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Join Us This 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.

• Wednesday, April 28, Volunteer Management Boot Camp
• Thursday, April 29, Increasing Revenue From Fee-for-Service: Development Done Different
  

Action Alert: Arlington County

The residents of Arlington County need your help. The Board of Supervisors will finalize its Fiscal Year 2011 budget tomorrow. The vote is a crucial one. Help us tell Board of Supervisors members to protect critical services counted on by so many in our area.

Join other nonprofits by adding your name to our sign-on letter. Click here to access the online letter. After you have signed on, please spread the word!

Sign On to Support Arlington County Nonprofits!

Grant Opportunity: 2010 Washington Gas Environmental Innovator Grant

Washington Gas seeks proposals for its 2010 Washington Gas Environmental Innovator Grant. According to Washington Gas:

"The purpose of the Request For Proposal (RFP) is to identify and promote programs that encourage practices among residential households to improve energy efficiency; raise awareness of natural gas as a clean and efficient fuel; and influence actions targeting the reduction of total energy consumption thereby reducing greenhouse gas emission.

"The company is seeking to award a grant in the amount of $50,000 to a qualifying organization that demonstrates a commitment to improving quality of life and environmental innovation. Washington Gas seeks to engage a nonprofit organization in a capacity building opportunity to strengthen their long-term ability to achieve their mission, goals and programs that are compatible with the grant."


Interested applicants may participate in bidder conference calls scheduled for April 22 and May 12. Applications are due Friday, May 21 at 5:00 p.m.

Visit the Washington Gas Charitable Giving Program Web site or download the Request For Proposals (PDF) to learn more.

Cast Your Vote: 2010 Viewers' Choice Awards

Cast your vote in the 2010 Viewers' Choice Awards from Center member the Public Access Corporation of the District of Columbia (DCTV). Competition categories for the best shows on DCTV include Health, Youth, Short Film/Documentary, Enrichment, Sports, International, Short Program, Best Community Focused, Entertainment and News/Public Affairs.

Vote today!

Fundraising Opportunity

Opportunity from Centerplate at The Washington Redskins:

Centerplate at The Washington Redskins is actively recruiting nonprofit organizations to work with them for the upcoming Redskins season. On average, nonprofits made $1,100 per event last season. Requirements to become a part of this winning team are: nonprofits must have a strong volunteer base of at least 18 people, all 18 volunteers must be available to work all 12 events for this upcoming season and be willing to go through customer service and alcohol training. If your nonprofit meets these requirements and could use a great fundraiser contact Opal Scott at 301.276.6456 or scotto@redskins.com. Space is limited so call today!

Probono Architectural Services

Are you a nonprofit looking for architectural services? Community Design Services (CDS), a program of Center member Washington Architectural Foundation, can help! Founded in 1991, CDS provides local nonprofits with pro bono design services if they can not otherwise afford these services. CDS architects can:

• put clients’ dreams on paper in drawings or reports to be used to gain community support or for fundraising;
• assist in preparing a design program for your project;
• evaluate buildings to determine whether the structure can accommodate your program;
• and provide conceptual designs, and cost estimates

Visit the Washington Architectural Foundation Web site or click here to learn more.

View the March/April Nonprofit Agenda Online

The March/April 2010 issue of the Center for Nonprofit Advancement's print newsletter, Nonprofit Agenda, is available electronically.

Inside this issue:

• Find Out What Back Office in a Box (BOB) Human Resources Can Do For You
• See How Social Media Can Meet Your Goals
• Meet the newest Center Members
• Welcome our 2010 Class of Project LEAP
• Discover Area Leadership Opportunities
• Explore Organizational Culture: A Nonprofit Management Model
• Meet Our Newest Partners in Advancement
• Member News
• And much more
  

Click here to download the PDF.

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

Explore Creative Ways to Reduce Costs

In today's tough economic environment, we are all looking for ways to stretch the resources we have a little farther. By taking a good hard look at the costs your organization incurs, you will be surprised at how many opportunities there are to change the way you meet your mission and save money in the process.

If you are looking for ways to reduce costs and ultimately improve the financial health of your organization, join the Center for Nonprofit Advancement and Arlington Economic Development on Tuesday, April 13 to learn creative ways to reduce your variable costs and make fixed costs more variable.

Event Details:

• What: Creative Ways to Reduce Costs
• When: Tuesday, April 13,11:30 am to 1:00 pm
• Location: Arlington County Central Library, 1015 North Quincy Street, Main Auditorium, Arlington, VA
• Special Cost: Free for Arlington Residents and Non-profits; $49 for Center members; $89 for non-members

Click here to register.

