Nonprofit News

Faculty Member Donates $21 Million to NYU School of Medicine

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:31:32 -0800

The gift from microbiology professor Jan T. Vilcek and his wife, Marica, will create the Jan and Marica Vilcek Merit Scholarship Fund, which will cover the tuition costs of NYU medical students based primarily on merit as well as financial need....

Community Foundation Update (1/08/11)

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:31:32 -0800

News and personnel announcements from community foundations throughout the country....

New York Life Foundation to Boost Giving in 2011

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:31:32 -0800

While the foundation will boost funding in the existing areas of educational enhancement and safe places to learn and grow, the biggest expansion will occur in childhood bereavement, a relatively new focus area....

Special Operations Warrior Foundation Receives $1 Million From Goldman Sachs

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:31:32 -0800

Made through Goldman Sachs Gives, the donation will be used to provide a comprehensive set of services and family assistance to veterans, including college tuition for the children of fallen and wounded special operations personnel....

A merger with a like-minded organization might be the best option (members only)

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:31:32 -0800

Looking for a way to achieve greater productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in this poor economy? A merger with a like-minded organization might be the best option.

Advancing Good Governance: How Grantmakers Invest in the Governance of Nonprofit Organizations

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:31:32 -0800

Recognizing the often untapped value of boards, nonprofits and grantmakers are seeking ways to leverage the assets that boards and board members bring to their organizations.

Surviving the Financial Crisis: A BoardSource Toolkit

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:31:32 -0800

Times are tough, but help is a click away. Get the information you need to lead your organization beyond survival to success by downloading Surviving the Financial Crisis: A BoardSource Toolkit.

September/October Board Member - Members Only

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:31:32 -0800

Strengthening Exercises, Rest Insured, Inside Inclusiveness, Falling on Deaf Ears.

Meeting, and Exceeding Expectations

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:31:32 -0800

In our new publication, you will find ready-to-use information that will help your board members provide the valuable input that will propel your organization to greatness.

Getting On Board with Effective Orientation

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:31:32 -0800

By putting new board members through an effective orientation program, you will strengthen your board and empower your entire organization. Learn how to do this in this etoolkit by BoardSource.

Trouble at the Top

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:31:32 -0800

While the relationship is often smooth, boards must be prepared to take action if problems with the chief executive arise. Learn how to navigate these sometimes difficult issues in our latest publication.

Electing a Devil Advocate and Devil Inquisitor

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:31:32 -0800

To push a board into thinking more creatively or to unblock tendencies of stagnation, the board may want to create an official position of a devil advocate.

Governance Questions included in new Form 990

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:31:32 -0800

As nonprofits file the updated version of the Form 990 for the first time, they are discovering that a lot has changed and that these changes are substantial.

Benefits, Challenges of Virtual Meetings

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:31:32 -0800

Virtual board meetings offer flexibility to board meetings. They allow individual board members to participate when they otherwise would not be able to attend a meeting.

What to Do When the Wheels Fall Off

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:31:32 -0800

Practical steps to take if the investment strategy of your organization produces severe losses.

Beyond Political Correctness: Building a Diverse Board

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:31:32 -0800

Exceptional nonprofit boards recognize that diversity is essential to the success their organization.

Practical Ways to Enliven Continuing Board Education

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:31:32 -0800

Continuing education is a practical way to increase the board intellectual capital.

Case Study: Failing to Use the Board

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:31:32 -0800

What to do when the chief executive fails to use the talent of the nonprofit board for constructive purposes.

New publication helps nonprofits set chief executive compensation with transparency, integrity

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:31:32 -0800

With compensation coming under increased scrutiny by the IRS, state regulators, the media, legislators, and potential funders, nonprofit boards will find this up-to-date guide an extremely valuable resource.

Developing a Compensation Philosophy

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:31:32 -0800

An organization's compensation philosphy lays out the values, principles, and guidelines for the organization's overall compensation structure and supporting systems.

Why Should Organizations Plan?

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:31:32 -0800

Sometimes board and staff members need to be convinced about the enormous benefits that strategic planning can bring.

