Louisiana Nonprofits Blog

DHH Issues Request For Applications for LaCHIP Outreach

2009-11-11T09:00:00.006-06:00

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) is seeking applications from community-based nonprofit organizations to perform targeted outreach and enrollment assistance to children eligible but not enrolled in Medicaid or LaCHIP.

Complete applications must be submitted by December 11th, 4:00 PM .

Questions must be submitted to Katie Baudouin at Katie.baudouin@la.gov by November 13th , 4:00 PM .

Questions and answers will be posted at the DHH web site by November 20th.

Please pass this notice along to anyone who may be interested in applying.

Perfect Storm Awaits Louisiana Medicaid Funding

2009-11-09T15:17:00.004-06:00

State Nonprofit Association and Budget Watchdog Warn Congress of Pending Healthcare Crisis

BATON ROUGE—In a letter to Louisiana’s nine-member Congressional delegation, the Louisiana Budget Project (LBP) and its parent organization, the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations (LANO), warn a combination of economic and legislative conditions is set to decimate the safety net for Louisiana’s most vulnerable populations.

The state’s Medicaid program, a key provider of healthcare to Louisiana’s poor, elderly and other disadvantaged citizens, is supported by federal funding at a rate pegged to per capita income. Louisiana’s current match rate is 80%, meaning the federal government pays 80% of the cost for services provided under Medicaid. Unless changes are made, this support will soon be drastically reduced.

Due to an influx of billions of dollars in one-time federal hurricane relief, Louisianan’s average income jumped 42% between 2005 and 2007, nearly four times the national average. This spike in reported income would already have triggered a drop in the federal match rate starting in 2008, except that provisions in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) suspended any decrease in federal funding for Medicaid and provided additional funds to the state’s program.

When ARRA stimulus funding expires in 2011, the federal match rate for Medicaid support in Louisiana will drop from 80% to 63.2%, crippling the state’s ability to provide vital human services.

“Louisiana is facing the largest decrease in federal Medicaid matching in the nation’s history,” wrote Edward Ashworth, LBP Director and co-author of Monday’s congressional letter.

According to the LBP and LANO, Louisiana will lose an estimated $1.3 billion in federal Medicaid funding in state fiscal years 2011 and 2012, with an on-going, annualized reduction of $900 million. This comes at a time when the state projects severe shortfalls in state general fund revenues due to the effects of the recession and the decline in the price of oil and natural gas.

If forced to absorb this reduction in funding, the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) has announced it may reduce or eliminate such programs as Pharmacy Services, Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (ICF-DD), Personal Care Services, Program for All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), and various waivers that expand services or reduce costs for needy recipients. Additionally, up to 125,000 children from low and moderate-income families could lose health insurance currently provided under Louisiana’s LaCHIP program.

“Thousands of Louisianans will continue to need vital assistance” provided through Medicaid funding, said Ann S. Williamson, LANO President and CEO. “The nonprofit sector can ease the burden, but no single sector can meet this need alone.”

Williamson stated that a steep decline in federal support would impact the nonprofit sector by raising demand for its services without increasing resources. Louisiana nonprofits, many of them small and locally focused, are already stretched thin by current economic conditions.

According to LANO and LBP, three Congressional remedies are needed to prevent widespread loss of healthcare coverage in Louisiana:

Have the federal government spread out the lowering of the match rates (that were increased under ARRA) over a two-year period, beginning January 1, 2011.

Discount the effects of one-time federal hurricane relief funds in the calculation of Louisiana’s average income.
Change the method of calculating the average income for states by using median income rather than the mean income.

If effected soon, they say, these changes will give the state breathing room to secure new sources of revenue for Medicaid (e.g., by removing antiquated exemptions to the severance tax and realized savings from streamlining efforts) without leaving thousands of Louisianans unprotected in the interim. Furthermore, these federal changes will provide relief to neighboring Gulf Coast states facing similar consequences from 2005 and subsequent storm relief scenarios.

But time is critical. Louisiana’s budget for fiscal year 2011 is being drafted now and will be finalized in February 2010 for presenting to the Legislature in March.

For more information on this and other issues facing Louisiana’s nonprofit sector and the citizens it serves, contact the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations at 225.929.5266 or visit http://www.lano.org/.

See also: Louisiana FMAP fact sheet

Filing Late Nonprofit Funding Requests with the State

2009-11-09T12:39:00.021-06:00

There is still an opportunity to submit a nonprofit (NGO) funding request to the state if you missed the November 1st deadline - however your late request must now be approved by a legislative committee.

If your organization plans to ask your legislators for an appropriation in HB 1 (General Appropriations Bill), in the Capital Outlay Bill, or if you plan to be included in a state agency's budget proposal in the 2010 Legislative Session, you need to enter a NGO funding request on the state's website. This information must be filed annually, so even if you filed last year with the same information, you must file again.

