Hello Nonprofit Leaders and Supporters,
With the impacts of the violent attempt last week to stop the counting of the electoral college votes on Capitol Hill last week still reverberating across the nation, we know that many of you are balancing your feelings about that event and the necessary work you have ahead of you in 2021 for your nonprofit. It is a time when we all had hoped to put 2020 in the past and were optimistic for 2021 being better. We can now see that the difficulties and challenges of 2020 including the Coronavirus, the economic downturn, the awakening to racial injustice, and the impacts of a divided and divisive political landscape are still with us. 2021 may be as tough a year as 2020. We should continue to be optimistic, but also be preparing ourselves for the work we’ll all be doing this year. Part of that work includes creating opportunities for dialogue and discourse on the issues shaping our communities. This is a place where the nonprofit sector excels.
Over the past week, we received quite a few comments about our denunciation of the violence insurrection that was perpetrated against our democracy. Some of that feedback was in support of our message and some were vehemently opposed. We stand by our denunciation and also hold out our hand to try to understand the point of view of those who disagree with us. We believe that charitable nonprofits, as non-governmental organizations, are champions of democracy both here in America and abroad. We serve as an expression of the right to assemble peacefully to solve community problems and even redress grievance with our elected officials. We also serve as safe havens for people to gather away from what has become toxic partisanship and concentrate instead on the important work of addressing community needs.
We look forward to a year where nonprofits can be leaders bridging the gap in understanding between those with different points of view. We are all sharing the space of our town, counties, state, and country. We need to find common ground to work together to build a thriving Oregon for all.
Stay Healthy and Stay Safe!
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Jim White
NAO Executive Director
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Important information from the Oregon Department of Justice Charitable Activities Section:
If you recently received a letter from the Oregon Department of Justice Charitable Activities Section indicating you are negligent in submitting your required annual CT-12 going back several years, you can disregard that letter. They experienced a glitch in their system and it automatically generated those letters. NAO received the letter requesting we file our CT-12 from 2014. The DoJ team was very quick to respond to NAO’s inquiry and helpful in clarifying the situation for us. (Whew!) If you have any doubts you should simply follow the instructions on the letter and write them at the email given. They’ll clarify quickly if you owe them a report and filing fees.
Also, as a reminder, those nonprofits that were themselves directly impacted by the Labor Day wildfires have automatically been granted an extension on their filing form 990 and CT-12s this year. Those filings will be due July 15, 2021 unless the organizations files for a longer extension. If you have questions regarding your nonprofit’s eligibility for this extension, please consult with your attorney, CPA, or contact the IRS Charities and Nonprofits and Oregon DoJ Charitable Activities Section.
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NAO’s 2021 programing designed especially for you is in full swing!
Here are a few highlights:
Last week we announced the date for NAO’s Guiding More Good Conference, which will be held virtually on Saturday, March 13, 2021 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. We are excited to carry on the Center for Nonprofit Stewardship’s tradition of convening this conference to bring you exciting expert speakers, practical resources, and virtual networking opportunities. This event will be especially applicable for smaller nonprofits, primarily those that are all-volunteer or with 1-2 staff members. Be sure to save the date!
NAO’s Nonprofit Learning Cohorts are launching this month! They are focused on a collaborative approach to capacity building. Small groups of no more than 15 nonprofit leaders will convene around specific shared learning opportunities to discuss mutual issues, learn from the challenges and solutions of their peers, and problem solve together. Each series will be facilitated by a content expert who will guide the cohort, frame each session, and offer tools and resources. And, be sure to check out our planned webinars on a diverse set of topics. More information and registration can be found in the Upcoming Online Sessions at the end of this Update.
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At the State Level:
The 2021 Legislature has already begun their work and the 81st Oregon Legislative Assembly begins next Tuesday, January 19, 2021.
The Legislature has published the Senate and House bills up for consideration. A complete listing can be found on the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS). Much of the session and hearing will be held virtually. You can find information on how your organization can listen in or provide testimony on issues you care about here.
