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

Spread the Word: #nonprofitsmakesense!

Across the state, we've been told by nonprofit leaders that Massachusetts residents don't know the incredible impact nonprofits have on them each and every day, and that as a sector we must work together to inform the public in a unified voice.

 

To do just that, join us for our annual #nonprofitsmakesense social media movement leading up to Nonprofit Awareness Day to increase awareness of the impact and diversity of the thousands of nonprofits across the state in a way that is easy to understand and share. 

 

Last year's #nonprofitsmakesense campaign was a huge success and engaged 369 social media partners, generated 1,050+ tweets, and resulted in 1,135,633 impressions. 

 

We hope you'll become a partner and join the online conversation by signing-up then using the hashtag #nonprofitsmakesense on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram in the coming weeks to share stories, stats, and images that convey the work you do in your local community. MNN will be highlighting #nonprofitsmakesense partners through our social media, website, and newsletter. 

 

Become a #nonprofitsmakesense partner and register for Nonprofit Awareness Day.

 

Running For Good 

Today being the one year anniversary of the marathon bombing, we wanted to highlight the kindness and generosity that will impact hundreds of local nonprofits, thanks to the unwavering dedication of runners participating in this year's marathon.
Vanessa Porter, with training partner Scooby, is running the 2014 marathon for the MSPCA
 
If you are an MNN member that has a team or individuals running to raise funds for your organization send us your photos and fundraising links. 

 

MNN members who have runners in this year's marathon include: 
 
You can see a full list of marathon nonprofit teams here.
 

This year's Boston marathon will be a celebration of the energy and determination that makes Boston, and the Commonwealth, so amazing, and the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network wishes all of the runners participating on behalf of local nonprofits and MNN member teams the best of luck.  

 

Student Loan Forgiveness for Nonprofit Employees

 If you are employed by a nonprofit, you may be eligible for loan forgiveness.

 

We hear time and again that employee recruitment and retention is a barrier faced by many nonprofits, and that student loan forgiveness would help attract a young, talented workforce, and keep them from leaving the sector in search of better benefits.

 

What many nonprofits and their employees don't know is that student loan forgiveness does exist. In fact, the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network helped to pass the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 that led to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, which you can use to have your student loans forgiven starting in 2017.

 

There are steps you need to take now to make sure that you are eligible come 2017... Read More.

 

Help Your Organization Save Money on Utility Bills

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. 

 

And make sure you read the 411 article below to learn how you can access energy efficient resources.

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.
PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE

House Ways and Means Budget Released & Amendments Filed 

Last Wednesday, the House Ways and Means Committee released its FY 2015 budget proposal.  In response, the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center released their annual Budget Monitor, which shows how this proposal would affect programs across state government, from health care and education to human services and the environment.

 

New procedures put in place for this budget cycle required budget amendments to be submitted no later than last Friday.  Despite this short turn around, there were 1,175 budget amendments filed, a 25% increase over last year.  You can view all 1,175 budget amendments here.

 

Debate on the budget amendments will begin Monday, April 28.  Given the large number of amendments under consideration,  it is critical that you contact your legislators now to express your support for any particular budget amendment.

NONPROFIT 411:
Energy Efficient Resources for Your Organization

By Larry Chretien, Executive Director, Energy Consumers Alliance of New England

 

Undertaking energy efficiency improvements is a terrific way for non-profit organizations and their clients to save money, build capacity, and address a matter of local and global concern. 

 

Luckily, here in Massachusetts we have a great resource that can help non-profit organizations and residents manage energy use and related costs. Mass Save�, a statewide program sponsored by Massachusetts' investor-owned gas and electric utilities and energy efficiency service providers, provides a wide range of services and incentives to promote energy savings. The services available depend on the type of property for which you are seeking energy efficiency upgrades. Read more.

Director of Business Administration, City Year

Director of Admissions & Membership, Zoo New England

Director of Grants and Communication, EdVestors

Program Coordinator, Health Resources in Action

Director of Development, Life is Good Kids Foundation

Digital Marketing Specialist, Year Up

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

  

Grant & Award Opportunities
Art Works- Due July 24

  

Trainings & Events 
*Discount for MNN Members

Resources 

  

The Institute for Nonprofit Management and Leadership (INML) Program at Boston University is now accepting applications for the 2014-15 year. INML offers two certificate programs, the Core Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership and the Community Fellows Program! Both are one-year programs and combine practical and classroom learning designed for executive/mid-career (the Core Certificate) and young/emerging leaders (the Community Fellows Program) in the nonprofit sector. 
 
Fields Corner Business Labs, which offers work space to small business owners and nonprofit organizations that need it most, opens April 15
 

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

  

 
New & Returning Nonprofit Members 

 

 

New & Returning Affiliates

*Special Discount for MNN members

  

ANDES CONSULTING

Professional consulting services to assist executive leaders and organizations achieve their goals and objectives, with strength in providing individualized services to meet each client's needs and twenty years of experience as a non-profit leader.

  

BLUMSHAPIRO

As the largest regional accounting, tax and business consulting firm based in New England, a significant part of the organization is dedicated to serving the needs of non-profit organizations. They work with your staff members, volunteers and clients to get an intimate view of the everyday challenges you face.

  

BRIDGE PARTNERS LLC

An executive search firm with expertise in supporting efforts to attract and retain senior, diverse executives.

  

COMART & ASSOCIATES

Management consultants to nonprofit organizations

  

CURTIS CROSS CONSULTING

Provides fundraising, organizational development, and mission fulfillment consulting.


NE KELLY & ASSOCIATES

Certified public accountants and certified fraud examiners who specialize in providing auditing, tax and compliance services to not for profit organizations. They have extensive experience in working with organizations that receive Federal and State funding.  *MNN members receive a free evaluation of financial statements and two free hours of financial consultation.

  

SYNTHESIS PARTNERSHIP

Guides nonprofits to greater effectiveness through integrated planning and organizational development customized to needs, situation and culture.
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 .