Make a Nomination: National Capital Philanthropy Day Awards

The Association of Fundraising Professions/Washington DC Metro Area Chapter seeks nominations for its National Capital Philanthropy Day Awards. Awards will be presented in the following six areas:

• outstanding philanthropist
• outstanding fundraising volunteer
• outstanding corporate partner
• outstanding foundation partner
• outstanding fundraising professional
• outstanding diversity leader
  

Nominees and nominators do not have to be AFP members, they simply have to understand the value of philanthropy to our community.

Nominations are due by Friday, April 30. Click here to learn more or make a nomination.

D.C. Council Holds Hearing on New Nonprofit Corporation Law

A D.C. Council Committee held a public hearing last week on a bill (B18-500) to overhaul the city’s laws governing the incorporation and operation of a variety of business organizations, including nonprofit corporations.

Most of the testimony at the four-hour hearing focused on how the bill would impact the way nonprofits operate. Among the changes the bill, as introduced, would implement:

• A volunteer immunity provision in current law, insulating volunteers, officers, directors and employees from law suits, would be eliminated.
• Individuals designated as “members” of a nonprofit would have to be given a right to vote on certain “fundamental transactions” involving the organization.
• Individual members of a nonprofit could be held personally liable for obligations of the corporation if the corporation is unable to satisfy a court judgment against it.
• Organizations engaged in “religious activity” (a term that is undefined) might not have to provide their members with access to detailed financial information.
• Under certain circumstances, one director could effectively “veto” amendments to the organization’s Articles of Incorporation.
  

One of the most sweeping changes proposed would be to require all nonprofit corporations incorporated in the District prior to 1962 (called “old Act” corporations) to file periodic reports with the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) or risk losing their right to operate. DCRA estimates that there are some 10,500 such corporations.

Center members are encouraged to review the proposed legislation with their legal advisers and provide comments directly to D.C. City Council Member Muriel Bowser. The official comment period closes in late April, but Ms. Bowser has indicated that she plans to convene a working group of interested individuals to come up with changes to the proposal, with a view toward moving it out of Committee by the fall.

Further information can be obtained from Center for Nonprofit Advancement Board President James M. Goldberg, a Washington attorney who testified at the hearing, at 202-628-2929 or by e-mail.

Thank you to Center Board President James M. Goldberg for contributing this post.

Free Regional Strategy Session

The Think Twice Before You Slice Campaign invites you to join Terri Freeman, president of the Community Foundation for the National Capital Region, on Tuesday, April 13 from 12:00 to 2:00 pm in a strategic discussion on all local county and district budgets.

• Hear from others how proposed budgets in DC, Maryland and Virginia could specifically affect your organization
• Learn effective ways to support your mission
• Help plan strategy to protect the people you serve
• Take an active roll in protecting safety net programs

Special Cost: Free; lunch provided

Location: Center for Nonprofit Advancement, 1666 K Street, NW, Suite 440, Washington, DC 20006

Click here to register.

Join Us This 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, March 16, Facilitating Meetings That Work
• Wednesday, March 17, The Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman EXCEL Award Winners' Breakfast
• Friday, March 19, "Making The Best Case" with Andy Goodman
  

Seeking Nominations: Women Business Achievement Awards

SmartCEO Magazine seeks nominations for its 2010 BRAVA! Women Business Achievement Awards. In July, the magazine will recognize top female C-level executives (CEO, President, Owner, Executive Director) in the Greater Baltimore-Washington metro who are making unprecedented strides in business, building a stronger community both financially, philanthropically and most importantly, through leadership.

Nominations for executives in Greater Washington are due by Friday, April 16. Click here to learn more or make a nomination.

Join the Conversation with Outstanding Leaders

Don't miss this opportunity to network and connect! Join us Wednesday, March 17 from 8:30 to 10:30 am for a conversation with three outstanding nonprofit leaders – winners of the Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman 2009 EXCEL Award. Learn how they keep their organizations moving forward amid the challenges faced everyday by nonprofit leaders.

Featuring our 2009 Award winners:

• Manny Hidalgo, Latino Economic Development Corporation
• Pamela L. Michell, New Hope Housing, Inc.
• Eleni A. Rossides, Washington Tennis & Education Foundation
  

This annual breakfast always serves up a heaping share of inspiration and a side serving of tried–and–true learning experiences. This just may be your most beneficial meal of the year! Register today!

Special Cost: $10 for Center Members, $15 for all others

Location: Center for Nonprofit Advancement, 1666 K Street, NW, Suite 440, Washington, DC 20006

Register Now

Special Event: Finding Tomorrow’s Leaders Today!

Join us Wednesday, March 31 as we gather with local nonprofit leaders to unveil the exclusive findings of the first major study of nonprofit leadership diversity in the Baltimore-Washington region. We will reveal data on the challenges and opportunities as seen by nonprofit leaders.

