March 31, 2022
Hello Nonprofit Leaders and Supporters,
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For years, NAO has been advocating with government and funders on the important role that nonprofits play in the community ecosystem. We are proud of your response each time we ask our members and the broader sector to rally around an issue. Consistently, Oregon leads the nation in the role that nonprofits play in advocating for our communities and missions.
In recognition of your commitment to advocate and the needs that we see as crucial for our sector in the coming years, NAO has invested in our first ever Director of Public Policy. I am proud to introduce Phillip Kennedy-Wong! Phillip has done important work and has an amazing career in legislative advocacy and lobbying that we will be putting to work immediately in pursuit of important policy agendas. In the coming months, you will see more public policy initiatives that we will be supporting or leading and it is my hope that you’ll like what you are seeing.
And saying that, we already have an ask of you:
For years, NAO and our state association colleagues, along with Independent Sector and the National Council of Nonprofits, have been advocating a better system within government that prioritizes the needs and expertise of nonprofits and their communities, rather than treating our sector as an afterthought. Over the past two years, nonprofits have helped communities across the nation confront a generational crisis. We are an essential partner to the government, our economy’s third-largest employer, a deep reservoir of community trust, and a lifeline to hundreds of millions of people in urban and rural areas. Yet, policymakers consistently misunderstand the needs of nonprofit organizations, and our sector has no formal voice within the federal government.
There is now a Republican co-sponsor to the Nonprofit Sector Strength and Partnership Act and nonprofits need to mobilize behind this bi-partisan bill. THANK YOU to the many of you who have signed on already. It is great to see so many sign-ons from Oregon nonprofits.
Next week, Representatives Betty McCollum (DFP-MN) and Fred Upton (R-MI) will introduce this legislation which will establish formal structures and policies to leverage the knowledge, trusted status, and reach of the nonprofit sector, partly by creating a White House Office of Nonprofit Partnerships. This is an opportunity to secure a seat at the table for the nonprofits that we can’t miss! Legislators need to know that all corners of the sector are rallying around this bill.
I hope that you’ll sign on today and also join me in welcoming Phillip to his new role at NAO!
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Stay healthy and be safe,
Jim White
NAO Executive Director
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NAO is excited to be adding two full-time, regular, exempt positions. NAO is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to hiring staff that represent the communities we serve. We offer a generous benefits package that includes: health, dental, paid vacation and personal leave time, and participation in a 403(b)-retirement plan with an employer match.
Membership Manager
Are you passionate about serving Oregon’s nonprofit sector? Do you have the skills and desire to develop, manage, and steward member relationships? If yes, you might be the ideal candidate to become our next Membership Manager! The position is responsible for: developing, managing, and stewarding member relationships, programs, growth, and retention to ensure that NAO’s membership services and benefits are meeting the needs of our constituents. They will regularly interact and engage with nonprofit leaders, staff, and volunteers to mobilize around the valuable work that NAO does in the sector for and on behalf of Oregon’s nonprofit sector. Starting salary is $55,000. Position details here.
Nonprofit Education Specialist
Are you a nonprofit professional with experience in curriculum development and delivering high-impact experiential education? If you answered yes, you might be the ideal candidate to become a Nonprofit Education Specialist! This role plays a critical part in helping NAO to meet our mission by providing top-notch training to today's and tomorrow's nonprofit leaders. The ideal candidate has recent hands-on experience in nonprofit management. Candidates from communities around the state of Oregon will be considered. Starting salary is $60,000. Position details here.
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Conversations with Funders & Partners
Join representatives from Oregon's arts, culture, and tourism funders at one of four "speed dating for funding" events happening regionally on April 12 (Southern Oregon), April 14 (Portland Metro/Willamette Valley), April 19 (Central/Eastern Oregon) and April 21 (Oregon Coast).
Hosted by our friends at the Oregon Cultural Trust and its partners, participants will engage in small group conversations to learn about upcoming grant/program opportunities. Each funding representative will host a breakout “room” and applicants can visit their rooms at chosen time.
Capacity is limited, so early registration is encouraged – tickets are free! Register here.
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Last week, four nonprofit leaders testified at a hearing before the U.S. Senate Finance Committee about charitable giving and nonprofits. We were proud to see that included in that witness list was Susannah Morgan, CEO of the Oregon Food Bank and Dan Cardinali, President and CEO of Independent Sector.
Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden (D-OR) opened the hearing entitled, “Examining Charitable Giving and Trends in the Nonprofit Sector,” with remarks about the importance of the charitable tax deduction to giving. Wyden reiterated the statement that he’s made famous: “the charitable tax deduction is a lifeline and not a loophole.” The witnesses all shared important perspectives regarding the state of charitable giving on the heels of the pandemic. For further information on the two and a half-hour session, please click through to read more on the Oregon Food Bank and Independent Sector websites.
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NAO's Upcoming Learning and Convening Opportunities |
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Virtual Networks
NAO will continue to hold all upcoming programming virtually through April. We will be announcing dates and plans for in-person gatherings for certain events later this month.
Put the "Success" in Succession Planning
April 13, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. | Presenter: Linda Jaramillo, Management and Leadership Consultant
Nonprofit organizations experience change on a regular basis; however, the departure of the Executive Leader can send a shudder through the system if it is not well-planned and guided by the Board of Directors. This session will cover important considerations and components for a succession plan through a DEIA lens, such as: general survey of the current social-cultural context; focus on organizational vision, mission, and values; stakeholder impact (board, staff, customers, partners, funders); principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility; realistic timeline with key board decision points. More details and registration information here.
