Website of the Week -- Texas Association of Nonprofit Organizations
The Texas Association of Nonprofit Organizations (TANO) is the statewide association reflecting and promoting Texas’ growing nonprofit community in all its diversity. Envisioning a Texas Nonprofit Sector that works together to be among the healthiest and most vibrant in the nation, TANO’s concern and focus is every nonprofit entity within our state no matter their size or budget. Its mission is to connect, strengthen, and support the nonprofit community for the public good of Texas. TANO creates learning communities of nonprofit professionals, volunteers and others interested in the nonprofit sector. TANO also offer conferences, seminars, and electronic forums and listservs which enable its members to share information, learn from one another, and expand their networks. As one of 42 state associations of nonprofits in the United States, TANO is a member of the National Council of Nonprofit Associations (NCNA). While the focus is Texas nonprofit community, there are many resource links that will benefit any nonprofit organization. Go to www.tano.org and click on the”Knowledge Center” link in the left margin.
Publication of the Week -- Over Goal! What You Must Know to Excel at Fundraising Today by Kay Sprinkel Grace
From the publisher: In its first incarnation, Over Goal! attained classic status. But now Grace has invigorated the first edition with 12 new chapters while updating trends and figures. The final product is arguably the most perceptive fundraising book since Harold Seymour’s Designs for Fund Raising. In 40 comprehensive chapters, Over Goal! ranges over the entire landscape of fundraising and board development. Virtually every subject (e.g. understanding the motivations of major donors, keeping your prospect pipeline full, the dynamics of a solicitation call, the new realities of capital campaigns) is explored, and every technique explained. And there are surprising topics, too, such as using the Internet for stewardship, soothing disgruntled donors, and what you should always communicate to your donors. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- Economic Downturn Impact on Major Gift Fundraising
“A Current Overview of Philanthropy and the Economy”, a report by CSS Fund-Raising in New York summarizes the impact of the current economic downturn on philanthropy with a focus on the impact on major gift fundraising. According to the authors, this economic crisis is more immediate and severe than other recessions and has had a dramatic impact on high wealth individuals. 60% of all US philanthropy comes from high net worth individuals who represent just 3% of the total population. The authors also note that new donor acquisition from the direct mail has declined precipitously for many nonprofit organizations. Income from some major special events is experiencing a 10 to 15% fall off from the previous year. The authors suggest 10 strategies for major gift fundraising including:
• Reaffirm your organization's mission and continuously remind donors of the impact and the urgency of philanthropic support.
• Develop immediate short-term action plan specifically designed for your organization.
• Significantly increase activity including visits and briefings with donors and friends and provide consistent communication with all constituencies.
• Redouble efforts to help motivate development staff, administrative leadership, and trustees by reminding them of the resilience of philanthropy in tough times.
• Encourage trustees and volunteers to help open doors and introduce new potential supporters to the institution.
• Reorder prospect lists to reflect the current state of affairs. Undertake additional research to help identify new potential donors and sectors of support.
• Explore the possibility of donors making challenge or matching gifts to stimulate giving from others and multiply the impact of their gifts.
• Share the latest philanthropic information to both motivate leadership and temper expectations.
• Provide donors with greater flexibility in fulfilling their commitments including extended payment periods and plans and deferred giving opportunities.
• Whenever possible, explore practical ways to diversify your fundraising program
To download a copy of the report, go to: http://www.givinginstitute.org/resourcelibrary.
Resource of the Week -- 185 Cutback Strategies
185 Cutback Strategies Excerpted from Coping with Cutbacks: The Nonprofit Guide to Success When Times Are Tight published by the Fieldstone Alliance. The first two categories address strategies for reducing costs and increasing revenues and will be helpful in budget planning. The authors note: "Use these suggestions as a starting point for your own brainstorming, and use the categories to help you organize your thinking and analyze your current approach to fulfilling your mission. But don't get locked into any one strategy--cut them up, pull them out of a hat, mix and match them. Do whatever helps you spur new ideas that fit your specific situation. Here's our caveat: Just because we've listed a strategy, don't think we endorse it. In fact, we dislike some, and some may conflict with your mission, values, or human resource policies." Go to: http://www.fieldstonealliance.org.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Import a Custom Auto Fill List in Excel 2007
• Select the range of cells on the worksheet which contains the list
• Click the Microsoft Office button
• Click the Excel Options to display the Excel Options dialog box
• Click the Popular tab in the left pane
• Click the Edit Custom List button in the right pane to open the Custom List dialog box
• The range of selected cells will be displayed in the Import list from cells box at the bottom
• Click the Import button
• Your list now appears in the Custom Lists window
• Click OK
Monday, June 15, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
Picks of the Week: June 7 - 13, 2009
Website of the Week -- Applied Research Center
The Applied Research Center (ARC) is a racial justice think tank and clearinghouse for media and activism. ARC is built on rigorous research and creative use of new technology. The ARC goal is to popularize the need for racial justice and prepare people to fight for it. By telling the stories of everyday people, ARC strives to be a voice for unity and fairness in the structures that affect individuals and communities. ARC is currently developing a Toolkit on Equity and the Green Economy — including releases in Summer and Fall of 2009 of case studies, a model policy bank, and a framework of measures and standards—that advocates can use to design fair programs and policies within the burgeoning green economy. Go to: http://www.arc.org.
