A bi-weekly update from the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network.                                        
HEADLINES
There's still time! You have until midnight to submit a Nonprofit Excellence Award nomination.

This is your last chance to showcase the talent, commitment, diversity and effectiveness of the nonprofit sector. Choose among the following categories to honor the work of your organization, or a nonprofit you admire:

 
Happening Now:  MNN Nonprofit Public Policy Roundtable Meetings

MNN's series of free roundtable meetings across the state kicked-off last week with lively conversations, brainstorming, and rich and insightful ideas that MNN will use to craft a public policy agenda to address the current needs of MA nonprofits. 
   
There are seven more meetings taking place across the state. Don't miss out on this chance to share your thoughts on the challenges and opportunities facing the nonprofit sector.

 

"It was exciting to feel the energy in the room and to begin framing actionable steps to increase nonprofit participation in the legislative process in MA.  Thanks MNN for kicking off this important conversation." -Jenn Lammers, National Program Director, Alliance for Nonprofit Management

 

To learn more and register for your region's meeting, click here.
 
Why Businesses Should Be Run Like Nonprofits 

Those of us who work in nonprofits are used to being told why we should operate more like businesses. But in a nice switch, a recent piece in the Nonprofit Quarterly highlights why for-profit businesses should be run more like nonprofits.


In the article, author Dan Ehrenkrantz points out for-profits have a lot to learn from nonprofits when it comes to using creative tactics to keep employees engaged, building and nurturing client/ donor relationships to increase brand loyalty, and saying two very important words: "thank you."
 
Whether you are a small nonprofit or a Fortune 500 company, best-practices are meant to be shared. You can read the article here. And check out the 411 article below which covers how nonprofits and for-profits can work together in a joint venture.
Have you visited MNN's online 
View available jobs- from intern to CEO- in all subsectors and regions in the state. 
 
Everyone can view and apply for jobs, only MNN members can post.
PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE

MNN CEO To Testify on Behalf of Network

Today at 10 am, the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight will hear SB 1486 "An Act to Strengthen Impact, Efficiency and Accountability in the Government-Nonprofit Partnership." You can read the full testimony from MNN CEO Rick Jakious in support of the bill here. 

 

The bill, which was crafted by MNN and sponsored by Senator Jennifer Flanagan and Representative Liz Malia, establishes an accountability structure across state government for strengthening the partnership between government and the nonprofit sector. The bill also creates a council of nonprofit, private sector and government thought leaders to study and provide recommendations on innovations and best practices used by nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts and across the country. Learn more about the bill.

NONPROFIT 411: What You Need to Know About Nonprofit and For-Profit Joint Ventures 

 

By Elka Sachs, Partner, Krokidas & Bluestein LLP

 

Your organization might consider a joint venture with a for-profit for a variety of reasons. Sometimes a nonprofit and for-profit wish to exchange services. Often, a nonprofit organization seeks to obtain capital, staff and/or expertise from a for-profit in order to provide services to third parties. 


Although joint ventures with for-profits offer many rewards, there is a minefield of potential issues to consider. Read more.
Trainings & Events 

*Governance Leadership Program, Boston, March-Oct.

*Collaboration within Orgs and the Larger Community, Holyoke, March 6 

Avoiding Top 10 Employment Law Mistakes by NonProfits, Boston, March 6

Launching a Mobile Comm. and Fundraising Campaign, Webinar, March 11

How to Sell Out Your Next Fundraising Event, Webinar, March 11

Communicating Across Differences, Boston, March 11  

Fundamental of Facilitation for Racial Justice Work, Boston, March 11-12

Women in Philanthropy Conference, Springfield, March 13

Nonprofit Incorporation Workshop, Boston, March 13

Understanding the Hiring Process, Boston, March 14 

Exploring the World of Corporate Sponsorship, Boston, March 20

Economic Outlook Breakfast, Boston, March 20

Financial Reports that Bring in the Money, Sudbury, March 20

*Risk Management - ADAAA, OSHA, MCAD, Holyoke, March 20

The Institute for Trustees Conference, South Hamilton, March 22

Organizational Excellence, Dedham, April 4 

Certificate in Supervision Series, Boston, Begins April 10

*Discount for MNN Members

Resources 
        
 
  

  

ANN DONNOR CONSULTING

As a skilled strategist and facilitator, Ann Donner works with her clients to bring strong ideas to fruition. She has substantial experience leading complex projects and initiatives for a diverse mix of business, nonprofit and government organizations. Her services include Implementation Strategic Planning, Facilitation Advocacy, Public Engagement Program Research, and Feasibility Assessment.

 

CAUSE AND EFFECT INC.

Consulting services that strengthen your governance, improve your communications, focus your strategy, build stronger relationships with your constituents, and boost your revenues. Cause and Effect Inc. has a practical approach and years of direct experience as fundraisers, communicators, program implementers, change managers and frontline volunteers from grassroots to global NGOs.

 

KATHLEEN M. SULLIVAN

A consultant in the Greater Boston area, Kathleen provides organizational development and strategic planning services to nonprofits.

 

NONPROFIT PROFESSIONALS ADVISORY GROUP LLC

Designed to operate with "new economy" savvy, the Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group unbundles traditional executive search and leadership transition packages and offers sophisticated services tailored to our clients' various needs. They are committed to passing along knowledge throughout the process so that clients' internal capacity and independence is enhanced.

 

ROWE RESOURCES         

Assists non-profits to maximize their resources in the areas of fundraising, special events, conference planning, legislative organizing, and board management and training. Cindy Rowe has over twenty years of experience working in the non-profit and public sectors, and teaches courses in resource development, including planning non-profit fundraising events, and creating annual fund and major gift programs.

 
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] .