The Racial Diversity Collaborative, made up of nonprofit leaders from throughout the region, will host a Summit Event where keynote speaker, Ralph Smith, executive vice president of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, and a panel of nonprofit executives will share their reflections, inspirations and ideas for action. Carol DeVita of the Urban Institute will present the highlights of the study that makes the opportunities and challenges real.

Learn about how you can be involved in with the Racial Diversity Collaborative and be part of a truly historic turning point within the nonprofit sector. RSVP is required. Continental breakfast will be served.

Event Details:
When: Wednesday, March 31, 9:00 - 11:30 am
Where: Bridgeway Community Church, 9189 Red Branch Road, Columbia, MD

Click here for more information and to RSVP.

Join Us This 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.

• Wednesday, March 10, Know the Time Cost of Running Your Organization
• Thursday, March 11, Effective Decision-Making: Best Practices of Successful Leaders and Managers
  

Grant Opportunity: Strengthening Communities Fund

The District of Columbia Government’s Office of Partnerships and Grant Services (OPGS) seeks applicants to the Strengthening Communities Fund Capacity Building Program.

The Strengthening Communities Fund (SCF), created as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), is comprised of two programs, both of which are designed to enhance the ability of community and faith-based organizations to handle the broad economic recovery issues in their communities, including job training and retention and access to state and Federal benefits. This is a one-time, two-year grant.

These funds will be used for capacity building, training and technical assistance programs for nonprofit, community-based and/or faith-based organizations. Eligible programs must serve low-income neighborhoods such as, but not limited to, those in the District’s New Communities Initiative. Eligible organizations must implement, or be willing and able to implement, a continuum of job readiness, job placement, and job retention programs. Programs may include asset building, counseling and support services. Applications are due by 4 pm on March 12.

Click here for more information and to download the application.

Leadership Program Seeks Applicants

Apply today to be part of Leadership Greater Washington’s 25th Class, the Class of 2011. Center member Leadership Greater Washington (LGW) connects top business, government and nonprofit leaders and inspires their collaborative efforts to improve the region.

Some of the most well-known and influential leaders in the area are LGW members including the Center’s Board President Derek Harps (Class of ’09) of M&T Bank, Terri Freeman (Class of ’96) of the Community Foundation, Jim Dinegar (Class of ’08) of the Greater Washington Board of Trade, David Robertson (Class of ’02) of the Council of Governments, Tamara Copeland (Class of ’04) of Washington Grant Makers, Julie Rogers (Class of ’88) of the Meyer Foundation as well as the Center’s own CEO Glen O’Gilvie (Class of ’10).

Nearly 1,200 top decision makers are part of this region’s most prestigious community leadership organization. Applications are due on March 31, 2010 no later than 5:00 p.m. Please click here for more information about LGW programs, upcoming events and the application for the Class of 2011.

Northern Virginia Budget Call This Friday

Our series of weekly 45-minute conference calls focused on budget shortfalls across our region continues each Friday in March. Please join the Center and the Roundtable's Think Twice Before You Slice campaign Fridays weekly at 12:00 pm.

Our call on Friday, March 5 is focused on Northern Virginia. This call will feature Mary Agee (Northern Virginia Family Service) and Andy Johnston (Loudoun Cares). The format will be an overview from our speakers with time for Q & A. REGISTER ONLINE

When you register, we will e-mail you the call-in number and password.

About the Calls:
The Center and the Roundtable's Think Twice Before You Slice campaign is hosting weekly 45-minute conference calls at 12:00 pm each Friday focused on budget shortfalls across our region. These calls will focus on information sharing, strategies and opportunities.

Join us each Friday to hear from local experts, share any coalition work and opportunities, and ask questions on budget issues in a particular jurisdiction. Each call will include a call to action -- ways you, your staff, Board members and community partners can make a difference in the budget process.

Please save the date for these upcoming calls:

• Friday, Mar 12: Prince George's County budget
• Friday, Mar 19: District of Columbia budget
• Friday, Mar 26: Northern Virginia budgets
  

Click here to learn more about the Think Twice Before You Slice campaign.

Free Nonprofit Finance Symposium

Halt Buzas & Powell is offering free sessions on Thursday, March 25 in Alexandria, Va., and Tuesday, March 23 in Baltimore with industry experts presenting information to benefit the growth and prosperity of your organization.

CPE credits are available. Seating is limited. Click here for additional information and registration.

Join Us This 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.

• Wednesday, March 3, Maximizing Income from Fundraising Events
• Wednesday, March 3, Coaching Your Staff for Success
• Thursday, March 4, The Essential Ten: The Top Nonprofit HR Legal Issues
  

What’s In Store For Fiscal Year 2011?

