November 11, 2021
Hello Nonprofit Leaders and Supporters,
Today is Veteran’s Day, a time for all of us to reflect on the sacrifices of those that have served in the US armed forces and thank them for their service. NAO is proud to have many great 501c3 and 501c19 veteran’s organizations as our members. Take time today to check out the work of the Central Oregon Veterans Outreach, and the Returning Veterans Project.  We appreciate your sacrifice and we salute your service!  
 
Many veterans go on to serve either in public service or in our sector as nonprofit leaders. We are indebted to those that continue their service to community and appreciate the special perspectives they bring to our work of building a better society. Sadly, too many veterans struggle with readjustment into civilian life after they leave the military. We are all too familiar with the often-sensationalized stereotype of the veteran with PTSD, suffering from homelessness or addiction.  
 
The sad fact is that the suffering for many that serve in our military begins even before they are discharged. There is a staggering number of veterans and those currently in the service that suffer from food insecurity. In a report from last month, the Senate Appropriations Committee expressed concern over reports of thousands of military families suffering from hunger. Studies have found that one in eight military families were food insecure prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and this number has now grown to one in five. That is not only staggering, it is frankly unconscionable. If you know of Veterans or their families that are experiencing hunger, please help guide them to the Oregon Food Bank’s Food Finder for food pantries in their community.  
 
The amazing team at Lines for Life has a Military Helpline that operates 24/7/365 and gives free, confidential support to service members, veterans and their families. The lines are answered by veterans and others trained in military culture, offering compassionate, non-judgmental support and referrals, resources, or treatment they need through tough times.  
 
I believe there are a lot of shared values between those that serve our country and those that serve in the nonprofit sector: love of family, community, a desire to make the world a better place. I hope that all of you will take the time today to honor those on your teams (staff, board, volunteers) for their service, buy them a cup of coffee and offer to let them reflect, tell their stories, or simply connect with old comrades.  
 
Happy Veterans Day! 
Jim White 
NAO Executive Director 
Nonprofit News
Oregon Nonprofits – get ready for Giving Tuesday on November 30th 
 
Giving season here upon us! Leverage the power of generosity fueled by this annual world-wide event to engage donors in your community and shout from the rooftops about your good works! It’s a day when we all come together to give back in all forms - donations, acts of kindness and gifts of time, talent or treasure. Tell your stories and engage lifelong advocates in support of your mission. Join the movement today!  

Survey on Nonprofit Workforce Shortages 

The Survey on Nonprofit Workforce Shortage was launched two weeks ago by the National Council of Nonprofits in collaboration with state associations across the country. The information from the survey enables us to learn more about the scope of the issues facing nonprofits. We are also using this information to help policymakers understand the complex issues we face and adopt solutions. Currently, many NAO members have taken the survey placing Oregon second in the nation in response rate. While this isn’t a contest, let’s just say it would be nice to come out on the top of the country in responses! If your organization have not yet taken the survey, please do so and share your nonprofit’s experience.   
 
Win Six-Months of Pro Bono Reputation Management Support! 
  
For a third year, we are partnering with NAO Business Verified Affiliate member, ReputationUs to offer the Nonprofit Reputation Program! One lucky NAO nonprofit member will be selected to win six-months of pro bono reputation management support (a value of $14,000). Enhance, protect, and defend your valuable reputation, thereby building and keeping trust within the communities your serve. Nonprofit members are encouraged to apply. Applications must be submitted by Friday, December 10. Learn more
At the Federal Level
Employee Retention Tax Credit 

On Tuesday this week, NAO and the National Council of Nonprofits sent this letter to Senator Wyden making the case for extension of the Employee Retention Tax Credit. We pointed out in the letter that “Oregon nonprofits have been relying on the Employee Retention Tax Credit at nearly twice the average of charitable organizations throughout the United States.” This data is based on preliminary results of the Survey on Nonprofit Workforce Shortages (see next item), 26% of Oregon nonprofits reported the ERTC when answering the question “What federal or state relief has your nonprofit utilized?” Nationally, 15% of nonprofits taking the survey reported using the ERTC. The letter goes on to share other information from the survey and stress why charitable nonprofits need the ERTC to be extended. Senator Wyden is chair of the Senate Finance Committee and in the perfect position to insist that pro-nonprofit language gets inserted into the Build Back Better Act or any other legislation.  