Publication of the Week -- Boardroom Realities: Building Leaders Across Your Board Edited by Jay A. Conger
From the publisher: There is renewed interest in new boardroom practices that aim to strengthen the leadership role of directors. This book assembles the biggest names in the study of board governance as well as corporate board members themselves to address the critical questions that corporate boards face today. Contributors include Joseph Bower, Jay Lorsch, Sydney Finkelstein, Ed Lawler, Richard Leblanc, Charles Olsen, Dan Dalton, Michael Useem, Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, and board consultants such as David Nadler, Elise Walton, and researchers such as Kathrina Pick. Written for board members, leaders, and executives, consultants, and students of corporate strategy and leadership. Jay A. Conger holds the Kravis Research Chair in Leadership Studies at Claremont McKenna College. He is the coauthor of Corporate Boards: New Strategies for Adding Value at the Top, Building Leaders, and The Practice of Leadership as well as eleven other books on leadership. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- Family Foundation Decision-making About Lifespan
While existing in perpetuity continues to be the norm for the majority of family foundations, a quarter say they are currently undecided about their lifespan options and a small segment (12 percent) plan to limit their lifespan, according to the first large-scale study of family foundation lifespan plans, jointly released today by the Foundation Center and the Council on Foundations. The report, "Perpetuity or Limited Lifespan: How Do Family Foundations Decide?," benchmarks the intentions, practices, and attitudes of nearly 1,100 active family foundations and sheds light on future behavior as this very large and predominantly young segment of philanthropy matures. Nine out of 10 of the roughly 40,000 family foundations currently tracked by the Foundation Center were created since 1980. Key findings include:
• Foundations most likely to opt for a limited lifespan are small foundations established since 1980 that do not employ staff and whose founder is still living, though the percentage who expect to spend down is still modest.
• Foundations with a living founder are three times more likely to expect to spend down than those whose founder is deceased, and they are almost twice as likely to be undecided.
• When the decision to spend down is made at the foundation's inception, the leading factors are the desire of the founder(s) to have a greater impact during their lifetimes and to be involved in how the money is spent.
• The two leading reasons for deciding to exist in perpetuity are a desire both to have a long-term impact on the community and for family engagement across generations.
To download a summary of study highlights, go to: http://foundationcenter.org.
Resource of the Week -- The Dynamic Board: Lessons from High-Performing Nonprofits
The Nonprofit Practice of McKinsey & Company:” The Dynamic Board: Lessons from High-Performing Nonprofits” This report from the Nonprofit Practice of McKinsey & Company, explores the issue of board effectiveness. The report summarizes the best practices identified through McKinsey’s interviews with the directors or board chairs of 32 highly-regarded nonprofits. Go to: http://www.mckinsey.com. McKinsey & Company also provides a valuable board self-assessment tool for nonprofits. This is one of the best board assessment tools available and in available in 5, 15 and 30 minute completion time versions. To access the assessments, go to: http://www.mckinsey.com/clientservice and scroll down to “The Dynamic Board: Self-Assessment Tool”. (Free registration may be required to access this article)
Tech Tip of the Week -- Change Text Orientation in Excel 2007
• Select the text you want to rotate, angle, or switch to vertical
• On the Home tab of the Ribbon, in the Alignment group, click the Orientation button
The Applied Research Center (ARC) is a racial justice think tank and clearinghouse for media and activism. ARC is built on rigorous research and creative use of new technology. The ARC goal is to popularize the need for racial justice and prepare people to fight for it. By telling the stories of everyday people, ARC strives to be a voice for unity and fairness in the structures that affect individuals and communities. ARC is currently developing a Toolkit on Equity and the Green Economy — including releases in Summer and Fall of 2009 of case studies, a model policy bank, and a framework of measures and standards—that advocates can use to design fair programs and policies within the burgeoning green economy. Go to: http://www.arc.org.
Publication of the Week -- Boardroom Realities: Building Leaders Across Your Board Edited by Jay A. Conger
From the publisher: There is renewed interest in new boardroom practices that aim to strengthen the leadership role of directors. This book assembles the biggest names in the study of board governance as well as corporate board members themselves to address the critical questions that corporate boards face today. Contributors include Joseph Bower, Jay Lorsch, Sydney Finkelstein, Ed Lawler, Richard Leblanc, Charles Olsen, Dan Dalton, Michael Useem, Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, and board consultants such as David Nadler, Elise Walton, and researchers such as Kathrina Pick. Written for board members, leaders, and executives, consultants, and students of corporate strategy and leadership. Jay A. Conger holds the Kravis Research Chair in Leadership Studies at Claremont McKenna College. He is the coauthor of Corporate Boards: New Strategies for Adding Value at the Top, Building Leaders, and The Practice of Leadership as well as eleven other books on leadership. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- Family Foundation Decision-making About Lifespan
While existing in perpetuity continues to be the norm for the majority of family foundations, a quarter say they are currently undecided about their lifespan options and a small segment (12 percent) plan to limit their lifespan, according to the first large-scale study of family foundation lifespan plans, jointly released today by the Foundation Center and the Council on Foundations. The report, "Perpetuity or Limited Lifespan: How Do Family Foundations Decide?," benchmarks the intentions, practices, and attitudes of nearly 1,100 active family foundations and sheds light on future behavior as this very large and predominantly young segment of philanthropy matures. Nine out of 10 of the roughly 40,000 family foundations currently tracked by the Foundation Center were created since 1980. Key findings include:
• Foundations most likely to opt for a limited lifespan are small foundations established since 1980 that do not employ staff and whose founder is still living, though the percentage who expect to spend down is still modest.
• Foundations with a living founder are three times more likely to expect to spend down than those whose founder is deceased, and they are almost twice as likely to be undecided.
• When the decision to spend down is made at the foundation's inception, the leading factors are the desire of the founder(s) to have a greater impact during their lifetimes and to be involved in how the money is spent.