If you are planning on being included in the Capital Outlay Bill, there additional steps that you need to take in order to be eligible for funding and more stringent criteria for late submissions.

If you have any questions, please email NGOdatabase@legis.state.la.us . This e-mail address is monitored by legislative staff members who will provide timely assistance.

If you need further assistance, please email Ashley Herad ashley@lano.org or call (225) 929-5266 ext. 222.

Streamlining Commission Adopts Amended Nonprofit Recommendation

2009-11-04T19:19:00.013-06:00

LANO Cited as Improving State Nonprofits' Accountability

BATON ROUGE—Members of the State Commission on Streamlining Government voted Tuesday to amend recommendation AGEB#6, a proposal that in original form called for elimination of line-item state appropriations, or earmarks, for nonprofit organizations.

New language introduced by Rep. Brett Geymann of Lake Charles, recommends nonprofits receiving line-item support meet codified standards of accountability, to include existing transparency measures established in Act 842 of the 2008 Regular Session and by executive order, new oversight by the Legislative Auditor and Inspector General, and a nationally-recognized accreditation.

The Louisiana Standards for Excellence, the certification process administered by the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations (LANO), is cited as one example of suitable accreditation.

LANO was mentioned several times during the Commission debate, receiving praise from members Rep. Geymann, Sen. Mike Michot (District 23), and gubernatorial appointees Mr. Barry Erwin of Council for a Better Louisiana and Vice Chair Mr. Roy O. Martin of Lafayette.

In proposing his amendment, Rep. Geymann stated that suitably accredited nonprofits can partner with government and save taxpayers' money.

Nonprofits like LANO, he said, "provide services to the community that we can't do alone through the state. . .We can't go out and do the job that LANO can do. If we have to take that burden upon ourselves, we are not going to be as efficient or as effective."

At the invitation of Sen. Michot, LANO President & CEO Ann S. Williamson provided brief testimony regarding the value of the nonprofit sector and the Standards for Excellence certification. This nationally recognized certification, she said, includes defined criteria for transparency and 57 distinct measures of performance-driven accountability.

Following Williamson's comments, the Commission voted 8-2 in favor of the revised recommendation.

A video recording of the meeting is available at the Commission website, with discussion of AGEB#6 beginning near the two-hour mark and continuing approximately 35 minutes.

Additional coverage of the debate is available in a November 4 Times-Picauyne story and in the November 3 afternoon update of the Baton Rouge Business Report Daily Report.

Gulfsouth Youth Action Fund RFP

2009-11-03T15:01:00.005-06:00

The Gulfsouth Youth Action Fund (GYAF), a program of Operation REACH, Inc., is now accepting grant proposals for its 2010 grant making year.

The Gulfsouth Youth Action Fund is a youth-led philanthropy initiative that provides competitive grant awards to progressive youth-serving organizations. The GYAF was founded in 2007 to "engage, empower and inspire youth with the resources to make strategic investments in their community."

Since inception, GYAF has awarded more than $20,000 to initiatives that empower and train a young generation of community leaders. Past grant awards have ranged from $500 to $5,000.

Applicants should submit Letters of Intent by Friday, November 20, 2009, and the complete proposal is due Friday, December 11, 2009.

Individuals and organizations who submit a Letter of Intent will be invited to a Technical Assistance Workshop hosted by the Gulfsouth Youth Action Fund Youth Advisory Board on Wednesday, December 2, at 6 p.m. at 2115 Carondelet St., New Orleans, LA 70130.

For more information, contact Cynthia Okechukwu at (504) 529-1922 ext. 106 or cokechukwu@operationreach.org.

Key Streamlining Proposal Vote Tuesday, Nov. 3

2009-11-02T08:36:00.016-06:00

BATON ROUGE—The State Commission on Streamlining Government will vote tomorrow, November 3, to adopt, amend or reject the proposed recommendation AGEB#6, to "prohibit all state appropriations to nongovernmental entities."

The proposed recommendation is non-binding. But if accepted and passed into law, it would eliminate line-item state funding of nonprofit organizations.

Nonprofits would still be able to receive public support through competitive departmental grants and bid processes.

Consideration of AGEB#6 is scheduled for tomorrow's meeting, which begins at 9:00am in Senate Committee Room A-B of the Louisiana State Capitol. The vote is listed as item 7 on the meeting agenda, following an opportunity for public comment.

LANO has provided testimony on this issue in two separate meetings. President & CEO Ann S. Williamson appeared before the commission's Advisory Group on Outsourcing, Privatization and Risk Management on Friday, October 23, to share critical information about the nonprofit sector and opportunities for partnership with state government.

The Advisory Group requested further information on specific areas in which state government could successfully outsource functions to the nonprofit sector. LANO Vice President of Public Policy, Dr. Alison Neustrom, provided an initial list of such recommendations to the Commission at its October 28 meeting. A video of Neustrom's testimony is available at this link; comments begin near time signature 3:47:50.