Develop a Succession Communications Plan

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:31:32 -0800

A strong communications plan will keep key people engaged and informed.

Ten Rules for Developing Your Nonprofit Story

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:31:32 -0800

A good story can give your fundraising efforts a viral boost.

Why Should Organizations Plan?

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:31:32 -0800

Sometimes board and staff members need to be convinced about the enormous benefits that strategic planning can bring.

Feedweaver Error

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:31:27 -0800

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Mixed Links for Nonprofit Communicators

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 12:17:24 -0800

It’s a little chilly out there, so let’s make some hot mixed links, shall we? For those who truly know what “chilly” is, Convio put out a report on The Next Generation of Canadian Giving. It found some interesting comparisons to American donors, such as more Canadians give as part of a monthly giving program, but [...]

Politician Asks Apple to Explain Fundraising App Controversy

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 06:05:33 -0800

For the first time a politician has stepped into the ongoing scuffle between charities and Apple over the tech giant which refuses to allow donations to be made from iPhone and iPad apps.

Guam Nonprofits Struggle As They Wait For Government Pay

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 06:04:09 -0800

Hundreds are at risk in Guam because the government can’t pay the more than $1 million it owes to nonprofits.

Merger Fever in San Francisco

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 06:01:59 -0800

It should be no surprise that California – a state with a budget gap that may near $28 billion through mid-2012 – is no stranger to mergers of service organizations. Here are two high profile recent examples of mergers in the state.

Portage Board Reverses Course on Citizens Panel

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 06:00:16 -0800

The Tea Party movement is alive and well in municipalities.

Would You Like Monthly Nonprofit Writing Prompts?

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 09:05:00 -0800

Do you struggle with what to write about in your newsletter or blog? Or what to put on your Facebook page? Or what to pitch to the media? I’ve been considering offering some monthly suggestions to get nonprofit communicators thinking more creatively and strategically about the content they create. I hate the idea that you [...]

E-Clinics on Nonprofit Writing and Online Fundraising

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 08:45:00 -0800

I’m offering two special e-clinics this month . . . 20 Days to More Powerful Nonprofit Writing This e-clinic is for up to 12 nonprofit communications professionals who want to hone their writing skills, focusing specifically on communications with donors and other supporters. We’ll cover a variety of topics, from getting away from nonprofit jargon [...]

Learn Storytelling from NBC’s Making a Difference Reports

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 09:12:00 -0800

I’m a regular watcher of the NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams (usually recorded – it’s part of my nightly wind-down routine), and one of my favorite segments is Making a Difference. For the last few years, the Nightly News has regularly run segments on do-gooders. Because these clips are so popular, NBC recently created [...]

Whose Volunteer Experience Is This Anyway?

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 08:09:15 -0800

How do volunteers' — and foundations' — egos fit into decisions about giving? Crystal Hayling urges volunteers and grantmakers to remember the people and issues their giving is meant to benefit.

A Strategic Nonprofit Reorganization Plan

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 21:24:35 -0800

A nonprofit organization gets a chance at role reversal with foundations.

What’s Exciting and Scary to Nonprofit Marketers

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 11:00:00 -0800

I’ve closed the 2011 Nonprofit Communications Trends Survey . . . thanks to the 785 people who participated! We are analyzing all the data and preparing the report this week. It’s full of really interesting information about the nonprofit sector’s communications plans for 2011, as well as what excites and scares nonprofit marketing professionals about [...]

Blogging Daily Starting Monday

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 09:30:43 -0800

I’ve decided to start blogging daily (or darn close) as of January 3, 2010. I’m giving it three months, and I’ll reevaluate then. I’ve been thinking about it for a few months, and when I saw this video, I stopped thinking and decided to do it. What This Means for You For you, I hope [...]

Two Last Chances

Thu, 30 Dec 2010 10:00:19 -0800

Two Nonprofit Marketing Guide specials are wrapping up on December 31: 1) The 2011 Nonprofit Communications Trends Survey We’ll be taking down the survey on January 1 so we can start analyzing the results. Everyone who participates in the survey will get an advance copy of the Trends Report on Monday, January 10. We are [...]