Here is what we found that could have an impact on us all:
SB 185: Permits nonprofit corporation organized under laws of other jurisdiction to become nonprofit corporation organized under laws of this state. Specifies procedures for domestication of foreign nonprofit corporation. Specifies circumstances under which members of nonprofit corporation and board of directors of nonprofit corporation may discuss issues or take action by electronic means without meeting. Specifies circumstances under which majority of directors may approve dissolution if number of directors in office at time at which directors consider dissolution is less than required by laws of this state or by articles of incorporation or bylaws of nonprofit corporation.
SB 394: Allows nonprofit or charitable organization to sell alcoholic beverages at auction or through raffle once in a three-month period.
HB 2865: Requires statement of economic interest to be filed by all members of board of directors or governing body of nonprofit that has either received or submitted testimony to Legislative Assembly requesting $1 million or more in state capital construction funding over previous five calendar years.
Over the next days and weeks, NAO will begin analyzing and tracking these bills and any others that we become aware of that have a broad impact on the nonprofit sector. Please let us know if there is a bill that you are aware of that impacts us all. Email us at: connect@nonprofitoregon.org.
Department of Human Services briefing for community partners and stakeholders
What: Join us for a preview of the 2021 Oregon Legislative Session, as well as updates on the ODHS pandemic and wildfire response efforts.
When: Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021 from 9 to 10 a.m.
Who: Fariborz Pakseresht, Director
Liesl Wendt, Deputy Director
Eric Moore, Chief Financial Officer
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At the Federal Level:
Paycheck Protection Program-at-a-glance
As part of the last COVID-19 Relief package that was passed by Congress and signed by the President, there is a new round of Paycheck Protection Program funding available immediately and some changes to the earlier guidance. NAO has put together a quick reference guide to the Paycheck Protection Program and what you need to know about the changes and qualifying for forgiveness. Check out the new Fact Sheet here.
Other COVID-19 Relief Aid
Do you have questions about the package of aid specific to your community and your nonprofit in the new COVID 19 Relief Law? If so, join a team of our colleague state associations and the National Council of Nonprofits in this Town Hall briefing tomorrow to help answer your questions. Seating may become limited, so please sign up right away for this free event.
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What’s in the New COVID Relief Law for Nonprofits?
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After many months of inaction, the House, Senate, and President finally came together to enact important COVID relief for individuals, nonprofits, businesses, and governments. Some of the provisions will expire in just a few weeks, and others will last only a few months. Learn which provisions will help your nonprofit and what you need to do to take advantage of them by attending this Nonprofit Town Hall briefing hosted by the National Council of Nonprofits on Wednesday, January 13 at 3:00 pm Eastern.
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A Nonprofit Agenda for Additional COVID Relief
Incoming President Biden and congressional Democratic leaders have made clear they intend to move quickly to enact additional COVID legislation to provide relief to individuals and to help stimulate the economy. The National Council of Nonprofits continues to promote the following nonprofit priorities that are based on the Nonprofit Community Letter signed by more than 4,100 nonprofits from all 50 states and additional communications.
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Provide Full Unemployment Benefit Reimbursement: Increase the federal unemployment insurance reimbursement for reimbursing (self-insured) nonprofits to 100% of costs and extend relief through at least the third quarter of 2021.
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Expand Nonprofit Access to PPP Loans: Expand the Paycheck Protection Program to provide forgivable loans to nonprofits with more than 500 employees and revise the nonprofit eligibility criteria for PPP Second Draw loans to eliminate the requirement that these organizations serving their communities must suffer a 25% decline in gross receipts.
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Strengthen Charitable Giving Incentives: Increase and make permanent the above-the-line or universal charitable deduction in the new COVID relief law.
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State and Local Aid: Nonprofits recognize the need and endorse providing substantial federal aid to state and local governments to help cover lost revenues during the pandemic and avoid layoffs and cuts to essential programs and services.
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Liability Protections: Charitable organizations recognize the need for stringent standards for operating safely and believe that entities that take all reasonable steps to reopen safely should receive protections from litigation.
