Special Series for Nonprofit Managers: 2010 Class Now Enrolling

Please join the Center for Nonprofit Advancement for our 2010 edition of Project LEAP (Leaders Emerging through Ability and Potential). This series is an opportunity for senior staff of area nonprofits to strengthen their leadership skills. Participants engage in individual and group activities to examine and assess their leadership skills and how it impacts their current organization. Workshops include critical thinking and problem-solving activities including essential financial leadership skills. Participants will work in learning circle cohorts to learn from one another, as well as hear from other experienced professionals. Some in-class and out-of-class preparatory readings and journaling will be required.

This series is ideal for deputy directors, program directors or other experienced senior level managers. Participants should have three or more years of professional experience in the nonprofit sector. Participants should supervise at least one person for optimum class results.

The five-class series begins on February 26 and run through June 4. Registration is now open. Class-size is limited to 25.

Click here to learn more. Click here to register.

Veteran Exeuctive Directors: Join the Journey to a Sustainable Organization

As the economy has changed, the skills that a nonprofit leader needs to succeed have not changed. Understanding one's self is key to understanding one's competencies, motivations and challenges as a leader of a sustainable organization.

The Center for Nonprofit Advancement presents the CEO Leadership Series, a special, four-part series that focuses on helping nonprofits survive this financial downturn and face a “new normal” as you lead your organization to move forward. The series sets a path for CEOs who wish to go on a journey of self-discovery to build a sustainable organization.

The four-class series begins on February 11 and run through April. Registration is now open. Class-size is limited to 20.

Click here to learn more. Click here to register.

Free Workshop: Doing Business with the Commonwealth of Virginia

From Arlington Economic Development and the Virginia Department of Business Assistance:

Wednesday, January 20, learn the Commonwealth of Virginia's latest mandates for spending, and helpful eVA tips that may help increase your chances of selling to the Commonwealth. Also hear about details on purchases of $50,000 or less going to state certified “small” vendors and other important information that may increase your chances of selling to the Commonwealth.

Click here for additional information. Register online or download the event flier.

Event Details:
Date: January 20, 2010
Time: 8:00 to 10:00 am
Location: Arlington Economic Development, 1100 N. Glebe Rd., Suite 1500, Arlington, VA
Fee: Free - Registration is required

Sponsored by Arlington Economic Development and Arlington County Public Library.

Special Thanks

In 2009, as we continue our celebration of 30 years of service to nonprofits, we wanted to take a moment to thank those member nonprofit organizations who have been with the Center for Nonprofit Advancement for 20 or more years!

Special Thanks to Center Members:
Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington | Barker Foundation | Black Student Fund | Center for Child Protection and Family Support | Center on Conscience and War/NIBSCO | Congress of National Black Churches | Council for Court Excellence | Damien Ministries | District of Columbia Nurses Association | Downtown Cluster's Geriatric Day Care Center | Family & Child Services of Washington | Federally Employed Women | Food & Friends, Inc. | For Love of Children | Friends Meeting of Washington | Higher Achievement Program | Interages | IONA Senior Services | Ionia R. Whipper Home | Junior League of Washington | Management Assistance Group | My Sister's Place | National Association for Bilingual Education | National Catholic Partnership on Disability | National Citizens' Coalition for Nursing Home Reform | National Network for Youth | National Puerto Rican Coalition | Orphan Foundation of America | Phillips Programs | Potomac Appalachian Trail Club | Public Access Corporation of D.C. (DCTV) | Public Leadership Education Network | RAP, Inc. (Regional Addiction Prevention) | Sarah's Circle | Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League (SMYAL) | Terrific, Inc. | Travelers Aid International | Visitors' Service Center | Washington Child Development Council | Washington Regional Alcohol Program | Young Woman's Christian Home |

Grant Opportunity: Social Media

Fenton Communications is offering a $10,000 Social Media Grant to nonprofits in the Washington, DC area. Selected recipients will receive up to $10,000 worth of social media analysis, monitoring and strategy services from the group in the winter of 2010.

The application deadline is Friday, December 18.

Click here for additional information and to access the online application.

IRS Announces 2010 Standard Mileage Rates

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued "2010 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes."

Click here for details.

Nonprofits: Apply to have a PSA created

Center member Women in Film & Video of Washington, DC is seeking local nonprofit applicants for its 2010 Image Makers Program. The program takes a diverse group of high school students and allows them to explore careers in film and television by pairing them with WIFV professionals. They gain hands-on production experience while producing public service announcements for local charitable organizations.

Applications to the program from nonprofits are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 18. Click here to learn more. Click here to download the nonprofit application.

Be a Mentor for young people in your community!

Center member Higher Achievement is in need of Mentors at two of its Achievement Centers: Ward 7 (Kelly Miller Middle School) and Alexandria (Hammond Middle School); and Study Hall Aides (for all centers) for this academic year.

The commitment is at least once per week, Monday, Tuesday and/or Thursday; Study Hall Aides- 3:30-6:00 p.m; Mentors- 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Click here for more information or to fill out an application. If you have further questions please e-mail or call Matt B. Thornton, director of volunteer management, at 202.375.7733 or mthornton@higherachievement.org.

