A bi-weekly update from the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network.                                        
HEADLINES

Celebrate 2014 Nonprofit Awareness Day  
On June 9, join hundreds of nonprofit and business leaders, as well as elected officials, at the State House to showcase the work of the nonprofit sector and how it supports communities throughout Massachusetts. 

 

This celebration of the impact that nonprofits, and dedicated nonprofit professionals, have on communities and residents across the Commonwealth happens only once a year. Also on this day, Nonprofit Excellence Awards will be presented to eight nonprofit organizations and employees that exemplify the most innovative, creative, and effective work being done.

 

Here's how you can take part in the festivities:

Click here for more details.

 

New Guide Aids Foundation Transparency

As you've heard us say before, transparency is essential to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the sector.

 

That's why we recommend checking out a new guide, Opening Up: Demystifying Funder Transparency, was recently produced by GrantCraft to help foundations take steps towards becoming more transparent (they also have a cool infographic). The guide offers advice on what information foundations should share, as well as where and how to share it, in order to support grantmaking and provide grant seekers with valuable information. Read more.

 

Help Your Organization Save Money on Utility Bills

Is your organization losing valuable dollars to leaky buildings or old heating systems? Are chilly offices making your staff and clients uncomfortable? Making cost-effective, energy efficient improvements can seem overwhelming and expensive. 

 

Luckily, MNN member Mass Energy Consumers Alliance is working to help nonprofits with energy management. To do this effectively, they must learn how the Massachusetts Energy Efficiency Advisory Council (EEAC) can help non-profits like yours save energy and money. Take this quick survey to help them help your organization save money and decrease your organization's impact on the environment. Learn more and take the survey.

 

Attention MNN Members: Nominations Needed for MNN Board of Directors 

If you, or someone you know, is a dynamic and engaged member of the nonprofit community we encourage you to submit a nomination for the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network's Board of Directors. We are currently seeking nominations to represent the following regions:
  • Berkshires
  • Cape Cod and Islands
  • Central MA 
Each year, MNN's nonprofit members elect new board members to represent the sector as part of the Annual Meeting, which will be held during Nonprofit Awareness Day. 
Email nominate@massnonprofitnet.org with the name of your
recommendation by May 7.
Newest MNN Member Benefit: Zipcar Discount!
We are proud to announce that if you are a member of MNN, you are now eligible for discounted access to Zipcar including reduced Monday - Friday rates, more than half off the annual fee, and exemption from the application fee!  Learn more.
 
Did you know that for many MNN members, the amount saved on 
a Zipcar membership can more than make up the cost of annual MNN membership dues? Not a member of MNN yet? Join today.
PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE
Executive Compensation Bill Opposed by MNN Fails to Pass Out of Committee, However...

HB 1714, a bill actively opposed by MNN and which would significantly limit the level of compensation for nonprofits receiving greater that 20% of their revenue from state government, was sent to study by the Labor and Workforce Development Committee yesterday. This action has the effect of killing this bill for the remainder of the legislative session. 

 

The committee did, however, pass another executive compensation bill, HB 1753, which would limit the salary of human service executives.  

Read MNN's testimony in opposition of HB 1714 here.
NONPROFIT 411: 
6 Tips for Spring Fundraising Success
As the winter is finally winding down in Massachusetts and the planning is turning up for spring, here are 6 tips to consider for successful fundraising from the experts at fundraise.com. 

 

Read the article to learn about the importance of outlining your impact, saying thank you, moving your strategy online, and more...

Director of Institutional Advancement, Foundation for MetroWest

Outreach Worker, Bridge over Troubled Waters

Client Manager, The Center for Effective Philanthropy

Director of Development, Rehabilitative Resources, Inc. 

Development and Communications Manager, MENTOR 

Grants Manager, Partners in Health

Arts Commissioner, City of Boston

Executive Director, Montachusett Opportunity Council

Office Manager, RAW Artworks

Chief Development Officer, ROCA

Director of Major Gifts, Anti-Defamation League

Chief Financial Officer, HomeStart, Inc.

  

Grant & Award Opportunities
Art Works- Due July 24

  

Trainings & Events 
*Discount for MNN Members

Resources 

UMass Boston Emerging Leaders Program- Applications Due April 9

  

See Facebook's new design for pages.

 

Check out MNN's online Professional Directory for companies throughout MA 

  

Get On the Bus for Human Services! Join the Caring Force as they travel from Springfield to the State House for the annual rally on April 8 to improve funding for human service programs. Seating is limited-reserve your free space today-register by emailing sburt@humanserviceforum.org with your name, agency and phone number.
        
 
  

 

Provides leadership development and training, organizational development, and strategic planning.
A full-service national executive search firm specializing in CEO searches for nonprofits and foundations.

 

KROKIDAS & BLUESTEIN LLP

Provides legal services in the areas of public, non-profit and for-profit general corporate law, health and education law, real estate development, finance and property management, public and private civil litigation, labor and employment law, and social services law.   

 

Provide non-profit organizations with targeted services designed to strengthen their operations and programs. Services are results-oriented and tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. 
 
They combine a comprehensive suite of marketing tools, your own passionate funding team, and an engaged community of supporters, qualified vendors, and generous angels to support the fundraising efforts of your nonprofit. Offer one-on-one support to help customize a fundraising plan that works for you. 

 
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 llynch@massnonprofitnet.org .