LANO's Louisiana Nonprofits Blog

Bargain Furniture in New Orleans

2011-04-14T10:59:00.016-05:00

LANO New Orleans will be moving to new furnished offices, and we’ve got lots of sturdy equipment and furniture that might interest organizations. These include: desks, chairs, filing cabinets, armoires, and a storage cabinet.

An inventory and price list follows as well as pictures of some of the items. Payment by cash or check. Buyers must move the furniture or equipment. For more information, contact Cory Sparks at corysparks@lano.org or 504.209.2081, ex. 315.

Furniture List

Armoire Burgundy 20D 33W 72H (2) $50
Wooden Cube End Tables (2) $20
Two Drawer Lateral Filing Cabinets Assorted Colors (5) $20
Three Drawer Lateral Filing Cabinet (Black) (1) $25
Two Drawer Vertical Filing Cabinets (Grey and Beige) (3) $10
Three Drawer Beige Vertical Filing Cabinet (3) $10
Storage Cabinet 12D 20W 50H (1) $50
Blue Reception Chairs (8) $20
48” x 76” Wooden Conference Table (1) $50
Burgundy Conference Room Chairs (8) $20
Beige Guest Chairs (2) $25
Burgundy Guest Chairs (5) $20
Black Mesh Executive Chairs (2) $20
Black and Burgundy Executive Chair (6) $20
Mauve Executive Chair (1) $20
Aqua Executive Chair (1) $20
Black Executive Chair (2) $25
Burgundy Executive Chair (4) $20
Blue Executive Chair (3) $20
48” Round Wooden Tables (3) $40
30”x60” Executive Desk (2) $50
36”x65”Executive Desk (1) $40
32”x 65” Executive Desk (1) $40
30”x 72” Executive Desk (1) $40
2 Shelf Book Case (2) $20
3 Shelf Book Case (2) $20
6’ Molded Plastic Folding Tables (7) $25
8’ Molded Plastic Folding Tables (5) $25

A Letter from LANO President & CEO, Ann S. Williamson

2011-03-16T12:35:00.000-05:00

Dear LANO Friends and Supporters,

We are pleased to share news of an important development in LANO’s continuing work to improve accountability and raise the standard of excellence for Louisiana’s nonprofit sector.

As you know, nonprofits are essential to the vitality of communities, and public confidence is essential to the success of the nonprofit sector. High performing nonprofits that attain this confidence are those that effectively demonstrate sound management principles and business practices.

Leading the way, along with only a few state nonprofit associations, LANO implemented the Louisiana Standards for Excellence certification program ten years ago. We congratulate the achievements and dedication of our 55 seal holders, as they demonstrate excellence in nonprofit management and accountability.

After a comprehensive evaluation, LANO is redeveloping an approach to leadership in nonprofit excellence and will no longer administer the Standards for Excellence® program.

All current and prospective Seal holders will have the opportunity to continue their display of the Seal of Excellence and participate in this program through its originator, the National Standards for Excellence Institute.

This month we launch a planning process with a diverse advisory task force, engaging representatives from currently certified nonprofits, experts in nonprofit management and governance, and key stakeholders in the foundation, public and private sectors. The purpose of the task force is to develop a path to distinction and excellence for Louisiana nonprofits.

As a top strategic priority for LANO and our Board in 2011, we are excited to develop this core set of accountability principles and management practices while providing leadership, service and tools to Louisiana nonprofits that ensure excellence and sustainability. We believe that given the right tools and training, all Louisiana nonprofits can attain the public’s confidence and support.

We invite your input and feedback as we engage in this process. If you have questions, comments or suggestions, we welcome your calls and emails to Kellie Chavez Greene at 504.309.2081 ext. 316 or via email at kelliegreene@lano.org. Thank you for your collaboration and support.

Best regards,

Ann Silverberg Williamson
President & CEO
Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations (LANO)

2011 Public Policy Institute Agenda Set

2011-03-15T07:03:00.001-05:00

It's getting close!

WHAT: LANO's 2011 Public Policy Institute
WHEN: April 6-7
WHERE: The Louisiana State Museum, Downtown Baton Rouge

Just three weeks until we gather for this year's Public Policy Institute in Baton Rouge!

