Image of NAO's Executive Director Jim White and Pacific University President Jenny Coyle Signing Our Partnership Agreement on Oct. 11, 2022

October 20, 2022

Hello Nonprofit Leaders and Supporters, 

The weather forecasters are predicting that on Friday (tomorrow!) the rainy season will begin in earnest. Hopefully, the rains will help knock down the smoke blanketing much of Oregon and help suppress the last remaining wildfires still burning around the state. While the dark and the wetter weather bring on thoughts of sweaters, soup and staying indoors, it is also a time when nonprofits are most busy with year-end fundraising, preparations for the new year’s programming and in Oregon, the crucial decision we’ll all be making on which one of three female candidates will be the next Governor. Many of you know that I spent a good part of my nonprofit career abroad, working in many countries that had no experience with democracy or were just testing the waters of how democracy would work for them. I was always struck by the excitement members of my staff or our program participants would show when they got that first chance to pick their leaders. I remember smiling faces and purple fingers head high as those that had voted showed their friends and colleagues this monumental moment in their lives and in the history of their country. Back here in Oregon, we need to remind ourselves of that incredible opportunity we have as citizens. For all of our flaws and dark moments in our history, we are a nation that can learn and is continuing to grow. I can still say categorically that we are a great nation and Americans have an incredible opportunity to select our leaders that the majority of the world’s population does not. Ballots are in the mail, so I implore you to do your homework, read the ballot measures, and exercise your important rights under our constitution to vote for the candidate that you believe will best reflect the values you hold. Get out and vote!  

I also want to let you know that we have some amazing learning opportunities coming up in the coming days that are grappling with the pressing issues we see arising again and again for the nonprofit sector right now. The issues are wellness at work and the changing nuances of workplace culture. 

Next week we are kicking off the first of a series of these conversations around the state with a Nonprofit Leaders Panel: Promoting Wellness, Preventing Burnout, and Fostering a Positive Work Culture. This particular panel is taking place in Portland, but we have similar sessions happening in Corvallis and Springfield in November. We are looking to schedule more conversations like this in Bend and Medford in early 2023. We would love to have you, your staff, or others you know in the nonprofit community at these sessions. Please help us get a solid set of participants by registering or promoting in your circles! Also, check out the other sessions for staff and volunteer development we have at the end of this update. There is a lot to choose from, so I encourage you to pick the opportunities that are right for you and your team. 

Enjoy the changing weather and be safe,

Jim White

NAO Executive Director

NAO and Pacific University Partner To Grow Nonprofit Capacity With a New Master of Nonprofit Leadership Program

On October 11, NAO and Pacific University gathered in celebration to sign our partnership agreement for Pacific University's new Master of Nonprofit Leadership program which launches in January of 2023. The new master's degree program will be run by Pacific University, with guidance from faculty and an advisory council from the nonprofit world. For more information about this exciting new degree, visit here. 

NWHF Justice Reinvestment Equity Program

At the beginning of November, the Northwest Health Foundation will begin accepting applications for the Justice Reinvestment Equity Program (JREP) Learning Community. This multi-part virtual and in-person convening will explore JREP more deeply, but more importantly, will allow for co-creation and connection. As a foundation, they hope to gain a better sense of what culturally specific organizations and culturally responsive providers are serving those who are in contact with the carceral system or formerly incarcerated, victims and survivors, and the communities that provide safety nets for both. They will give preplanning grants up to $10,000 for participation in the JREP Learning Community because we know that participation requires time and resources. This learning community is an on-ramp for prospective grantees as they prepare themselves for the JREP RFP which will be opening in Spring 2023. Grants will range in size and scope, with both planning and project grants available. NWHF is committed to making deep investments that will have lasting impacts. NWHF is holding informational webinars on JREP and you can find more information on the program here. You can also connect directly with program officers David Navarro or Cleo Tung. 

Fill Out Building Movement Project's #RaceToLead Survey

Building Movement Project's #RaceToLead Survey is about more than numbers. They are validating the experiences of nonprofit workers to push for a more equitable sector. If you've already taken the survey, please share with your networks. The more nonprofit workers at all levels that complete it, the more powerful the data will be. Complete the survey to create a more equitable nonprofit sector and enter a raffle to win a $250 Visa Gift Card!

