Nonprofit Update
NSC Supporting those who help others.
November 2008
 
"Your articles are right on target for what's happening right now. Thanks!!"  
 Barbara Cempura, Executive Director
 

NSC new logo
In This Issue
Strategic Fundraising Seminar
Creating and Sustaining Exceptional Boards
ED Roundtable Seeks New Members
Role of Board Critical During Crisis
Grant Opportunities
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Greetings!
NSC has much to be thankful for this holiday season... YOU, our constituents.  
 
We appreciate that you trust NSC to help build your organization and leadership capacity and for telling us that we are hitting our mark and making a difference in your lives, organizations and communities.  
 
Here are some of the comments NSC has received recently:
 
Fund Development Seminar Series:
"[I wanted] to tell you again how grateful we have been for the opportunity to participate in the Fund Development seminar.  Our organization really needed these skills.  At times I felt overwhelmed by all the things that we didn't know, but overall this opportunity has given us a fresh start in a number of ways.  Thanks to you and to your staff!" 
 
Effectiveness In...Capacity Building Workshops:
"I just want you to know that since taking the (Grant Writing) workshop, I've been able to bring in almost $500,000 in grants for our agency (and I have never written a grant in my life prior to attending), so THANK YOU!

Academy for Women Executive Directors:
"I would not have been able to, nor probably created the time to gain what this academy afforded. It is something I would highly recommend to any women ED."

Nonprofit Presidents Council:
"I am very glad to find out that NSC & NPC exist! I feel more comfortable in my role on the board as the result of the [Board President Councils Speaker] series and can share the information with the rest of the board and staff."

Southern Illinois ED Roundtable:
"This group gives me a chance to compare challenges and find approaches to problems in a safe environment.  I have been put in touch with resources I wouldn't otherwise have learned about, and, equally important, I have enjoyed the social aspect of the [ED Roundtable].  No one is judging or measuring me--just offering support and friendship.  Altogether, the [ED Roundtable] is making me more effective and the small amount of time invested is very well spent indeed."
 
Women's Leadership Forum/Retreat:
"Thank you for one of the best retreats that I have ever been to.  I actually took away a lot of valuable information that I can use right now.  The retreat was well organized and fun too!"

Nonprofit Update eNewsletter:
"I downloaded several articles. My "Learner" strength went into high gear with all this newsletter has to offer. Great work!"
 
So, THANK YOU - for investing in your organization with NSC.  We are privileged and grateful to be enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of nonprofit leaders, staff and volunteers through our programs and services. 
 
May we continue to work together to create positive social change in the communities you serve.   
 
We look forward to seeing you at the next NSC program! 
 
Until then, have a wonderful Thanksgiving...
Strategic Fundraising for Nonprofits
Four-part Seminar Series
Application due: Friday, December 5 

Health organizations are invited to apply for an additional NSC offering for 2008, Strategic Fundraising for Nonprofits-a four-part seminar with ongoing coaching through the creation of a fund development plan, as well as the potential for implementation assistance. Strategic Fundraising for Nonprofits seminar series will be held in Farmington, Missouri on December 10, January 14, February 11 and March 11.    [More information]
 
A commitment to participate in all four sessions of the series is required. There is a nominal fee of $150 per organization. Organizations are encouraged to send two participants. Space is limited to ten organizations to ensure quality of training.  Application packets are available online and are due to NSC no later than 5PM on Friday, December 5.  (Download Application)
Governance Seminar Series
Creating and Sustaining Exceptional Boards: A Governance Seminar Series
for health or health-related nonprofits 
 
Carter McNamarawith
Carter McNamara, PhD [bio]

Don't miss the opportunity to work with Carter McNamara while strengthening your organization's governance and strengthening the working relationship between the Executive Director and Board Members.
 
Session Topics:
January 16, 2009:  Building Blocks of High Performing Boards [more info]
 
February 20, 2009: How to Bring Your Board to the Next Level [more info]
 
March 20, 2009:  What's Possible: Strategic Planning Training [more info]
Location and Time: All Sessions will be held at the Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis [map it], from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM.