Download the agenda at right to learn about the sessions, speakers, panelists and full schedule of this intensive policy and advocacy institute.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Merchants Working for a Stronger Gentilly

2011-03-03T15:12:00.019-06:00

Tommye Myrick (l) David Baker (c) and Phyllis Johnson (r)

When Tommye Myrick and Phyllis Johnson bought the building on Franklin Avenue in New Orleans, it was knocked lopsided by the waters of Katrina. They turned it into The JuJu Bag Cafe, one of the first businesses to open in that part of Gentilly. Residents living in nearby trailers came to enjoy coffee and wireless service while they rebuilt. Over the years the JuJu Bag has remained a gathering place, holding community events, book signings, and live jazz in the rear courtyard shown above.

In recent months, The JuJu Bag has hosted two meetings of an emerging merchants association that is working to strengthen the rebuilding Gentilly area. Gentilly is a vibrant part of New Orleans with more than twenty neighborhoods, four universities and three commercial thoroughfares. Unfortunately, business development has lagged residential recovery in the area. Gentilly is seriously underserved in its retail needs.

The merchants association is the vision of David Baker, Web and Associate Editor for the Louisiana Weekly newspaper. The Weekly and the JuJu Bag are business members of the organizing group, along with NOYO Designs, Chinese Tea Garden, Sweet Savors Bakery, Merlin’s Place, and Gentilly Vision Source, among others.

Capital One Bank has provided funds to LANO to support the development of the merchants association. The goal is to create a best-in-class group that will make a measurable difference in Gentilly.

The association will promote business retention, increase the diversity of stores, and decrease the volume of blight and vacant commercial property. All of these efforts will help to keep more revenue circulating within the community. Working with elected officials and neighborhood associations, the businesses will play a critical part in promoting a more prosperous community.

For more information about this project, ways to create an association like it in your area, or nonprofit start up tools, contact Dr. Cory Sparks, Director of LANO New Orleans.

DHH Seeking Nonprofit and Community Partners in Medicaid Applications

2011-02-25T14:10:00.000-06:00

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals / Medicaid is actively recruiting new Medicaid Application Centers. The purpose of these centers is to assist individuals and families with the Medicaid application process. This includes submission of applications to the local Medicaid office via fax, mail or electronically through a web-based online application.

Centers are compensated $14.00 for each complete application that is submitted on behalf of a potential Medicaid client. This opportunity is open to community-based organizations, medical clinics, non-profit organizations, faith-based organizations and other community groups.

For more information on the process for becoming a Medicaid Application Center, please contact Shakeysha Johnson at (225) 342-0462 or via e-mail at Shakeysha.johnson@la.gov.

Member Offers Patient Centered Medical Workshop

2011-02-16T15:13:00.001-06:00

LANO member the Louisiana Primary Care Association, and the Louisiana Health Care Quality Forum present the NCQA Workshop: "HOW DO WE ACHIEVE PATIENT CENTERED MEDICAL HOME(PCMH) RECOGNITION?"

Dates: March 9th and 10th— 8:00am-5:00pm

Location: Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center, 201 Lafayette Street, Baton Rouge, LA (limited space available)

Participants can expect the following training:

Standards on how to achieve Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) recognition
1/2 Day training on crosswalk between PCMH AND Meaningful Use
Provide a roadmap to improve outcomes and the experience of care for patients and Clinicians
How to better plan, manage and coordinate care for patients
Last opportunity to be trained under 2008 standards, which are good for 3 years

Price: $200.00

For More Information or to register please contact:

Tonya Hollins
225-927-7662 Ext. 205
thollins@lpca.net

Nonprofit Lobbying: File the 501(h) Election!

2011-02-15T15:31:00.005-06:00

Have you ever heard, "We can’t do that -- nonprofits can’t lobby!"
That is incorrect - and a myth that we hear all too frequently at state and national level. The National Council of Nonprofits has written an easy-to-read guide that provides nonprofits, board members, and the public with the legal basis for why charitable nonprofits can engage in advocacy. Read more about nonprofit advocacy- it’s legal, it’s needed, and it’s easy.