Now Accepting Applications: Social Venture Consulting Program

The Center for Social Value Creation at the Smith School of Business is now accepting applications for the spring 2010 Social Venture Consulting Program, in partnership with Grassroots.org.

Since 2006, the program has matched more than 100 MBA students with 44 nonprofit organizations across the country, combining capacity-building consulting services with hands-on learning experiences. Student consultants are selected to participate in a highly competitive application process, and there is no fee charged to the nonprofit organization.

Projects are designed for 60-80 hours over 3 months to address issues — whether financial, marketing, operational, organizational or strategic — and to develop the necessary steps to solve the problems and improve the business. The application is open to all registered 501c3 US Nonprofit and Canadian Charitable Organizations. Please note that it is free to join Grassroots.org before applying.

Click here for program details as well as case studies and examples of past projects.

Click here for the online application for the spring 2010 program. Organizations with annual budgets greater than $1M are invited to click here to apply.

The application deadline is December 21.

Join Us Next Week

We hope to see you next week at one of these upcoming workshops from the Center for Nonprofit Advancement. Click each listing below for event and registration details.

• Tuesday, December 8, Prospecting Your Database for Fundraising Gold
• Tuesday, December 8, Effective Boards that Work: How You Can Make it Happen
• Tuesday, December 8, Fundamentals of Quickbooks
• Wednesday, December 9, Using Your Financial Statements as a Tool for Survival and Success
• Thursday, December 10, Strategic Action Planning for 2010
  

Top 10 Myths...and Truths...

...about The Washington Post Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management

If you are considering applying for the 2010 Award (applications due December 7), here are a few myths and truths to keep in mind!

#10
MYTH: My organization can win if we have one example of excellence in nonprofit management.
TRUTH: Winners show examples of excellence in nonprofit management in many areas.

#9
MYTH: My organization applied before and did not make it out of round one or round two; we don’t have a chance. We should never apply again.
TRUTH: It takes most organizations several years to nurture and grow in their management practices. Applying for the award for several years is welcomed…especially if your management practices strengthen during that period.

#8
MYTH: Great programs and services will compensate for only so-so management practices.
TRUTH: This program rewards excellence in nonprofit management. Program information is useful only when it provides context for management achievements.

#7
MYTH: The selection committee only likes new/established, small/large, or local/national scope organizations.
TRUTH: The selection committee seeks excellence in nonprofit management – no mater the organization’s age, size or community served.

#6
MYTH: An organization must have gone through a major crisis or turnaround in order to win.
TRUTH: The selection committee values organizations with consistent solid management, as well as organizations that grow and prosper after a management crisis.

#5
MYTH: My organization is not widely known; we can’t win.
TRUTH: The selection committee considers what is written on the application, rather than the organization’s name or stature in the community.

#4
MYTH: It’s too much work to complete the application for so little return.
TRUTH: Past participants who have recognized the value of self-assessment benefited from the process; the application feedback adds even greater value.

#3
MYTH: The selection committee knows who is going to win even before they see the applications.
TRUTH: Each year, the selection committee’s choice is based on the information included in the submitted applications.

#2
MYTH: If one type of organization won last year, it will not win this year.
TRUTH: Program area is not a consideration in the decision-making process of the selection committee

#1
MYTH: We can complete the application quickly, so we don’t need to allow too much time to write and submit the application.
TRUTH: The strongest applications are from those organizations whose staff, board, volunteers and other stakeholders have invested time in discussion and reflection prior to completing the application. The questions in The Washington Post Award application can spur on this work.

The Washington Post 2010 Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management, a project of the Center for Nonprofit Advancement with support from RAFFA, PC, includes a $10,000 cash grant and much more! Plus, all applicants receive feedback on their management practices from the selection committee. So, your nonprofit can benefit just from completing the application. There is no fee to take part. Applications are due Monday, December 7! Click here to learn more.

View the November/December Nonprofit Agenda online

The November/December 2009 issue of the Center for Nonprofit Advancement's print newsletter, Nonprofit Agenda, is now available electronically.

Inside this issue:

• A Celebration of Excellence and Service
• 5 Tips to Get the Most from Your Graphic Design Experience
• Meet the Newest Center Members
• Center Recognizes Excellence in Washington Region Nonprofit Leadership
• Meet Our Newest Partners in Advancement
• Individual Philanthropy: What Does Building Meaningful Donor Relationships Look Like?
• Recruit, Engage and Leverage: Providing Meaningful Volunteer Opportunities
• Partnering for Success
• Learn About The Washington Post 2010 Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management
• Member News

Click here to download the PDF.

And don't forget to explore the offerings in our latest catalog of courses from the Center's Learning and Leadership Institute. View upcoming classes by date or subject.

Seeking the "Best Fundraiser"

The NonProfit Times is compiling nominations for their "best fundraisers" feature story. Make a nomination for categories including: Younger Than 40; Living Legend; Direct Mail; Major Gifts; Online; Special Events, Education; DRTV; and Sector Leadership.