Join us Monday, March 8 for a forum on the D.C. budget outlook for fiscal year 2011. Our session speakers include:

• Ed Lazere, executive director, DC Fiscal Policy Institute
• Eric Goulet, budget director, Council of the District of Columbia
• Fitzroy Lee, chief economist, Office of the Chief Financial Officer
• Dawn Slonneger, chief of staff, Office of the Honorable Vincent C. Gray
• T.J. Sutcliffe, director of advocacy & public policy, The Arc of the District of Columbia

Event Details:
Date: Monday, March 8
Time: Registration and Coffee: 9:00 a.m.; Program: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Charles Sumner School, Great Hall, 1201 17th Street NW

To attend, please RSVP via e-mail to Tina Marshall at marshall@cbpp.org

This event is sponsored by The Arc of DC, DC Fiscal Policy Institute, Fair Budget Coalition and the Think Twice Before You Slice campaign.

Strategy and Tactics Work Session: Budget Advocacy in Northern Virginia

Budget Advocacy in Northern Virginia: What is happening and how can you take action? Join the discussion on Friday, February 26 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at Northern Virginia Family Service (10455 White Granite Drive Suite 100 Oakton, VA 22124).

• Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Prince William and Loudoun's budgets will all be released
• Hear from Northern Virginia Family Service's Mary Agee and Reston Interfaith's Kerrie Wilson about what is in the budgets and how you can make an impact!
• We need to make sure our county and state officials "Think Twice Before You Slice"

Click here to register.

New Form 990: Changes Made to Clarify/Modify Requirements

From the IRS:

"The IRS has finalized the 2009 Forms 990, 990-EZ, schedules and instructions, for filing in 2010-11. Learn about changes made to clarify and modify reporting requirements and find links to the new forms, schedules and instructions on IRS.gov."

Registration Open: Building Strong Relationships with Donors in a Contracted Economy

Join Booz Allen Hamilton on Tuesday, March 16 from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm in McLean, Va., for an informational session taking an insightful look at fundraising in today’s economy. Nonprofit organizations are making tough decisions on whether or not to keep or change long standing special events as well as trying to identify new fundraising streams utilizing new tools or systems that they already have. Panelists will share insights into the decisions their organizations are making and new practices put in place to help sustain revenue and programs.

Event Details:

Date: March, 16, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: Booz Allen Hamilton Newman Auditorium, McLean, VA or via the Web
Cost: $25 (space is limited)

Click here for additional information. Click here to register.

Seeking Applicants: Celebrated Pro Bono Coaching Program for 12 Executive Directors

Would you like to be one of 12 top executives selected for a pro bono program called Leadership Sanctuary. This six-month program (3 hours per month) is specifically designed to guide a cohort of nonprofit executives to broaden their options in response to today’s turbulent environment. Give yourself the gift of sanctuary! Join like-minded leaders to safely and wisely determine how to meet the current leadership challenges of our times. An informational Preview Event is being held at the Center on Tuesday, March 2 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. The next program will begin March 9 at 2:00 pm. Click here to learn more.

In partnership with the Center for Nonprofit Advancement, the Leadership Sanctuary is a pro-bono forum for executives of Washington area nonprofit agencies to create a more abundant future. Led by Kanu Kogod and Heather Kaye, expert coaches and facilitators, the first six-month program was launched last summer and completed to rave reviews. There is great enthusiasm for the collective wisdom and collegial support. A new program will begin March 9 and applications are being accepted until March 3.

Please click here to learn more. E-mail info@leadershipsanctuary.org to RSVP to the preview event, submit your application and/or to get answers to your questions.

Open House: Nonprofit Management Executive Certificate Program

The Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership at Georgetown University is hosting its Nonprofit Management Executive Certificate Program Open House on Wednesday, March 31 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The Certificate Program is designed to strengthen the leadership and management capacity of mid-to-senior level staff, board members, government and foundation grant makers, career transitioners, and others working with nonprofit and philanthropic organizations.

The Open House will provide prospective students with an opportunity to meet with the Program Director, Faculty and Alumni, as well as to receive more detailed information about the program.

Click here for more information about the Open House. Click here to RSVP.

Grant Opportunity: Capacity Building Project

"Upgrade for Uplift" (UFU), a project of the Howard University Center for Urban Progress and Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers, seeks applicants to the 2010 program. The project was developed to support the viability of faith- and community-based organizations serving economically vulnerable residents in neighborhoods of greatest need in Wards 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 and 8.

It is anticipated that up to 25 faith- and community-based organizations will be selected to be recipients of UFU training and technical assistance, and up to 10 of those 25 organizations who participate in training and technical assistance will be awarded capacity-building grants of $10,000 to $30,000.

An orientation for interested organizations will be held March 8. Applications are due by 6:00 pm on Monday, March 15. Click here to learn more.

Maryland Budget Update Call This Friday

The Center and the Roundtable's Think Twice Before You Slice campaign invite you to weekly 45-minute conference calls at 12:00 pm each Friday in February focused on budget shortfalls across our region.