Registration is per organization.  NSC encourages at least two individuals from each registering organization attend (preferrably the ED and Board President).   Capacity for each session is limited to 50 individuals.

Cost: $60 per organization per session or $150
for entire series per organization. 
 
New Members Sought for Southern Illniois ED Roundtable
EDs in Southern Illinois have an opportunity to join the ED Roundtable for 2009!  Don't miss joining this resource that past participants have called the "one meeting I try hard to attend.  I've yet to regret taking time away from all the tasks on my desk."  
 
Since 2005 a total of more than 36 nonprofit executive directors have been meeting in two roundtable groups engaging in peer to peer discussions on such pressing issues as effective team development, leadership, fund raising, volunteer programs, financial management, and board development and recruitment.   These Executive Directors lead agencies that provide a variety of services to communities as far north as Madison County and as far south as Alexander County in Illinois. 
 
Seeking New Members 
Both groups are seeking new members to engage in discussion and sharing in a safe, facilitated environment.  Each roundtable is comprised of 12 Illinois nonprofit executives who meet on a regular date and time convenient to all of the members.   The participants choose the topic, set the agenda and the group provides feedback, encouragement and experience through facilitated discussion; thus helping each member gain understanding and perspective of the topic at hand.
 
Questions? Call Claire Hundelt at 314-436-9580 or claire@nonprofitservices.org
Role of Board Critical During Crisis
According to the Philanthropy Journal, while the responsibilities of nonprofit board members do not change when the economy tanks, trying times do bring those duties into sharper focus, experts say.
 
The fiduciary responsibility for volunteer board members, on good days and bad, is to guide, support and direct the mission of the organization, oversee internal operations and steward the group's assets, says King McGlaughon, senior vice president and managing executive of Wachovia's nonprofit and philanthropic services division.

"Their fiduciary responsibility doesn't change depending on the economy or the market situation," he says of board members. "It's exactly the same today as it was a year ago or five years ago."

But when increasing demands, driven by foreclosures and job loss, eclipse available resources, it's time for board members to stay calm, roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty.  [Read the rest of the article...]
 
Grant Opportunities

USDA Solid Waste Management Grants
Deadline: December 31, 2008
RFP:  http://www.usda.gov/rus/water/SWMG.htm 
USDA Solid Waste Management Grants - $3.4 million is available from this annual USDA Rural Development program to fund approximately 35 local units of government, academic institutions and non-profits who propose to, among other work, provide technical assistance and/or training to help rural areas reduce their solid waste stream. Grants are restricted to areas not in a city or town with a population in excess of 10,000. 

 
General Mills Champions for Healthy Kids
Deadline:  January 15, 2009
RFP:  http://www.generalmills.com/corporate/commitment/champions.aspx 
The General Mills Champions for Healthy Kids initiative is a partnership of the General Mills Foundation, the American Dietetic Association Foundation, and the President's Council on Physical Fitness. The goal of the initiative is to encourage U.S. communities to improve the eating and physical activity patterns of young people, ages 2-18. In 2009, the initiative will award 50 grants of $10,000 each to nonprofit organizations, schools, and government agencies throughout the country that offer innovative programs to help youth develop both good nutrition and fitness habits. 

 
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Deadline: February 16, 2009
RFP: http://www.nfwf.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Grants/GranteeRegistration/default.htm 
The Five-Star Restoration Matching Grants Program, an initiative of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, seeks to develop community capacity to sustain local natural resources for future generations by supporting wetland, riparian, and coastal habitat restoration projects. Grants ranging from $10,000 to $40,000 are provided to projects that build diverse partnerships and foster natural resource stewardship through education, outreach, and training activities. Partnerships should include at least five organizations that contribute to project success through funding, land, workforce support, technical support, and/or other in-kind services. An online webinar for potential applicants will be offered on December 5, 2008.   
Until next month...
 
Best regards,
Baby Boomer
Deborah L. Cooper
President
Nonprofit Services Consortium