Nominees must be employed at a nonprofit. Send your suggestions, along with contact information and a few lines about the person, to editor2@nptimes.com.

Join Us This Week

We hope to see you this week at one of these upcoming workshops. Click each listing below for event and registration details.

• Tuesday, December 1, Building Your Team: Making Your Board Members Your Greatest Asset
• Wednesday, December 2, Developing A Technology Plan That Moves Your Organization Forward
  

Center Members Recognized in Catalogue for Philanthropy

Since 2003, the Catalogue for Philanthropy has spotlighted high impact, carefully evaluated, community-based Greater Washington nonprofits with budgets of less than $3 million. To date, the Catalogue has helped featured nonprofits to raise more than $9.6 million from new donors.

The Center for Nonprofit Advancement is pleased to recognize Center members featured in the new 2009-2010 Catalogue for Philanthropy. Click below to see member catalogue profiles.

• Amazon Conservation Association : Washington, DC
• A-SPAN (Arlington Street People's Assistance Network) : Arlington, VA
• Carpenter's Shelter : Alexandria, VA
• Computer CORE : Alexandria, VA
• DC LEARNs : Washington, DC
• Jubilee Jobs : Washington, DC
• Mary House : Washington, DC
• Mentoring Today : Washington, DC
• STRIVE DC : Washington, DC
• Tahirih Justice Center : Falls Church, VA
• The Barker Foundation : Bethesda, MD
• The Downtown Cluster's Geriatric Day Care Center : Washington, DC
• The Dwelling Place : Gaithersburg, MD
• Turning the Page : Washington, DC
• Us Helping Us, People Into Living : Washington, DC
• Visitors' Services Center : Washington, DC
• Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless : Washington, DC
• Women Empowered Against Violence (WEAVE) : Washington, DC
  

Special Opportunity for Arlington Nonprofits

Please join Arlington Economic Development and the Center for Nonprofit Advancement on Tuesday, December 8 for "Effective Boards that Work: How You Can Make it Happen." This workshop is free for Arlington Residents and nonprofits; $49 for Center members; $89 for all others.

Workshop description: Effective boards don’t just happen; they need thought, creativity, planning and even luck. If you’re feeling your board could be improved, you’re having trouble recruiting board members or you’re frustrated with the board you have, join us. Learn about the characteristics of well-functioning boards, setting an effective meeting strategy and the secrets to building strong staff-board relations.

Faculty: Sandra Renner, Principal, Renner Consulting

The workshop runs from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm on December 8 and is presented at the Arlington County Central Library (1015 North Quincy Street, Main Auditorium, Arlington, Va.). Click here to register.

Grant Opportunity: Technical Assistance

The Center for Neighborhood Enterprise (CNE) is seeking applications from nonprofits serving Wards 5,6, 7 and 8 in the District of Columbia to receive technical assistance and/or sub-awards through the Compassion Capital Fund (CCF) of the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Services (OCS), Administration for Children and Families.

"The goal of CCF is to assist nonprofit faith-based and community-based organizations in: increasing their effectiveness, enhancing their ability to provide social services, expanding their organizations, diversifying their funding sources and creating collaborations to better serve those most in need."

Click here to download the Grant Announcement.

CNE is hosting an information/question and answer session on Monday, November 30. Details and registration information available on page two of the grant announcement.

Free Webinar: Recession-Proof Your Grantwriting

The Maryland Governor's Grants Office is hosting a free webinar, "Recession-Proof Your Grantwriting," on Wednesday, December 2 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm.

With presenter Beverley Francis, president and CEO of the Columbia Foundation,this session is intended to answer your questions about resources in your own backyard.

Visit the Web site to learn more and register.

Seeking Nominees: Those Who Made a Difference

Do you know a Prince George's County resident who made a difference in their community in 2009? The Gazette is seeking nominees for its annual "Those Who Made a Difference" recognition.

See those recognized in the 2008.

See what nominations should include and how to submit them.

The nomination deadline is November 30.

Help the Homeless This Weekend

If you're looking for something to do on Saturday (November 21), it's not too late to take part in the 22nd Annual Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walkathon.

This community-wide program raises funds and awareness that help support organizations in our region working to prevent and end homelessness. According to the programs Web site, "More than 12,000 people in the Washington metropolitan area do not have homes a number that is expected to grow under current economic conditions. This includes people living on the streets, staying in shelters or living in transitional housing.

"There are many misconceptions about homelessness. Fewer than 11 percent regularly live on the streets. More than 40 percent of homeless people are families and about one in four are children. Nearly one-third of homeless people are employed."

Since 1988, the Help the Homeless Program has raised more than $75 million for nonprofits serving the homeless in our region. 100% of your donation through the program goes directly to the Help the Homeless nonprofit beneficiary nonprofits.