Most Nonprofit Public Charities that do any amount of lobbying should file IRS form 501(h). Here's why:
By filing one simple form, IRS Form 5768, a charitable nonprofit can protect itself from penalties for engaging in "too much" lobbying. (Charitable nonprofits can lobby; read why lobbying is legal.) A charitable nonprofit can only spend an insubstantial amount of its activities on lobbying. But there is a hazy ill-defined line between what "activities" are considered "substantial" and which are "insubstantial."

By filing IRS Form 5768 (also referred to as "taking the 501(h) election") instead of being judged by the uncertain “substantial part” test that evaluates undefined "activities" -- your nonprofit will have the added protection of being evaluated with a more specific test called the “expenditure” test that offers a bright line based on how much money the nonprofit spends on its lobbying activities. Read all about the advantages of taking the 501(h) election on the National Council’s website.

**Note: Private foundations, churches, and integrated auxiliaries of churches are not permitted to file the 501(h) election.

TOPS a Struggle for Those At Bottom

2011-02-09T13:25:00.001-06:00

Report finds the popular state scholarship program benefits most those who need it least; recommends policy changes to TOPS and full funding for needs-based Go Grant scholarships

A new report by the Louisiana Budget Project takes a close look at the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students, or TOPS, which provides tuition assistance to Louisiana residents seeking higher education at state schools.

The report [download full report here] concludes the popular scholarship fund, having nearly tripled in size since 1998, has outgrown its intended purpose as an aid for economically disadvantaged scholars and become a de-facto entitlement for middle and upper-income students.

An evolution of the former Louisiana Honors Scholarship, TOPS is named for Louisiana businessman Patrick F. Taylor, whose guiding inspiration in 1988 was that access to college education be “based on the ability to learn, not the ability to pay.” In its original form, the Tuition Assistance Plan, or TAP, was restricted to low- and moderate-income students who met academic requirements including a GPA of 2.5.

Legislative changes in 1997 removed the mandated family income cap of $35,000, thus opening the scholarship fund to all academically qualifying students regardless of financial status. Since then, the taxpayer-funded program ballooned in cost from $54 million to $139 million and shifted its recipient base into the upper income brackets: Today 72 percent of all TOPS recipients come from families that make over $50,000 annually, and nearly 40 percent of TOPS scholars come from those with income over $100,000 a year.

According to analyst Tim Mathis of the Budget Project, which monitors state spending on behalf of Louisiana’s low- and moderate-income families: “This is a questionable allocation of scarce [public] resources in a state in which 56 percent of households make less than $50,000, while only 16 percent make more than $100,000.”

“It’s very discouraging,” said Budget Project Director Edward Ashworth. “What began as a helping hand to bright scholars of modest means has become more like a helping hand-out to kids who could probably pay their own way to school.”

To reduce the overall cost of TOPS and allow for greater needs-based scholarship support, the Budget Project report makes several recommendations, including a phased-in increase of academic requirements for TOPS, with a plan to funnel resulting cost savings into the under-funded Go Grant scholarship program.

For a complete list of Budget Project recommendations and more on the TOPS program in Louisiana, go to: www.labudget.org.

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IRS to Hold Workshops for Small and Mid-Sized Tax Exempt Organizations

2011-02-02T09:03:00.004-06:00

The Internal Revenue Service will hold three one-day workshops in New Orleans, Louisiana on March 1, 2, and 3 to help small and mid-sized tax-exempt organizations along the Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coast comply with their tax obligations and maintain their tax-exempt status. The workshops are designed for board members, officers, volunteers and staff of these organizations and for the tax preparers and stakeholders who work with them.

IRS revenue agents and tax law specialists, experienced with tax-exempt organizations, will lead the workshops which will cover the “nuts and bolts” of tax compliance for exempt organizations. Workshop topics include an in-depth discussion of activities that can jeopardize 501(c)(3) status, unrelated business income, gaming and employment issues. Particular emphasis will be given to explaining the revised Form 990 and 990-EZ annual information returns that tax-exempt organizations submit to the IRS.

