A bi-weekly update from the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network.                                        
IN THIS ISSUE:
Last week, MNN submitted a  letter to the Chairs of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means in opposition to the proposed employer health care assessment. We did so as the joint committee begins hearings on Governor Baker's FY18 budget proposal, including the employer assessment. The committee will hold eight budget hearings around the state, which will run until the first week of April. In the  letter, we expressed our opposition to the proposal, discussed its unfairness, and highlighted the impact it would have on the nonprofit sector and, in turn, communities throughout the Commonwealth. MNN will continue to engage elected officials and other stakeholders on this issue.

HSFMeasuring What Matters: A Recap of our Special Forum with David Grant
On Thursday, March 16th, over 200 nonprofit profes sionals joined MNN and the Highland  Street Foundation for a special forum with David Grant, author of The Social Profit Handbook. During his talk, Grant discussed his innovative approach to assessment and measurement for nonprofits. 

"We think measurement is about numbers," said Grant. "I want to shift our thinking. To measure what matters." 

Grant also highlighted strategies for planning around a vision, how to avoid nonprofit leadership and staff burnout, and the importance of adaptation in an ever-changing nonprofit environment. 

David Grant is the former president and CEO of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation in Morristown, New Jersey. His career has centered on innovative teaching and learning. In 1983, he and his wife, Nancy Boyd Grant, co-founded the Mountain School of Milton Academy, a semester-long, interdisciplinary environmental studies program in Vermont for high school juniors.

The special forum with David Grant is part of a speaker series presented by MNN in partnership with the Highland Street Foundation. The series focuses on bringing a variety of speakers to discuss emerging issues affecting the nonprofit sector.

MNN  released a new edition of its Commonwealth Insights
publication series last week. The report, Doing More Good: Making the Most of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), details the lifeline for low-income families that is the EITC and the gap between those eligible for this credit and those claiming it. With less than one month to go before the tax-filing deadline, MNN is calling on nonprofits across the state to help spread awareness of and increase access to the EITC.

This report is the first edition of MNN's Commonwealth Insights publication series of 2017. Commonwealth Insights is a regular publication that launched in 2016 and seeks to cover timely issues pertinent to the nonprofit sector. The publication is funded by the Barr Foundation. To see past editions, please click here.

Nonprofit411Nonprofit 411: Size and Success: The Case for Capacity for NPOs
By Kim McCormick, Sr. VP, McCormick Group
Kim McCormick, Sr. VP, McCormick Group

The spectrum of nonprofit organizations (NPO) in the United States ranges from $3+ billion to $250 in annual revenue. The huge disparity paired with the sheer number (1.5 million) of registered NPOs begs the question, does size matter? 

SIZE 
Interestingly, there are two conflicting concepts regarding size. Larger organizations have greater resources to make changes, acquire technologies and train staff, however it's more difficult to shift system wide. Smaller organizations may shift models easily, yet lack capacity and financial resources to make impactful change. Knowing the sweet spot for your organization's size can help you deliver your mission more effectively. Unfortunately, many NPOs are busy raising money and managing daily operations. Building capacity for greater impact is the stuff of dreams. Read more.
In these changing times when organizational agility, key decision making, and functional speed is critical to mission impact, nonprofit leaders need to explore every available tool, resource, and opportunity. Learning what, and how, the most successful nonprofits are doing today will help you determine if your organization is best prepared for the "now" and the "next" phase of your life cycle.

During tomorrow's webinar, guided by Kim McCormick, Vice President, McCormick Group and featuring a case study from United Way Worldwide, participants will learn the techniques and tactics contemporary nonprofits are using to get better everyday.  Register here.
QUICK LINKS 
Development Director, Parenting Journey
Development Director, Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center
Executive Director, Hideo Sasaki Foundation
Executive Director, Alternatives for Community & Environment
CEO, FSH Society
Director of Business Operations and Development , Western Mass Training Consortium
Director of Development , Emerald Necklace Conservancy
Senior Program Officer, Education, Barr Foundation
President/CEO, Delta Projects, Inc.
Corporate Engagement Officer, St. Francis House
Development Coordinator, ALS Therapy Development Institute
Executive Director, Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England
Programs Supervisor, Greater Waltham Arc
Program Manager, Families First Parenting Programs
Publications Manager, Corporate Accountability International

*Discounts for MNN members
Resources
The Kraft family and the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation (NEPCF) are accepting nominations for the 2017 Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards . The awards highlight the Patriots' ongoing Celebrate Volunteerism initiative, which honors Myra Kraft's lifetime commitment to volunteerism.  Nonprofit organizations may nominate volunteers for the Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards by completing the application  found here . Completed applications must be received by  March 31, 2017 .

On Saturday, April 1, 2017, Bentley University is hosting the Career Fair For The Greater Good, providing an opportunity for nonprofits to connect with students who are interested in applying their leadership skills and passion to internships and full-time opportunities in the nonprofit sector. If you are interested in participating, please email Colleen Murphy at cmuphy1@bentley.edu by March 17th.

New England GiveCamp , an annual 48-hour event which that brings together technical professionals and small nonprofit organizations, is taking place from April 28th-April 30th in Watertown, MA. Typical projects include creating or refreshing a website presence, providing a mobile-friendly site, integrating new functionality (like social media, online donations, etc.), and even design services for rebranding, newsletters, and other campaigns. In the past 7 years 500+ volunteers have assisted over 100 New England charities. Apply to take part in this year's event here .

Could your nonprofit organization benefit from a new website? This  June 2nd-4th,
48in48 will be partnering with local web designers and agencies to build 48 websites for 48 nonprofits in the area for FREE. For your nonprofit to be considered, apply here by March 31, 2017.  





New & Returning Affiliate Members 
*Special discount for MNN members

Provides a wide range of property and casualty products and services to individuals, families, and businesses. 

New & Returning 
Nonprofit Members

-  Bay State Reading Institute, Inc.               
-  Exceptional Lives             
-  Hideo Sasaki Foundation             
-  Hospitality Homes          
-  Jacob's Pillow Dance      
-  Provide, Inc.      


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.