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passes the House 

You have likely heard by now that late Friday, the House passed H.R. 3684, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, H.R. 3684. The vote was 228 to 206. The bill passed the Senate in August, so now it is on its way to the White House for the President’s signature. The White House prepared helpful summary of how much infrastructure funding is expected for Oregon. Including:  
  • $3.4 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs 
  • $747 million for public transit 
  • $529 million for clean drinking water 
  • $268 million for bridge replacement and repairs 
  • $100 million for broadband 
  • $52 million for Electric Vehicle charging 
  • $39 million to protect against wildfires 

Build Back Better 

As part of the deal to get progressives to let the infrastructure bill pass, House moderates agreed to support bringing up the Build Back Better Act (National Council of Nonprofits’ summary) next week. The expectation, or perhaps hope, is that the Congressional Budget Office will complete a score of the bill that demonstrates that the measure does not add to the deficit. 



NAO's Upcoming Learning and Convening Opportunities
Virtual Rural Convening Opportunities

Yamhill County Learn at Lunch 
Are you on a nonprofit board or staff member in Yamhill County looking for practical training and tools to strengthen your organizational leadership skills? Join NAO and other leaders from your community at NAO’s Learn at Lunch series over Zoom. During the lunch hour we’ll provide bite-sized training on the following topics: Board's Role in Fundraising (Nov. 16), and Finance Fundamentals (Nov. 23). 

Nonprofit Resource Roundups 
Join NAO for a virtual Nonprofit Resource Roundups! Participants will learn about funding resources and grant opportunities from foundation representatives; have an opportunity to virtually network with other nonprofits in your area; connect with NAO resources; and explore current policy and proposals that impact Oregon nonprofits.  
  
Each are free; however, space is limited so register soon! 
  
Nov. 18: Rural Clackamas Nonprofit Resource Roundup (Full. Join waiting list
Nov. 19: Linn & Benton Counties Nonprofit Resource Roundup (Full. Join waiting list
NAO Webinars

Effective Supervision Practices for Advancing Equity and Inclusion (Two-Part Webinar)
December 1 and 8, 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Presenter: Cliff Jones, Capacity Building Partnerships
Employees are your organization’s greatest resource. Effective support and direction for your staff, as well as understanding ways to work across differences will help create an environment where people can fully contribute and advance your organization’s mission and goals. In this two-part series, we’ll explore the most essential elements of a supervisor’s role with a diversity, equity and inclusion lens. Cliff will offer insight into the specific challenges of supervision in the nonprofit environment to help you identify concrete goals and changes that you can implement with individual staff and teams. Participants will also examine strategies to address unclear expectations between staff and supervisor, ambivalence about authority, low pay, and heavy workloads. More details and registration information, click here.
Virtual Networks

Due to the continued rise of the Delta variant, all NAO networks will be virtual only through the end of the year. We will continue to prioritize the safety of our communities, monitor COVID-19 cases, and hospital capacities on a regular basis – we're hopeful that we can convene in person safely in 2022.
Reviewing New Elements of Operational Risk and Preparing for the Unexpected
November 18, 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | Presenters: Matt Lokan, Bliss Sequoia Insurance & Risk Advisors and Joe Poretto, First Nonprofit
The scale and scope of the pandemic has changed how nonprofit leaders need to be thinking about business continuity and addressing operational risks. Issues like cybersecurity, executive liability, employment practices and disaster preparedness can no longer be back burner issues as we consider our organizational and fiscal risks today and into the future. Join us for this session to refresh your thinking and prepare for the unexpected. More details and registration information here.

Envision Your Roadmap to HR Success in Challenging, Changing Times
December 1, 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Presenter: Christine Frazer, Christine Frazer HR Strategist
Remote working arrangements are quickly becoming our new normal. In this virtual network session, Christine Frazer will discuss remote work policies that will set you up for success and help you learn how to manage employees with greater flexibility while fostering shared accountability as we settle into these long-term working conditions. More details and registration information here.
If you have any questions or difficulties registering, contact NAO's Training team at training@nonprofitoregon.org.
Thank you to the following FUNDERS 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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