Donor Disclosure Up for Review: The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to consider challenges to California’s requirement that charitable organizations disclose donor information to state officials. The cases are the results of appeals by the conservative Americans for Progress and Thomas More Law Center to rulings by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rejecting their claims that the state disclosure rule infringes their First Amendment rights. In prior proceedings, the appeals court ruled that the groups had not shown that confidential disclosure to the state (not the public) of the donor information in Form 990 Schedule B would chill participation or lead to donors being harassed.
Reviewing Nonprofit Tax Forms: The Internal Revenue Service announced in November that it is seeking comments from the public, by today, January 11, on potential revisions to nearly five dozen IRS forms filed by nonprofit organizations, including the Form 1023 and Form 1023-EZ applications for tax-exempt status and the Form 990 informational tax return and various schedules. The IRS seeks input on whether the collection of information is necessary and has practical utility; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments submitted by the National Council of Nonprofits call for greater clarity in reporting government grants, a complete revocation and rewrite of Form 1023-EZ, and an additional 90 days for nonprofits to analyze and comment on the dozens of complex forms and their related schedules.
IRS Standard Mileage Rate: The mileage rate for business expense deductions for 2021 is 56 cents per mile, a decrease from the 57.5 cents per mile rate used for 2020, the IRS announced at the end of last year. The rate for medical or moving expenses also dropped, from 17 cents to 16 cents per mile. The standard mileage rate for determining deductions for volunteers using their vehicles for charitable purposes remains at 14 cents because that rate is fixed in statute.
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Upcoming Online Sessions
Virtual Volunteerism - Recruiting, Retaining, and Celebrating your Volunteers, Thursday, January 14, 10 – 11 a.m. PT: Volunteers are the backbone of the charitable sector and provide vital support to help nonprofits conduct programs, raise funds and serve clients. How are you engaging volunteers to meet your mission during these challenging times? Janet Capetty, Founder of Take FIVE Training, will discuss how to engage dedicated volunteers, to think differently, and consider ways to keep volunteers active virtually. More details and registration information here.
Mindful Inclusive Leader-Shift: Cultivating Your Leadership Capacity to Advance Equity and Inclusion, Thursday, January 21, 10 – 11 a.m. PT: Today’s climate is demanding an urgent SHIFT in the way we lead. Natalie Matias, Global Meditation Coach, Facilitator, and Consultant and Lillian A. Tsai, Founder and Principal at TsaiComms LLC will discuss how to apply an integrative approach using mindfulness with inclusive leadership practices, to begin cultivating the necessary capacity and resilience to be mindful and inclusive leaders to shift, survive, and thrive. More details and registration information here.
Nonprofit Learning Cohort – Planning During Change: Creating a Short-Term Strategic Response Plan for Volunteer and Small-Staffed Nonprofits, five Monday weekly interactive sessions – January 25 through February 22, Noon – 1:15 p.m. PT: Are you a nonprofit leader looking to rebound from the organizational and economic impacts of COVID-19? Not sure what is the best strategy or direction? Is your small organization adapting to the pandemic and planning for 2021 and beyond? Join Jess Hampton, NAO’s Learning Program Manager, as she guides and helps you create a practical plan for your nonprofit. More details and registration information here.
What Nonprofit Employers Need To Know About COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements, Wednesday, February 3, 10 – 11 a.m. PT: Oregonians have already started receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. But can employers require employees to be vaccinated? Should they? Aren’t newspaper headlines already saying “yes”? Not so fast – the solutions are more nuanced than you may have considered. P.K. Runkles-Pearson of Miller Nash Graham & Dunn will explain federal and Oregon laws on vaccination mandates and address the practical issues for nonprofit employers. More details and registration information here.
Nonprofit Learning Cohort – Grantwriting Fundamentals, five Wednesday weekly interactive sessions – February 3 through March 31, Noon – 1:15 p.m. PT: Join a group of your peers for this interactive series and embark on a unique journey and learning experience into the world of grantwriting. This webinar series is facilitated by Allison Shirk, Owner/Instructor of Spark the Fire Grantwriting, and is targeted to both beginning grantwriters and those who seek to advance their success. More details and registration information here.