The workshops will be held at the Doubletree Hotel New Orleans Airport, 2150 Veterans Memorial Blvd. in Kenner, LA. The workshop cost is $45 per person and includes a handbook and relevant IRS forms and publications. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, go to the Charities and Nonprofits page on the IRS Web site at www.irs.gov/eo and click the “Calendar of Events” link. Information and registration is also available by calling Events by Design, Inc, IRS’s registration services provider, at 800-521-3980 or 703-579-1496.

LANO Writes Testimony in Response to Senate Subcommittee Hearing on the Oil Spill

2011-01-26T11:34:00.011-06:00

The Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations (LANO) has submitted written testimony to the Senate Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Disaster Recovery to supplement today’s hearing titled, “Gulf Coast Recovery—An Examination of Claims Administration and Social Services in the Aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill”.

The purpose of the hearing was to evaluate recovery from the oil spill by reviewing progress made and challenges that remain for oil spill claims as well as nonprofit social service providers. To view a list of witnesses and read their testimony, please visit the Senate website.

At the request of the Subcommittee, LANO provided a comprehensive report to outline how nonprofits have fared since the oil spill disaster, their inability to secure a Gulf Coast Claims Facility claim award, and the overall financial needs that still exist within the sector.

The goal of LANO’s testimony was to make sure that federal policymakers understand the valuable services implemented by the sector in response to the oil spill; to outline the various financial challenges that still remain to reimburse and support nonprofit work over the long-term; and to provide our policy recommendations moving forward.

As summarized in LANO testimony, “The aftermath of the oil spill has been hard financially for the nonprofit sector and impacted the revenue stream of many organizations. Today, nonprofits are being asked to provide more services with less than adequate funding and this will not be sustainable over the long-term. In order to effectively move our sector forward we need sufficient financial support and established partnerships with all primary stakeholders in this disaster including BP, GCCF, and federal, state and local policymakers.”

Grantwriting Workshop Available in Baton Rouge

2011-01-21T16:04:00.000-06:00

LANO member Alzheimer's Services of the Capital Area will be hosting The Grantsmanship Training Program, conducted by The Grantsmanship Center Institute on January 31 to February 4, 2011.

Spaces remain open. To register, go to www.tgci.com.

For more information, contact Dawn Skeperdas at dawn@tgci.com or 800-421-9512, or 213-482-9860

10,000 Small Businesses (Including Nonprofits)

2011-01-14T12:13:00.008-06:00

Delgado Community College has partnered with the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses initiative to help small businesses and nonprofits in the Greater New Orleans area to grow and create jobs. The initiative will enable these organizations to access a dynamic combination of coursework, business advising, and other services that will help them grow their firms.

To qualify businesses or nonprofits must generally meet the following criteria:

• Business revenues between $150,000 and $4 million in the most recent fiscal year;
• At least four employees (including yourself);
• Business has been in operation for at least two years; and
• The potential and desire to grow and create jobs in the community.

Through the support of the Goldman Sachs Foundation, business owners selected by Delgado to participate in 10,000 Small Businesses will receive a full scholarship covering the cost of tuition and program materials.

Program scholars will:

• Participate in an intensive 80-100 hour entrepreneurship training program that examines business fundamentals through the lens of the participants’ actual business experiences;
• Develop a highly practical and implementable Growth Plan to identify and seize new business opportunities and hire new employees; and
• Receive technical assistance and business advice while synthesizing classroom learnings and implementing a business Growth Plan.

Delgado is still accepting applications on a rolling admissions basis, with priority being on a first come first serve basis. For more information, visit the Delgado Community College website.

Free Advocacy Training Opportunity in Baton Rouge

2011-01-13T07:53:00.002-06:00

EVENT DATE & TIME: January 20th, 9:30am - 12:00pm
LOCATION: Louisiana State Museum, 660 N. 4th St., Baton Rouge, LA
TO REGISTER: http://nfpcelebration.eventbrite.com/

On January 20, award-winning Pew Center on the States communications manager Margie Newman will present strategies and interactive exercises to help arm you with the data, know-how and confidence necessary to successfully engage policy makers, the public and media in general, and more specifically, about early childhood issues and home visiting.

This training will also include a brief presentation by Berkley Durbin, J.D. on the Louisiana state budgeting process to inform advocates of key points in the process when decisions are made and when advocates can have the most impact.