• The two leading reasons for deciding to exist in perpetuity are a desire both to have a long-term impact on the community and for family engagement across generations.
To download a summary of study highlights, go to: http://foundationcenter.org.
Resource of the Week -- The Dynamic Board: Lessons from High-Performing Nonprofits
The Nonprofit Practice of McKinsey & Company:” The Dynamic Board: Lessons from High-Performing Nonprofits” This report from the Nonprofit Practice of McKinsey & Company, explores the issue of board effectiveness. The report summarizes the best practices identified through McKinsey’s interviews with the directors or board chairs of 32 highly-regarded nonprofits. Go to: http://www.mckinsey.com. McKinsey & Company also provides a valuable board self-assessment tool for nonprofits. This is one of the best board assessment tools available and in available in 5, 15 and 30 minute completion time versions. To access the assessments, go to: http://www.mckinsey.com/clientservice and scroll down to “The Dynamic Board: Self-Assessment Tool”. (Free registration may be required to access this article)
Tech Tip of the Week -- Change Text Orientation in Excel 2007
• Select the text you want to rotate, angle, or switch to vertical
• On the Home tab of the Ribbon, in the Alignment group, click the Orientation button
Monday, June 1, 2009
Picks of the Week: May 31 - June 6, 2009
Website of the Week -- NetSquared
Today the global community stands witness to a momentous time in history where progressive change is not only necessary, but imminent. NetSquared believes the social Web is key to making change. NetSquared works toward this goal by mobilizing individuals and communities, providing Web-based tools, and awarding financial support to leverage social action projects. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, NetSquared - an initiative of nonprofit TechSoup Global - has worked internationally since 2005. In that time the organization has fostered monthly face-to-face meetups for social innovators in 25 cities around the globe, incubated hundreds of social action projects in various stages of development, awarded over $240,000 in financial support through prized-based Challenges, and provided a platform for cross-sector collaboration. Go to: http://www.netsquared.org/about.
Publication of the Week -- Governance as Leadership: Reframing the Work of Nonprofit Boards by Richard P. Chait, William P. Ryan and Barbara E. Taylor
From the publisher: A new framework for helping nonprofit organizations maximize the effectiveness of their boards. Written by noted consultants and researchers attuned to the needs of practitioners, Governance as Leadership redefines nonprofit governance. It provides a powerful framework for a new covenant between trustees and executives: more macrogovernance in exchange for less micromanagement. Informed by theories that have transformed the practice of organizational leadership, this book sheds new light on the traditional fiduciary and strategic work of the board and introduces a critical third dimension of effective trusteeship: generative governance. It serves boards as both a resource of fresh approaches to familiar territory and a lucid guide to important new territory, and provides a road map that leads nonprofit trustees and executives to governance as leadership. Governance as Leadership was developed in collaboration with BoardSource, the premier resource for practical information, tools and best practices, training, and leadership development for board members of nonprofit organizations. Through its highly acclaimed programs and services, BoardSource enables organizations to fulfill their missions by helping build effective nonprofit boards and offering credible support in solving tough problems. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- Nonprofit Leadership Gap Widens
According to the Bridgespan Group report, “Finding Leaders for America’s Nonprofits Despite tightening budgets, nonprofits foresee a need to fill 24,000 vacant or new roles in 2009.” Over 400 U.S. leaders of nonprofits with $1 million or more in revenues were interviewed for the report. Many of those surveyed cited a need to fill roles such as finance and fundraising amid increasing management complexity and baby boomer retirements, yet they foresee challenges in finding candidates who are both qualified for the roles and who are cultural fits with their organizations. Other key findings include:
• Respondents reported that actual senior job openings in 2008 were running at 77,000, or 43 percent above the leadership gap previously forecast in Bridgespan’s 2006 study, “The Nonprofit Sector’s Leadership Deficit”.
• Twenty-one percent of those hired between June 2007 and December 2008 were “bridgers”—people transitioning into the nonprofit sector for the first time. Only 15 percent went in the reverse direction, indicating a net gain for non-profit organizations relative to their for-profit counterparts.
• Twenty-five percent of nonprofit leadership vacancies in the past 18 months were filled through career progression, 41 percent through in-sector hiring.
To download the full report, go to:
http://www.bridgespan.org/LearningCenter.
Resource of the Week -- Web.Dots
Web.Dots is a technology resource guide designed to provide nonprofit organizations with links to online information on a broad range of topics. These resources have been identified through the Nonprofit Management Fund's ongoing research efforts towards advancing nonprofit technology. This guide is a categorized compilation of Web sites that will assist a nonprofit organization's efforts to improve effectiveness through technology. Web.Dots is maintained by ENTECH. ENTECH provides technology consulting and direct service to nonprofit organizations in Southeast Wisconsin. ENTECH has no vested interest in any particular technology, product or approach, and looks at your needs from a genuinely independent perspective. Go to: http://epic.cuir.uwm.edu/entech.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Remove Recent Documents List in Word 2007
• Click the Office button
• Click the Word Options button
• Click Advanced in the left pane of the Word Options dialog box
• Scroll down to the Display section and change “Show this number of Recent Documents” to 0
Today the global community stands witness to a momentous time in history where progressive change is not only necessary, but imminent. NetSquared believes the social Web is key to making change. NetSquared works toward this goal by mobilizing individuals and communities, providing Web-based tools, and awarding financial support to leverage social action projects. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, NetSquared - an initiative of nonprofit TechSoup Global - has worked internationally since 2005. In that time the organization has fostered monthly face-to-face meetups for social innovators in 25 cities around the globe, incubated hundreds of social action projects in various stages of development, awarded over $240,000 in financial support through prized-based Challenges, and provided a platform for cross-sector collaboration. Go to: http://www.netsquared.org/about.
