A bi-weekly update from the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network.                                        

HEADLINES
What's A Breakthrough Session You Ask?

New to this year's conference on October 21 in Framingham, the Breakthrough Sessions are designed to bring together professionals in specific roles or points in their career to work together and progress through common challenges. During these sessions, expert facilitators from the field will guide you and your peers as you discover, examine, and apply solutions to the career and organizational opportunities and challenges we all face. 


Why this format? The Breakthrough Sessions were created after analyzing years of feedback from past conference attendees. We found the attendees 1) want the chance to meet and collaborate with their peers 2) feel more comfortable discussing tough topics with professionals in the same field or career level and 3) crave interactive learning formats that give them tools to tackle both short- and long-term issues.

 

Click on the titles below to learn more about the sessions and facilitators:

Attendees will learn through case studies, peer discussions, and group exercises, and leave inspired and equipped to do their job more efficiently and effectively, whether it's managing staff (or a boss) or setting a clear path to becoming the next great nonprofit CEO. The Breakthrough Sessions are in addition to 21 inspiring workshops covering a range of important topics.


Click here to learn more and check out the spectrum of sessions to find the right fit for your career level and interest.
 

And don't forget to take advantage of early bird reduced registration rates!
 


 

Increase Your Visibility: Sponsor & Exhibit at MNN's Annual Conference

MNN's annual conference and expo is one of the largest gatherings of nonprofit professionals in Massachusetts and brings together 650+ nonprofit and business leaders to share lessons and best practices and learn about capacity-building products and services. This year's conference will take place on October 21 in Framingham. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities.


As a sponsor and exhibitor, you will showcase your company's offerings to the decision makers of the nonprofit community, expand your business opportunities, gain local and statewide visibility, and highlight your commitment to the nonprofit sector. Space is limited- reserve your spot today.

 

4 Local Execs Among The Nonprofit Times' 2015 Power & Influence Top 50 List

The Nonprofit Times' 2015 Power & Influence Top 50 list has been released, showcasing the work of nonprofit executives from all over the country that have inspired and driven change in a variety of categories across the sector. As stated by the publication, "These nonprofit innovators exemplify what happens when people stand firmly for inclusion and equal rights, whether it is in healthcare, public policy, education or opportunity for all." We are pleased to share that four Massachusetts-based nonprofit employees are among this list of powerful leaders:

Click here to read the full article.


 


PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE
The Debate Over Sanctuary Cities Comes (Back) to the Bay State
As reported in the  Herald , a recent back and forth between Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone and Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal, via separate interviews on Boston Herald Radio, highlighted the divisive nature surrounding what are referred to as sanctuary cities. Meanwhile, a bill filed by Rep. Byron Rushing and scheduled for its first hearing in September would offer undocumented immigrants in MA the same types of protection offered in sanctuary cities. Earlier this month, the   Worcester Telegram & Gazette  reminded us that there was a proposal to make Worcester a sanctuary city, which never reached the City Council for a vote.

Review of State's Justice System
Massachusetts is joining 30+ states across the country and requesting a Department of Justice-funded review that will examine the state's criminal justice policies with the hope of reforming the system to reduce costs, increase public safety, and lower recidivism rates.   The analysis will be part of the  Justice Reinvestment Initiative , a project funded by the Justice Department and the Pew Charitable Trusts. You can read more about the review in the Boston Globe.
NONPROFIT 411: 
Making the Most of Charity Evaluators  
By Jeff Ciccolini, Partner,   AAFCPAs

Charity evaluation tools are a lightning rod for debate over whether the ratings fairly assess nonprofits.  But as that conversation continues, donors are already using

the tools more frequently as a guide for their contributions.  Nonprofits competing for contributions in a crowded space must understand the criteria that define the evaluations, or risk losing opportunities for funding to more highly-rated organizations.

 

As the most visible platform, Charity Navigator plays a significant role in these decisions - even though its ratings are still a work in progress.  Charity Navigator is evolving its system to better capture a blend of finance, governance, and impact ratings, while also evaluating charities below the $1M revenue mark. The movement towards impact ratings will reflect the acknowledgement that charitable work often shows traction well beyond the initial output. Read more...

Chief Executive Officer, Massachusetts Nonprofit Network
Chief of External Engagement, Citizen Schools
Executive Director, Four Paws International
Director of Development, Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts
Social Media Marketing Manager, Facing Cancer Together, Inc.
Senior Director, Field Development, Autism Speaks- New England Chapter
Outreach Coordinator, Facing Cancer Together, Inc
Executive Director, YWCA of Western Massachusetts
Director of Finance, GreenLight Fund
Operations Director, African Community Education

Grant & Award Opportunities

Quality of Life Grants, Due Aug. 18


Trainings & Events 
*Discounts for MNN members
Introduction to Grant Writing, Boston, September 15
Tech Gives Back Day of Service, city-wide, September 17
Quickbooks Made Easy: Love Seminar, Boston, September 24
Social Media for Nonprofits, Cambridge, October 19
* ADVANCE: MNN's Annual Conference, Framingham, October 21
* Power of Dialogue, Boston, October 22-24

Resources

Do you know the facts about NGOs? The social media campaign #NGOfacts provides useful, statistical data about non-governmental organizations (NGOs) meant to better provide insight into the NGO sector. For example, did you know that there are an estimated 10 million NGOs worldwide? For more facts and stats, click here.


 
 


New & Returning Affiliates
*Discount or special incentive for MNN members
 
Since 1999, the consulting firm has been working with corporations, healthcare organizations, nonprofits and public sector entities of all sizes. Winxet helps these organizations address all technology needs, including: IT Outsourcing & Managed Services, Security & Compliance Management, Healtcare Clinical & Business Consulting, and more.