LANO invites all Louisiana nonprofits to suggest additional ways in which the sector can provide efficient and effective opportunities for state government outsourcing. The Commission accepts suggestions at its scheduled public meetings and through an online form.

LANO will continue to follow and report on this issue, and to provide expert testimony and suggestions that advance the state nonprofit sector's profile as an essential provider of important human services.

The Commission on Streamlining Government was launched by Executive Order on April 24, 2009. The goal of the streamlining commission is to make Louisiana state government more efficient and cost-effective. A list of Commission members can be found here.

New Federal Disaster Recovery Working Group Website Asks for Nonprofit Input

2009-10-30T14:34:00.022-05:00

The Obama Administration has launched a new website to inform the public and hear from stakeholders, including nonprofits, that wish to submit ideas about disaster recovery.

A posted web form includes 16 questions related to disaster preparation, assistance and recovery. One question addresses nonprofits in particular: "How can the nonprofit and private sectors be better integrated into recovery?"

LANO encourages nonprofit organizations to answer the questions that pertain to your work and expertise.

The submitted answers will help guide the newly formed Long Term Disaster Recovery Working Group. The Working Group includes more than 20 federal departments, agencies and offices, all focused on ensuring that individuals, communities and the nation’s economy can successfully recover from (and revitalize after) natural and man-made disasters over the long term.

The Long Term Disaster Recovery Working Group will be chaired by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan.

The Working Group will provide the President with recommendations and help develop a National Disaster Recovery Framework with detailed operational guidance to recovery organizations under existing authorities.

Rapides Children`s Advocacy Center Receives $100,000 Humana Grant

2009-10-28T08:25:00.005-05:00

From REUTERS.COM:

"Humana, one of Louisiana`s leading health benefits companies, awarded a $100,000 grant in its 2009 Louisiana Benefits charitable giving program on Oct. 15 to Rapides Children`s Advocacy Center of Alexandria.

"Rapides, which provides a safe environment for children to retell their abuse stories, plans to use its ... grant to expand its services into Central Louisiana parishes by equipping a customized motor home.

"For the third consecutive year, Humana`s Louisiana Benefits awarded a one-time, $100,000 signature grant to a nonprofit organization based in Louisiana that is doing valuable work to benefit the people who live in the state. Louisiana Benefits supports charitable organizations that are focused on improving health experiences or building healthy communities in the areas of Mind, Body or Spirit..."
[Full story here]

The Children's Advocacy Centers of Louisiana (CACLA), parent organization of the Rapides CAC, has been a LANO member since 2001. Humana of Louisiana (Metairie) has been a LANO corporate member since 2007.

LANO CEO to Address Poverty at Louisiana Governor's 1st Annual Safety & Health Conference

2009-10-28T07:44:00.006-05:00

BATON ROUGE—Ann S. Williamson will speak today at the first annual Louisiana Governor's Safety & Health Conference (LGSHC), hosted by the Louisiana Capital Area Safety Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving safety in the workplace, community and the home.

Williamson's address, "The Cost of Poverty," will illuminate the scope, implications and possible solutions to poverty in Louisiana.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Louisiana has the second highest poverty rate in the nation and the highest in the South. More than a quarter of Louisiana's children live in poverty, a fact contributing to many risk factors for youth, affecting health, academic success and delinquency.

Williamson is slated to speak at 10:30am in the Galvez Room of the Baton Rouge River Center. Contact Melissa Matherne, toll free 1-877-345-2515, for more information.

Nominate "Do-Gooders" to Win a 5-Night Cruise

2009-10-26T16:30:00.003-05:00

CommonKindness is promoting an innovative contest to encourage community service and volunteerism. There are only 5 days left to enter!!!

CommonKindness.com is accepting nominations from the general public to enter their favorite “do-gooders” in a contest to win a 5-night Caribbean Cruise, sponsored in conjunction with Cabot Creamery Cooperative and Celebrity Cruises. Nominations are being accepted through October 31st, 2009.

Seven winners making a profound difference in their communities and the world through their good deeds will be announced on Nov. 15th to win a cruise to the Caribbean for themselves and one guest, including airfare, in January 2010.

Members of Congress State Support for Nonprofits in Health Care Reform

2009-10-26T13:19:00.009-05:00

Last week 44 Members of Congress in the House of Representatives signed a letter stating their support to make sure that nonprofits are included in the final health care reform bill. Included in the 44 supporters is Louisiana Representative Charlie Melancon (D-LA).

The letter sent to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer underscored the fact that the vast majority of nonprofits are small employers experiencing the same unsustainable increases in insurance premiums that small for-profit businesses experience.

The letter pointed out that “the current House bill does not extend reforms and benefits to the nonprofit sector. As written, the tax credit provisions included by the House to address the needs of small, for-profit business would not be available to small nonprofit employers.”