Get on 2011 E-Clinic Early Bird Lists

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 10:43:35 -0800

I’ll be teaching several different e-clinics in 2011. These are small group sessions (usually limited to 12-15 people) that include several webinars, a private wiki and discussion board where you can share and network with other participants, and personal coaching with me to improve your skills. They are a great way to get some hands-on [...]

Participate in a Marketing/Fundraising Experiment

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 07:42:56 -0800

If you’ve been reading my blog for awhile, you’ll remember the “thank you” note experiment I did in 2008 and 2009. More recently, Marta Lindsey’s experiment on keeping all of the nonprofit direct mail she received for a year was also a big hit. So, I started thinking, what if a bunch of us picked [...]

Fundraising on Film: What Hollywood Thinks of Fundraising?

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 09:03:48 -0800

Here’s a little holiday surprise for you, courtesy of my friend, movie buff, and fundraiser extraordinaire, Rob Blizard. I suspect many of us will be watching some old movies on the holiday break, and Rob gives you his take on a few of them with fundraising at the core of their plots. Given the active [...]

Back to Basics: What Are You Trying to Achieve?

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 09:31:07 -0800

Ellie Buteau, PhD posits that before a foundation can contribute assessment data to Glasspockets, it must clarify goals, strategies, and indicators of success.

How Understanding Their Fields Helped Three Foundations Make Better Decisions and Avoid Costly Mistakes

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 10:15:14 -0800

Our case study, Lessons from the Field: From Understanding to Impact, provides an in-depth look at how three different foundations cultivate an understanding of their fields and then translate that understanding into more effective grantmaking.

Here’s Some Philanthropy Advice for Mark Zuckerberg

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 10:15:33 -0800

Phil Buchanan shares an op-ed by him and Stephen Heintz that offers four pieces of advice to Mark Zuckerberg and the other Giving Pledgers.

Giving As Good As We Get

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 06:45:49 -0800

Individual giving may be down in 2010, but people are giving in new ways and changing the charitable donation landscape. Crystal Hayling explores new giving technologies and questions how nonprofits and grantmakers should use and support them.

Before Strategy Was Strategy

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 13:30:23 -0800

Crystal Hayling describes how, at the beginning of her philanthropic career, her foundation's close collaboration with its grantees informed the foundation's strategy and made it a stronger partner in fighting for women's rights.

Introducing Guest Blogger Crystal Hayling

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 09:59:52 -0800

Phil Buchanan introduces Guest Blogger Crystal Hayling. Crystal is Former President and CEO of the Blue Shield of California Foundation and a member of the CEP Board of Directors. She is currently living in Singapore and is taking some time to write about – and reflect upon – philanthropy, social innovation, and international development.

General Operating Support Remains the Exception

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 10:50:57 -0800

Andrea Brock shares new data that suggests foundations have not shifted towards providing more general operating grants despite the abundance that has been written arguing for unrestricted support.

A Thank You to Funders and Grantees

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 06:37:59 -0800

Kevin Bolduc thanks the 143 funders and the 50,000 grantees who have participated in the Grantee Perception Report process over the last four years and shares a Chronicle of Philanthropy ad that also extends that gratitude.

Challenge Your Assumptions: 2011 Conference Agenda Now Available

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 12:18:37 -0800

Alyse d'Amico shares the preliminary agenda for CEP's 2011 conference and highlights six of the conference's sessions.

How do you present your Analytics?

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:53:50 -0800

As I recently quipped on Facebook, I love Google Analytics. I love playing with and analyzing the vast array of data that it provides (after all, how else would we know that the number of visits via dialup has increased over the past year?). But I dislike preparing the report that goes to staff. First, [...]

What is the difference between strategic planning and operational planning?

