Professional Development Time is Now!
May is a very busy month for training opportunities. Make sure to check out the list below and find something you can use in your nonprofit work. 
    We're formally introducing a new monthly feature called "Network Spotlight." The past few months we've featured peer group participants. Going forward, we'll use this section to continue to inform you of Nonprofit Network happenings. It's a pleasure to support all of your great nonprofit work; thanks for connecting with us!
     P lease share news and events with me by May 26  for inclusion in our next Nonprofit Network e-newsletter. I look forward to hearing from you.

Carrie Walker, Nonprofit Network Coordinator
[email protected]

Network Spotlight: Training
Thank you for the outstanding response to our first Nonprofit Know-How 2.0 training, Board Boot Camp, on April 7. 
     The Nonprofit Network strongly believes in continued learning for nonprofit professionals in our community. We know there are many organizations that offer highly beneficial training programs for the nonprofit sector, and seek to collaborate with organizations offering these programs. Please check out the list of May opportunities below! Click here for a working list of professional development opportunities in our area. 
     We work with the Nonprofit Network Advisory Committee to evaluate training needs. Based on our findings, the Network on occasion will provide learning opportunities, in addition to our monthly peer groups.
     We welcome your feedback regarding training opportunities, potential partners, and current programs. Please contact Nonprofit Network Coordinator Carrie Walker at 319-774-2375.
 
Reminders & Opportunities!
Veridian Credit Union Grant Program
Through a partnership with Veridian Credit Union, the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa has established a grant opportunity for nonprofit agencies. The grants are limited to nonprofits serving counties where Veridian is providing services (including Linn). Visit here for more information about the grant program. If you determine that your organization fits the guidelines, you can access the online grant site to submit a Letter of Intent starting
May 1st.

Community Foundation Summer Grant Applications Due 
June 12
The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation announces the summer grant cycle for local charitable nonprofits. Applications will be accepted beginning May 12, and are due on Friday, June 12, 2015, at 4:30 p.m. More information here.

Mount Mercy Students Seek Nonprofit Partner
The Capstone class in the Mount Mercy University Masters of Strategic Leadership program seeks a partner for their final course this summer.  Students have ten weeks to work on your focus, whether it is championing a change or training your leaders.  For full description and invitation to participate click here . Application to participate here . Contact Deb Oliver for more information.

Linn County Fair Invites Nonprofit Participation
The Linn County Fair will be held from June 24-29, 2015, in Central City. Find out more about vendor spaces free of charge to nonprofits here. Deadline to apply is June 1st.

V isit the Nonprofit Network page at www.gcrcf.org for our online calendar.
Ready...set...learn

Upcoming Peer Groups

Please contact  Carrie Walker if you are interested in finding out more about peer groups. These monthly or bi-monthly lunch meetings provide a great opportunity to discuss current issues, discover new ideas, and create peer connections.  Email invitations with agenda, topics, and RSVP requests for free lunch are sent about a week before a peer group meeting.

 

  • Tuesday, May 5, & Tuesday, June 2: Executive Directors of Small Nonprofits
  • Thursday, May 21, 12-1 p.m.: CFO Learning Opportunity [see below]
  • Tuesday, May 26, 12-1 p.m.: Marketing
  • Tuesday, June 16, 12 - 1 p.m.: Development
Expert Edge Series-Media Relations: How to Get Your Story Covered
Presented by Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce
Wednesday, May 6, 2015, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
University of Iowa Research Park-BioVentures Center, 2500 Crosspark Road, Coralville
Looking to pitch a news story for your business? Panel of media professionals provide their dos and don'ts of media relations.
Cost: $25 members, $40 non-members
Register and more information here .

Dealing with Conflict: What You Need to Know & How to Deal with Difficult People and When it is Helpful To Bring in a Mediator
Friday, May 8, 2015, Noon-1 p.m.
Cedar Rapids Public Library, Beems Auditorium
Presenter: Annie Tucker, sponsored by Mediation Services of Eastern Iowa
Session will cover effective listening, feelings, dealing with high conflict personalities, and when to bring in a mediator.
Cost: Free
For more information, contact Annie Tucker.