Therefore this letter is a viable way to make sure federal legislators are aware that the sector is watching the debate and needs equivalent support as small business.

If you would like a copy of the letter please contact Elisabeth Gehl at elisabeth@lano.org.

Advocate and Engster Show Cover LANO Annual Conference

2009-10-22T19:46:00.007-05:00

Popular Baton Rouge radio journalist Jim Engster interviewed LANO VP of Public Policy, Dr. Alison Neustrom, on Monday, Oct. 19, prior to Tuesday's conference start. Neustrom spoke about the benefits of professional development and information sharing among nonprofits in tough financial times.

Click here to listen to the interview. [Neustrom was the second guest of the show.]

On Wednesday, Oct. 21, Baton Rouge newspaper The Advocate Capital News Bureau reporter Sarah Chacko attended several conference sessions and the keynote address by Geoffrey Canada, founder of the Harlem Children's Zone.

From Chacko's story:

"Nonprofit organizations in the state have to start taking action to help Louisiana’s children in the absence of government support, the leader of an organization that helped transform a New York City neighborhood said Wednesday.

"Geoffrey Canada, president of the Harlem Children’s Zone, said he used to think there was a plan to save America’s children from poverty and poor education.

“'There is no plan,' he told more than 450 nonprofit leaders and employees. 'If Louisiana’s children are going to be saved, you are going to have to do it.'”

Read the full story here.

More news and photos from the 2009 Annual Conference to be posted soon.

Nov. 1st Deadline for State Funding Requests

2009-10-16T15:38:00.010-05:00

If your organization plans to ask your Legislators for an appropriation in HB 1 (General Appropriations Bill) in the 2010 Legislative Session, you need to enter your request information on the Legislative website by November 1st.

This primarily refers to the appropriations which are included in the “State Aid to Local Government” section of HB 1, but it also applies to line item appropriations that might appear in various State Department sections of the Bill.

If you miss the November 1st deadline, there will still be an opportunity to submit your request information for approval, but the process will be more complicated.

Questions: Please email Senate Finance Committee at: ngodatabase@legis.state.la.us

Date Set for LANO Streamlining Testimony

2009-10-16T08:42:00.004-05:00

BATON ROUGE—On Friday, October 23, at 2:00pm, LANO President and CEO Ann S. Williamson will testify before the Outsourcing, Privatization and Risk-Management Advisory Group of the State Commission on Streamlining Government.

The group will convene at the Lafayette Consolidated Government Building, 705 W. University Avenue, in the 2nd floor executive conference room.

The Advisory Group includes: Chairman Roy O. Martin, and members Brett F. Geymann, Bill Fenstermaker, David R. Perry, and Raymond A. Peters.

Williamson’s testimony will include an overview of the nonprofit sector’s role in providing efficient, effective human services to Louisiana citizens, and how the Commission’s recommendations might impact nonprofits’ continued viability.

Click here for more on LANO's planned speaking points.

RELATED: The Commission on Streamlining Government, through its chairman, Senator Jack Donahue, is seeking input in ways to decrease expenditures in Louisiana state government. They request your assistance by offering suggestions through this online form. Prompt action is urged as the Commission must determine, compile, and submit its report by December 15th.

Conference Features an Outstanding Public Policy Track

2009-10-15T10:00:00.002-05:00

In Louisiana, perhaps more than any other state, nonprofits are a major component in the network of services our citizens rely on. Close coordination between nonprofit organizations and the state is critically important.

The 2009 Louisiana Nonprofit Conference connects you with the policy and advocacy knowledge and resources you need for success. This year, we've got an outstanding slate of sessions on policy and advocacy:

From Concept to Statute: the Ins and Outs of Creating Legislation
Advocacy 101
Leading Poverty Reduction Strategies
Nonprofits Count! 2010 Census Campaign
Taking Your Advocacy Online
State Budget Policy and Outreach
Serve America Act: Expanding Opportunities for Nonprofits
Partnering with Public Officials to Get Your Organization/Industry What It Needs

This year, we're also featuring a Public Policy Plenary discussing the opportunities and challenges for the nonprofit sector during Louisiana's tough financial times. Our expert panel includes:

Barry Erwin (CABL)
Sen. Lydia Jackson (District 39)
Monique Marino (CAUW)
Stephen Waquespack, Office of Governor Jindal

The LANO Conference is the largest gathering of nonprofit leaders, staff, funders and experts in Louisiana. Take advantage of this phenomenal resource to gain the knowledge, skills and connections your organization needs to thrive.

Save up to $195: register by Friday, 10/16!

Edward Ashworth to Lead Louisiana Budget Project

2009-10-15T06:46:00.005-05:00

BATON ROUGE—The Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations (LANO) announces the appointment of Edward Ashworth as Director of the Louisiana Budget Project, a LANO initiative that monitors and reports on state government spending.

