center for Community-Based and Nonprofit Organizations at Austin Community College has updated its website at www.nonprofitaustin.org.  The new website reflects the ACC CCBNO’s refined focus areas:  Connecting the Nonprofit Sector, Professional and Volunteer Development, Resources, Information & Referral, and Coaching, Consultation, Collaboration & Presentations.

Nominations Accepted

If your organization is using the Internet in a creative way for fundraising, membership, or activism, the ePhilanthropy Foundation is accepting nominations for the 2006 International ePhilanthropy award.  Deadline is July 15th; for additional information, go to ePhilanthropy Foundation.

Website Resources

¨      The Forum of Regional Association of Grantmakers, in Washington, announced a new website that features articles and other information on emerging trends in giving.  This project is a part of the New Ventures in Philanthropy Initiative.  The new Donors of the Future Online Knowledge Center present a collection of free papers and studies about how to identify and recruit new donors.  It is available at http://www.givingforum.org/dof.

 

¨      Research Resource: American Humanics has released a new bibliography and literature review: “Workforce Issues in the Nonprofit Sector: Generational Leadership Change and Diversity.”  Go to http://www.humanics.org/insc.  It is available in the Initiative for Nonprofit Sector Careers section of their website.

Input Requested for Central Texas Nonprofit Compensation Survey

The Center for Community-Based & Nonprofit Organizations at Austin Community College and the Texas Association of Nonprofit Organizations (TANO) are requesting input to the design of the Annual Compensation Survey