Starting an Iowa Charitable Nonprofit Corporation
Saturday, May 16, 2015, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Room 265 Boyd Law Building, University of Iowa College of Law
Workshop covers: Drafting nonprofit articles of incorporation; Obtaining an EIN number with IRS Form SS-4; Drafting and adopting bylaws; and IRS Forms 1023 and 1023-EZ, Application for Exemption. Limit of seven participants (one from each organization, please).
Cost: $50
Register and more information here.

Endowed vs Non-Endowed Donor-Advised Gift Funds
Tuesday, May 19, 2015, Noon-1 p.m.
RuffaloCODY, 1025 Kirkwood Parkway SW, Cedar Rapids
Presenters Mark Ahlers and Jeffrey Ritchie, Hills Bank & Trust Company will 

discuss their experiences with both endowed and non-endowed donor-advised gift funds and give practical advice to share with donors as well as further resources.

Cost: Free members, $20 future members
Register and more information here.

Teach Your Board to Tell Your Story
Tuesday, May 19, 2015, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Hills Bank & Trust, 590 W Forevergreen Rd, North Liberty
Learn to teach and encourage board members to tell your organization's story so they can be more effective organizational ambassadors within the community.
Presenter: Regenia Bailey, Bailey Leadership Initiative
Cost: Free for members, $25 for future members
Register and more information here.

Iowa Cultural Corridor Alliance Presents: Using Google Analytics
Tuesday, May 19, 2015, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
University Capitol Centre, 200 S Capitol St, Room 2520D, Iowa City
What do you know about visitors to your web site? How can you use this information? Join three University of Iowa communications experts to learn more about Google Analytics. Learn basic terminology, how to use the data in your marketing campaigns, and look at trends.
Cost: Free
Register here.

Wednesday, May 20, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Rex Eno Conference Center, 317 7th Ave SE, 2nd floor, Cedar Rapids

Planned programs include: Building & Maintaining Volunteer Engagement, Creating & Writing Engaging Volunteer Position Descriptions, Recruiting Engaged Volunteers, and Orientating & Onboarding Engaged Volunteers.

Cost: $25 LIV members, $35 non-members, includes lunch.

Register and more information here.

 

CFO Peer Group Learning Opportunity: Cyber Security and Breach Analysis Discussion

Thursday, May 21, 2015, 12 p.m.-1 p.m.

Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, 324 3rd Street SE, Cedar Rapids

Special guests: Craig DeWulf, Loras Even, and Jonathan Dreasler, McGladrey

Join the discussion about cyber security and security incident preparedness and breach analysis within your nonprofit organization.

Cost: Free, Lunch provided for those who RSVP

RSVP: By May 19 to Carrie Walker.

 

Thursday, June 4, 2015, 7:45 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Mt. Mercy University Graduate Center, Cedar Rapids
Training for nonprofit employees or volunteers! Sessions include: Storytelling:Telling Your Nonprofit's Story, Culture-Enhancing Leadership Development, Strengthsfinder, The Power of Positivity, Powerpoint Design for the Non-Designer, Giving and Receiving Feedback, and more. 
Cost:  $30 per person. 
Register   here .

Third Annual Iowa Nonprofit Conference
Presented by CliftonLarsonAllen
Friday, June 19, 2015, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Hotel at Kirkwood Center, 7725 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids
The conference will feature sessions related to a broad spectrum of organizational concerns-from charitable state registrations and cyber fraud to IRS updates and strategic planning. A full schedule of sessions, including CPE information, will be released in May.
Cost: $50 through May 19 including materials and lunch. After May 19, $75.
Register here or contact Peg Sprengeler.
In This Issue
Network Spotlight
Reminders & Opportunities
Upcoming Trainings
Articles
Website Links
Interesting Articles




Please share  your finds for interesting articles with us!
Library Resources

The Cedar Rapids Public Library has numerous resources for local nonprofits. 

 

The downtown Cedar Rapids Public Library has a variety of rooms available for public use. Spaces vary in size and amenities. For more details on meeting room use, please click here. 
Contact Carrie Walker at the Nonprofit Network for more information on how to get connected to library resources. 

LinkedIn
Connect with the Nonprofit Network on LinkedIn. 
Nonprofit Network of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation
324 3rd Street SE Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Phone: 319.366.2862  Fax: 319.366.2912
Stay connected with us through social media   View our profile on LinkedIn  Like us on Facebook  View our videos on YouTube