HEADLINES
Celebrate the Sector: Honor a Nonprofit or Nonprofit Professional in Your Community
MNN wants to honor the impact and passion of the best nonprofit organizations and dedicated professionals by highlighting the exemplary work they do in every sub-sector and corner of the state. Help us celebrate the unwavering commitment of the nonprofit sector that motivates and inspires us all by submitting a nomination for the 2015 Nonprofit Excellence Awards. 
On Nonprofit Awareness Day, we recognize the innovative, creative, and effective work being done throughout Massachusetts that characterize the nonprofit sector and the employees that work within it. This day reminds us that although we often work for different causes, we -nonprofits, and the businesses and elected officials who support us- are connected through our unrelenting dedication to serving those in need across the Commonwealth.
Deb Samuels, last year's winner of the Excellence in Leadership Award, explained that like many nonprofit leaders, her career was a labor of love: "We think about our jobs and the people we serve morning, noon and night. We don't stop thinking about them until we go to bed. And even then, we dream about them!"
Honor the work of your organization, or a nonprofit you admire, with a Nonprofit Excellence Award nomination in the following categories:
Nominations are due by Tuesday, March 10.
Will the Olympics Effect Local Fundraising?
Last week the Boston Globe looked at the possible impact of Boston's Olympic 2024 bid on the local nonprofit sector. Since the games would be paid for mostly by private funding, there's concern that tapping into private funders would take away from existing fundraising efforts. This conversation will continue in the coming months, and years, and we encourage you to take part. Nonprofits are an important economic engine and community resource in the Commonwealth and it's important that we all play a role in these discussions. You can read the full article here.
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Each year, MNN holds a series of regional meetings with nonprofit leaders from across the state to discuss important topics impacting the sector. The 2015 meetings will focus on building a strong and stable nonprofit workforce. We hope you'll add your voice to this important conversation and join MNN to learn about ways that your organization can support and develop its employees through the Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund Program: a statewide program that provides employers in the Commonwealth with funding to train their employees.
These interactive and informative meetings will provide an overview of the features and benefits of each of the Workforce Training Fund Grant programs, the amount of available funding, and how to apply for the grants. After the overview, attendees will participate in a facilitated conversation to identify and address professional development needs across the nonprofit sector to ensure we have a strong pipeline of nonprofit leaders.
Upcoming Meetings:
Great Boston, March 3
Berkshires, March 17
Cape Cod, March 19
Central MA, March 25
Northeast, April 1
Metrowest, April 2
Learn more and find a meeting in your region.
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PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE
The America Gives More Act Passes the House
Last week, the House passed The America Gives More Act with a 279-137 vote. As reported in the Chronicle of Philanthropy, the bill includes several permanent tax breaks including tax deductions for gifts of food to food banks, land set aside for conservation, and gifts to charities made directly from individual retirement accounts. The legislation would also simplify the foundation excise tax.
Maine's Governor LePage Wants to Tax Nonprofits
Governor Paul LePage of Maine released a $6.3 billion budget and tax overhaul plan. According the CentralMaine.com, LePage says that "The intent of his budget, he said, is to eliminate the income tax and send the money back to communities so people can decide what services they want and who is going to pay for them." Written into the FY 2017 budget is the elimination of funding to municipalities. The municipalities will be required to tax nonprofits at 50 percent of assessed value over $500,000. According to the Nonprofit Quarterly, these taxes could be a problem because The Maine camping industry already contributes over half a billion dollars to the state's economy each year.
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NONPROFIT 411:
How to Foster an Effective Board of Directors
In today's world, nonprofit organizations are highly scrutinized, are subject to higher demands for services and diminishing resources. In order to face these challenges, it is more important than ever that the Board of Directors is effective and provides solid leadership. Executive management is in a position to help ensure the Board is well prepared to lead the organization.
Consider these 4 guidelines to foster an effective Board... Read more.
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QUICK LINKS
Job Opportunities
Major Gifts Officer, Rosie's Place
Director of Development, iCivics
Director of Institutional Advancement, American Textile History Museum
Executive Director, Cambridge Historical Society
Executive Director, Fenway Community Development Corporation
Executive Director, New Economy Coalition
President, Cristo Rey Boston High School
Development Director, Bridges Together
Program Director, Nonotuck Resource Associates Inc.
Major Gifts Officer, Zoo New England
Chief Marketing Officer, Citizen Schools
Program Director, Crossroads for Kids
Chief Development Officer, Girl Scouts of Eastern MA
Campaign Leader, Donorworx
Public Policy Director, Rosie's Place
Social Innovation Fund Manager, Third Sector Capital Partners
Arts and Culture Program Officer, Barr Foundation
Grant & Award Opportunities
Trainings & Events
*Discounts for MNN members
*Storytelling with Data, Boston, February 18
Introduction to Major Gifts Fundraising, Boston, February 19
*Dare To Be Happy: Positive Psychology in Practice, Holyoke, February 26
Bringing Community Meetings to Life, Lawrence, March 3
*Effective Supervision: Creating A Culture of Mutual Respect, Boston, March 5
Basics of Community Organizing, Roxbury, March 5
*Sick and Tired: Managing Employee Illness, Injury, Disability, and Leaves of Absence, Holyoke, March 11
Marlboro Board Leadership Institute, Brattleboro, VT, March 7- April 16
Social Media: Tips and Tools for Using Social Media to Build Support for your Mission, Boston, March 19
*10 Easy Steps to Rock Your Online Communications, Boston, March 19
*HSF Supervisory Skills Certificate Series, Holyoke, March 19
*Courage in Leaving: An Act of Leadership for the Transitions Ahead, May 21-22 (registration deadline is January 30)
*Boston Fiduciary Summit, Boston, March 25
Women's Health Forum: Getting Healthy Staying Healthy, Boston, April 16
*Succession Planning: More Than Assessing Bench Strength, Boston, April 30
*Fearless Presenting, Boston, May 7
Resources
Fundraise at Gillette: Each season, Gillette Stadium staffs all of their concession stands with nonprofit organizations who use the venue to fundraise. It serves as an alternative to traditional fundraising while developing teamwork and camaraderie in an exciting atmosphere. For more information regarding the fundraising program at Gillette Stadium, please contact Brian Urquhart at [email protected] or by calling (508) 384-4329.
Diversity Fellows Program: Each year, the Association of Fundraising Professionals selects up to ten fellows from underrepresented backgrounds to join its two-year Diversity Fellows program. Fellows receive AFP membership, access to educational opportunities and a mentoring arrangement with a senior professional, among other benefits. For more information regarding this program, please visit: AFP Diversity Fellows Program
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New & Returning Affiliates
*Discounts for MNN members
KAF
The firm has a strong focus on nonprofits, with an expertise in Accounting & Auditing Services, Business Advisory Services, Tax Compliance & Consulting, Human Resource Consulting, Business Valuation, Management Consulting and Business Transitions. All nonprofit clients receive discounted pricing on services.
New & Returning Nonprofit Members
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