Center for Nonprofit Advancement Member beneficiary groups include:

• Access Housing, Inc.
• Arlington Street People's Assistance Network (A-SPAN)
• Bethany House of Northern Virginia
  
• Bread for the City
• Bright Beginnings
• Byte Back
• Capitol Hill Group Ministry
• Carpenter's Shelter
• Catholics for Housing, Inc.
  
• Community Family Life Services
• Community Tax Aid, Inc.
• Damien Ministries, Inc.
• D.C. Central Kitchen
• District Alliance for Safe Housing
• Dwelling Place, Inc.
• Housing and Community Services of Northern Virginia
  
• JHP Inc.
• Jubilee Jobs, Inc.
• Little Blue House
• Lorton Community Action Center
  
• Martha's Table
• Mary House
• Miriam's House
• Montgomery Housing Partnership, Inc.
  
• My Sister's Place
• N Street Village
• Neighbors' Consejo
• New Endeavors By Women
• New Hope Housing
  
• Open Arms Housing
• Reston Interfaith
  
• Samaritan Inns, Inc.
• Sarah's Circle
• Sasha Bruce Youthwork
• Shepherd's Table
  
• Transgender Health Empowerment
• Transitional Housing Corporation
• United Communities Against Poverty, Inc.
• Unity Community Ministries
  
• Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless
  

Click here to learn more about taking part in Saturday's walk.

Visit the Help the Homeless channel on YouTube to meet several of the organization's whose work benefits from the program. Click below to watch the video from 16-year Center member Mary House.

Community Comes Together for Nonprofit 911: What's Next?

Today, 8 Neighbors, a collaborative group which includes the Center for Nonprofit Advancement and seven other organizations serving the Greater Washington region, convened “Nonprofit 911: What’s Next?” to explore the economic realities of Washington, DC area nonprofits and the people they serve.


Board members, funders, executives and other key leaders in the nonprofit, business and government arenas came together to share what has worked (and what has not) in 2009 and to discuss the outlook for the months and year ahead.

Click here to download the report shared with attendees of "Nonprofit 911: What's Next?"

Click here for additional findings from the Center’s survey of the region’s nonprofits.

Click here for live posts on Twitter from the meeting.

Click here for event photos.

This 8 Neighbors event was hosted by the Center for Nonprofit Advancement, the Community Foundation of the National Capital Region, the Greater Washington Board of Trade, Leadership Greater Washington, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, the Nonprofit Roundtable of Greater Washington, United Way of the National Capital Area and the Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers.

Volunteer Day with Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia

Center for Nonprofit Advancement staff were delighted to join Center member Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia at ReStore Alexandria last week.

From the group's Web site, "ReStore is a resale business that sells new and used building materials and home improvement items to the general public. All materials are donated by local retail businesses, building contractors, suppliers and individuals, and are made available for sale to the public at 50% to 90% below retail prices."

Center staff had a great time pitching in to help polish furniture, display housewares, set lighting displays and much more.

Click here to see additional photo's from the Center's volunteer day.

Click here to learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia's Alexandria and Chantilly ReStore locations.

Grant Opportunity: Community Summer Jobs Program

The online application for the 2010 ExxonMobil Community Summer Jobs Program Grant is now available. From Center member Volunteer Fairfax, "for the eleventh year, Exxon Mobil Corporation will award grants to fund 8-week summer internships at sixty 501(c)(3) agencies in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. This year, the grant amount is $2,750."

Click here to view the online portion of the application. The application deadline is Friday, December 4 at 4:00 p.m.

Get Discounted Arts and Culture Tickets

Center member the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington brings you two online marketplaces for arts and culture.

Find discounted arts and culture tickets in advance and online throughout Greater Washington on Ticketplace. Find family and free event information through CultureCapital.com.

New and Updated IRS Compliance Guides

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released a new Compliance Guide for Tax-Exempt Organizations (other than 501(c)(3) Public Charities and Private Foundations).

This IRS guide "addresses activities that could jeopardize an organization's exempt status and discusses the general recordkeeping, reporting and disclosure responsibilities that apply to non-501(c)(3) exempt organizations." Click here to download the PDF.

The Compliance Guide for 501(c)(3) Public Charities has also been updated to "incorporate changes in the compliance requirements that apply to public charities and includes information about the redesigned Form 990, the 'e-Postcard,' as well as information about classification as a public charity after the elimination of the advance ruling process." Click here to download the PDF.

Meet a Member: National Museum of Americans in Wartime

On this Veteran's Day, we wanted to take a moment to introduce you to Center for Nonprofit Advancement Member the National Museum of Americans in Wartime™.

Opening Veterans Day, November 11, 2012 near Manassas, Va., the "museum will engage visitors in the stories of men and women—in uniform and on the home front—who have answered the nation’s call to serve."

Click the video below or visit their Web site to learn more about the National Museum of Americans in Wartime™.

Free Seminar: Managing Personnel in Tough Economic Times

From the DC Bar Pro Bono Program:

Pfizer Inc, in conjunction with the DC Bar Pro Bono program and the law firm of DLA Piper is sponsoring a free video conference seminar, "Managing Personnel in Tough Economic Times: Smart Ways to Avoid Legal Problems While Reducing Personnel Costs," on Thursday, December 3.