Publication of the Week -- Governance as Leadership: Reframing the Work of Nonprofit Boards by Richard P. Chait, William P. Ryan and Barbara E. Taylor
From the publisher: A new framework for helping nonprofit organizations maximize the effectiveness of their boards. Written by noted consultants and researchers attuned to the needs of practitioners, Governance as Leadership redefines nonprofit governance. It provides a powerful framework for a new covenant between trustees and executives: more macrogovernance in exchange for less micromanagement. Informed by theories that have transformed the practice of organizational leadership, this book sheds new light on the traditional fiduciary and strategic work of the board and introduces a critical third dimension of effective trusteeship: generative governance. It serves boards as both a resource of fresh approaches to familiar territory and a lucid guide to important new territory, and provides a road map that leads nonprofit trustees and executives to governance as leadership. Governance as Leadership was developed in collaboration with BoardSource, the premier resource for practical information, tools and best practices, training, and leadership development for board members of nonprofit organizations. Through its highly acclaimed programs and services, BoardSource enables organizations to fulfill their missions by helping build effective nonprofit boards and offering credible support in solving tough problems. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- Nonprofit Leadership Gap Widens
According to the Bridgespan Group report, “Finding Leaders for America’s Nonprofits Despite tightening budgets, nonprofits foresee a need to fill 24,000 vacant or new roles in 2009.” Over 400 U.S. leaders of nonprofits with $1 million or more in revenues were interviewed for the report. Many of those surveyed cited a need to fill roles such as finance and fundraising amid increasing management complexity and baby boomer retirements, yet they foresee challenges in finding candidates who are both qualified for the roles and who are cultural fits with their organizations. Other key findings include:
• Respondents reported that actual senior job openings in 2008 were running at 77,000, or 43 percent above the leadership gap previously forecast in Bridgespan’s 2006 study, “The Nonprofit Sector’s Leadership Deficit”.
• Twenty-one percent of those hired between June 2007 and December 2008 were “bridgers”—people transitioning into the nonprofit sector for the first time. Only 15 percent went in the reverse direction, indicating a net gain for non-profit organizations relative to their for-profit counterparts.
• Twenty-five percent of nonprofit leadership vacancies in the past 18 months were filled through career progression, 41 percent through in-sector hiring.
To download the full report, go to:
http://www.bridgespan.org/LearningCenter.
Resource of the Week -- Web.Dots
Web.Dots is a technology resource guide designed to provide nonprofit organizations with links to online information on a broad range of topics. These resources have been identified through the Nonprofit Management Fund's ongoing research efforts towards advancing nonprofit technology. This guide is a categorized compilation of Web sites that will assist a nonprofit organization's efforts to improve effectiveness through technology. Web.Dots is maintained by ENTECH. ENTECH provides technology consulting and direct service to nonprofit organizations in Southeast Wisconsin. ENTECH has no vested interest in any particular technology, product or approach, and looks at your needs from a genuinely independent perspective. Go to: http://epic.cuir.uwm.edu/entech.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Remove Recent Documents List in Word 2007
• Click the Office button
• Click the Word Options button
• Click Advanced in the left pane of the Word Options dialog box
• Scroll down to the Display section and change “Show this number of Recent Documents” to 0
Monday, May 25, 2009
Picks of the Week: May 24 - 30, 2009
Website of the Week -- National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy
For more than 30 years, the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy has served as the country’s independent watchdog of foundations. Over time, institutional grantmakers, federal and state governments, and individuals have taken NCRP recommendations and turned them into policy, such as promotion of comprehensive financial reporting for foundations as well as the inclusion of advocacy organizations in the Combined Federal Campaign—now both widely accepted as "good practice." NCRP played a critical role in the development of alternative workplace giving funds, such as Community Shares, Earth Shares and Community Coalition Funds. Go to: http://www.ncrp.org.
Publication of the Week -- Building Evaluation Capacity: 72 Activities for Teaching and Training by Hallie Preskill and Darlene Russ-Eft
Building Evaluation Capacity provides 72 activities for learning how to design and conduct evaluation studies. These activities address the entire evaluation process. Each activity includes an overview, instructional objectives, time estimates, materials needed, handouts, and procedures for effectively using the activity, whether there are a few participants or an unlimited number in small groups. To help the reader locate specific kinds of activities, the book includes a chart that names the activity, the time needed to implement the activity, and whether background information or knowledge is required prior to implementing the activity. The book also includes several strategies for forming groups and a glossary of instructional strategies. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- Update Value of Volunteer Time
Independent Sector has just released an updated figure for the estimated dollar value of volunteer time: $20.25 per hour for 2008. The estimate helps acknowledge the millions of individuals who dedicate their time, talents, and energy to making a difference. Nonprofit organizations can use this estimate to quantify the enormous value volunteers provide. For more information, go to: http://www.independentsector.org.
Resource of the Week -- Avoiding Common Hiring Pitfalls
There are a number of ways that recruiting and hiring processes can go wrong, and hiring the right people into the right positions is too important to leave to chance. Whether your organization has dedicated human resources professionals or not, there are a number of common hiring mistakes that can be easily avoided as outlined in this article from GuideStar. Go to: http://www.guidestar.org.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Entering the Euro in Word 2007
To enter the Euro symbol in Word 2007, use this simple keyboard shortcut:
• Hold down the Alt key and the Ctrl key, then Type the letter e.