Ashworth, former Undersecretary of the Department of Social Services, past Executive Director of the Southern Poverty Law Center and original CEO of the Louisiana Technology Park, has substantial experience in public policy, public/private partnerships, and administration. He will begin as Louisiana Budget Project Director on November 3, 2009.

According to LANO President and CEO Ann S. Williamson, Ashworth’s knowledge and experience in state government and private enterprise will be invaluable to the mission of the Louisiana Budget Project and to the nonprofit sector at large. Said Williamson, “The Louisiana Budget Project’s focus on state spending and its impact on low-income families complements Eddie’s long commitment to public service and social justice.”

Ashworth was the President and CEO of the Research Park Corporation, a public nonprofit corporation established by the state of Louisiana to promote the development of high technology industries and successful public/private partnerships. Under his leadership, the Research Park Corporation developed the Louisiana Technology Park and lead the redevelopment of former Bon Marché Mall into the Bon Carré Business Center.

Prior to leading the Technology Park, Ashworth served eight years with the Southern Poverty Law Center, including four years as Executive Director. The nonprofit Southern Poverty Law Center is dedicated to defending the civil rights of racial and ethnic minorities in the United States.

Ashworth left the Technology Park to serve as Undersecretary of the Louisiana Department of Social Services in 2008. Most recently, Ashworth was President of Strategic Planning for Sides & Associates of Lafayette, LA, serving a variety of government and private interests.

Ashworth holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Alabama and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Birmingham-Southern College.

The Louisiana Budget Project (LBP) has been in operation since 2006. LBP monitors and reports on state government spending and how it affects Louisiana’s low-to-moderate-income families.
Describing the work of the LBP, LANO Vice President for Public Policy, Dr. Alison Neustrom said, “The lives of Louisianans can be improved through a deeper understanding of the state budget and by looking at the big picture of how government spending impacts citizens.”

The LBP encourages citizens to be vocal about budget issues that are important to them. It is committed to providing insight and leadership that inform the policy debate.

President Obama's Visit to New Orleans

2009-10-14T13:49:00.012-05:00

Today President Obama will visit New Orleans to assess the ongoing recovery efforts from the 2005 hurricanes. His trip will include a town hall meeting at the University of New Orleans and a visit to the Martin Luther King Jr. Charter School in the Lower 9th Ward.

LANO applauds the President’s visit and expects his administration will gain a better understanding of what has been completed, and what challenges still face the city and its citizens. We hope the President sees firsthand what needs to be done in New Orleans and moves accordingly so that the city will have a full and just recovery.

During his trip, the President will be exposed to the momentous work accomplished by nonprofits over the past four years. The role of our sector has been vital to helping individuals and families restore their lives. Nonprofits have been a bright spot of the recovery by taking on a host of challenges, including rebuilding affordable housing, addressing the mental health of citizens, improving the environment and attending to the welfare of our children. And yet nonprofits cannot do this work alone. It must be in partnership with the federal government.

LANO plans to continue working with the Administration and Congress to make sure that the federal government’s commitment to the region is followed through and policies are made that will help all citizens rebuild.

Welcome to New Orleans, Mr. President!

One-Stop-Shop for Fund Development Success

2009-10-14T09:04:00.002-05:00

LANO has teamed up with the Association of Fundraising Professional (AFP) to bring you an amazing one-stop-shop for fund development success. The 2009 Louisiana Nonprofit Conference connects you with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed in these difficult times.

Fundraising 101
Mission-Driven Planning for Resource Development
From Mission to Money: Developing Winning Grants for Faith-Based and Community-Based Organizations
How to Ask for a Major Gift
Prospect Research: No Time and No Money
Funding Challenges for Small - Midsize Organizations
Establishing an Annual Giving Program with a Vision for Long-Term Stability

Senate Finance Committee Passes Health Care Reform Bill

2009-10-13T14:11:00.012-05:00

Today the Senate Finance Committee passed its health care reform bill out of committee. The approved legislation includes an important amendment for nonprofits.

The amendment would extend the small business tax credit provision to include 501c3 tax exempt nonprofit organizations. Specifically, the tax credit would allow charitable organizations with 25 or fewer employees to be eligible to apply the tax credit against the organization's payroll taxes withheld from its employees. Nonprofits would be eligible for a 25% credit from 2011-2013 and a 35% credit in 2013 to help them provide quality, affordable health insurance to their workers.

This amendment is a viable way for Congress to support nonprofit employers and their ability to afford health care. It is promising that this amendment has passed the Senate Finance Committee however it is only included in this particular bill.

Therefore further advocacy is needed so that similar language is incorporated in the final Senate and House bills. Please stay tuned on ways you can take action to make your voice heard on the issue of health care reform.

