Friday, January 29, 2010

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.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

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.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

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.

Monday, January 25, 2010

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.


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.

Friday, January 22, 2010

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.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

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.


Wednesday, January 20, 2010

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.

Friday, January 15, 2010

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.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

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.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

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.

Monday, January 11, 2010

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

Friday, January 8, 2010

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.

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.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

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.

Monday, January 4, 2010

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.