The training is free, but registration is required. Please register by Tuesday, Jan. 18th:
http://nfpcelebration.eventbrite.com/

LANO encourages all nonprofits to be active in policy debates that affect your communities, your sector, and the people you serve. Please take advantage of this opportunity to hone your skills!

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There will be a luncheon in celebration of the Nurse Family Partnership following the training. Individual tickets are $30 a person. If you are interested in attending, please register at http://nfpcelebration.eventbrite.com/no later than Tuesday, Jan. 18th.

Table sponsorships are available at $350 for a table that seats 8. If you are interested in sponsoring a table, please register online at http://nfpcelebration.eventbrite.com/ .

Office Furniture Donation Notice

2011-01-12T07:50:00.000-06:00

LANO Member Baton Rouge Green has several surplus file cabinets they would like to donate to the nonprofit community.

The cabinets will be given on a first-come, first-served basis, but the recipients must retrieve them. The cabinets are currently in both ground-level and elevated storage units; Baton Rouge Green can provide a handcart to assist with moving and loading pieces.

The cabinets available include:

5 Legal Cabinets – 4 drawers – no locks
1 Letter Cabinet – 4 drawers – no locks
1 Letter Cabinets – 2 drawers – no locks

Baton Rouge green is located at 448 N. 11th Street in Baton Rouge. Their phone number is 381-0037. Please contact Diane Losavio for more information.

Hope In Hard Times: A Year-end Message from LANO

2010-12-23T10:41:00.000-06:00

As we enjoy this special season of the year, fortunate to share our gifts and good company, we know that for many in Louisiana, harsh realities remain. More of us are out of work, and have been out of work longer, than in any time since the Great Depression. Many with jobs struggle to meet basic needs on ever-tighter family budgets. Planning for a brighter future is a gift too few can afford this year.

Click to download message in PDF

Louisiana’s nonprofit community knows from daily experience how these hard financial times affect local citizens and our own bottom lines. Resources are shrinking just as demand for service is on the rise. According to LANO’s 2010 Wages and Benefits survey, Louisiana nonprofits are cutting workforce, holding salaries stagnant, reducing benefits, and outsourcing essential business functions in significant numbers. This year LANO also tracked the effects of the oil spill disaster on coastal charities and documented widening gaps in staff and financial resources.

And yet we know there is reason for hope. As they do every year, nonprofits have responded in remarkable ways. As a sector we are more active, creative and vocal than ever. Many organizations have applied a vigorous entrepreneurial spirit to their charitable missions, working to fund and sustain diverse social, environmental, cultural and economic services. Many are reaching beyond traditional means of support, forming new partnerships with other nonprofits, community-minded businesses, local and state governments and a concerned public. The social network is expanding, and nonprofits are leading the way.

The economy, they say, is improving. Whatever the pace of recovery in the coming years, clear opportunities exist to promote nonprofit excellence through networking, strategic partnerships and collective representation. Shared nonprofit resources, information exchange and group purchasing will directly benefit our sector. It is critical too for nonprofits to stay informed and positioned to advocate and develop public policy solutions.

As your state association of nonprofits, LANO is committed to leveraging multi-sector partnerships and expanding access to resources you need. Together we can assure the short term and sustained vitality of Louisiana in this and every season.

All the best to you and your families, and a very Happy New Year from LANO!

LANO Issues December Public Policy Newsletter Today

2010-12-22T15:29:00.007-06:00

LANO issued its monthly Public Policy Newsletter today, which covers up-to-date information around state and federal policies that pertain to nonprofits and the clients they serve.

This month's newsletter covers three main topics: The Better Choices for a Better Louisiana coalition, 6 month follow up nonprofit needs re-assessment survey around the oil spill, and details about the recently signed into law tax cut bill entitled, "Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act".

To view a copy of the newsletter please visit LANO's website.

If you would like to receive LANO's Public Policy Newsletter each month please contact Elisabeth Gehl at elisabeth@lano.org.