The seminar will be held at the law offices of DLA Piper, 500 8th Street, NW (Metro stop – Gallery Place on the Red, Yellow and Green lines). It will begin at 10:50 a.m. and run until 3:30 p.m. Lunch will be served.

This seminar will discuss legally permissible ways to help conserve resources and avoid employee terminations. For those organizations that must terminate staff, the laws regulating reductions in force will be explained and demystified. This seminar will also highlight other legal risks facing employers in hard times, including the misclassification of employees, wage and hour violations, and union organizing campaigns.

This seminar is designed for executive directors, board members, and officers with financial, operations and human resources responsibilities.

The seminar is free. To register, e-mail: registerdc@dlapiper.com

The video conference will also be held at the following locations:

DLA Piper LLP (US)
6225 Smith Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21209-3600
Register via e-mail to registerbaltimore@dlapiper.com

and

DLA Piper LLP (US)
1775 Wiehle Ave, Suite 400
Reston, VA 20190
Register via e-mail to: registernova@dlapiper.com

Application Workshop Added!

If your organization is considering participating in The Washington Post 2010 Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management, the awards selection committee can help you!

Join a free Webinar on Friday, November 13 from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. to learn what committee members look for in wining applications and presentations. Speakers will include a past award winner and members of the selection committee. Applicants are not required to attend this workshop to participate in the annual award competition.

Free. Registration is required. Click here to register.

Click to learn more about The Washington Post 2010 Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management.

New at the Center: Workshops through January

The Center for Nonprofit Advancement's Learning and Leadership Institute provides more than 100 workshops annually on a range of nonprofit management topics for all levels of nonprofit professionals.

New this week--explore course offerings through January! Whether you're looking for support in board goverance, fundraising, human resources or technology, the Center has an accessible and affordable workshop for you! In addition to courses at our offices in Washington, D.C. (convenient to the Farragut North and Farragut West metro stops), we're also offering workshops in Arlington and online Webinars.

Visit the Nonprofit Learning section on the Center's Web site to explore the complete schedule of upcoming courses by date or by subject.

DCTV Recognized with Center for Nonprofit Advancement Award

Courtesy of DCTV, click below to watch a clip from the Center's 30th Anniversary Meeting and Celebration.

During the event, the Center recognized long-time member, the Public Access Corporation of the District of Columbia (DCTV), with the 2009 Center for Nonprofit Advancement Award for their vision and dedication in finding new ways to support the Greater Washington nonprofit sector.

New Nonprofit Channel Launches This Week!

On Tuesday, November 3, the Center for Nonprofit Advancement and DCTV will launch a new channel, DCTV Focus, to highlight the work of local nonprofits and provide resources, training and tips for nonprofit professionals, board members and volunteers.

Click to learn more about the channel and sharing your video content with more than 300,000 in the region.

As a part of this partnership, the Center will also host a weekly, 30-minute show, Connections, beginning Tuesday, November 3 on Comcast 96 and RCN 11. Click below to watch a preview for the show.

Save the Date: "Nonprofit 911: What's Next?"

Join 8 Neighbors for
Nonprofit 911: What's Next?
Implications of the Economic Realities

The past year has been extremely difficult for nonprofit organizations and their leaders. Last December, more than 500 members of the community came together for "Nonprofit 911." Join board members, funders, executives and other key leaders in the nonprofit arena on Monday, November 16 for "Nonprofit 911: What's Next?" to share what worked and what did not as we discuss the outlook for the months and year ahead.

Each participant will receive a report with a snapshot of how the economic downturn has affected nonprofit organizations and a list of strategies for succeeding during challenging times.

Registration is free. Attendance is limited to one person per organization. Space is limited. Center members, contact us for the registration link. Space is limited!

This 8 Neighbors event is hosted by the Center for Nonprofit Advancement, the Community Foundation of the National Capital Region, the Greater Washington Board of Trade, Leadership Greater Washington, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, the Nonprofit Roundtable of Greater Washington, United Way of the National Capital Area and the Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers.

Meet a Member: HasNa

Center for Nonprofit Advancement Member HasNa promotes cross-cultural understanding and economic empowerment in culturally divided areas of the world and encourages individuals and communities in such areas to work together toward advancement and peaceful coexistence.

They work at the grassroots level to create communication and collaboration among ethnically divided peoples, providing the tools and ongoing assistance to support small-scale, sustainable efforts aimed at economic and social development. Click the video below or visit their Web site to learn more about HasNa.

Join the group at 8:00 p.m. on Monday, November 2 at the Avalon Theater for the screening of "Bliss". Click here to download the PDF with details about the movie.

Seeking Applicants: Pro Bono Internet Consulting

The Bivings Group will award $10,000 in Internet consulting services to a a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the metropolitan Washington, DC area through its "TBGIVES" contest.

The group's "ideal partner will be an organization with a budget of less than one million dollars per year whose impact can be enhanced through the strategic use of technology."

Entries are due by Wednesday, November 25.

Click here to learn more and access the application.

