A bi-weekly update from the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network.                                        

Accepting Nominations through January 6th!
Nominations are being accepted for the  Light of Dawnn Awards .  To be considered, nominees should be  nonprofit professionals working in Massachusetts who demonstrate marked compassion and unwavering commitment to serving those in need. Those selected will be recognized at a public event and receive a monetary award for their outstanding efforts.

If you know of any  unsung heroes from the nonprofit field who have made a unique difference in the lives of the people they serve, we urge you to nominate them by   filling out this form .

The  deadline  for nominations is  January 6th !

Now in its third year, the Light of Dawnn Awards were created to honor the life of Dawnn Ashley Jaffier, an innocent victim of gun violence, who was tragically killed on her way to a neighborhood celebration. Though only 26 years old, Dawnn had begun a promising career in Boston's nonprofit community, holding direct service positions at the West End House, Playworks, City Year and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston. She understood firsthand the important role nonprofit organizations play within a community and created a life devoted to giving back for all she had been given. 

To honor Dawnn, and all victims of senseless acts of violence, the  Highland Street Foundation , community leaders, and Dawnn's colleagues, peers, and family, created the  Light of Dawnn Awards . These awards celebrate individuals working in the nonprofit sector who demonstrate the spirit that is Dawnn's legacy.




Each month, MNN partners with one of our affiliate members - experts in their field - to present a free webinar on timely and relevant topics for the nonprofit sector. 

On January 18th, Tom Guidi, a partner at Hemenway & Barnes LLP, will be speaking on nonprofit governance. Tom will provide an overview of the legal responsibilities of nonprofit board members. The role served by board members includes financial review, mission achievement, review and compensation of CEOs and Executive Directors, and fundraising. Tom will address how board members can deliver on these obligations in a way to best serve the nonprofit and how nonprofit staff can effectively engage and support their boards in these areas.  Reserve your spot here!
How organizations can set themselves apart to secure - and retain -donors

By Shannon Crowley ,  CPA , MSA ,  BlumShapiro

Despite the Great Recession and the long process of economic recovery of the 2000s, the non-profit sector has become one of the country's fastest-growing industries. According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics' most recent research, the United States is home to more than 1.5 million registered non-profit organizations - marking a nearly 20 percent increase over the last 10 years, a time frame in which many businesses in the for-profit sector have struggled.

This rapid growth is certainly a sign of success, and - as non-profits employ nearly 11 million American workers and contribute roughly $887 billion to the national economy - it is difficult for anyone to argue against the economic value of a thriving non-profit sector.

However, the unprecedented rate at which new organizations are being created is also creating a challenge. The non-profit sector is more crowded than ever before, making it very difficult for organizations to secure - and retain - their donor bases. Read more.
QUICK LINKS 
Executive Director, Irish Cultural Center of New England
Chief Development Officer ,  The  Carroll Center for the Blind
President & CEO, United Way of Pioneer Valley
Manager of Enrollment & Match Support Big Brothers Big Sisters
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Community Teamwork
Executive Director, Massachusetts Charter Public School Association
Director of Development, Hildebrand Family Self Help Center
Director of Development and Communications, American Camp Association, New England
Development Director,  William J. Gould Associates, Inc.
CEO, Schools for Children
Manager of Annual Fund & Communications, Foundation for MetroWest
CFO,  YWCA
Deputy Director , Catholic Charities of Boston
Marketing and Communications Officer,  Cape Cod Foundation
Managing Director,  Grow Native Massachusetts
Vice President, Disability Services,  Jewish Family & Children's Service
Development Associate, Mustard Seed Communities

*Discounts for MNN members
Resources
Third Sector New England has extended the last day to take its 2017 Valuing Our Nonprofit Workforce  compensation and benefits survey to December 30! In partnership with foundations and nonprofits in the region, Third Sector New England is conducting this study to collect salary and benefits data from nonprofits across the state. The study will be published in a report (June 2017) detailing benefits offered and salaries paid to employees in hundreds of positions in different types of nonprofits. To learn more and participate in the survey,  click here .   

Calling all warriors - Are you passionate about raising money and awareness for a local charity? 
Power Launch  is recruiting women to participate in its Charity Warriors Challenge, a 10-week fundraising contest beginning January 18, 2017 through March 29, 2017. The challenge is open to women who serve as volunteer ambassadors or executives of MA nonprofit organizations. 
Warriors will access great mentors, learn from a powerful peer community and have fun while raising funds for important causes. The deadline to apply is December 31. For more information, contact  info@charitywarriorschallenge.com. 

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSM) is now accepting applications for the 2017 cohort of its Skills-Based Volunteer Program (SBVP) . The SBVP is  a unique program that leverages the skills and volunteer time of Blue Cross employees to address the challenges facing nonprofit organizations. Apply to partner with BCBSM here. Applications must be submitted by January 11, 2017.  For questions, contact  Brie Tangney at brianne.tangney@bcbsma.com.

Citizens Bank  is currently accepting applications from nonprofits for financial literacy programs that teach good financial practices. Applications for the Citizens Helping Citizens Manage Money Initiative are due by January 20th, 2017. Learn more and apply here .

The Barr Foundation is currently seeking proposals from innovative schools and programs with the goal of supporting the development of exemplary schools and programs across the region. Applicants can begin preparing their proposals for one-year planning grants of up to $150,000 each to support the development of their school or program. All proposals for planning grants are due by February 15, 2017. For more information, click here . 
 
New England Water Environment Association  is looking to find a new home for its copier. The copier prints in black and white only and is not network-ready. If you know of an organization in need of a copier, please contact NEWEA  here .




New & Returning Affiliate Members 
*Special discount for MNN members

Provides technology assessment, strategy and planning, with focus on CRM data systems, analytics, and performance management of programs and services. 
* No charge for initial consultation, based on fit and need.

Provides non-profit organizations with complete IT support and cloud services. Serves as a 24/7/365 IT help desk.
* Provides IT support and service packages tailored specifically to non-profits' needs.

New & Returning 
MNN's work is made possible by the Barr Foundation, The Boston Foundation & the Highland 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  info@massnonprofitnet.org.