LANO Releases Oil Spill Needs Re-assessment Data

2010-12-14T07:38:00.006-06:00

LANO’s initial Nonprofit Needs Assessment, conducted in June of 2010, demonstrated the immediate impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on nonprofits and the citizens they serve.

The results of a limited re-assessment, conducted in the fall of 2010 and released today, illustrate ongoing effects on nonprofits as reported by organizations from the parishes most affected by the spill.

[Download report here]

More than half of respondents reported a noticeable change in the number of clients and the kinds of services needed in response to the oil spill.

Of nonprofits experiencing an increase in demand for services, the most significant issues facing clients continued to be loss of job or income, followed by increased stress and mental health issues. Nonprofits also identified problems meeting mortgage, rent, or car payments as a significant or somewhat significant concern. Most nonprofits report that at least 10% of their clients continue to be impacted by the spill.

About half of respondents said that they still have insufficient resources to meet the demand of additional clients or increased service requests. Funding ranked highest in needed resources, followed by additional staffing.

Despite these problems, only a small minority of respondents report having un-reimbursed expenses related to the oil spill that can be documented. A larger percentage is not yet sure. Of those reporting expenses incurred, staff time was greatest.

LANO is working with the nonprofit sector in Louisiana to assist in filing claims for un-reimbursed expenses with the Gulf Coast Claims Facility (GCCF). Responses suggest that organizations may also need assistance identifying documentable expenses.

According to the LANO report, the post-oil spill situation presents opportunities to promote nonprofit stability through networking and strategic partnerships. The increased value of shared nonprofit services and savings will directly benefit the recovering communities. Nonprofits will benefit from financial support but also by leveraging multi-sector partnerships and volunteerism, working together to assure short term and sustained vitality.

Report from the Independent Sector Conference 2010

2010-11-18T17:37:00.000-06:00

After attending the Independent Sector 2010 annual conference, LANO President and CEO Ann S. Williamson prepared a brief report on topics discussed of potential interest and import to Louisiana nonprofits. Ann shared her experiences with a gathering of nonprofit and foundation professionals in the Shreveport area on October 26, 2010.

"While I had the honor to participate in one of the many panel discussions, I took the opportunity of the trip—along with 800 other attendees from across the country—to appreciate the unique content and impressive speakers this conference offers. I believe much of what was presented there is of crucial and immediate value to Louisiana’s nonprofits and the people we serve."

Key topics discussed included:

• Diversity and Nonprofits
• Effective Leadership
• Shaping the Future of the Nonprofit Sector
• “Couples Therapy” (on relations between foundations and nonprofit grantees)
• Disaster 201

Click here to download a complete copy of Ann's notes.

CALL FOR PRESENTERS: 2011 National Conference on Volunteering and Service

2010-11-10T14:56:00.001-06:00

The National Conference on Volunteering and Service is the largest gathering of service and volunteer sector champions in the country. Convened by the Points of Light Institute and the Corporation for National and Community Service, the conference highlights the power of nonprofit, philanthropic, government, faith-based and business sectors to meet community needs, solve urgent local and national problems, and support lifelong citizen service through civic engagement.

LANO is proud to serve on this year's conference Host Committee.

The Conference is now accepting proposals for workshops, immersion learning sessions and mini-presentations for the June 6-8, 2011 event in New Orleans, LA. Click here to submit a proposal.

Focus areas include:
• Education
• Economic Development and Opportunity
• Disaster
• Health and Wellness
• Youth
• Business
• Veterans and Military Families

Why Should You Submit a Proposal? If your proposal is accepted, you will have the opportunity to:

• Work with new audiences to help identify and meet community needs and effectively solve local problems, and help others by sharing your best practice.
• Share your personal insights and commitments to improving community conditions.
• Use new ideas and information to demonstrate more effective program and volunteer management.
• Provide a new voice in dialogues that will shape the future of service and volunteerism.
• Be part of a national movement!
• Build your network of service professionals and entrepreneurs.

Click here to submit a proposal.

For more information or to get on the mailing list for electronic updates, see the conference website.