This trick also works in earlier versions.
For more than 30 years, the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy has served as the country’s independent watchdog of foundations. Over time, institutional grantmakers, federal and state governments, and individuals have taken NCRP recommendations and turned them into policy, such as promotion of comprehensive financial reporting for foundations as well as the inclusion of advocacy organizations in the Combined Federal Campaign—now both widely accepted as "good practice." NCRP played a critical role in the development of alternative workplace giving funds, such as Community Shares, Earth Shares and Community Coalition Funds. Go to: http://www.ncrp.org.
Publication of the Week -- Building Evaluation Capacity: 72 Activities for Teaching and Training by Hallie Preskill and Darlene Russ-Eft
Building Evaluation Capacity provides 72 activities for learning how to design and conduct evaluation studies. These activities address the entire evaluation process. Each activity includes an overview, instructional objectives, time estimates, materials needed, handouts, and procedures for effectively using the activity, whether there are a few participants or an unlimited number in small groups. To help the reader locate specific kinds of activities, the book includes a chart that names the activity, the time needed to implement the activity, and whether background information or knowledge is required prior to implementing the activity. The book also includes several strategies for forming groups and a glossary of instructional strategies. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- Update Value of Volunteer Time
Independent Sector has just released an updated figure for the estimated dollar value of volunteer time: $20.25 per hour for 2008. The estimate helps acknowledge the millions of individuals who dedicate their time, talents, and energy to making a difference. Nonprofit organizations can use this estimate to quantify the enormous value volunteers provide. For more information, go to: http://www.independentsector.org.
Resource of the Week -- Avoiding Common Hiring Pitfalls
There are a number of ways that recruiting and hiring processes can go wrong, and hiring the right people into the right positions is too important to leave to chance. Whether your organization has dedicated human resources professionals or not, there are a number of common hiring mistakes that can be easily avoided as outlined in this article from GuideStar. Go to: http://www.guidestar.org.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Entering the Euro in Word 2007
To enter the Euro symbol in Word 2007, use this simple keyboard shortcut:
• Hold down the Alt key and the Ctrl key, then Type the letter e.
This trick also works in earlier versions.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Picks of the Week: May 17 - 23, 2009
Website of the Week -- Wegner LLP
Wegner, LLP is a Wisconsin based CPA firm with an extensive nonprofit practice. Wegner has become a well-respected and well-recognized name within the nonprofit world through provision of exceptional services and community involvement. Wegner currently serves over 400 nonprofit organizations including foundations, co-ops, unions, housing development organizations, religious organizations, associations, advocacy organizations, elderly programs, community action programs, humanitarian organizations, voluntary health and welfare agencies, educational institutions, and a variety of other human service agencies. The website includes a helpful list of resources including sample forms and policies as well as links to other websites of interest to nonprofits. Go to: http://www.wegnercpas.com/YNonProfit/index.htm.
Publication of the Week -- Strategic Communications for Nonprofit Organization: Seven Steps to Creating a Successful Plan, 2nd Edition by Sally J. Patterson and Janel M. Radtke
From the publisher: How a nonprofit s strategic communications department defines its issues and policies determines whether the public views it as an effective organization. Strategic Communications for Nonprofit Organizations, Second Edition supports nonprofits in using their resources most effectively. The Second Edition includes a dedicated web site, equipping professionals with the worksheets, forms, surveys, and self-assessment tools needed to create a total communications plan. Plus, the book s step-by-step instructions demonstrate nonprofit communications strategies that work. Practical and clear, this in-the-trenches book provides nonprofit CEOs with expert insights to achieve their mission. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- Nonprofits Embracing Social Networks
Social networking has become an integral part of nonprofits’ online strategy, according to a survey recently conducted by NTEN, Common Knowledge, and ThePort. In this online survey conducted in March, 2009, 929 respondents representing nonprofits of all sizes and from multiple vertical segments indicate that nearly three-quarters (74.2%) have a presence on Facebook, and 30.9% have one or more social networking communities on their own web site. To download a copy of the report, go to: http://nonprofitsocialnetworksurvey.com.
Resource of the Week -- Nonprofit Management Training Presentations
Complete presentation packages, prepared by the Faculty and participants of the Master in Not-for-Profit Leadership Program at Seattle University, are provided at this site in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. Each package comes complete with a script, originals for hand-outs and ready-to-use transparencies.
The presentation text is based on the curriculum of the Not-for-Profit Leadership Program at Seattle University. The subjects were chosen by the faculty in consultation with alumni and current students. The topics focus on strengthening key factors for success in nonprofit organizations. There is no charge. Cooperation with the evaluation process is expected. Go to: http://www2.seattleu.edu.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Changing the Case of Text in Excel
To change the case of text in Excel, use one of the following formulas:
• =UPPER(A1) Changes the text in cell A1 to upper case
• =LOWER(A1) Changes the text in cell A1 to lower case
• =PROPER(A1) Changes the text in cell A1 to proper case
For example: If original text is “The story of stuff”, =UPPER(A1) becomes “THE STORY OF STUFF”; =LOWER(A1) becomes “the story of stuff”; and =PROPER(A1) becomes “The Story Of Stuff”
Wegner, LLP is a Wisconsin based CPA firm with an extensive nonprofit practice. Wegner has become a well-respected and well-recognized name within the nonprofit world through provision of exceptional services and community involvement. Wegner currently serves over 400 nonprofit organizations including foundations, co-ops, unions, housing development organizations, religious organizations, associations, advocacy organizations, elderly programs, community action programs, humanitarian organizations, voluntary health and welfare agencies, educational institutions, and a variety of other human service agencies. The website includes a helpful list of resources including sample forms and policies as well as links to other websites of interest to nonprofits. Go to: http://www.wegnercpas.com/YNonProfit/index.htm.