Building Inclusive Teams
April 14, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. | Presenter: Gerardo Ochoa, Ed.M., Linfield University
As the demographics of our communities continue to change, organizations are striving to reflect on the communities they serve. This interactive session focuses on the implicit attitudes, behaviors, policies, and practices that influence how we engage with individuals and/or groups and make decisions in the workplace. The session provides an introductory exploration of the intersection of privilege, cognitive and structural bias, and micro and macro aggressions. The session reinforces the importance of having cultural agility and empathy and developing intentional tools and strategies for recruitment and retention. More details and registration information here.
Understanding Financial Statements 101: Reports and Tools You Need to Know
April 19, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. | Presenter: Erin Zollenkopf, Susan Matlack Jones & Associates
Join us for an interactive workshop on how to read financial statements. In a lively and welcoming setting, you will become familiar with nonprofit accounting terminology and learn about the major financial statements used by nonprofits. Additionally, you will gain an understanding about what the numbers say about the health of your organization and how to use the information in assessing financial performance and decision-making. More details and registration information here.
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NAO Webinars
Board Bright: NAO's Quarterly Board Roles & Responsibilities Training
April 20, 3 – 4:30 p.m. | Presenter: Jenn Clemo, NAO
In this 90-minute webinar, participants will learn about the fundamentals of nonprofit governance and gain an understanding of the board’s role in the management of the organization. This quarterly learning opportunity is designed for emerging and seasoned board members alike, and anyone else looking for a governance refresh! More details and registration information here.
QuickBooks Made Easy for Nonprofits 3 Day Webinar Series: Desktop
May 24 – 26, 11 – 1:30 p.m. | Presenter: Gregg S. Bossen, QuickBooks Made Easy
QuickBooks Made Easy is partnering with NAO to offer an updated three-part QuickBooks® training webinar for nonprofits. This webinar is for the Desktop edition of QuickBooks. Gregg will cover the basics of setting up and entering transactions specifically for nonprofits, an overview of the software updates included in the QuickBooks® Desktop Edition, as well as advanced topics covering a host of specific processes that will help you do more helpful and amazing things! Earn 7.5 hours of CPE credit. More details and registration information here.
Creating and Implementing a Culture of Feedback: Why It’s So Hard and What We Can Practically Do to Make It Easier
April 26, 1 – 2:30 p.m. | Presenter: Anna Young, Anna Young Consulting
We all know that, at least hypothetically, feedback is a gift. However, did you know that the levels of stress for people who have to give feedback are similar to those who are receiving it? In this 90-minute webinar, participants will look at the brain-science behind what makes giving and receiving feedback so hard; learn and reflect on a tool that overcomes some of these challenges; understand tips and strategies to make it more likely for feedback to be truly heard; and think about ways to create a culture of learning and feedback within our organizations. More details and registration information here.
QuickBooks Made Easy for Nonprofits 3 Day Webinar Series: Online
May 31 – June 2, 11 – 1:30 p.m. | Presenter: Gregg S. Bossen, QuickBooks Made Easy
QuickBooks Made Easy is partnering with NAO to offer an updated three-part QuickBooks® training webinar for nonprofits. This webinar is for the Online edition of QuickBooks. Gregg will cover the basics of setting up and entering transactions specifically for nonprofits, an overview of the software updates included in the QuickBooks® Online Edition, as well as advanced topics covering a host of specific processes that will help you do more helpful and amazing things! Earn 7.5 hours of CPE credit. More details and registration information here.
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Virtual Convening
Oregon Nonprofit Leaders Conference
April 12, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Join us for a day of immersive capacity building, leadership development, and networking! Each year ONLC brings together over 350 nonprofit professionals, funders, and thought leaders to explore the challenges and opportunities of nonprofit management today. We are thrilled to feature nationally respected speakers while uplifting innovative and adaptive stories from Southern Oregon nonprofit leaders. This year’s theme and session topics revolve around using crisis as a catalyst – for change, for good, for growth. Early bird pricing ends March 14, so register early for the best price possible! More details and registration information here.
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Nonprofit Leaders Cohorts
Take FIVE Training – The 5 Essential Steps to Focused Impactful Volunteer Engagement
April 26, May 3, 10, 17, and 24 | Facilitator: Janet Capetty, Take FIVE Training
Does your organization utilize volunteers? Would it surprise you to learn that 1/3 of those who volunteer have such an unsatisfactory experience, they never return to volunteer. Another 1/3 have such a negative experience, they search for another organization for their involvement. This five-session interactive series will help you identify ways to further your mission through a robust volunteer program. We’ll cover recruitment, screening, retention, recognition, volunteers in a virtual setting, and even discuss how to handle those challenging volunteers. More details and registration information here.
Untangling the Knots That Get in the Way of Communication
May 3, 10, 24, 31 and June 7 | Facilitator: Anna Young, Anna Young Consulting
As leaders, we know the importance of communication and we also know how hard it can be. This five-session interactive series will provide space to explore five areas where we know that communication trips us up. Using a brain-science approach, cohort leader Anna Young will help you gain a greater understanding into where the workings of our mind help and where they get in our way. She will provide you with tools and frameworks to support easier and more effective communication, while allowing you to practice with your peers and share best practices and tips. The sessions are designed to be applicable within the remote working environment as well as translate to a return to the workplace context. More details and registration information here.
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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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