A bi-weekly update from the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network.                                        


Now in its second year, the Light of Dawnn Awards honor nonprofit professionals working in Boston who demonstrate a compassion and unwavering commitment to serve those in need. All nominations are due  December 31.  Click here to submit a nomination.

On August 23, 2014, our city lost one of its brightest rising stars. An innocent victim of gun violence, Dawnn Ashley Jaffier was tragically killed on her way to a neighborhood celebration. To honor Dawnn, and all victims of senseless acts of violence, the Highland Street Foundation, community leaders, and Dawnn's colleagues, peers and family, created the Light of Dawnn Awards. These awards celebrate individuals working in Boston's nonprofit sector who demonstrate the spirit that is Dawnn's legacy - a compassion and unwavering commitment to serve those in need. You can learn more about Dawnn's remarkable impact here.

Please take this opportunity to nominate a professional in Boston who works on the front lines and demonstrates what it means to expand opportunities for others. A selection committee made up of Dawnn's colleagues, peers and family will make the annual selection of three individuals to receive a Light of Dawnn Award. Those selected will be recognized at a public event and receive a monetary award for their outstanding efforts.

All applications are due by December 31. Click here to submit a nomination.

This webinar is designed for executives and prospective and current board members to consider their responsibilities, expectations, resources, and more as they fulfill on the promise of the organization's mission. Michelle Hatch, CPA/Partner and Beth Muse, Senior Consultant, both of BlumShapiro, will discuss:
  • Onboarding new members
  • Engaging existing members
  • Understanding how to interpret financial statements as well as the financial health of the organization
Whether you are the Chief Executive, a Board member, or considering to step into being a Board member, we invite you to join us on December 9, 10-11am.   Click here to register.

Check out MNN's Revamped Resources Page!

We've taken your questions and feedback to create a bigger, better, Nonprofit Resource Page

From starting a nonprofit to managing your staff or your finances, there's a wealth of resources and tools available on the Nonprofit Resource Page.

We know the information in the pages just scratches the surface of all the amazing information out there. So feel free to submit links and suggestions for consideration here as we continue to expand on the resources.
PUBLIC POLICY

Call to Action: IRS Proposes Expanded Gift Reporting for Charities
The IRS recently released a proposed rule on charitable gift substantiation, encouraging charitable organizations to ask donors to give out their Social Security Numbers and report them along with the amount of donations to the IRS. The National Council of Nonprofits has a detailed overview.

MNN believes this proposal creates confusion and potential danger for donors, would negatively impact nonprofit fundraising efforts, and could place unnecessary reporting and cost burdens on nonprofits.

We encourage you to share your comments with the IRS by December 16. Click here to learn more and view sample language. Make your voice heard!
NONPROFIT 411: Finding & Keeping Volunteers To Meet Your Mission
By Jared Blake, CEO, Give Back Time

For most nonprofits, finding and retaining volunteers takes constant effort. We hope that this short list of tips will help you engage with current and potential volunteers!

1. State your needs. Most individuals are willing to make a commitment to help if there is a specific task or opportunity. Open-ended tasks can seem daunting, so garner interest by asking for detailed, low commitment needs. If you are hosting an event, break down the tasks into things like "set-up", "clean-up", and "registration", so the volunteer knows exactly what they are volunteering to do. The fulfillment of these small needs will build a relationship with the volunteers, so you have devoted volunteers of whom to ask the big needs. Also be sure to list all of the pieces of each task the volunteer needs to complete, such as training requirements, CORI checks, or other time commitments so that the volunteer does not feel blind sided and can make an informed decision about their volunteer efforts.