Don't be left out!

Excerpted from Nonprofits Count!:

Data collected by the Census next year will be used to determine a host of issues critical to the nonprofit community. Lower income and more mobile populations, precisely those served by many nonprofits, are frequently undercounted by the census, leading to underfunding of critical services and infrastructure and under-representation in government.

Nonprofits can play an important role in making sure their communities are fully and accurately counted by educating them on the importance of the census and how to participate.

Nonprofits Count, a project of the Nonprofit Voter Engagement Network (NVEN), has released a new Census Toolkit for Nonprofit Organizations. This toolkit is available free at http://www.nonprofitscount.org and includes information to help nonprofits get involved with the 2010 Census.

An Interview with Manny Hidalgo

Meet Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman 2009 EXCEL Award Winner Manny Hidalgo.

Manny has transformed the Latino Economic Development Corporation into a strong player in Latino and other cultural communities. The organization’s budget has grown by 30% every year under Manny’s leadership.

Manny is passionate about picking the right staff…and gives them the room to learn, shine and laugh. Manny knows what’s important in life, stressing that dedication to work and to home are equally important.

What does this award mean for you and your organization?
Manny: The EXCEL award is an immense honor for both me and my staff at the Latino Economic Development Corporation. Over the past five years, we at LEDC have really worked hard to change what we do through a comprehensive team building strategy involving every stakeholder in the organization. Our collective leadership has helped us double in size to help meet the critical need for quality small business, affordable housing preservation and homeownership services in the DC metro area. I’m honored to share this award with my staff and Board, and we hope to continue our innovative work within the Latino community and other underserved populations in the years to come.

What advice would you offer for other nonprofit executive directors?
Manny: One of the best pieces of advice that I can offer is find a coach and mentor who helps you believe in your ability to bring change to an organization. When times are tough, you need to know you have the guidance from someone who’s been there before. Secondly, the quality of an executive director’s ongoing relationship with the board of directors is central when realizing your goals as an executive director. If you gain the trust of your board, you can do a lot of good for your organization. Lastly, recruit a passionate and innovative staff that embraces the journey of change with you.

An Interview with Pam Michell

Meet Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman 2009 EXCEL Award Winner Pam Michell.

Serving as New Hope Housing executive director for the past 20 years, Pam has built an organization that not only faces the immediate needs of the homeless in Northern Virginia, but also takes responsibility for seeking long-term solutions to break the cycle of homelessness.

Pam looks for greatness in individuals, even when their greatness has yet to be seen. She challenges and empowers staff. Seeing residents, staff and board soar to new heights is part of her style.

What does this award mean for you and your organization?
Pam: We executive directors don’t spend much time thinking about our leadership and what we do well. So to read the nomination, listen to four people sing my praises to the panel [from the selection committee], and then to win is both humbling and affirming. Most importantly, the Excel award is an opportunity to tell the story of homeless people and what the dedicated staff of New Hope Housing is doing to prevent and end homelessness.

What advice would you offer for other nonprofit executive directors?
Pam: Believe passionately in your mission. Know your values and stick to them, come what may. Think beyond your agency to achieve the greater good. Tell it like you see it.

An Interview with Eleni Rossides

Meet Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman 2009 EXCEL Award Winner Eleni Rossides.

Eleni Rossides thought her seven-year career on the pro-tennis circuit was tough, until she took on the challenge of a lifetime, as executive director of the Washington Tennis and Education Foundation (WTEF). In addition to juggling a 50-plus member board of directors, a small staff and a large annual event, under Eleni’s leadership the group seeks to build a second tennis center with land and approval from the District Government.

As a board member told us, Eleni did not predict this recession, but she did prepare the organization just in case to position WTEF to succeed in every economy.

What does this award mean for you and your organization?
Eleni: This award means a great deal to me and WTEF. We are in the middle of a very exciting time for WTEF as we plan to build a new, tennis education and community center in Ward 7 of Washington, D.C. Validation of the strength of the organization and its leader will be very helpful as we continue to execute plans to build the center to help the neediest children of the District and raise the funds to do so.

What advice would you offer for other nonprofit executive directors?
Eleni: The EXCEL Award process has been an extremely helpful one to go through. Thinking through how one leads an organization and what leadership means to one’s organization is a very important process. It is important to take a step back and think through one’s strengths and weaknesses and where one would like to improve. I am thankful for this process and the award which enabled me to take the time to go through it.

An Interview with Dallice Joyner

Meet Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman 2009 EXCEL Award Honorable Mention Recipient Dallice Joyner.

As Executive Director of the Northern Virginia Area Health Education Center, Dallice is leading an organization that works in the growing world of medical language interpretations – serving immigrant and other vulnerable communities in need of health information or facing a health crisis.

Dallice often says that if an employee leaves her organization as the same person, without growth or a broader comfort zone, then she has failed as a leader.

What advice would you offer for other nonprofit leaders?
Dallice: Share. Keep your focus on what’s important for your organization. Work outside of your comfort zone.