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 08:25:13 -0800

Heather Harker, Consulting & Executive Transitions Director, Third Sector New England There is no precise definition of the difference Strategic planning relates to direction, vision and mission Operational planning is how you will accomplish your mission Some organizations make a clear distinction Create a document that works for you This video was originally shared on [...]

What should you look for when you hire a consultant to do an organizational assessment?

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 07:15:07 -0800

Heather Harker, Director of Consulting and Executive Transitions, Third Sector New England Determine why you are undertaking an assessment Some consultants help create a shared process and vision Some consultants help measure your performance against standards This video was originally shared on blip.tv by tsne with a No license (All rights reserved) license.

What is an organizational assessment?

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 07:10:04 -0800

Heather Harker, Consulting & Executive Transitions Director, Third Sector New England An opportunity for reflection and taking stock Self-assessment by stakeholders Organizational audit by an outside expert Facilitated self-assessment This video was originally shared on blip.tv by tsne with a No license (All rights reserved) license.

What do I need to keep in mind when implementing a diversity initiative?

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 10:34:12 -0700

How can a nonprofit manager who is a member of the dominant culture begin to shift perspective?

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 10:34:05 -0700

What’s the difference between diversity and inclusion?

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 10:29:06 -0700

What are the important elements of a diversity strategy?

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 10:15:23 -0700

Tyra Sidberry, Director TSNE Diversity & Inclusion Initiative Leaders and champions Understanding of goals Patience Understanding the impact of race, class and power This video was originally shared on blip.tv by tsne with a No license (All rights reserved) license.

How do I as an individual promote diversity in my organization?

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 10:15:17 -0700

Tyra Sidberry, Diversity & Inclusion Initiative Director, Third Sector New England Ask yourself: How does your work affect the mission? Who is a part of the conversations you have in doing your work? Are there perspectives missing, and are constituents involved? This video was originally shared on blip.tv by tsne with a No license (All [...]

Why should nonprofits concern themselves with diversity?

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 10:10:05 -0700

What are the benefits of nonprofits working collaboratively?

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 09:50:30 -0700

Phillip Davis, TSNE, Grant Coordinator Expanding the capacity of individual organizations Sharing best practices Increasing community impact Furthering the field locally and nationally This video was originally shared on blip.tv by tsne with a No license (All rights reserved) license.

What needs to be in place for collaboration to succeed?

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 09:50:23 -0700

Phillip Davis, Third Sector New England, Grant Coordinator Honest dialogue System of shared responsibilities Opportunities for each organization to benefit from lessons learned This video was originally shared on blip.tv by tsne with a No license (All rights reserved) license.

How important is the process of collaboration?

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 09:50:04 -0700

Phillip Davis, Third Sector New England, Grant Coordinator for the Capacity Building Fund The collaboration process itself provides important knowledge Understanding whether collaborators are a good match Opportunities to share knowledge with funders and modify goals This video was originally shared on blip.tv by tsne with a No license (All rights reserved) license.

How do you reflect your constituents’ voice in your grant proposal?

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 09:34:13 -0700

Phillip Davis, Third Sector New England, Grant Coordinator for the Capacity Building Fund Attach documentation to your proposal Weave community input into the proposal narrative This video was originally shared on blip.tv by tsne with a No license (All rights reserved) license.

Why should a nonprofit adopt green practices?

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 09:50:57 -0700

Jackie Cefola, NonProfit Center Program Manager Visit www.tsne.org for more information This video was originally shared on blip.tv by tsne with a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 license.

What green practices can individual nonprofit staff adopt?

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 09:50:50 -0700

How important is it to reflect constituent voice on your grant proposal, and how do you do that?

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 09:25:09 -0700

Phillip Davis, TSNE, Grant Coordinator for the Capacity Building Fund Ask stakeholders what they need Use face-to-face meetings, mailings or online queries Ask stakeholders what they want the nonprofit to provide This video was originally shared on blip.tv by tsne with a No license (All rights reserved) license.

When should you start preparing for an audit?

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 09:05:05 -0700

Kay Snowden, Fiscal Sponsorship Program Director, Third Sector New England Start before the fiscal year begins. Follow up on recommendations from the previous year’s audit. For more info, visit: www.tsne.org This video was originally shared on blip.tv by tsne with a No license (All rights reserved) license.