Our call on Friday, February 19 is focused on Maryland. This call will feature Neil Bergsman of the Maryland Budget & Tax Policy Institute and Rebecca Wagner of the Safety Net Coalition of Montgomery County and Interfaith Works. The format will be an overview from our speakers with time for Q & A. REGISTER ONLINE

When you register, we will e-mail you the call-in number and password.

About the Calls:
The Center and the Roundtable's Think Twice Before You Slice campaign is hosting weekly 45-minute conference calls at 12:00 pm each Friday in February focused on budget shortfalls across our region. These calls will focus on information sharing, strategies and opportunities.

Join us each Friday in February to hear from local experts, share any coalition work and opportunities, and ask questions on budget issues in a particular jurisdiction. Each call will include a call to action -- ways you, your staff, Board members and community partners can make a difference in the budget process.

• The Friday, February 26 call has a District of Columbia focus. REGISTER ONLINE

• Read the summary or listen to the February 12 call on the Virginia budget process. The first 18 minutes highlights what The Commonwealth Institute's Michael Cassidy says nonprofits should expect.

Click here to learn more about the Think Twice Before You Slice campaign.

Free Webinar for Nonprofits: IRS Filing Requirements for Charitable Nonprofits

Do you know that the tax exempt filing requirements for nonprofits will change this year? The National Council of Nonprofits wants to ensure your organization preserves and protects your tax exempt status.

Join the Webinar on Tuesday, February 23 from 3:30 to 4:30 pm to "Learn from the Experts: What Forms Must Charitable Nonprofit, Tax-Exempt Organizations File to Meet IRS Requirements and Preserve Tax Exempt Status?" The Webinar will cover:

• What forms are tax-exempt organizations required to file with the IRS annually?
• What information is required to be reported on the forms?
• Why your organization may need to file NOW, so that it won't lose its tax-exempt status
• How to file complete, accurate returns to avoid IRS penalties.

Don't miss this important opportunity to have your questions answered by the IRS. Click here to register.

Member News: DCTV Open House

Join Center member DCTV for an Open House on Thursday, February 25 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.

The night will include a live taping and interviews with the Producer, Cast and Crew from ANACOSTIA THE SERIES, and a tour of their brand new high definition (HD) facilities!

Click here to learn more or here to RSVP.

Innovative Partnership Brings Human Resources Support to Greater Washington Area Nonprofit Organizations

The Center for Nonprofit Advancement announced today the addition of human resources support to its Back Office in a Box (BOB) program. BOB is a suite of high-quality administrative services made available at a reasonable cost to Center member nonprofit organizations throughout the Greater Washington region including the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia and Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in Maryland.

The newest service offering, BOB Human Resources, is designed to help nonprofit leaders maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of their organizations. BOB HR was developed in response to the needs of the region’s nonprofit sector and the Center’s nearly 800 member organizations.

“Nonprofits are a critical part of our communities and a high functioning human resources program helps them to recruit, develop and retain the talent they need to meet their missions,” said Center CEO Glen O’Gilvie. “BOB HR brings high-quality support that nonprofits cannot adequately function without. This partnership expands further on our 30 year history of bringing quality goods and services to member organizations at a reasonable cost for all”

BOB HR is powered by Nonprofit HR Solutions and RAFFA, P.C. Their teams of expert nonprofit human resources professionals are highly skilled in areas of recruitment, human resource compliance, and performance and compensation management. Examples of service offerings include: policy development, HR compliance audits, compensation reviews/management and employee performance management design.

“The Center for Nonprofit Advancement has a long history of serving the needs of nonprofit organizations across the region. The creation of BOB HR meets a critical yet largely unmet need within the local community,” said Lisa Brown Morton, president and CEO of Nonprofit HR Solutions. “We are excited to be part of this unprecedented initiative to provide high quality HR services to nonprofit organizations.”

“Employees are an organization’s greatest asset, and ensuring that they get the attention and support they deserve is the wisest investment management can make,” said RAFFA, P.C. Founder and CEO Tom Raffa. “We are delighted to partner with the Center in their effort to help nonprofits more effectively address their HR functions which are so critical to their success.”

Taproot Foundation’s 2007 survey of more than 250 nonprofits found that fewer than 25 percent had even one dedicated human resources employee. Follow-up interviews suggest that even when nonprofits can name one or more staff members working on human resources, they are often referring to a role that is more transactional than strategic. The strategic human resources functions—those that ensure the effective recruitment, retention, development and organization of employees—are often overlooked.

Click here to learn more about BOB Human Resources.

About the Center for Nonprofit Advancement
The Center for Nonprofit Advancement strengthens the capacity of nonprofit organizations throughout Greater Washington, D.C. The Center directly partners with nearly 800 nonprofits helping them achieve their missions through training and technical assistance programs, networking, advocacy and group buying power.

