A bi-weekly update from the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network.                                        
IN THIS ISSUE: 
HEADLINES
Policy Update: Legislation Introduced to Block IRS's SSN Proposal
Thanks to everyone who submitted comments online opposing the  IRS's Gift Substantiation Proposed Regulations , on Thursday a bipartisan House bill was proposed to prohibit the IRS from requiring or accepting Social Security numbers from donors. As reported in The Nonprofit Times, the  Charitable Giving Privacy Protection Act  was created after the IRS received approximately 35,000 comments, many negative, in response to their proposal.

Congress Makes Tax Incentives for Charitable Giving Permanent
Last week, as part of bipartisan legislation, three incentives for charitable giving were made permanent: the food donation tax deduction, the enhanced tax deduction for conservation easement donations, and the IRA charitable rollover option. 

The incentives-which have gone through years of expiration and renewal- encourage giving across various subsectors.  The permanent extension is on its way to the president's desk for his signature. You can read a great recap from Independent Sector here.
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.

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.   You can learn more about Dawnn's remarkable impact here. 

All applications are due by December 31.  Click here to submit a nomination.
NONPROFIT 411: 
Is Fraud Preventable? 
Safeguarding your nonprofit.
By John Buckley, CPA, Partner at AFFCPAs

When fraud prevention is raised in the public eye, it is often with a focus on for-profit companies.  Nonprofits, however, have just as great a need for transparency and security.  In fact, given the current challenging funding environment for nonprofits, the impact of fraud can be crippling in terms of lost revenue and donor confidence.

Public companies have stringent oversight and protections when it comes to fraud.  When Sarbanes-Oxley passed in 2002, whistle blower protections and audit committees were central pieces of an evolution that upped the ante on transparency.

While the same regulations don't exist for nonprofits, organizations still have the opportunity to prevent or minimize fraud.  Read more...
QUICK LINKS 
Job Opportunities
Operations Manager, Massachusetts Nonprofit Network
VP for Organizational Advancement, Jobs for the Future
Deputy Regional Political Director, American Israel Public Affairs Committee
CEO, Building Impact
Senior Development Manager, FOUR Paws International
Program Manager, MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership
Collegiate & Community Partnership Coordinator, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay
Media Relations Manager, Girl Scouts of Eastern MA
Deputy Director, MassCreative
Director of Finance, Worcester Community Action Council
Assoc. Director of Field Operations, The Trustees of Reservations
Executive Director, Women Encouraging Empowerment
Program Officer, Greater Worcester Community Foundation
Executive Director, MetroWest Nonprofit Network

Grant & Award Opportunities
Light of Dawnn Awards, Due December 31
The Big Read, Due January 27
Safe Places to Play Grants, LOI due January 29, Application due February 5
Healthy Campus Award, Due January 31
Third Wave Fund, Due the 15th of each month

Trainings & Events 
*Discounts for MNN members

Resources

Get and Share Feedback on Funders at Grantadvisors.com.  The website allows grant applicants, grantees, and others to anonymously share their first-hand experiences working with funders. Once they collect 10 reviews of a funder, the data is be shared publicly.

Donation Partnership Available: Bed, Bath & Beyond in Hingham is looking for a nonprofit partner to make regular pickups of products 1-3 times a month. Products include an array of items in the store including clothing, linens, housewares, and nonperishable food. You can learn more by emailing Rachel Anderson at  [email protected].








New & Returning Affiliate Members
*Special discount for MNN members

Delivering smart solar and energy management solutions that help businesses and organizations reduce energy costs. They partner with customers to provide strong financial insight and solar tech expertise to optimize savings and positively impact the environment. Solect has helped many nonprofit organizations reduce operating costs through solar energy, allowing them to spend money where it matters- serving their mission and stakeholders.
 
A full service public affairs and lobbying firm providing diverse services including government and community relations, strategic communications, lobbying, fundraising, and campaign development. The Victory Group brings together an array of diverse talent representing decades of experience in law, government, politics, and public relations. * 10% - 15% discount for MNN Members.


New & Returning Nonprofit Members
MNN's work is made possible by The Barr Foundation, The Boston Foundation & State Street Foundation.
If you'd like to share a story or have a job, grant or other information that is important to Massachusetts nonprofits, contact [email protected] .