At the Federal Level

Public Service Loan Forgiveness - The Deadline is October 31

The National Council of Nonprofits held a webinar titled Everything You Need to Know About Public Service Loan Forgiveness - more than 1,900 people from all 50 states registered for the event moderated by Jessica Mendieta that featured energetic, informed speakers from the U.S. Department of Education and two nonprofits. You can view this webinar here and see slides from the presentation here. 

Individuals only have until October 31 to apply for the PSLF limited waiver. Please encourage your staff and volunteers to apply, apply, apply. That's the answer to most questions about eligibility, timing, and uncertainty. Many of the details can be filled in later, after the deadline passes, but people need to get their applications in now.

Some important resources that can aid in applying can be found here:

• Template email for nonprofit employers to share with their employees
• Waiver Deadline Awareness Tool Kit
• PSLF Help Tool

NAO’s Virtual Nonprofit Cohorts

Building Systems that Streamline, Strengthen and Scale Our Work (5-Part Session)

November 3 – December 8, 2 – 3:15 p.m. | Facilitator: Sarah Spangler, NAO

From fundraising to program management, to volunteer coordination, and beyond – all of our work is powered by systems. But what is the difference between a system that propels us forward and one that bogs us down? Join Sarah Spangler, Nonprofit Education Specialist at NAO, as we take a close look at the unique processes currently in place in each of our organizations. With the help of peer-to-peer discussions, guided exercises, and other tips and tricks, you will learn how to take inventory of your systems, determine which ones can and should be improved, evaluate the performance of your systems on an ongoing basis, and understand how to strategically scale them through periods of growth or change. More details and registration information here.

Building a Robust Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan (5-Part Session)

November 9 - December 14 | Facilitator: Gerardo Ochoa, Linfield University

Join a cohort of nonprofit practitioners to ideate, collaborate, and start an organizational diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategic plan. Nonprofit leaders at every level are often tasked with creating and implementing DEI strategies. In this series, participants will design community-centered strategies for those they serve. Cohort participants may choose to design their own organizational strategic plan or support the development of a peer's strategic plan that addresses a selected topic of focus, prototyping, and implementing. More details and registration information here. 

NAO Webinars

Effective Board Management for Meaningful Engagement

November 15, 2-4 p.m. | Presenter: Sarah Spangler, NAO

Board Service can be challenging to navigate! In this webinar, we will discuss the finer details of board management including: how to differentiate the role of staff versus board, tips for running effective meetings that move the work forward, and an exploration of how to have productive conversations amongst your various teams - especially when those conversations generate conflict. This webinar is part of NAO's Springboard Series - a cluster of trainings designed for rural nonprofits. Are you a rural nonprofit in one of the counties below? Register today!

• November 15: Umatilla County

Creating an Annual Fundraising Plan (That You Can Actually Stick To!)

October 25, 27 and November 29, 2 - 4 p.m. | Presenter: Sarah Spangler, NAO

When it comes to fundraising, it can feel like we're simultaneously overwhelmed with tasks, and yet, still not doing enough. In this session, we'll provide you with the tools to build an efficient, effective, and realistic annual fundraising calendar. Planning quarter by quarter, you'll be able to plan a year's worth of fundraising that features effective solicitation, heartfelt donor stewardship, and meaningful relationship development. This webinar is part of NAO's Springboard Series - a cluster of trainings designed for rural nonprofits. 

Are you a rural nonprofit in one of the counties below? Register today! 

• October 25: Klamath County 
• October 27: Coos and Curry County 
• November 29: Umatilla County

Functional Forecasting: Taking Control of Cash Flow

November 8, 10 and December 13, 2 - 4 p.m. | Jenn Clemo, NAO

Many organizations find themselves at the mercy of their finances, instead of the other way around. In this 2-hour webinar, participants will do a deep dive to explore how cash flows in and out of an organization. Through hands-on activities, templates, and break-out conversations, we'll build the skills and confidence that nonprofit leaders need to better manage precious financial resources. This webinar is part of NAO's Springboard Series - a cluster of trainings designed for rural nonprofits. 