About Nonprofit HR Solutions
Nonprofit HR Solutions is the nation's only full-service consulting firm dedicated exclusively to meeting the human resources needs of nonprofit organizations. Since 2000, Nonprofit HR Solutions has worked exclusively with the nonprofit sector, generating results for organizations supporting advocacy, health and human services, arts and culture, education, the environment, faith-based missions and more.

About RAFFA, P.C.
Working with thousands of nonprofit organizations across the United States over its 25 year history, RAFFA understands the particular needs and culture of nonprofits. Employing over 200 experts in HR and IT outsourcing, accounting, audit and tax, employee benefits, consulting and other financial services, RAFFA delivers meaningful, practical and affordable solutions that enable nonprofits to focus on advancing their missions.

Nonprofits, Elections and the Supreme Court's Recent Decision

The U.S. Supreme Court recently issued a decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (decided January 21, 2010), that has confused some writers who are not as familiar with the important legal distinctions between different types of “nonprofits” that exist or with the differences between federal election laws that the Court changed and tax laws that the Court did not change.

To make sure nonprofits in the Greater Washington region are aware of their full legal rights – and limitations – when it comes to participating in elections, the Center for Nonprofit Advancement is sharing for your review a brief analysis that the National Council of Nonprofits prepared to help 501(c)(3) nonprofits avoid taking actions that could jeopardize their tax-exempt status.

The Center and the National Council of Nonprofits share the concern that nonprofit leaders need to know not only what 501(c)(3) nonprofits cannot do, but also what we can do. That is why the brief analysis answers these questions:

• How Does the Recent Supreme Court Case Impact Nonprofits?
• What Can 501(c)(3) Charitable Nonprofits Do in Connection with Political Campaigns?
• What Else Can Charitable Nonprofits Do?

For those who want to know more in general, the brief analysis provides several good references.

For those who want to know even more about the effect of the Supreme Court’s decision on 501(c)(3) nonprofits, the Alliance for Justice also has published a solid overview.

Don't Miss This Arlington Workshop

If managing change has become central to your work, what specific steps do you need to do to ensure success? Join Arlington County Economic Development and the Center in Arlington for "Doing the Difficult Work: Effectively Making Changes in Your Organization."

We’ll discuss developing a vision and setting clear goals, increasing buy-in from staff and other stakeholders, recognizing resistance to change and managing that resistance. Come prepared with a change you would like to make.

This workshop takes place Tuesday, February 17 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at the Arlington County Central Library.

Free to Arlington-based nonprofits and Arlington residents. Others are welcome for a fee ($49 for Center Members; $89 for all others).

Click here to register.

Make a Nomination: Service Awards

The Governors of Virginia and Maryland are now accepting applications for Service Awards in their states.

In Virginia:
"The 2010 Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Awards will be presented in several categories, including youth, senior, faith-based, family, community organization and business or corporation. Winners will be honored during an awards ceremony in April 2010." Nominations are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, February 1. Click here to learn more.

In Maryland:
"The Maryland Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism awards recognize significant contributions of Maryland citizens to the life and health of the State and its people. The awards are presented during National Volunteer Week, April 18 – 24, 2010." Nominations are due by Monday, March 1. Click here to learn more.

Join Us This 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, January 26, Federal Grants Compliance for Nonprofits
• Wednesday, January 27, Community Conversation Forum: Focus on Domestic Violence
• Thursday, January 28, Revisiting Your Mission Statement

Make a Nomination: 2010 Exponent Award

The Meyer Foundation's Exponent Awards honor five exemplary nonprofit leaders who may be in danger of burnout or who would benefit from a leadership development grant to take their skills and organization to a new level. The award comes with a two-year grant of $100,000 for leadership development, which could include coaching, continuing education, or funds to strengthen the board and senior management team.

Nominations are due by Tuesday, April 6.

Click here to learn more.

2010 Employment Trends Survey Seeks Respondents

Nonprofit HR Solutions has partnered with the University of San Diego’s Caster Family Center
for Nonprofit Research to conduct the 4th Annual Nonprofit Employment Trends Survey. According to the groups, this national survey of nonprofit employment practices is designed to address the lack of statistical information available on nonprofit human resources practices and trends.

Click here to take part in the survey. Responses are due by Thursday, January 28.

Think Twice Before You Slice

An Unprecedented Regional Campaign by Area Nonprofits

The Nonprofit Roundtable of Greater Washington and the Center for Nonprofit Advancement announced today a joint advocacy campaign for the 2011 fiscal year budget cycles in the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia and suburban Maryland. The campaign, “Think Twice Before You Slice,” is designed to advocate for and educate local elected officials during this critical budget cycle about the incredible assets and services nonprofits bring to their communities. It will also empower the region’s nonprofits and the people they serve to lend their voice to the efforts.