Publication of the Week -- Strategic Communications for Nonprofit Organization: Seven Steps to Creating a Successful Plan, 2nd Edition by Sally J. Patterson and Janel M. Radtke
From the publisher: How a nonprofit s strategic communications department defines its issues and policies determines whether the public views it as an effective organization. Strategic Communications for Nonprofit Organizations, Second Edition supports nonprofits in using their resources most effectively. The Second Edition includes a dedicated web site, equipping professionals with the worksheets, forms, surveys, and self-assessment tools needed to create a total communications plan. Plus, the book s step-by-step instructions demonstrate nonprofit communications strategies that work. Practical and clear, this in-the-trenches book provides nonprofit CEOs with expert insights to achieve their mission. Click to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- Nonprofits Embracing Social Networks
Social networking has become an integral part of nonprofits’ online strategy, according to a survey recently conducted by NTEN, Common Knowledge, and ThePort. In this online survey conducted in March, 2009, 929 respondents representing nonprofits of all sizes and from multiple vertical segments indicate that nearly three-quarters (74.2%) have a presence on Facebook, and 30.9% have one or more social networking communities on their own web site. To download a copy of the report, go to: http://nonprofitsocialnetworksurvey.com.
Resource of the Week -- Nonprofit Management Training Presentations
Complete presentation packages, prepared by the Faculty and participants of the Master in Not-for-Profit Leadership Program at Seattle University, are provided at this site in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. Each package comes complete with a script, originals for hand-outs and ready-to-use transparencies.
The presentation text is based on the curriculum of the Not-for-Profit Leadership Program at Seattle University. The subjects were chosen by the faculty in consultation with alumni and current students. The topics focus on strengthening key factors for success in nonprofit organizations. There is no charge. Cooperation with the evaluation process is expected. Go to: http://www2.seattleu.edu.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Changing the Case of Text in Excel
To change the case of text in Excel, use one of the following formulas:
• =UPPER(A1) Changes the text in cell A1 to upper case
• =LOWER(A1) Changes the text in cell A1 to lower case
• =PROPER(A1) Changes the text in cell A1 to proper case
For example: If original text is “The story of stuff”, =UPPER(A1) becomes “THE STORY OF STUFF”; =LOWER(A1) becomes “the story of stuff”; and =PROPER(A1) becomes “The Story Of Stuff”
Monday, May 11, 2009
Picks of the Week: May 10 - 16, 2009
Website of the Week -- Johns Hopkins Center for Civil Society Studies
The Johns Hopkins Center for Civil Society Studies seeks to improve understanding and the effective functioning of not-for-profit, philanthropic, or “civil society” organizations in the United States and throughout the world in order to enhance the contribution these organizations can make to democracy and the quality of human life. The Center is part of the Johns Hopkins Institute for Policy Studies and carries out its work through a combination of research, training, and information-sharing both domestically and internationally. Go to: http://www.ccss.jhu.edu.
Publication of the Week -- The Change Handbook: The Definitive Resource on Today's Best Methods for Engaging Whole Systems by Peggy Holman, Tom Devane and Steven Cady
From the Publisher: Originators and practitioners of such change methods as Future Search, Real Time Strategic Change, Gemba Kaizen, and Open Space Technology outline the distinctive aspects of their approaches, detail roles and responsibilities, share stories illustrating their use, and answer frequently asked questions. This extensively updated new edition of the classic bestseller features profiles of sixty-one change methods by the originators and foremost practitioners of such high-leverage change methods as Appreciative Inquiry, the World Café, Six Sigma, Future Search, and Open Space Technology. Each author outlines distinctive aspects of their approach, answers frequently asked questions, and provides case studies and references to learn more. A one-stop comparative chart helps you determine which methods will work best for you, along with chapters on mixing and matching and sustaining results. This tremendously expanded second edition is the definitive resource in the exciting area of engaging "whole systems" of people to create their own future. Click here to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- Foundations Respond to Increased Needs as Assets Decline
A recent study by the Council on Foundations reveals that foundations continue to respond to the increased needs of families in spite of a decline in foundation assets. This report is another in a series of Council research reports on the relationship between philanthropy and the economy.This new report is based on data collected from 430 foundations in March 2009. It assesses how foundation endowments and grantmaking have been affected. It also considers how foundations have changed their grantmaking to focus on individuals and families hurt by the recession. Finally, it looked at the changes foundations have made in their own operations. Highlight of the study include:
• Foundation endowments, which started the year at $682 billion, fell precipitously in 2008 leading to a majority of foundations (62 percent) reporting they will reduce their grantmaking in 2009. However, the vast majority (82 percent) of foundations providing assistance to those adversely affected by the economic downturn will continue to do so, either at the same or higher levels, or have added it as a new area.
• Three out of four foundations saw their assets decline by 25 percent or more, with a higher proportion of independent and larger foundations experiencing such a drop.
• About half (48 percent) of foundations said that they will reduce the value of their total grantmaking for 2009 by 10 percent or more
• More than one in three foundations (38 percent) reported that they will maintain or increase the value of their grantmaking in 2009, with more than half of corporate grantmakers and 41 percent of family foundations maintaining or increasing the value of their grantmaking.
• Ninety-two percent of foundations stated they are making grants in 2009 to aid low-income individuals and families and others adversely affected by the economic downturn.