QUICK LINKS 
Job Opportunities
Assoc. Director of Field Operations, The Trustees of Reservations
Program Officer, Greater Worcester Community Foundation
Job Readiness/Attitudinal Trainer, STRIVE Boston Employment Service
Chief Program Officer, Citizen Schools
Finance Assistant, The Boston Foundation
Customer Engagement Specialist, Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts
Vice President of Finance, Big Sister Association of Greater Boston
Executive Director, Cambridge Family and Children's Service
Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, The Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Executive Director, National Priorities Project
Evaluation Coordinator, St. Francis House
Executive Director, Funders Together to End Homelessness

Grant & Award Opportunities
2016 Youth Garden Grant, Due December 1
Museums for America, Due December 1
NobleCause Grants, Due December 6
The Big Read, Due January 27
Third Wave Fund, Due the 15th of each month

Trainings & Events 
*Discounts for MNN members
CHNA 15 & SCI Social Media Training 101, Burlington, December 2
MWNN Lone Rangers Meeting, Framingham, Dec. 2
Help! Do We Need a Lawyer?, Natick, December 3
Courage in Leaving Retreat, Essex, December 7-8

Resources
Institute for Nonprofit Management and Leadership is launching in Providence, RI! Applications for the CORE certificate program are due Dec 11. Apply here.

#GivingTuesday is December 1. Following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season by connecting diverse groups around the nation to celebrate and encourage giving, mediated through social media. Any official 501(c)3 with a specific #GivingTuesday initiative or for-profit business, school, religious or community group committed to spearhead a project benefiting at least one 501(c)3 in the U.S. is encouraged to participate! Click here to join.

9 Best Facebook Pages All Non-Profits Should Follow. Get inspiration and ideas for your own Facebook page!

Would you like to have MIT students contribute to your nonprofit?  The MIT media lab is looking for nonprofits that provide goods or services to local communities. They want to collaborate with social entrepreneurs who want to increase efficiency, effectiveness and cost-reduction in their nonprofit. Interested? Please  click here  to fill out the form.

The Education Cooperative (TEC) is seeking mentors for their summer 2016 program. TEC internship programs provide career opportunities for high school junior and senior students and help them hone their career interests before applying for college. Students are placed in internships where they gain experience, learn skills, and receive guidance from a mentor.  To learn more, please contact Telma Sullivan , TEC Internship Program Coordinator.

Free office furniture is available from Anodyne in Quincy, MA. The offer consists of approximately 30 metal desks, 10-15 chairs and file cabinets. For more information, please contact Donna Coppenrath by phone (617-471-7200 Ext. 224) or by email ( dcoppenrath.anodyne@gmail.com).

Free office supplies, including file trays, desktop accessories and organizers, land line phones, and assorted computer supplies are being offered by the Law Office of Adam Nussenbaum. These supplies are available for any organization that is interested. For more information, please contact 
Adam Nussenbaum .





New & Returning Affiliate Members
*Special discount for MNN members

A dynamic and highly experienced team of insurance professionals, their goal is to help clients effectively manage risk through insured solutions, self-insured solutions or a combination of both. 

Drawing from their own substantial experience in the nonprofit world, they understand the challenges you may be facing, and will provide you with flexible, personalized service to address those challenges head-on with targeted fund development services designed to strengthen your operations and programs. *Free 30 minute phone consultation.

Advises and represents nonprofit clients in all areas of law. Their reasonable rates combined with a dedication to servicing clients ensure that their nonprofit clients receive the best possible representation designed to further the successes of their organizations. 

A consulting firm that provides experienced assistance to leading-edge organizations in every sector including Strategy Development Mergers & Acquisitions Capability Development.

They offer individual coaching and customized workshops to help your organization tell your story. They can assist you with everything including presentations, grant-writing, contacting donors, policy work, management, mobilization, and teambuilding. *22% off services and a free initial consultation.

New & Returning Nonprofit Members
-LGBT Coalition of Western Massachusetts
-New England Outreach Program
-NuPath, Inc.
- OARS
-Pentecostal Baptist Church, The 'CENTER' for C. H. E. M.
-Sierra Leone Cultural Organization
-Walden Chamber Players