Are you a rural nonprofit in one of the counties below? Register today!

• November 8: Klamath County 
• November 10: Coos and Curry County 
• December 13: Umatilla County

Board Bright: Finance Fundamentals

November 15, 3-4:30 p.m. | Presenter: Jenn Clemo, NAO

Join us for an overview of basic financial principles including board member responsibilities, understanding restrictions, reviewing your statements for key financial indicators, and internal controls. Please note that this webinar provides fundamentals-level overview that is most appropriate for new board members, emerging nonprofit leaders, or those looking for a refresh of the basics. Free to NAO members! More details and registration information here. 

Hope is not a Strategy - Defining What's MOST Important in Your Work

November 16, 12 - 1 p.m. | Presenter: Kari Anderson, Incite! Consulting

Are you great with a task list, but struggle making decisions about the work that will most impact your mission? Is the word "yes" a perpetual staple in your vocabulary, when you should be saying "no" more often in order to achieve your goals? Kari Anderson, a former nonprofit executive, will share how she cuts through the clutter to ensure the most important work is done, and will share resources for you to use in your daily work. More details and registration information here. 

Federal Grants: 4-Part Readiness Series

December 6, 8, 13 and 15, 9 – 10:30 a.m. | Facilitator: Hannah Cortez, The Dotted i

In this series, we will offer hands-on learning activities, peer networking, and expert knowledge on preparing to seek federal grant funding. In addition to in-class instruction, participants will have weekly homework to deepen their learning and have direct access to course trainers for feedback and support. Through this training, we hope to demystify the federal grant process and give participants a better understanding of how federal funding can be leveraged in your own organizations. More details and registration here.

Making Board Service Palatable

December 7, 12 - 1 p.m. | Presenter: Kari Anderson, Incite! Consulting

As a generation of board members exit their volunteer roles, it's time to get serious about rethinking board service. There are scores of young professionals who have the skills and energy that your nonprofit needs. Are you creating an inviting space for them at your board table? Kari Anderson, a former nonprofit executive, will share critical insight, ideas, and perspectives from those "under the age of 50" to make your board roles both doable and exciting. More details and registration here. 

Creating and Respecting Boundaries at Work

December 8, 12 – 1 p.m. | Presenter: Anna Young, Principal, Anna Young Consulting

How do we co-create and maintain healthy work boundaries with our teams? In this webinar led by Anna Young, we will look at some of the latest findings and best practices around this topic, access tools to make the conversations easier, and share lessons learned from within our community. We will explore different approaches and expectations around setting boundaries at work including: how our understanding of work boundaries has shifted over the past few years with COVID and remote work; a neuroscience-grounded understanding of why setting boundaries is hard for so many of us; understanding how responsibility and accountability play out between team members and managers; and more! More details and registration here.

Board Bright: Engaging Your Board in Fundraising

December 15, 3-4:30 p.m. | Presenter: Jenn Clemo, NAO

A well-prepared and passionate board is essential to successful fundraising. This 90-minute addition to the Board Bright series will provide strategies for setting your board up for fundraising success. Learn how to create fundraising expectations from the get-go, increase your board's understanding of the organization's revenue needs, find ways for everyone to play a role, and build board ambassadors for your cause. Free to NAO members! More details and registration here. 

NAO Workshops (In-person)

Nonprofit Resource Roundups

November 17 and December 6, 12 – 2:30 p.m. | Facilitators: Jenn Clemo and Sarah Spangler, NAO

NAO’s Nonprofit Resource Roundups are learning and networking opportunities for nonprofit staff, board, and volunteers to connect, meet funders, and learn about valuable tools and resources. Resource Roundups are FREE but registration is required. We hope you’ll join us at one of the upcoming sessions below:

• November 17: Klamath County (Klamath Falls)
• December 6: Clatsop County (Astoria)

Effective Supervision Practices for Advancing Equity and Inclusion

November 30 and December 5, 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Presenter: Cliff Jones, Capacity Building Partnerships

Employees are your organization’s most excellent resource. Effective support and direction for your staff and understanding of how to work across differences will help create an environment where people can fully contribute and advance your organization’s mission and goals. This workshop will explore essential elements of a supervisor’s role with a diversity, equity and inclusion lens. We will offer insight into the specific challenges of supervision in the nonprofit environment to help you identify concrete goals and changes you can implement with individual staff and teams. We will examine strategies to address unclear expectations between staff and supervisor, ambivalence about authority, low pay, and heavy workloads.