• Eighty-two percent of these foundations reported that their grantmaking in 2009 will be at least as much as it was in 2008; in fact, 31 percent said they are increasing their support for basic needs (food, emergency shelter, utility payments, and employment) and 6 percent said they have added it as a new grantmaking area.
• Most foundations are taking actions to reduce or contain their own operating costs by implementing hiring or salary freezes, cutting travel budgets, or reducing or eliminating conference attendance.
To download a copy of the report, go to: http://www.cof.org.
Resource of the Week -- Nonprofit Sustainability Guide
NeighborWorks America today released a comprehensive sustainability guide to help community development corporations and other non-profits to evaluate and improve the environmental and sustainable footprint of their organizations, or in short, "Go Green." Produced in association with Strategic Sustainability Consulting, Herndon, VA, the easy-to-read, straight-forward guide, "Greening Your Non-Profit from the Inside Out: A NeighborWorks Guide for Community Development Organizations" is built off of 22 actual sustainability audits of nonprofit organizations and uses these examples to tailor a "Go Green" guide for non-profit organizations. To download the practical, hands-on guide for free, go to: http://www.nw.org/network/green/default.asp.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Turning Photos into PowerPoint 2007 Slide Shows
To turn your digital pictures into PowerPoint 2007 slide shows:
• Click the Insert tab
• In the Illustrations group, click Photo Album
• On the Photo Album dialog box, click the File/Disk button to Insert pictures
• Click the Create button
Click here if you're using an earlier version of PowerPoint.
The Johns Hopkins Center for Civil Society Studies seeks to improve understanding and the effective functioning of not-for-profit, philanthropic, or “civil society” organizations in the United States and throughout the world in order to enhance the contribution these organizations can make to democracy and the quality of human life. The Center is part of the Johns Hopkins Institute for Policy Studies and carries out its work through a combination of research, training, and information-sharing both domestically and internationally. Go to: http://www.ccss.jhu.edu.
Publication of the Week -- The Change Handbook: The Definitive Resource on Today's Best Methods for Engaging Whole Systems by Peggy Holman, Tom Devane and Steven Cady
From the Publisher: Originators and practitioners of such change methods as Future Search, Real Time Strategic Change, Gemba Kaizen, and Open Space Technology outline the distinctive aspects of their approaches, detail roles and responsibilities, share stories illustrating their use, and answer frequently asked questions. This extensively updated new edition of the classic bestseller features profiles of sixty-one change methods by the originators and foremost practitioners of such high-leverage change methods as Appreciative Inquiry, the World Café, Six Sigma, Future Search, and Open Space Technology. Each author outlines distinctive aspects of their approach, answers frequently asked questions, and provides case studies and references to learn more. A one-stop comparative chart helps you determine which methods will work best for you, along with chapters on mixing and matching and sustaining results. This tremendously expanded second edition is the definitive resource in the exciting area of engaging "whole systems" of people to create their own future. Click here to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- Foundations Respond to Increased Needs as Assets Decline
A recent study by the Council on Foundations reveals that foundations continue to respond to the increased needs of families in spite of a decline in foundation assets. This report is another in a series of Council research reports on the relationship between philanthropy and the economy.This new report is based on data collected from 430 foundations in March 2009. It assesses how foundation endowments and grantmaking have been affected. It also considers how foundations have changed their grantmaking to focus on individuals and families hurt by the recession. Finally, it looked at the changes foundations have made in their own operations. Highlight of the study include:
• Foundation endowments, which started the year at $682 billion, fell precipitously in 2008 leading to a majority of foundations (62 percent) reporting they will reduce their grantmaking in 2009. However, the vast majority (82 percent) of foundations providing assistance to those adversely affected by the economic downturn will continue to do so, either at the same or higher levels, or have added it as a new area.
• Three out of four foundations saw their assets decline by 25 percent or more, with a higher proportion of independent and larger foundations experiencing such a drop.
• About half (48 percent) of foundations said that they will reduce the value of their total grantmaking for 2009 by 10 percent or more
• More than one in three foundations (38 percent) reported that they will maintain or increase the value of their grantmaking in 2009, with more than half of corporate grantmakers and 41 percent of family foundations maintaining or increasing the value of their grantmaking.
• Ninety-two percent of foundations stated they are making grants in 2009 to aid low-income individuals and families and others adversely affected by the economic downturn.
• Eighty-two percent of these foundations reported that their grantmaking in 2009 will be at least as much as it was in 2008; in fact, 31 percent said they are increasing their support for basic needs (food, emergency shelter, utility payments, and employment) and 6 percent said they have added it as a new grantmaking area.
• Most foundations are taking actions to reduce or contain their own operating costs by implementing hiring or salary freezes, cutting travel budgets, or reducing or eliminating conference attendance.
To download a copy of the report, go to: http://www.cof.org.
Resource of the Week -- Nonprofit Sustainability Guide
NeighborWorks America today released a comprehensive sustainability guide to help community development corporations and other non-profits to evaluate and improve the environmental and sustainable footprint of their organizations, or in short, "Go Green." Produced in association with Strategic Sustainability Consulting, Herndon, VA, the easy-to-read, straight-forward guide, "Greening Your Non-Profit from the Inside Out: A NeighborWorks Guide for Community Development Organizations" is built off of 22 actual sustainability audits of nonprofit organizations and uses these examples to tailor a "Go Green" guide for non-profit organizations. To download the practical, hands-on guide for free, go to: http://www.nw.org/network/green/default.asp.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Turning Photos into PowerPoint 2007 Slide Shows
To turn your digital pictures into PowerPoint 2007 slide shows:
• Click the Insert tab
• In the Illustrations group, click Photo Album
• On the Photo Album dialog box, click the File/Disk button to Insert pictures
• Click the Create button
Click here if you're using an earlier version of PowerPoint.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Picks of the Week: May 3 - May 9, 2009
Website of the Week -- Outcome Measurement Resource Network
The Resource Network of the United Way of America offers information, downloadable documents, and links to resources related to the identification and measurement of program- and community-level outcomes. Go to: http://www.liveunited.org/outcomes/?.