To learn more about how nonprofits fit into health care reform please visit LANO's policy brief on our website.

Conference Early-Bird Registration Extended; Save up to $195

2009-10-12T13:37:00.003-05:00

Today’s economy makes the tough job of leading a nonprofit organization even more of a challenge.

We've heard your concerns and want to make it as easy as possible for you to join us at this year's conference. We're extending early-bird registration through this Friday, October 16th!

By keeping our registration fee low, we're helping Louisiana's nonprofits access the knowledge and resources they need to succeed in these difficult times.

Mission: Possible, will help nonprofits of every size and mission turn efficiency into effectiveness, with new knowledge, skills and networking opportunities.

LANO's Annual Conference is the largest gathering of nonprofit leaders, staff, funders and experts in Louisiana. Take advantage of this phenomenal resource to gain the knowledge, skills and connections your organization needs to thrive.

Save up to $195 vs. on-site: Register by Friday!

Don't miss the nonprofit event of the year!

White House Briefings for Nonprofits Regarding H1N1 Virus

2009-10-07T14:31:00.011-05:00

To give you the most up to date information about the H1N1 virus as it pertains to different populations, the White House Office of Public Engagement has extended an invitation for you to participate in informational conference calls on Thursday October 8 and Friday October 9.

Please feel free to join any of the calls. Topics will include prevention, the importance of vaccination, vaccine safety and availability. The calls will include presentations by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Also, the National Council of Nonprofits has developed a Flu Toolkit for nonprofits. This free resource for nonprofits was developed largely from materials prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The following are the dates and times for the various calls:

THURSDAY, October 8

11:00a Eastern Time H1N1, Pregnant Women and Maternal Health
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 553-0327
Title: Maternal Health H1N1 Call *Provide in lieu of passcode*

1:00p Eastern Time General H1N1 Outreach Call with Organizations of Any Background
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 230-1085
Title: H1N1 Briefing *Provide in lieu of passcode*

1:45p Eastern Time H1N1 and Children Under 5 and Children with High-Risk Conditions
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 288-8961
Title: Children H1N1 *Provide in lieu of passcode*

2:00p Eastern Time H1N1 and Persons with Cancer and non-HIV Immunosuppressive Conditions
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 230-1096
Title: Cancer H1N1 Call *Provide in lieu of passcode*

2:00p Eastern Time H1N1 and African Americans
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 288-8960
Title: African American H1N1 Call *Provide in lieu of passcode*

7:00p Eastern Time H1N1 and Pacific Islanders
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 230-1059
Title: Pacific Islanders H1N1 Call *Provide in lieu of passcode*

FRIDAY, October 9

11:00a Eastern Time H1N1 and Persons with HIV/AIDS
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 288-8961
Title: HIV\AIDS H1N1 Call *Provide in lieu of passcode*

12:00p Eastern Time H1N1 and Persons with Cardiovascular Disease
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 230-1951
Title: Cardiovascular H1N1 Call*Provide in lieu of passcode*

1:00p Eastern Time H1N1 and Persons with Diabetes
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 230-1085
Title: Diabetes H1N1 *Provide in lieu of passcode*

1:00p Eastern Time H1N1 and Persons with Asthma
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 230-1074
Title: Asthma H1N1 Call *Provide in lieu of passcode*

2:00p Eastern Time H1N1 and Persons with Disabilities
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 230-1951
Title: Disabilities H1N1 Call *Provide in lieu of passcode*

2:00p Eastern Time H1N1 and Immigrants and non-English speakers (and including Latino and Asian organizations)
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 230-1096
Title: Immigrants\Non English Speaking H1N1 *Provide in lieu of passcode*

LANO Statewide Tour Enters Second Week with Momentum

2009-10-05T08:03:00.012-05:00

Collaboration, Accountability, and Results Stressed for Nonprofit Sector at Baton Rouge and Lafayette Meetings

BATON ROUGE—The Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations (LANO) kicked off two weeks of statewide member meetings on September 29 and 30 at the Louisiana Housing Finance Agency in Baton Rouge and at the Woman’s Foundation in Lafayette. Four more meetings will take place this week in New Orleans, Shreveport, Monroe and Alexandria.*

[See initial release: LANO Fall Membership Meetings]

The meetings are designed to present and discuss results of a 2009 survey of 312 state nonprofits, conducted by LANO with support from Capital One Bank. The survey report (available for download at www.LANO.org/downturn) offers a snapshot of the nonprofit sector’s current fiscal health in a tight economy and predicts sector trends for 2010.

Panels of local funding agency representatives and state elected officials were on hand in Baton Rouge and Lafayette to provide a funders’ perspective on the needs of the Louisiana nonprofit sector. Similar expert panels will be convened at each of the tour’s remaining meetings.