The Women’s Philanthropy Network (WPN) Grant Opportunity

2010-11-09T09:27:00.006-06:00

The Women's Philanthropy Network (WPN) of The Community Foundation plans to award a grant, with the focus on education, in May 2011. The amount of the awarded grant will be $75,000 to $100,000. The WPN is particulary interested in programs that are aligned with the priorities and strategies of the recent RAND Gulf States Policy Institute publication Priorities for Investments in Children and Families in Caddo and Bossier Parishes. The report identified the following areas of need:

educational attainment: fourth and eighth grade math proficiency; high school graduate
child maltreatment: physical abuse; sexual abuse; neglect
infant health: preterm births; infant mortality

The full RAND report can be viewed online at http://www.nlacf.org/?page=CommunityStudies.

Additional areas of interest for the WPN include, but are not limited to, early childhood education, mentoring programs, and programs that enhance the educational attainment and parenting skills of teenage parents. Proposed prorams must include well-designed benchmarking and evaluation plans and must begin by June 1, 2011 and end by May 2012. Preference will be given to programs that address the needs of underserved populations and that demonstrate collaboration with other nonprofits, faith-based organizations or governmental entities.

Eligible applicants must:

be a 501(c)(3) organization
have been in existence for a minimum of three years
provide services in Caddo parish
file an annual Form 990 with the IRS
conduct an annual independent audit

Organizations interested in applying should submit a one-page letter that outlines the proposed program and expected outcomes no later than November 15, 2010 to:

The Women's Philanthropy Network
c/o The Community Foundation
401 Edwards Street, Suite 20
Shreveport, LA 71101

Organizations should also submit their most recent Form 990, audit, and the project budget form. This form can be found on the WPN website (www.twpn.org). If the proposed program is already in existence, provide data relative to the program's past outcomes and the metrics used to obtain those outcomes.

In December, the Women's Phiilanthropy Network Grants Committee will select several proposals for further research and review. Selected organizations will be asked to complete a full grant application. The top grant proposals will be presented to the WPN membership at a group's annual meeting that will be held in May 2011. The recipient of the grant award will be determined by a vote of the membership.

Call for Nominations, Heart in Hand Awards

2010-11-05T10:54:00.001-05:00

LANO member Manners of the Heart has announced the opening of nominations for the 2011 Heart in Hand Awards.

The Heart in Hand Awards honor outstanding individuals or groups who have impacted the hearts of children and adults by demonstrating humility, integrity, and respectfulness in all they do.

Nominations are encourage in the following four categories:
(A) Individual or group volunteers
(B) Classrooms or schools
(c) Organizations or businesses

Further information about the Heart in Hand awards and nomination criteria can be found by visiting, http://www.mannersoftheheart.org/ under the “News & Events” section. Winners will be chosen by a committee of past award winners and will be recognized at the Heart in Hand awards gala on Thursday, February 10, 2011 at the LSU Rural Life Museum, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The deadline for Heart in Hand Award nominations is Monday, November 15, 2010.

Nominations can be faxed, emailed, or mailed. Please fax your nomination to 225-383-3239, email Laura at info@mannersoftheheart.org with Heart in Hand Award Nomination in the subject line, or mail to:

Manners of the Heart
215 Royal Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802

About Manners of the Heart:
Manners of the Heart is a nonprofit organization based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, that is dedicated to providing heart education for homes, schools, and communities since 2001. Programs serve children and adults through professional instruction and application–level learning designed to strengthen morals, improve social and emotional skills, and increase respectfulness in society.

Oil Spill Claims Technical Assistance for Nonprofits

2010-11-02T11:32:00.004-05:00

Oil Spill Claims

Since the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster occurred in April, 2010 and throughout its aftermath, nonprofits have stepped up to respond to a wide range of community needs.

Like individuals and small businesses, nonprofits may have experienced a significant business interruption because of lost earnings and redirected their work efforts due to the oil spill disaster. Therefore nonprofits may want to consider filing an oil spill claim with the Gulf Coast Claims Facility (GCCF).

Nonprofit Technical Assistance

Since the claims process can be cumbersome and complicated, LANO has partnered with the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services to provide nonprofits with useful technical assistance around their claims application.

This includes providing nonprofits with one-on-one consultations free of charge about:

How the oil spill impact might be reflected in their organization’s financial documents; and
Sharing vital worksheets and best practices to help nonprofits file a claim.