Publication of the Week -- Human Resources Management for Public and Nonprofit Organizations: A Strategic Approach, 3rd Edition by Joan E. Pynes
From the publisher: Public and nonprofit organizations face difficult challenges today that make the strategic management of human resources crucial. This book shows how to integrate HR practices with the mission of their organization. An accessible tool complete with an instructor s manual, this book provides an integrated approach to current HR concerns and is unique in its focus on both public and nonprofit agencies. Offering guidance and techniques for implementing effective human resource management strategies job analysis, performance evaluation, recruitment and selection, training and development, compensation and benefits, and collective bargaining Pynes demonstrates how strategic human resources management is essential to proactively managing change. Click here to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- Downward Trend in High School Volunteering
Fewer high school age (16-18) Americans stepped up to volunteer their time over the past two years, new research reveals. Traditionally, teenagers have volunteered at slightly higher rates than other age groups, but in 2007 people 25 or older were more likely to volunteer than were those 16 to 18. These are some of the findings from a study examining youth volunteering trends from 2002 to 2007 released by the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) at Tufts University’s Tisch College. The research presents volunteer rates by state and age groups calculated using the Current Population Survey (CPS), a joint product of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Census Bureau. Overall trends showed a 6 percentage point decline in volunteering among 16-to-18 year-olds since the rate peaked in 2005 at 33 percent. Meanwhile, volunteer rates for the population aged 19-to-25 (18 percent) and 25 years and older (28 percent) both changed very little (2 percentage points or less) since 2002. The study also examined the state policies impacting youth volunteering, which many researchers believe have an impact on the levels of volunteering for 16-to-18 year-olds. For more information on the study, go to: http://www.civicyouth.org/?p=338.
Resource of the Week -- Social Networking Guides and Resources for Nonprofits
Networking for Good has compiled an excellent collection of introductory articles and resources to help you determine whether or not online social networks including services like Facebook, MySpace, and blogs fit your needs, and if so, how to get started. You can access the collection at http://www.fundraising123.org/social-networking. A great place to start is the article entitled “10 Things You Need to Do Prior to Diving into Social Media”. Go to: http://www.fundraising123.org/article.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Freeze a Formula into its Current Value
To freeze a formula into its current value:
• Select the formula
• Press F2 (Edit)
• Press F9 (Calc)
• Press Enter
Now you can copy or move the value anywhere you need it. This trick works in all versions of Excel, even 2007!
The Resource Network of the United Way of America offers information, downloadable documents, and links to resources related to the identification and measurement of program- and community-level outcomes. Go to: http://www.liveunited.org/outcomes/?.
Publication of the Week -- Human Resources Management for Public and Nonprofit Organizations: A Strategic Approach, 3rd Edition by Joan E. Pynes
From the publisher: Public and nonprofit organizations face difficult challenges today that make the strategic management of human resources crucial. This book shows how to integrate HR practices with the mission of their organization. An accessible tool complete with an instructor s manual, this book provides an integrated approach to current HR concerns and is unique in its focus on both public and nonprofit agencies. Offering guidance and techniques for implementing effective human resource management strategies job analysis, performance evaluation, recruitment and selection, training and development, compensation and benefits, and collective bargaining Pynes demonstrates how strategic human resources management is essential to proactively managing change. Click here to preview this book on Amazon.com.
Trend of the Week -- Downward Trend in High School Volunteering
Fewer high school age (16-18) Americans stepped up to volunteer their time over the past two years, new research reveals. Traditionally, teenagers have volunteered at slightly higher rates than other age groups, but in 2007 people 25 or older were more likely to volunteer than were those 16 to 18. These are some of the findings from a study examining youth volunteering trends from 2002 to 2007 released by the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) at Tufts University’s Tisch College. The research presents volunteer rates by state and age groups calculated using the Current Population Survey (CPS), a joint product of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Census Bureau. Overall trends showed a 6 percentage point decline in volunteering among 16-to-18 year-olds since the rate peaked in 2005 at 33 percent. Meanwhile, volunteer rates for the population aged 19-to-25 (18 percent) and 25 years and older (28 percent) both changed very little (2 percentage points or less) since 2002. The study also examined the state policies impacting youth volunteering, which many researchers believe have an impact on the levels of volunteering for 16-to-18 year-olds. For more information on the study, go to: http://www.civicyouth.org/?p=338.
Resource of the Week -- Social Networking Guides and Resources for Nonprofits
Networking for Good has compiled an excellent collection of introductory articles and resources to help you determine whether or not online social networks including services like Facebook, MySpace, and blogs fit your needs, and if so, how to get started. You can access the collection at http://www.fundraising123.org/social-networking. A great place to start is the article entitled “10 Things You Need to Do Prior to Diving into Social Media”. Go to: http://www.fundraising123.org/article.
Tech Tip of the Week -- Freeze a Formula into its Current Value
To freeze a formula into its current value:
• Select the formula
• Press F2 (Edit)
• Press F9 (Calc)
• Press Enter
Now you can copy or move the value anywhere you need it. This trick works in all versions of Excel, even 2007!
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