A bi-weekly update from the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network.                                        
IN THIS ISSUE:
HEADLINES

letterMNN Responds to Recent Editorial in The Boston Globe
In a letter to the editor, MNN CEO Jim Klocke responded to a recent editorial in The Boston Globe by highlighting the various ways in which nonprofits contribute to local government and how these contributions should remain at the forefront of the ongoing tax debate. To read his full letter, click here. 

For questions about the letter to the editor or the ongoing tax debate, please contact Tonja Mettlach, our Director of Government Affairs, at tmettlach@massnonprofitnet.org.


webinarFREE Wednesday Webinar: The Essential Board Plan


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. This month, EssentialWorth is delighted to introduce its newest process, the Essential Board Plan. In this one-hour webinar, EssentialWorth founders Jay W. Vogt and Judy A. Ozbun, will take you through the essentials of a board plan. Participants in this webinar will receive:
  • The Essential Board Plan template
  • The Essential Board Plan webinar workbook
  • A special introductory invitation to the Essential Board Plan process

 

conferenceConference: New Workshops & Early Bird Rates
Registration for MNN's 2016 Conference & Expo is now open! We hope you will join us on November 2 at the Framingham Sheraton for one of the largest gatherings of nonprofit and business professionals from across the Commonwealth.

This year, we will bring together the collective expertise of the nonprofit sector to discuss how we can move forward for a better Commonwealth. Together, we will look at what's been working, what are the current issues, and how we can learn from the past to a better shape the future.

An integral part of our annual conference are our informative and engaging workshops. Each year, we bring together experts in fields ranging from finance to development, communications to board management, and everywhere in between. Whether you're looking to boost personal productivity, or you're in need of best practices to better engage staff and volunteers, there is a workshop for you!  Through inspiring case studies, lively discussions, and engaging hands-on exercises, attendees will leave these workshops equipped not  only to attain their own goals but also to perform more effectively as members of the nonprofit community.

The 31 workshops will be divided among three sessions. Below are a few examples of the exciting workshops that will be offered.  Click here for a full list of our workshops and presenters .
  • A Cultural Literacy Toolbox: Developing Culturally Proficient Practices
  • Cultivating Powerful Partnerships with Corporations
  • Building a "Better" Budget
  • Understanding the Landscape of Government Funding
  • Finding the Talent You Need: Lessons from Mapping the Nonprofit Talent Ecosystem
  • Selling Social Change
Workshop spaces are limited and will be given on a first come, first serve basis. Register now to reserve your spot and to take advantage of our early bird rates! 

 
By  By Paul Konigstein,  Senior Consultant,  Accounting Management Solutions , a CliftonLarsonAllen LLP Division

Program activities in most nonprofit sectors are becoming  evidence-based  as nonprofits develop metrics to measure program effectiveness. While funders, boards, and nonprofit managers are gradually perceiving the value of program metrics, they have been slower to recognize the value of financial metrics. Hidden within the financial statements is important data which indicates the financial sustainability of your nonprofit. Unlocking that data with financial metrics provides critical guidance for financial and programmatic decisions.

The most important metric is the current ratio, which is defined as current assets divided by current liabilities. Both these numbers should be on your Statement of Financial Position (also known as the balance sheet). If your statement does not separate assets and liabilities into current and non-current, ask your preparer of financials to do so. If you  want  use accounting lingo, tell her  you  want a Classified Balance Sheet. This does not mean that your balance sheet is top secret, but rather that assets and liabilities are classified into current and non-current portions.

Read more here. 
QUICK LINKS 
quicklinks
Job Opportunities
Communications Manager,  Massachusetts Nonprofit Network (MNN)
Fall 2016 Communications Intern,  Massachusetts Nonprofit Network (MNN)
Associate Consultant, Common Impact
Development and Communications Coordinator, Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice
Director of Finance and Administration, Mass Mentoring Program
Manager of Marketing and Communications, Mass Mentoring Program
Executive Director, The Commonwealth Institute
Manager of Corporate and Foundation Giving,  Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries
Accounts Receivable Manager, Third Sector New England 
Director of Marketing and Communications, Primary Care Progress 
Executive Director,  Irish Cultural Centre of New England
Director of Administration & Finance, Partners for Youth with Disabilities 
Director of Immigrant Integration & Elder Services,  Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers
Fiscal Manager,  Quincy Community Action Programs
Fundraising Manager,  The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association, Massachusetts Chapter
Development Coordinator,  Two Ten Footwear Foundation
Treasurer,  MA Branch of International Dyslexia Association (MABIDA)
Advancement Director, Camp Mowglis 
Executive Director, The American City Coalition (TACC)

Trainings & Events 
*Discounts for MNN members
TUGG's Tech Gives Back 2016, Boston, October 20

Resources
The Smith Family Foundation's Small Capital Grants Program supports one-time capital expenses that directly enhance a nonprofit organization's ability to serve its clients and achieve its mission. Grants may be used for such purposes as facility improvements, vehicles, equipment purchases, and other non-expendable assets. The Foundation targets this assistance to nonprofit organizations that would otherwise find it difficult, if not impossible, to meet this type of need through their operating budgets. For more information, including complete eligibility requirements, please visit the Foundation's website. If you have questions, please contact Amy Hampe at 857-404-0705 or ahampe@smithfamilyfoundation.net.

If your nonprofit pays into the MA unemployment system (ask your CFO or HR Payroll Person), your company is eligible for F-R-E-E computer skills training! Operation A.B.L.E. was awarded a grant from Commonwealth Corporation to provide your employees with updated computer skills! Employees can come to them (174 Portland Street across from TD Garden) or they can go to you. Send as few as one or send many. Operation A.B.L.E. can train in the following: Microsoft Office 2010/2013 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access & Outlook), Computer Essentials, Computer Troubleshooting.  Call LaVerne Freeman at 617-542-4180 x144  to register!

The Latino Legacy Fund, a unique partnership of local Latino philanthropists and leaders, the Boston Foundation and Hispanics in Philanthropy, is the first Latino-focused fund in the Greater Boston area. Its mission is to create and maintain a permanent endowment to strengthen the diverse Latino community of Greater Boston and contribute to the region's civic vitality by supporting issues and organizations that advance the socio-economic status of Latinos-while enhancing the leadership capacity of the entire Latino community. Click here to learn more about the organization and to learn about current grant opportunities. 



 
 
 

New & Returning Affiliate Members
*Special discount for MNN members

For more than a decade, NonProfit People Search (formerly Nonprofit People & Systems) offers expert and affordable executive search solutions to organizations nationally.

New & Returning 
Nonprofit Members
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 info@massnonprofitnet.org