Hello Nonprofit Leaders and Supporters, |
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We’ve nearly reached the beginning of summer and we are within just a hair’s width percentage from Governor Brown’s goal of 70% vaccinations and the end of state-wide restrictions due to the pandemic. As I am sure you are, I am really ready for a normal summer where I can enjoy seeing people that I haven’t for over a year (the 3-D version of them, not Zoom screen version). As I mentioned last week, we at NAO are back in our office in a modified, hybrid model that balances working from home flexibility with the need for direct meetings and discussions that are the life-blood of relationships and trust. We have also been talking to you all across the state and hearing your needs, concerns, hopes and aspirations.
I had the chance last week and earlier this week to meet (in person!) with nonprofit leaders in Jackson and Deschutes counties. Every time I talk to one of you, I am reminded of the of the critical role nonprofits play in that vital work. For instance, the recovery efforts underway in Phoenix and Talent are truly impressive and inspiring! The desire to build collaborations to meet the housing challenges in the greater Bend is innovative and community-driven. There is so much our state needs and nonprofits are leading the way - as always!
In listening to what you are needing, we’ve already heard these key concerns and ideas:
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Resiliency evolved… We have been resilient, but we’ve hit the wall. We need a new paradigm. (“I’ll scream if I get one more thing asked of me or put on my plate!”)
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Team wellness and burn-out! - how to really address it (“and don’t tell us take a few days off then get back to work doing a hundred new things that got added to your list while you were “recuperating”…)
- How to balance team and organizational needs in an evolved HR environment? For being in offices together again? For applying equitable approaches?
- The dynamics of the board-staff relationship are strained and need reimaging.
- Our business models are challenged: we can’t find workers; salaries need adjusting; housing is a crisis for staff and childcare is a huge issue impeding our ability to support our missions.
- Funders need to trust us and let go of their outdated models of grant cycles. (“We’re literally fighting fires here, people!”)
All of these concerns and more will be used by our team to frame presentation, panels, resources and convenings of NAO’s in-person and virtual events. We already have ideas to begin testing sessions through the summer. By fall, we believe all of our regular in-person events will be back and we’ll continue to provide the accessibility and flexibility of virtual events and recordings. In response to your needs, we are committing to bring you a quarterly Board Fundamentals Training. It will be virtual for easiest and broadest access. Check it out and be sure to have your board members attend.
And please tell us any ideas you have of specific trainings or convening events that you feel would be especially helpful to your nonprofits. Write me here and we’ll add your ideas into the mix.
As you get out this week and enjoy the beauty of our state, please be especially cognizant of the high heat and the elevated fire danger it brings.
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Stay healthy and be safe,
Jim White
NAO Executive Director
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NAO’s 2021 Compensation and Benefits Report |
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Last week we released our latest publication, NAO’s 2021 Compensation and Benefits report! In this report, you’ll learn key findings to evaluating your organization’s compensation and benefits strategy to help attract and retain the best talent. This year's report is especially important when thinking about how to move forward after such a turbulent and difficult 2020. Our Compensation and Benefits Report is a valuable resource for nonprofit organizations of all sizes. |
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Giving was up again! Giving USA 2021 Report
The annual Giving USA report that was just released shows that charitable giving hit a record high of $471.44 billion in 2020, but acknowledged that giving was uneven. Donations to religious nonprofits were flat, donations to health organizations declined 4.2%, and donations to arts organizations declined by 8.6% (percentages are adjusted for inflation). The Charitable Giving Coalition issued a statement, commenting: “While we’re encouraged by the initial increase in giving in 2020, the sector is still not out of the woods,” and observing that “nonprofit employment remains down from 2019 levels, with 800,000 fewer jobs now than before the pandemic.” See news analyses: Associated Press, the Chronicle of Philanthropy, and MarketWatch.
The Jack Murdock Story
Earlier today, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust premiered an inspiring documentary of Jack Murdock, a visionary leader who helped shaped technology, people and communities throughout the Pacific Northwest, and how the Murdock Trust works to continue his legacy. Like many other nonprofits across the region, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust have been long-time supporters of our work. Thank you, M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, for all of your support of Oregon’s nonprofits.
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At the State Level
A new affordable housing bill is on Kate Brown’s desk: Senate Bill 8 will restrict local jurisdictions’ ability to deny affordable housing developments on land not zoned for residential use within urban growth boundaries and allow for increased density in certain situations. This bill will make it easier for public housing authorities, nonprofit organizations, and religious institutions to push affordable housing projects through local zoning and conditional use development processes.
COVID-19 Vaccination Update
As Oregon inches closer to reaching the statewide vaccination target, more than 68% of Oregonians (aged 18 and older) have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Once the state reaches a vaccination rate of 70%, county-based metrics will be dropped and health and safety guidance — including capacity limits — for businesses, venues, and faith organizations will be lifted. In addition, masks and face coverings would no longer be required by the government in most settings, with some exceptions including airports, public transit, and health care settings. "We are incredibly close to achieving a 70% statewide adult vaccination rate, bringing us closer to returning to a sense of normalcy and lifting health and safety restrictions," Brown said. "Vaccines are the best way for Oregonians to protect themselves, their families, and communities against COVID-19.”
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At the Federal Level
Happy Juneteenth!
155 years ago, America marked the first anniversary of the day that African Americans first learned of the Emancipation Proclamation and today President Biden signed legislation that declares Juneteenth a federal holiday, the day after the House voted overwhelmingly to enshrine June 19 as the national day to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. The law goes into effect immediately, making tomorrow the first federal Juneteenth holiday in American history.
Donor Advised Funds Under Scrutiny (UPDATE)
Last week, we shared information about the Accelerating Charitable Efforts Act (ACE Act) that would impose mandates and restrictions on Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) and private foundations. Next week, NAO is joining a call with nonprofit leaders as well as government representatives to discuss how Oregon nonprofits can support this effort to reform private foundation giving in a way that would be deeply beneficial to charitable nonprofit organizations. When we have more resources and information to share, we will pass it along to you.
ARPA Funds
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Upcoming Online Sessions
NAO offers practical, affordable learning and convening programs in a variety of formats, including conferences, resource round-ups, informational sessions and mini-workshops through webinars, and deeper-dive learning through virtual learning cohorts. Please scroll through and sign-up today!
Webinar Session
Board Bright: NAO’s Quarterly Board Fundamentals Training
Tuesday, July 20, 3 – 4:30 p.m. PT | 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.
Get Ready for NAO’s In-person events!
NAO staff has been working tirelessly to get ready for our Fall learning sessions that will begin in September throughout Oregon. We’re thrilled that we are bringing them in-person sessions back this year and we will be sharing all of the details about the sessions over the coming weeks and months. We will also be testing some in-person learning events through the summer to help you navigate the ever-changing rules and issues that our sector is challenged by.
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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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