The economy's impact on nonprofit organizations and their work in the community

The current economic crisis is extraordinary in its magnitude and threat to the services that nonprofits provide for our communities. Here's what some of the numbers are saying nationally and locally:

• Charitable Fundraising Hit New Low in 2008, according to a survey by the Association of Fundraising Professionals


• Survey of 950+ Nonprofit Professionals Finds Half Expect the Recession to Have Long-Term or Permanent Negative Effect on their Organizations, according to a survey by the Nonprofit Finance Fund


• Nonprofits Speaking for Themselves: The Impact of the National Economic Tailspin, by The Cohen Report, A Web Publication by The Nonprofit Quarterly


• Grantmakers Tighten Belts, Continue to Invest in Region, according to a survey by the Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers


• Increasing Demand, Decreased Giving at Region's Nonprofits, according to a survey by the Center for Nonprofit Advancement

Special Reports on Economic Stimulus & Recovery

The National Council of Nonprofits has released a series of special reports on the economic stimulus & recovery. These include:

• Special Report, Volume I: Nonprofit Grant Opportunities
  This core report provides an overview of this historic piece of legislation and identifies key provisions that lend themselves to potential grant opportunities for some nonprofits
• Special Report, Volume II: Stimulus Grant Tips and Thoughts
  This report offers tips for those thinking about applying for a stimulus-funded grant.
• Special Report, Volume III: Whether and How States Are Accepting & Distributing Federal Stimulus Funds
  This report reviews how various states have indicated they will handle the federal funds.
• Special Report, Volume IV: Sources of Information Regarding Stimulus Funds
  This report identifies national and state sources of information about the federal stimulus funds, including official recovery websites that states have established.
• Special Report Volume V: Information about the Proposed Changes in Charitable Deductions
  This report examines the proposed changes for charitable deductions in President Obama's proposed budget for 2010.
• Special Report Volume VI: Forward Together: An Action Agenda for America's Economic Recovery
  Please read and then join the growing number of leaders from across America who are signing their names to this special declaration for Americans to “come together in this time of national crisis to renew our commitment to serve as partners in public service in addressing the challenges our nation faces.”

Click here to learn more about how the economic stimulus effects us locally.

Don't Miss the 10th Annual Public-Private Partnership Conference

10th Annual Public-Private Partnership Conference: “Sustainability in an Era of Change”

Co-Presented by the District Office of Partnerships and Grant Services and the Center for Nonprofit Advancement

This conference will focus on the impact of the current economic downturn on the nonprofit community and what can be done to sustain programs. Experts from the foundation community, federal government, local government, nonprofit organizations, and others will share their insights and suggestions on what you can do to stay in business. A sampling of morning workshops include:

• Financial Management in Tough Times – Watch, Read and React


• Assessing the Effectiveness of Your Fundraising Strategy
  


• Meet the Press – Accessing the Media
  


• You Mean I Can Get That for Free? – Utilizing Pro Bono Services
  

In the afternoon participants, will hear from different funders including local government, federal government and foundations.

When: May 7, 2009, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Where: Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW

Early Bird Registration Ends April 15--Register today!

Click here to learn more.

Senate Passes the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act with Nonprofit Capacity Building Amendment

Congratulations – You did it! You helped make history by placing the phone calls to your Senators. Late Thursday, the Senate – on a vote of 79-19 – passed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, including the Baucus-Grassley amendment to establish a Nonprofit Capacity Building Program.

Our work is not quite done, however. We need you to take two final actions.

First, the House of Representatives will be voting on this Monday, so please call your member of Congress to let them know you are a constituent who wants them to VOTE YES on HR 1388, the Serve America Act. Click here for quick access to the phone number of your U.S. Representative.

Second, please contact your Senators to thank them for their vote in support of this bill. (Click here for a listing of the 79 who voted yes, the third grouping on this link provides a complete listing by state). Let them know you are proud of their actions, which led to a triumph for our democracy because the Senate demonstrated a true spirit of bipartisanship. Tell them you appreciated seeing America’s elected officials working together on a bipartisan basis to actually solve problems.

Again, congratulations on a job well done, and thank you for your role in making American history.

Click here to learn more about the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act and the Nonprofit Capacity Building Amendment.

Click here to find out more on earlier action.