“It’s clear that the next six months are going to be crucial for everyone,” Center CEO Glen O’Gilvie said. “By partnering with the Nonprofit Roundtable we are able to amplify the collective voices of our members and all nonprofits in the region. Nonprofits are a crucial piece of fabric in our communities and our public servants need to understand their impact.”

“This budget cycle is going to be tough for all communities, and nonprofits are not going to go unscathed. The question is to what degree. By joining forces with the Center and its members, our goal is to have an impact on the severity of the cuts,” said Chuck Bean, executive director of the Nonprofit Roundtable of Greater Washington.

Along with the campaign, the Nonprofit Roundtable and the Center announce the hiring of Jeanne Ellinport, a long-time local nonprofit advocate to lead the efforts. Most recently Jeanne served as the communications director for the American Red Cross’s Katrina Hurricane Recovery Program.

“Our elected officials need to understand that the services nonprofits provide a community enhance and complete a community,” said Ellinport. “People move to an area specifically wanting the services nonprofits provide—arts, job training, after-school programs—things that will enhance their quality of life.”

The campaign’s website www.thinktwiceb4youslice.org will include information on the budget process for each jurisdiction and avenues for nonprofits throughout the region to get involved.

Together the two organizations represent more than 1,000 organizations across the metropolitan region.

For additional information or to get involved, please contact Jeanne Ellinport.

Member News: Art Enables

Help Center member Art Enables recover from a break in at their offices last night. According to their blog, they "lost some computers and peripherals - fortunately, the studio remains mostly intact...and the artwork is ok."

Help Art Enables make repairs and replace computer & camera equipment. Click here to make a donation.

A little more about the work of Art Enables:
"Very often people with developmental and/or mental disabilities are better able to express themselves in images than in words. Art Enables is focused on just such a group: thirty-some artists whose disabilities include but are not limited to Down syndrome, autism, traumatic brain injury, bipolar disorder. Their ages range from 24 to 72. They are African-American, Caucasian, Hispanic, Asian, Arab.

"Art Enables gives them the resources and supports they need to become visual artists. Their artwork is exhibited and sold at the studio, at host venues and via the Web site. They earn 60% of revenue from sales. They have a chance to tell their stories, and they find people eager to listen."

Click here to visit the Art Enables Web site.

Join Us This 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.

• Wednesday, January 20, Can You Hear Me Now: Improving Your Active Listening Skills with Donors, Board and Staff
• Wednesday, January 20, Succeeding As A First-time Development Director
• Thursday, January 21, Effective Boards that Work: How You Can Make it Happen
  

Executive Directors: Join us for Leadership Sanctuary

Give yourself, or your colleague, the gift of sanctuary - an experience with like minded nonprofit leaders to safely and wisely determine how to meet the current leadership challenges of our times.

In partnership with the Center for Nonprofit Advancement, the Leadership Sanctuary is a pro-bono forum for executives of Washington area nonprofit agencies to work through today's challenges from a new mindset in order to create a more abundant future. Led by Kanu Kogod and Heather Kaye, expert coaches and facilitators, the first six-month program was launched last summer and completed to rave reviews. There is great enthusiasm for the collective wisdom and collegial support.

An informational Preview Event is being held Tuesday, January 26. Meet Heather and Kanu, get a feel for what coaching is like and see if Leadership Sanctuary is right for you. A new program will begin in February and is open to the next twelve executives of nonprofits.

Click here to learn more or to register for the Preview Event.

Take 15 Minutes to Increase Your Emergency Preparedness

Washington Area Nonprofits: How would you carry out your mission if half your employees were out with Swine Flu? How will you continue delivery of critical services if a water main break keeps you out of your building for several days?

Invest 10-15 minutes to increase their own nonprofit emergency preparedness capacity by filling out an assessment on a new, robust online tool: www.PreparedOnline.org. This investment will let you know how prepared you and and will show you how your organization can maintain your mission in times of crisis.

WHO Should Fill Out the 15 Minute Survey?
Ideally, any employee in charge of emergency planning at your organization should fill out the survey. This could be an office manager, a program staff or the executive director. This is open to ALL NONPROFITS around Greater Washington.

HOW Can I fill Out the Survey?

1. Register online at PreparedOnline.org
2. After registering, you will be asked to take a brief survey to assess your current "readiness score card" which offers customized resources, tools and templates.
3. This online Continuity Of Operations Plans (COOP) tool is confidential and lets you engage in planning at your own pace. You can edit your COOP planning process at any time and as often as you'd like. Your progress and COOP information can only be viewed by you. It's free, easy and an investment to ensure your organization maintains its mission in times of crisis.
   