What does this award mean for you and your organization?
Dallice: This award comes at a perfect time in our organization’s life. It serves as a spring board for our next level of growth. It markets and promotes our organization and expertise past our current realm of exposure. Since I plan to use the award money attend a special political school, it will propel us into a broader and more influential political arena.

An Interview with Aleta Margolis

Meet Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman 2009 EXCEL Award Honorable Mention Recipient Aleta Margolis.

Aleta is the chief inspirer at the Center for Inspired Teaching which exists to ensure schools make the most of children's innate desire to learn. They do this by investing in teachers.

Board members tell us that she pushes them to be a high impact board. Staff members are challenged professionally – think big/dream big. Teachers are transformed through Aleta’s charismatic and persuasive ideas…all while keeping the benefits of the kids in mind.

What does this award mean for you and your organization?
Aleta: It reflects positively on the critical work we do to support high quality education and teacher training in the District, and provides meaningful exposure for our expanding programs. It is an honor to be recognized within the greater community of outstanding DC nonprofits.

What advice would you offer for other nonprofit executive directors?
Aleta: Be clear about your goals, and support the people working with you. Make sure you learn as well as give feedback and keep lines of communication open with your staff. Most importantly, make sure the work you do is both meaningful and challenging, and always make time for reflection.

Center Recognizes Excellence in Washington Region Nonprofit Leadership

Winners and Honorable Mentions Named in
Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman 2009 EXCEL Award

The Center for Nonprofit Advancement announced today recipients of the Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman 2009 EXCEL Award for excellence in chief executive leadership. This competitive award spotlights up to three outstanding nonprofit leaders in the Washington metropolitan area for outstanding nonprofit chief executive leadership.

2009 Award recipients include the following executive directors:

• Manny Hidalgo of the Latino Economic Development Corporation in Washington, D.C
• Pamela L. Michell of New Hope Housing, Inc. in Alexandria, Va.
• Eleni A. Rossides of the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation in Washington, D.C.

The 2009 Award winners were recognzied at the Center for Nonprofit Advancement’s 30th Anniversary Annual Meeting on Thursday, October 29 in Washington, D.C.

Also announced, the following executive directors were Honorable Mention recipients for the Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman 2009 EXCEL Award:

• Dallice Joyner of the Northern Virginia Area Health Education Center in Alexandria, Va.
• Aleta Margolis of the Center for Inspired Teaching in Washington, D.C.

“The Center is excited to celebrate and recognize excellence in chief executive leadership throughout Greater Washington,” said Center CEO Glen O’Gilvie. “Our 2009 awardees are leading organizations that ensure the success of communities throughout the region.”

This is the fifth year for this competition, and the fourth year that the Bethesda-based accounting firm Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman has sponsored the award.

Each award winner receives a $5,000 professional development account to use in their role as an organization’s chief executive. In addition, the winning organization receives a $2,000 grant to provide professional development opportunities for their staff. Each honorable mention recipient’s organization receives a $1,000 award to support professional development programs for the candidate and/or its staff.

Awardees are selected by a committee of nonprofit leaders, business professionals, consultants and community members. Award recipients must show excellence in the areas of innovation, motivation, community building, ethical integrity and strategic leadership. The selection process includes four stages including nomination, interview, site visit and selection.

The competition is open to any chief executive of a Greater Washington-area nonprofit organization with an annual budget of $10 million and under. Board members, staff members, volunteers, clients or community members may nominate chief executives.

The award is administered by the Center for Nonprofit Advancement.

Is Your Organization Prepared for H1N1?

Center member, the DC Bar Pro Bono Program, has shared two e-alerts prepared by the law firm of Nixon Peabody for the Pro Bono Partnership of Greater New York to help your organization prepare for H1N1. The alerts explain what steps employers should consider in case they experience an outbreak of H1N1 flu among their workers. The following are available for download in PDF format:

• Employment Law Alert: Swine flu in the workplace: an update and proactive response
• OSHA Alert: The latest guidance for employers for flu season: the CDC sees employers on the "front lines" of potential outbreak

Be sure to also check out, the National Council of Nonprofit’s Toolkit on H1N1 Flu Preparedness for Nonprofits.

Building Your Team: Making Your Board Members Your Greatest Asset

Join the Center for Nonprofit Advancement and Booz Allen Hamilton on Tuesday, December 1, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in McLean,Va., for the latest session in the 2009 Fundraising Development Conference Speaker Series.

The session will focus on mapping board assets to optimize their engagement with your organization. Learn best practices from executive directors and board members who have been successful in developing a functional board for high impact.

Session registration is $25.

Click here for additional event details and to register.

Deadlines Approaching: Local Awards Programs Seek Nominees

The deadlines are fast approaching for several awards to recognize excellence in our region are seeking nominations. Click each below to learn more.

• SmartCEO Magazine is seeking nominees for its annual Smart100 program. Nominations close Friday, October 30. Click here to learn more about submitting a nominations for the Greater Washington region.
• The Washington Area Women's Foundation is accepting nominations for its 2010 Leadership Awards. The nomination deadline is Tuesday, November 3. Click here to learn more.

