A bi-weekly update from the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network.                                        

HEADLINES
Early Bird Ends THIS FRIDAY
It's your last chance to save up to $100 on registration!

MNN's annual full day conference on October 21 is one of the largest local gatherings of nonprofit professionals and convenes 600+ nonprofit and business leaders to learn, share, and network. Learn more.

This year's conference is focused on moving the sector forward through the development and strengthening of the nonprofit workforce. The day  will kick-off with an inspiring opening panel discussion led by moderator Tammy Dowley-Blackman , VP of CFLeads and Principal of tdb group. Panelists John Bradley, COO of Year Up (named a 2015 Best Place to Work by the Nonprofit Times), Nonprofit HR CEO Lisa Brown Morton, and Stewart Lanier, Director of Consulting & Executive Transitions at Third Sector New England, will discuss emerging trends, tried and true best practices, and creative methods to support your organization's human capital to better meet your mission.

You'll then enjoy peer-based roundtable sessions, an all-star lineup of 21 workshops, lots of local resources, and countless opportunities to network.

Whether you are an experienced executive or emerging leader, ADVANCE will provide you with the skills and tools needed to propel your career, your nonprofit, and the sector. A great fit for professionals at organizations of all staff and budget sizes, this year's conference is packed with inspiration, ideas, and resources. 


MNN & Comcast Go Back to School
It's that time of year again, when the excitement of a new school year is in the air. And while students stress over class schedules and lunchtime seating, no family should have to worry about affording reliable internet at home.  Whether researching historic heroes or penning short stories, students thrive when they have access to tools, resources, and information online.

That's why the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network is proud to work with our longtime partner  Comcast to share information about their Internet Essentials program- low-cost internet services and computers for our state's most vulnerable residents. As a leader in your community, we hope you will share this information with your colleagues, clients and constituents who may qualify for Internet Essentials or work with local families who do.

Internet Essentials represents the largest broadband adoption program anywhere in the United States, providing low-income families with children the opportunity to purchase low-cost broadband service for $9.95 a month with a free WiFi router; the option to purchase a full-service, internet-ready computer for under $150; and multiple options for digital literacy training in print, online and in person. It is just one of Comcast's many initiatives to make a difference, improve neighborhoods, and create lasting results in the communities the company serves.

You can learn more about the program by checking out the  Internet Essentials Fact Sheet or visiting  www.internetessentials.com.





NONPROFIT 411: Nonprofit Leaders Should Not Try to Do Everything
By Annette Rubin, founder of Coaching to Potential
It may seem quickest and most efficient to handle that task or take on a project yourself, but there are compelling reasons why it is not in best, long-term interest for nonprofit leaders to do everything themselves.

Many nonprofit leaders say they feel responsible for everything that happens in their organization and it is just easier to "do it myself". They may believe their staff is already working hard or that staff wouldn't be able to complete the undertaking as well or as quickly. So, they continue to take on tasks that prevent them from doing their own job, which will really move the organization forward: planning, external relations, and fundraising.

Here are six reasons why delegating to staff, board members, or volunteers is ultimately better for your organization.
  1. Facilitating engagement- When you ask a staff member, board member or volunteer to take on a role that you might otherwise handle yourself you empower that person to feel essential. This connects individuals more closely to the organization and enhances their engagement. Employees who feel valued are more productive, have better morale and are more likely to stay with the organization. Engagement in the organization's work helps individuals to have a clearer understanding of the organization's mission, goals and impact. Read more...
Chief Executive Officer, Massachusetts Nonprofit Network
President/CEO, Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation
Chief Development Officer, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua
Executive Director, ESC of New England
Director of Operations, Worcester County Food Bank
Executive Director, Arsenal Center for the Arts
Director of Western Massachusetts Programs, Harold Grinspoon Foundation
Director of External Engagement, Boston Debate League
Program Director, Servicenet
Chief Financial Officer, New England Village
Executive Director, City on a Hill Charter Public Schools
Program Officer, Massachusetts Service Alliance

Grant & Award Opportunities
Legacy Fund Grants, Due September 15
Safe Place to Play Grants, Due September 24
The Philanthropy Connection Grant, LOI due September 25
GRAMMY Foundation Grants, LOI due October 1
Richard L. Blinder Award, Due October 15
YoungArts Program, Application due October 16

Trainings & Events 
*Discounts for MNN members
SBANE After Hours Networking, Natick, September 17
Speaking Peace Workshop, Cambridge, September 19
Plan your Intergenerational Programs, East Longmeadow, September 22
Introduction to Data Visualization, Boston, September 23
Quickbooks Made Easy: Love Seminar, Boston, September 24
How to Hold a Successful Giving Day, Webinar, September 24
Courage in Leaving Retreat, Essex, September 29-30, December 7-8
Panel: Hunger in MetroWest, Waltham, October 7
Social Media for Nonprofits, Cambridge, October 19
* ADVANCE: MNN's Annual Conference, Framingham, October 21
* Power of Dialogue, Boston, October 22-24

Resources

Upcoming NFF Webinar Series: The Spectrum of Nonprofit Financing OptionsMNN is excited to once again partner with the Nonprofit Finance Fund on their Fall 2015 webinar series. This series will provide nonprofit leaders with a deep understanding of what kinds of resources are available to nonprofit organizations now, and how they should prepare to access the next wave of resources in the field. Participants will come away from this series with a deeper understanding of the broad range of funding tools available. Click here to register!  *MNN members save 10%! Email llynch@massnonprofitnet.org for your discount code.

Partner with the AG's office to promote services in your community. The  Attorney General's Community Engagement Division is working to implement Community Action Hours, a new program that brings the resources of the Office directly to communities. If you are interested in partnering with the Community Engagement Division for a Community Action Hours event, please click here.

Three printers available to local nonprofits for free. These printers are Konica Minolta Bizhub C253 printers are business class. Contact Erica Bowlby (ebowlby@rmdinc.com) to learn more.

Health Resources in Action is excited to share the opportunity for Massachusetts businesses to engage in Working on Wellness, a comprehensive statewide worksite wellness initiative. The initiative provides financial support to offset the cost of launching a wellness program, as well as expert training, technical assistance, and an online learning community. Click here to learn more.



 

New & Returning Affiliate Members

Bloomerang offers a  cloud-based donor management application that is rooted in principles of philanthropy, simple to use and focused on empowering your team to achieve remarkable results through enhanced donor loyalty.

BlueStar Media is a full-service marketing communications and production company, offering creative and branding services, video production, scriptwriting, graphics and animation, public relations, and gala event staging. 

Feeley & Driscoll, PC. 
provides superior accounting, advisory and audit services to individuals and organizations across a multitude of industries in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

Health Innovations  provides health screenings and linkage to care and supportive services via office based and mobile health van to non-traditional venues statewide where underserved, vulnerable and high risk populations live, work and socialize.

Kainos Coaching and Consulting
is a full service coaching and consulting firm that excels in Personal and Professional Coaching, Leadership and Executive Coaching, Family and Individual Coaching, Strategic Planning, Board Development, and more.

Sharon S. McDonald, Grants Consultant offers management of corporate and foundation grant programs and  brings  an expertise in grants research, cultivation, proposal writing, and stewardship that is complemented by an understanding of an organization's larger development needs.

Third Sector New England  provides on-site employee relations and supervisory coaching and consultation to foster effective supervision at all levels, enabling staff to successfully work toward your nonprofit's mission and vision.

New & Returning Nonprofit Members
-Plymouth 400