Following introductions to the Nonprofit Fiscal Health Survey by Capital One Vice Presidents Cheri Ausberry and Mike Wack, LANO Vice President of Programs Kellie Chavez Greene walked audiences through a slide presentation using report data to highlight state nonprofits’ scope, funding sources and fiscal trends.

According to Greene, Louisiana’s nonprofits pursue an array of missions representing at least 26 distinct categories, of which more than half include important human services like employment and housing assistance, and broad social benefits such as environmental protection and community improvement.

While the state nonprofit sector maintains a diverse funding portfolio, it has suffered an average 11.5% decline in revenue from all sources in 2009. Statewide, only about a third of nonprofit revenue is self-generated, leaving organizations’ effectiveness vulnerable to shrinking pools of grant and donor funds.

In remarks on the presented data, panel participants agreed that state and private funds are at critical lows and will not likely increase before 2012. Panelists stressed that nonprofit viability depends on organizations' willingness to collaborate in meaningful ways and provide investors with tangible, documented results.

State Representative Patricia Haynes Smith (District 67), speaking at the Baton Rouge meeting, noted that the current state budget is supported by federal stimulus dollars set to expire in two years. As these funds are exhausted, state grants, contracts and line-item support for nonprofits will further constrict and, she warned, some smaller nonprofits may have “no chance” at state dollars.

Smith urged compatible nonprofits to better their chances now and in the future by forming effective collaborations and keeping reliable data sets to demonstrate their progress and results.

Speaking at the Lafayette meeting, State Senator Michael J. “Mike” Michot (District 23), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance and a member of the State Commission on Streamlining Government, reported that a recommendation presented to the streamlining commission would limit line-item support for nonprofits if adopted. Michot stressed that whatever steps are finally implemented, state funds will continue to be tight for the foreseeable future. He echoed Rep. Smith’s call for greater cooperation and accountability for the nonprofit sector.

Michelle Robinson of Capital Area United Way and Sarah Berthelot of United Way of Acadiana represented the prominent national charity at last weeks’ two meetings. Both advised nonprofits to sharpen their focus and to measure and demonstrate their impacts on communities they serve. Now more than ever, said Robinson, it is important that “nonprofits know what business they’re in,” and that they treat their services as valuable products.

Speaking on behalf of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation (BRAF), Director of Partnership Relations Gerri Hobdy praised LANO as “a wonderful partner and representative” of Louisiana’s nonprofit sector, citing its ability to connect organizations and facilitate joint projects.

Hobdy suggested that nonprofits seeking support from foundations like BRAF “establish collaborations first” to provide a “uniform front” to granting agencies. She implored the sector to move beyond territorial tendencies that only diminish its effectiveness and investor interest.

In concluding remarks, LANO President and CEO Ann Silverberg Williamson described the nonprofit sector as unique among societal institutions in its pursuit of “good for its own sake.” She spoke of charity as nonprofits’ defining virtue and as the “essential profit motive for an industry whose product is the greater good.”

Williamson listed among LANO’s chief contributions to the state nonprofit sector its ability to build members’ capacity through a valuable training curriculum, its administering of the Standards for Excellence certification program, and its timely tracking and analysis of policy changes that affect the entire sector.

This series of statewide LANO meetings is free and open to the public.

*REMAINING SCHEDULE OF LANO MEMBER MEETINGS

New Orleans: Tuesday, October 6: 9 am – 12 pm at the Ashe Cultural Arts Center, 1712 Oretha C Haley Blvd

Shreveport: Wednesday, October 7: 1 pm – 4 pm at LANO North, 2924 Knight Street, Suite 406

Monroe: Thursday, October 8: 1 pm – 4 pm at the Children’s Coalition of Northeast Louisiana, 1363 Louisville Avenue

Alexandria: Friday, October 9: 9 am – 12 pm at the Arts Council of Central Louisiana, 1101 4th Street, Classroom D

Census Workshop in Baton Rouge and Mini Grant Opportunity

2009-10-01T15:25:00.006-05:00

The Southern Coalition for Social Justice will hold a workshop on how nonprofits can help the U.S. Census Bureau achieve an accurate count in the 2010 Census, and mini-grant opportunities to help them do so.

Why We Count: 2010 Census Outreach
Wednesday, October 7, 2009, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Baton Rouge Area Foundation, 402 N 4th St, Baton Rouge, LA‎

The Coaliton is offering mini grants of up to $3000 to organizations in Louisiana who:

work with low-income people
people of color
tenants
migrant workers
homeless
others at risk of undercount

RSVP to Allison Riggs at allison@southerncoalition.org or (352) 246-8673 so that lunch accomodations can be made.

LANO Chief Ann S. Williamson to Address Streamlining Commission

2009-09-23T15:16:00.009-05:00

BATON ROUGE — LANO President and CEO Ann S. Williamson will address the State Commission on Streamlining Government in an upcoming October meeting.