And remember, the Center for Nonprofit Advancement is now accepting applications for The Washington Post 2010 Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management. The application deadline is Monday, December 7.

Technology Day of Service

From Center member NPower Greater DC Region:

On Friday, December 4, NPower DC is coordinating volunteers from IT departments of several local corporations to provide pro bono Stable & Secure Scans for nonprofits.

Tech savvy volunteers will conduct a 12 Point Review of your organization's technology using a method developed by the NPower Network. Areas where your organization can make effective improvements or changes will be identified.

A Stable and Secure Scan is a particularly powerful tool for small to medium sized nonprofits with limited tech resources. Space is limited, so don’t wait to take advantage of this opportunity!

Interested organizations must complete this brief online request form.

Join Us Next Week

We hope to see you this week at one of these upcoming workshops at the Center for Nonprofit Advancement. Click each listing below for event and registration details.

• Tuesday, October 27, Conflict Resolution in the Workforce
• Tuesday, October 27, Cutting Back Strategically With a Minimum of Anguish

Join the Celebration!

Reserve your seat today for the 30th Anniversary Meeting and Breakfast on Thursday, October 29 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. with keynote address by Debbi Jarvis, Pepco Holdings, Inc. Vice President of Communications.

Join more than 200 leaders from the region’s nonprofit, foundation, legislative and business communities in recognizing excellence in the region's nonprofit leadership, saluting outstanding public servants, networking and connecting across the community and celebrating the Center's 30 years of service to nonprofits.

Presenting Sponsors M&T Bank and the Center for Nonprofit Advancement Benefits Trust | Supporting Sponsor Early, Cassidy and Schilling | Sustaining Sponsor Booz Allen Hamilton | EXCEL Award Sponsor Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman | Table Sponsors.

Register Today!

Free Proposal Writing Class Offered in Spanish

The Foundation Center-Washington, DC is offering a free proposal writing class offered in Spanish on Monday, November 2 from 9:00 am to12:00 p.m. at their Washington, D.C. office. Click here to learn more.

Clase especial: Principios de la escritura de propuestas, 2 de noviembre 9am-12pm. Enteramente en español!

Program Seeks Nonprofit Leadership Fellows

Atlas Service Corps seeks nonprofit leaders from around the world to apply for their 2010-2011 fellowship positions in Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD and Bogota, Colombia. Expenses for fellowship participants are paid including a living stipend, health insurance and training. Applicants must have three or more years of experience in the nonprofit sector, a college degree, fluency in English (and Spanish if applying to volunteer in Colombia) and a commitment to return to their home country after one year.

In addition to volunteering full time at their host organizations, Fellows are enrolled in a management development training program and join a growing network of nonprofit leaders from around the world.

Click here for details about eligibility requirements and the application process.

The deadline to apply is Tuesday, November 10.

Click below to watch a short video about the application process.

Survey for Nonprofits: Free or Low-cost Computer Classes for your Staff?

Center member Byte Back is considering offering free or low-cost computer classes for nonprofit staff members and is inviting area nonprofits are invited to complete an online survey. All surveys completed by Sunday, November 1 will be entered into a drawing to win $200 for your organization.

Click here to complete the survey.

New Resources from the IRS on the Form 990

To help nonprofit organizations understand the new Form 990, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has created a case study and a series of videos about a hypothetical organization. According to the IRS Web site, the video series "walks you through key reporting issues common to most organizations required to file Form 990."

Click here to learn more.

Special Series for Veteran Executive Directors: 2009 Class Now Enrolling!

CEO Leadership Series: Journey to a Sustainable Organization

As the economy has changed, the skills that a nonprofit leader needs to succeed have not changed. Understanding one's self is key to understanding one's competencies, motivations and challenges as a leader of a sustainable organization.

The Center for Nonprofit Advancement presents the CEO Leadership Series, a special, four-part series that focuses on helping nonprofits survive this financial downturn and face a “new normal” as you lead your organization to move forward. The series sets a path for CEOs who wish to go on a journey of self-discovery to build a sustainable organization.

The four-class series begins on October 30 and will run through mid-December. Registration is now open. Class-size is limited to 20.

Click here to learn more or here to register today!

Bailing Out Your Year-End Fundraising in the Ongoing Recession

Don't miss this session on Thursday, October 15 hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Washington DC Chapter.

Attend this session and leave with:

• Tips, tools and techniques for successful fundraising to maximize year-end giving
  
• Ideas you can implement today
  
• Ten Tips to improve your Online and Direct Mail fundraising at Year End
  
• Ten Tips to Maximize Major Gifts and Campaign Activities at Year End
  
• Learn from successful non-profit organizations as they share what they are planning for the last quarter of 2009 and beyond.
  
• Explore successful case studies that provide helpful insights into best practices and lessons learned.

Special Location: Charlie Palmer Steak House, 101 Constitution Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20001

Registration Fee: $45 Center Members and AFP/DC Members; $60 Non-Members

Special Registration: Please contact Association of Fundraising Professional at 202-547-0155 or register now!