Brain-Science Basics: Using Neuroscience to Strengthen Nonprofit Teams, Wednesday, February 10, 10 – 11 a.m. PT: Anna Young, Principal at Anna Young Leadership Coaching will help us understand the basics of brain science, how we can use this to create support for our nonprofit teams, and look at techniques to support our brains while we are in the work-from-home mode. More details and registration information here.
Virtual Project Impact Cohort, February 16 through August 17, 2021: Join Steve Patty, Ph.D. from Dialogues in Action for a Project Impact Cohort consisting of seven virtual half-day graduate-level sessions over seven months, individualized coaching for each organization, resulting in qualitative and quantitative findings to demonstrate and improve impact. There are openings for up to 12 teams. The deadline to apply is January 15, 2021. Learn more and apply at: https://www.projectimpactpdx.com/
Nonprofit Learning Cohort – Organizational Resilience, five Tuesday weekly interactive sessions – February 16 through March 16, 3 – 4:15 p.m. PT: Join a group of your peers for this series that will help you establish a more resilient organization through these challenging times. Corky McReynolds, Principal of LeadTeam Consulting will help you discover, assess, and apply tools to build or enhance resilience during change that results in a stronger and more sustainable organization. More details and registration information here.
Transforming Your Development Program in 2021 – Fundraising in Times of Change, Thursday, February 18, 10 – 11 a.m. PT: In this session, Laura McCombs, Senior Philanthropy Consultant at the Osborne Group, will look at practical and aspirational ways to approach your development planning and prioritization this year that will help you continue to adapt to uncertainty while addressing key challenges and opportunities that can lead to greater return on investment and, ultimately, greater impact. More details and registration information here.
Becoming a Great Board Member: Fundamentals of Nonprofit Board Governance, Wednesday, February 24, 10 – 11 a.m. PT: In this webinar, presented by Jenn Clemo, NAO’s Director of Nonprofit Leadership and Resources, you will learn about the nonprofit board of directors and gain an understanding of what it means to be an effective board member. Jenn will provide a thorough overview for new board members or those looking to refresh themselves on the fundamentals. More details and registration information here.
Ambassador Training: Better Word-of-Mouth Marketing, Tuesday, March 2, 10 – 11:30 a.m. PT: Even in the era of social media, the most effective marketing strategy is word of mouth. Regardless of your role – board, staff or volunteer – you can represent your organization more effectively and encourage positive buzz. Join Andy Robinson, Principal of Andy Robinson Consulting, to learn how to engage potential supporters, develop compelling messages, and deliver them effectively. More details and registration information here.
Nonprofit Learning Cohort – Fundraising Through Uncertainty, five Monday weekly interactive sessions – March 1 through March 29, 12 – 1:15 p.m. PT: Join a group of your peers for this series with fundraising expert Laurel McCombs. Learn how to push forward through the ongoing uncertainty to not only achieve your fundraising goals for this year, but strengthen your development program for the future. This series is most appropriate for executive directors and development directors from small, rural-staffed organizations. More details and registration information here.
*SAVE THE DATE* -- NAO’s 2021 Guiding More Good Virtual Conference, Saturday morning, March 13, 2021: Carrying on the Center for Nonprofit Stewardship’s tradition, the Guiding More Good Conference will be held virtually on Saturday, March 13, 2021 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. PT. We’ll be bringing you exciting expert speakers, practical resources, and virtual networking opportunities. This event will be especially applicable for smaller nonprofits, primarily those that are all-volunteer or with 1-2 staff members. More details coming soon!
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Thank you to the following SUPPORTERS and SPONSORS who are supporting NAO’s online events and communications during these challenging times. Their support is vital in helping NAO to bring much-needed resources and information to Oregon’s nonprofits – thank you.
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FRIEND PLUS PARTNER SPONSORS
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FOLLOW NAO ON SOCIAL MEDIA
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