Williamson will testify before the Commission’s Outsourcing, Privatization and Risk-Management Advisory Group, chaired by Alexandria business executive Roy O. Martin III.

Williamson’s testimony will include an overview of the nonprofit sector’s role in providing efficient, effective human services to Louisiana citizens, and how the Commission’s recommendations might impact nonprofits’ continued viability.

Specifically, she will:

Describe ongoing successful partnerships between state government and Louisiana nonprofit organizations
Explain unique sector efficiencies, values and infrastructure that allow nonprofits to conduct important services at low cost

Detail LANO’s role in administering the Standards for Excellence certification and how this nationwide program promotes sector accountability

Relate how other states achieve maximum return on investment by partnering with the nonprofit sector

Describe the growing role nonprofits serve for citizens at risk of falling through cracks in medical, housing, employment and human services assistance

Suggest practical, common-sense improvements to current government and nonprofit relations that will improve services and reduce costs

Commission Overview

The Commission on Streamlining Government was launched by Executive Order on April 24, 2009. The order passed into law during the 2009 Regular Legislative Session with
Senate Bill 261 (Act 491). The ultimate goal of the streamlining commission is to make Louisiana state government more efficient and cost-effective.

Specifically, the commission’s charge is to “examine each governmental agency's constitutional and statutory activities, functions, programs, services, powers, duties, and responsibilities to determine which of these can be eliminated, streamlined, consolidated, privatized, or outsourced in an effort to reduce the size of state government.”

The Commission will make recommendations to reduce the cost of state government and improve the delivery of services to citizens. It must submit an initial report to the Governor and the Legislature by December 15, 2009, and its final recommendations to the Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee and the House and Governmental Affairs Committee by January 4, 2010.

The 10-member, cross-sectoral commission includes representatives from the Louisiana State Legislature, the Division of Administration, the State Treasurer’s Office and private enterprise. Five advisory committees have been established: Efficiency and Benchmarking; Outsourcing, Privatization and Risk Management; Information Technology Integration; Elimination of Duplicative and Non-Essential Services; Civil Service and Employee Benefits.

Commission on the Road

Transparency and citizen participation are critical components in the streamlining effort. To aid public awareness and input, the Commission has announced a statewide Listening Tour, September 28 – October 1, 2009. Dates, times and locations are as follows:

Monday, September 28th 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Monroe

Tuesday, September 29th 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Shreveport

Tuesday, September 29th 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Alexandria

Wednesday, September 30th 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Lake Charles

Thursday, October 1st 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Jefferson Parish (Eastbank)

All Listening Tour meetings will be held in respective City Council chambers, with the Jefferson Parish meeting to be held at the Eastbank location.

LANO encourages all member organizations and interested individuals to attend the nearest meetings and to engage Commission members with examples of successful public-private ventures, particularly those from the nonprofit sector. LANO suggests its members submit results-oriented and data-based descriptions of how their organization can contribute positively to the State’s streamlining effort.

To learn more about the Louisiana Commission on Streamlining Government, and to submit your comments, visit the Commission website at http://senate.legis.state.la.us/streamline/.

LANO Fall Membership Meetings

2009-09-23T07:55:00.011-05:00

A Six City Tour
Featuring the Louisiana Nonprofit Fiscal Health Survey,
Expert Panels and Nonprofit Success Strategies

How does the economic climate affect Louisiana’s nonprofit sector? See the results of a new survey by LANO and Capital One Bank that charts the impact of the economic downturn on state nonprofits and gauges trends for the coming year.

Discuss with LANO leadership, local policymakers and funding representatives how organizations like yours can make the most of available resources, and why collaboration is key to growth in tough financial times.

Hear and help shape LANO’s goals for the nonprofit sector with President and CEO Ann Silverberg Williamson.

SCHEDULE OF TOUR VENUES:

Baton Rouge: Tuesday, September 29: 9 am – 12 pm at the Louisiana Housing Finance Agency, 2415 Quail Drive

Lafayette: Wednesday, September 30: 9 am – 12 pm at the Woman’s Foundation, 4630 Ambassador Caffery Parkway

New Orleans: Tuesday, October 6: 9 am – 12 pm at the Ashe Cultural Arts Center, 1712 Oretha C Haley Blvd

Shreveport: Wednesday, October 7: 1 pm – 4 pm at LANO North, 2924 Knight Street, Suite 406

Monroe: Thursday, October 8: 1 pm – 4 pm at the Children’s Coalition of Northeast Louisiana, 1363 Louisville Avenue

Alexandria: Friday, October 9: 9 am – 12 pm at the Arts Council of Central Louisiana, 1101 4th Street, Classroom D

Join us! Tell a friend! Please call or email with your intent to attend.

Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations

8281 Goodwood Blvd, Suite A Baton Rouge, LA, 70806

p: (225) 929-LANO (929-5266)

contact: matthewmullenix@lano.org