WHY Should I Fill This Out?
This is a robust yet simple online tool to assess how strong your particular capacity is for Emergency Preparedness. It customizes resources, tools and templates for your organization, based on this assessment in just 15 minutes. It can make an existing COOP Plan stronger. In addition, here's an opportunity to tell your funders and others you are making your organization stronger in the event of a disaster.

Who is behind this effort?
The Nonprofit Roundtable is helping lead this coordinated effort along with many other organizations including the Center for Nonprofit Advancement, Community Foundation for the National Capital Region, The United Way of the National Capital Region, Capital Area Food Bank, Volunteer Arlington and many more.

Deloitte Services LLP is the corporate partner behind this free web-based tool to help nonprofits develop COOPs.

Nominate a Smart Chief Financial Officer

SmartCEO Magazine is accepting nominations for its 2010 SmartCFOs: Profiles of Financial Excellence. SmartCEO is looking for Greater Washington area CFOs who have had the strongest impact overall on their company's bottom line.

Click here to learn more or to make a nomination. Nominations are due Friday, January 15.

Volunteer Maryland: Free Information Sessions

Volunteer Maryland is hosting free information sessions to show nonprofits how an AmeriCorps member can meet their organization's needs and to share information about support available through Volunteer Maryland. Upcoming workshop locations include La Plata on January 19 and Silver Spring on February 3.

Click here (PDF download) to learn more about dates, locations and registration.

Deadline Extended: 2010 Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards

Deadline Extended! Center member Volunteer Fairfax is accepting applications for the 2010 Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards. This community-wide celebration of volunteerism honors individuals, groups and organizations that have given outstanding volunteer service.

Click here to learn more about the 11 award categories and how to submit a nomination.

Applications are due by Friday, February 19 Monday, March 1 at 3:00 p.m.

Member News: A-SPAN in the Chase Giving Challenge

Center member Arlington Street People's Assistance Network (A-SPAN) has made it to the second round of voting in the Chase Community Giving Challenge. As a participant in this grassroots campaign first launched in mid-November, A-SPAN was one of 100 small, local nonprofits nationwide who garnered enough votes from Facebook users to be eligible for a chance to receive a $1 million grant.

Voting to help A-SPAN win this second round begins Friday, January 15 and ends Friday, January 22. All Facebook users will have a chance to vote for A-SPAN, who wants to share that money with these other Arlington nonprofits to better serve our community: AMEN, AFAC, AACH, Borromeo Housing, Doorways for Women and Families, and OAR.

To take part:

1. Between now and January 15, log into or create a Facebook account
2. Become a fan of Chase Community Giving by entering the link below
3. Spread the word and tell friends about A-SPAN and this unique opportunity
4. Call or e-mail Jan at 703-842-0154 if you want to help get out the vote online or at events
5. Vote between January 15 and 22 for Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network to win!

Challenge link: http://bit.ly/aspanCHALLENGE

Join Us Next Week

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

• Tuesday, January 12, Increasing Revenue From Fee-for-Service: Development Done Different
• Wednesday, January 13, Creating a Strong and Effective Board of Directors
  

Deadline Extended: 2010/2011 Catalogue for Philanthropy

Deadline Extended! Applications are now being accepted for the 2010/2011 Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington. This annual publication and Web site features high-performing nonprofit organizations in the District of Columbia and nearby Virginia and Maryland counties. A collaborative project of foundation, corporate, and individual funders, the Catalogue introduces potential donors to new charitable opportunities. It has helped raise over $9.9 million in six years for featured nonprofits.

501(c)(3) organizations with operating budgets of $3 million or less, and location in Greater Washington, may be eligible to apply.

Click here for information about eligibility requirements and for access to the online application.

The application deadline is Monday, February 22 March 1.

Click here to meet Center for Nonprofit Advancement members featured in the 2009/2010 Catalogue.

Grant Opportunity: Nonprofits Serving Prince George's County

The Partnership for Prince George's County is seeking applicants for its third round of capacity building funding.

Funding target areas include:

• Organization Capacity Building
• Advocacy Capacity Building and Projects
• Lifeline Organization Capacity Building

Among the eligibility criteria: organizations that have been successfully in existence and serving traditionally underserved communities in Prince George's County for a minimum of two years.

Click here to learn more. Deadline: Friday, January 15.

Grant Opportunity from the Montgomery County Council

Happy New Year! For our first blog post of 2010, we're happy to share this grant opportunity for FY2011 from the Montgomery County Council. According to the grant application, "the Council will fund projects that advance the County’s services, goals and objectives in areas such as the following: community development, economic development, education, health and human services, and recreation."

A workshop for potential grant applicants will be held on Wednesday, January 13, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Third Floor Hearing Room, 100 Maryland Ave., Rockville, Md.

The application deadline is 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 29.

Click here to download the grant application.