Whether you have the title of supervisor or not, this workshop will help you develop the techniques to build staff ownership, encourage joint problem-solving, and support staff experience success and satisfaction in working together. This workshop is offered in person at the following locations. Click through to learn more and register:

• November 30: Portland
• December 5: Springfield

NAO Regional Networks (In-person)

Nonprofit Leaders Panel: Promoting Wellness, Preventing Burnout, and Fostering a Positive Work Culture

October 26, 8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. | Facilitator: Erica Briggs, NAO

Location: Ecotrust, Portland

Nonprofit leaders are constantly having to juggle an untold number of competing priorities. However, as workplace norms shift again, we find ourselves in an environment where the culture of our organization is a top priority to the volunteers, employees, and board members we hope to attract and retain. Join us for this interactive panel discussion with local nonprofit leaders as they share lessons about cultivating a work culture that keeps people engaged, productive, fulfilled, and well. More details and registration here.

Board Governance Plans: What Are They and How Do They Help

October 26, 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Presenters: Jen and Tim Rusk, Rusk Coaching & Consulting

Location: Deschutes Children's Foundation, Bend

This session focuses on exploring the benefits of a Board Governance Plan that clearly communicates the expectations, responsibilities, and protocols for all those involved in the governance function of a nonprofit. A Board Governance Plan is an opportunity for board members to define their culture, agree on how they will work together, set up how they will measure success, establish an orientation process, and calendar the work they need to do over the course of a year. More details and registration information here. 

Layered Security for Nonprofits

November 2, 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | Presenter: Ron Rothstein, SMB Technologies

Location: Ecotrust, Portland

Nonprofit organizations hold a lot of sensitive information – including financial records – that they need to keep safe and secure. Cyberattacks and breaches happen every day and nonprofits need to be prepared to apply the multi-layered security needed in order to prevent these events. In this session, you will learn about layered security, which is a network security approach that deploys multiple security controls to protect the most vulnerable areas of your technology environment where a breach or cyberattack could occur. More details and registration here.

Trauma-Informed Care: Next Steps

November 2, 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Presenter: Reba Smith, M.S., Consultant

Location: ACCESS Olsrud Family Nutrition Center, Medford

Resilience is becoming the new buzzword for how to navigate our stress-filled lives. But, what does resilience in action look like? In this session, you will: learn practical, simple ways to promote resilience and trauma-informed care; explore the main areas in your organization that can be targeted for improvement; examine the influence individuals have in shifting your culture; and gain skills to support yourself, staff and clients. More details and registration information here.

Guided by our Values: Value-driven Leadership and Intentional Workplace Culture

November 3, 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Presenter: Chris Wallace Caldwell, MA, Catalysis LLC

Location: Ecotrust, Portland

As nonprofit leaders we often talk about being value-driven. And we often (but not always) have a set of organizational values. But how do we use and lean into our values to help us make decisions, work through dilemmas, and create the workplace culture we truly want? What would it look like if we set out to create a workplace culture that helps us all feel a sense of belonging to bring our best work? This is becoming even more critical as our workspaces respond to changes brought on by the pandemic, reckonings with systemic racism and social inequities, and shifts in how we approach work life balance. This workshop is for leaders who want to operationalize what it means to be "value-driven" and who are ready to create an intentional approach to workplace culture. More details and registration here. 

Nonprofit Leaders Panel: Promoting Wellness, Preventing Burnout, and Fostering a Positive Work Culture

November 8, 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Facilitator: Sarah Spangler, NAO

Location: Alvord-Taylor, Springfield

Nonprofit leaders are constantly having to juggle an untold number of competing priorities. However, as workplace norms shift again, we find ourselves in an environment where the culture of our organization is a top priority to the volunteers, employees, and board members we hope to attract and retain. Join us for this interactive panel discussion with local nonprofit leaders as they share lessons about cultivating a work culture that keeps people engaged, productive, fulfilled, and well. More details and registration information here.