What should managers think about to prepare for an audit?

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:55:11 -0700

Kay Snowden, Fiscal Sponsorship Program Director, Third Sector New England The auditors will provide a list of questions. Make sure you organize your information, document transactions, and have internal controls. For more info, visit: www.tsne.org This video was originally shared on blip.tv by tsne with a No license (All rights reserved) license.

What is a Memorandum of Understanding (M.O.U.)?

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:50:19 -0700

Kay Snowden, Fiscal Sponsorship Program Director, Third Sector New England. An agreement that spells out: Scope of services Period of service Compensation Ownership of property Conditions of termination Resolving differences Be clear about expectations. For more information, visit: www.tsne.org This video was originally shared on blip.tv by tsne with a No license (All rights reserved) [...]

SharePoint 2010 for Nonprofits and Libraries

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:00:00 -0700

What's new in Microsoft's latest integrated-management platform?

Networked Nonprofits Have Social Cultures

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:00:00 -0700

Advice on revamping the social culture and social media policy at your organization.

What Your Organization Should Know About Office 2010

Mon, 24 May 2010 12:00:00 -0700

Learn about the latest version of Microsoft Office and what the new features can do for your nonprofit or library.

Comparing Online vs. Traditional Office Software

Fri, 21 May 2010 12:00:00 -0700

Should you consider online office software for your organization? Compare the benefits and drawbacks of traditional and online office productivity software and explore new tools that allow for collaboration of both.

Six Views of Project-Management Software

Fri, 21 May 2010 12:00:00 -0700

Discover dozens of tools you can use to plan, track, and manage projects at your nonprofit.

Do I Need the 32-Bit or the 64-Bit Version?

Tue, 18 May 2010 12:00:00 -0700

This article explores the definition and evolution of 64-bit architectures, along with the advantages and disadvantages of upgrading to this platform. How do you know which one you have and which one you'll need?

A Quick Guide to Multimedia Software

Tue, 11 May 2010 12:00:00 -0700

In this excerpt from the Idealware Field Guide to Software for Nonprofits, we explore three related multimedia topics - multimedia editing software, video sharing websites, and podcasting.

Network Troubleshooting for Servers

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:00:00 -0700

In the final article in our three-part series, we'll outline the places to look when your server behaves badly.

Network Troubleshooting for Workstations

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:00:00 -0700

Second in the series on how to troubleshoot for your organization’s network.

Network Troubleshooting: Introduction

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:00:00 -0800

First in a three-part series on how to pinpoint your organizations network problems.

Manuals for Refurbishing Computers

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:00:00 -0800

Find a series of free "how-to" resources for developing your own computer refurbishment program

A Few Good Tools for Online Data Backup

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:00:00 -0800

What are the best hosted backup options for nonprofits?

Remote Backup for Your Organization

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:00:00 -0800

Keep your backups safe whether on-site or off with these helpful questions.

Web Conferencing Tools: Right for You?

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:00:00 -0800

We compare the features found in 10 popular Web-conferencing services.

Local Backup for Your Organization

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:00:00 -0800

Keep your friends close and your backups near (and far)

Your Nonprofit’s Backup Strategy

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:00:00 -0800

Best practices, helpful tips, and useful checklists for effective backup systems at your organization.

Adventures in Executive Dashboards

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:00:00 -0800

Three examples of how nonprofits used executive dashboards to maximize data and help refine goals.

Creating an Open-Source Desktop

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:00:00 -0800

Discover open-source alternatives to commercial applications and operating systems.

Free, Easy Ways to Add a Calendar to Your Website

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Add a calendar to your site with just an Internet connection, a Web browser, and some spare time.

Visual Presentations Made Easy with Diagramming Software

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Do you need to put together an organization chart? How about a map of your computer network? We’ve taken a quick look at several popular diagramming tools and divided our list into proprietary applications, free and open-source alternatives, and online tools.