Please keep in mind that while LANO can assist with your questions, we cannot file a claim for your organization.

Emergency Claims

Emergency claim applications are due November 23rd, and one of the benefits of filing an emergency claim is the potential for an advanced payment toward your losses in the near future.

Therefore LANO encourages you to act now because our technical assistance to help with your organization’s emergency claim application is available only for a limited time.

It is important to note that while GCCF has stated on its website that nonprofits can file claims as a type of small business, there is no guarantee a claim award will be given.

Get Assistance

If your nonprofit is interested in taking advantage of LANO’s technical assistance around your GCCF claims application, please contact Alison Neustrom at alisonneustrom@lano.org or 225-929-5266 x220 or Elisabeth Gehl at elisabethgehl@lano.org or 504-309-2081 x317

Join Better Choices for a Better Louisiana Today

2010-10-28T09:17:00.005-05:00

LANO and the Louisiana Budget Project (LBP) believe we need a balanced, transparent approach to solving Louisiana’s fiscal crisis rather than relying solely on cuts to services needed by working families. An approach based only on cutting education, human services, healthcare, and other vital services risks serious, long-term damage to the state and its people.

A cuts-only approach fails our families, harms our economy, and threatens our future. We’re for a balanced approach to solving this crisis. That’s why LANO and LBP have joined Better Choices for a Better Louisiana (BCBL), a broad based, growing group of organizations who care about our state.

If you believe we need a balanced, transparent approach to solving Louisiana’s fiscal crisis, join Better Choices for a Better Louisiana by filling out the membership form (link below) and advocate for responsible revenue measures, spending measures, and common sense savings for our state.

BCBL Membership Form
BCBL Guiding Principles
Louisiana Budget Project Reports and Resources

Contact Ashley Herad at Ashley@lano.org or (225) 929-5266 ext. 222 for more information and to join today!

*Eddie Ashworth, Director of the Louisiana Budget Project, would be happy to present further information to your Board or leadership about BCBL and why this movement is critical at this time in our state.

Reminder: Capital Outlay and HB1 Requests Due Monday, November 1!

2010-10-27T12:42:00.005-05:00

Capital Outlay

The November 1 deadline for submitting Capital Outlay Requests for next year’s budget is Monday.

If your nonprofit organization is interested in submitting a request, you must submit it now.

The application can be accessed and submitted on the eCourts website. Nonprofits submitting Capital Outlay Requests are required also to submit a NGO Supplemental Information/Disclosure form by accessing the NGO database on the legislative website.

HB 1: The State Budget

If your organization plans to ask a State Legislator for an appropriation in HB 1 (General Appropriations Bill) in the 2011 Legislative Session, you are also required to submit a NGO Supplemental Information/Disclosure form by accessing the NGO database on the legislative website.

LANO recommends submission of this form by November 1.

After this date, submissions will undergo a more procedurally complex review process by the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget. This applies not only to appropriations included in the “State Aid to Local Government” section of HB 1 but also to line item appropriations that might appear in various State Department sections of the Bill.

If you have any questions, please contact Alison Neustrom at alisonneustrom@lano.org.

Early Voting Starts Today!

2010-10-19T12:33:00.001-05:00

Early voting for the November 2nd mid-term elections starts today and lasts until October 26th (excluding Sunday, October 24th). Early voting polls will be open from 8:30am to 6:00pm.

Anyone can vote early in person. Unlike absentee voting by mail, no reason is required to vote early in person. You just need to show up at your Registrar of Voters office or designated location with a current state or government issued photo ID and cast your ballot.

Voters who have no picture ID may bring a utility bill, payroll check or government document that includes their name and address, but they will have to sign an affidavit furnished by the Elections Division in order to vote.

LANO encourages all nonprofits to integrate voter engagement into their everyday activities. Remind your staff, Board, and clients to vote early or on election day!

Free Vote November 2nd posters are available at LANO offices in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport. Call Ashley Herad at (225) 929-5266 ext. 222, or email ashley@lano.org, to make arrangements to pick one up! Hang the poster in your lobby or other high traffic area, and encourage your community to make their voices heard on November 2nd!