So Are You Latinx?: The Complexity of Language and How It Impacts Our Identity

November 9, 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Presenter: Cinthia Manuel, Autentica Consulting LLC

Location: Ecotrust, Portland

In this session, participants will learn the historical evolution of the terminology surrounding the terms Hispanics, Latin@s, Latinx, Latine, Chican@. In addition, this session will provide an opportunity to reflect on the various terms and how their evolution is related to oppression among individuals who identify as part of this historically underrepresented group. After this session, you will have historical background and vocabulary to help you have deeper conversations with the communities you serve, including your staff. More details and registration here.

Nonprofit Leaders Panel: Promoting Wellness, Preventing Burnout, and Fostering a Positive Work Culture

November 10, 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Facilitator: Sarah Spangler, NAO

Location: Corvallis Community Center, Corvallis

Nonprofit leaders are constantly having to juggle an untold number of competing priorities. However, as workplace norms shift again, we find ourselves in an environment where the culture of our organization is a top priority to the volunteers, employees, and board members we hope to attract and retain. Join us for this interactive panel discussion with local nonprofit leaders as they share lessons about cultivating a work culture that keeps people engaged, productive, fulfilled, and well. More details and registration information here.

Nonprofit Leaders Panel: Building Community through “Win-Win” Partnerships with Corporations & Local Businesses 

November 16, 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Facilitator: Sarah Spangler, NAO

Location: Deschutes Children's Foundation, Bend

As nonprofits work to diversify their revenue, corporate sponsorships can feel like a challenging game to break into. Especially as businesses of all sizes continue to recover from the economic effects of the pandemic, there is uncertainty about what kinds of partnerships make sense and how best to build them. From raffle donations and event sponsorships to capital campaigns and naming rights, there are many options to engage businesses of all sizes in your work. More details and registration information here.

Creating Gender Inclusive Teams: Understanding Pronouns to Create Inclusion

December 6, 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Presenter: Kaig Lightner, Quantum Gender

Location: Ecotrust, Portland

Personal pronouns are a common part of speech that many people in Western cultures pay little attention to, however, pronouns are a critical part of everyone’s identity. This workshop uses practical examples and personal stories from the presenter's own lived experience as a queer, transgender coach and youth soccer club leader. Objectives include: understanding the importance of pronouns to individual identity; building empathy for transgender and nonbinary communities; and gaining comfort and skills in using gender neutral pronouns. More details and registration here.

Optimizing the Board & Executive Director Relationship

December 6, 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Presenter: Jenn Clemo, NAO

Location: Alvord-Taylor, Springfield

The board/executive director relationship is among the most critical for an organization to be successful. This relationship is not effortless, but the reward is a results-driven partnership that is productive, enjoyable, and consistently in support of the organization’s mission. This session, participants will examine board/executive director roles and the division of labor between governing and managing. Participants will also learn about essential elements of a good board/executive director relationship as well as optimal elements of a great, high-performing leadership team. More details and registration information here.

Planned Giving: Gifts That Help Now and Later

December 8, 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Presenter: Grady Goodall, OSU's College of Liberal Arts

Location: Corvallis Community Center, Corvallis

As we all grapple with a changing financial landscape, it can feel tempting to put planned giving on the backburner. When the need for funding is immediate, we instead focus on fundraising activities that we believe will generate more immediate revenue. However, “Planned Giving” and “Quick Giving" don't have to be mutually exclusive! More details and registration information here.

Making Time for Reflection, Especially When It Feels Impossible

December 14, 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Presenter: Amy Varga, President, The Varga Group

Location: Ecotrust, Portland

When it comes to leadership, there’s a paradox: if you want to have greater impact – faster – you have to slow down enough to reflect on where you’re going, what you’re doing, and how you’re showing up as a leader. In this highly interactive and engaging workshop, you will explore why reflection is essential to effective leadership; how you can harness the power of reflection for yourself and your team; and how to make time for reflection when it feels impossible to pack one more thing in. More details and registration here.