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Comprehensive Data on Oregon's Nonprofit Sector Coming Soon!
 The inaugural Oregon Nonprofit Sector Report will be published in April 2012. This research project is a collaborative effort between the Nonprofit Association of Oregon and the Institute for Nonprofit Management at Portland State University, with funding from The Oregon Community Foundation, The Collins Foundation, and M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust.
In early January, a sample of nonprofit organizations around the state will receive an online survey. Every response is important! If you are selected to receive the survey, we ask that you respond within the week so we can begin analyzing the data and report back out to you in April.
The information gained through this survey will help nonprofit leaders, policy makers, funders, and other opinion leaders develop a critical understanding of how the sector functions today and how it changes over time.
You can find more info and track the progress of this research project here.
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Last Minute Tips about Year-end Giving
Update on Charity Donations from IRAs
You may want to let your older donors know this is the last year seniors age 70½ or older can contribute up to $100,000 directly from their IRA to a charity without paying taxes on the withdrawal. In 2011, it will count toward their required minimum distribution. Spouses can also make their own charitable distribution of up to $100,000. Charitable IRA distributions made last January can be treated as if they happened in 2010. Special rules apply, so check with a tax expert for details!
Don't Forget to Say Thanks!
 Last year at this time we included an article in our eNews about the importance of thanking your donors, with some tips about ensuring proper acknowledgement of year-end donations. In case you missed it, or need a reminder, you can view the article here.
More information about the charitable contributions of certain IRA owners and other IRS rules and guidelines for monetary and in-kind donations is available here.
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Public Policy News
Free Voter Engagement Webinar for Nonprofits
Nonprofit Vote will host a free webinar on January 26 at 11:00 a.m. PST to help nonprofits get ready for the coming election season. Register for "Build a Voter Engagement Timeline in 2012" today!
New Citizens Can Now Be Registered to Vote on Day One
In October, U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) revised its guidelines on voter registration at naturalization ceremonies. More information about this change and how it affects new citizens, voter registration groups, and state and local elections officials here.
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Member Benefits Highlight:
UST Unemployment Insurance
State Deadline Quickly Approaching!
As the January 31 deadline to opt out of Oregon's state unemployment tax system for 2012 is quickly approaching, nonprofit organizations should keep in mind that unemployment taxes are increasing across the U.S. and that it may work to your benefit to opt out of the state unemployment tax system and become a direct reimbursing employer. Employers who opt out of the state unemployment tax system save money by reimbursing the state only for unemployment benefits paid out, instead of paying quarterly taxes per employee. And, since employers typically pay $2.00 in taxes for every $1.00 paid out in benefits, becoming a direct reimbursing employer may be the best option for your nonprofit.
The Unemployment Services Trust (UST) is a partner of the Nonprofit Association of Oregon and can help you determine whether becoming a direct reimbursing employer would work to your organization's benefit. All nonprofits with 10 or more full-time employees are encouraged to explore this option. To speak with a knowledgeable UST representative, contact Bill Downey at 888-249-4788 or info@ChooseUST.org. Just remember the deadline to opt out of the Oregon unemployment tax system is coming up fast!
Not a member and want to take advantage of this and other member benefits? Join today!
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Nonprofit Association of Oregon Updates
Town Hall Series
Last year, NAO kicked off a five-part Town Hall series with sessions in Eugene, Portland, Bend, Medford, and Pendleton. We heard from 400 nonprofit practitioners, who shared their greatest challenges and successes. You can read the report here.
We will launch the 2012 Town Hall Series in Albany on March 2. Stay tuned for more details. Additional Town Hall sessions are planned for:
- Coos Bay, March 8, 2012
- Prineville, June 12, 2012
- Baker City, June 13, 2012
Executive Search: Milepost 5
Our Executive Transition Services team is currently assisting the search for Creative Director with Milepost 5. Read the full description.
You can find out about other openings, or post your own, on our Nonprofit Job Board.
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Announcements
Free Event Space! Let MacTarnahan's Taproom
Host Your Fundraiser
MacTarnahan's Taproom is excited to offer event spaces to Portland nonprofits at no cost. Whether you are planning a gala, dinner auction, or music festival, MacTarnahan's can accommodate up to 300 guests and has ample parking, options for indoor and outdoor fundraising events, a great food menu, and craft beer. Contact Sarah at ssonn@nabreweries.com to discuss your event and visit their website at www.macsbeer.com.
University of Portland Class to Provide
Free Grant Writing
University of Portland's "Advanced Organizational Communication" class is seeking to partner with local nonprofits in need of grant writing support. The class of 25 graduate and advanced undergraduate students will write grants and assist partnering nonprofits as part of their coursework. Interested? Contact Heath at heath@up.edu.
Executive MBA in Nonprofit Management
The University of Portland will hold an EMBA Information Session on Thursday, January 19 at 6:00 p.m. in the Murphy Conference Room. More info here.
Opportunity from CNCS
The Corporation for National and Community Service seeks Concept Papers to develop AmeriCorps VISTA projects for FY 2012. Public agencies and nonprofit organizations can apply to be VISTA sponsors. Deadline is January 18. More info on the CNCS website.
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Funding Opportunities
Facade Restoration Grants Available
The Oregon State Historic Preservation Office announces "Diamonds in the Rough" grants to restore or reconstruct heavily altered building facades. The emphasis is on commercial buildings in historic downtown districts. Application deadline is January 27. Visit www.oregonheritage.org for more info and to access application forms.
Cultural Tourism Grants: Applications Now Accepted
Oregon Arts Commission is now accepting Cultural Tourism grant applications. The deadline is January 31. View grant guidelines and download application here.
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New Training Series in Eugene
We are pleased to announce the launch of a new training series in Eugene. The South Willamette Valley Nonprofit Network is designed to help nonprofit staff and volunteers strengthen general management skills from fundraising to financial management.
The 4-session series begins on January 17. Topics and presenters will be announced soon. In the meantime, mark your calendars!
Session 1: Jan 17
Session 2: Feb 21
Session 3: Apr 17
Session 4: May 15
To receive updates and session reminders, be sure you are signed up for the South Willamette Valley Nonprofit Network mailing list.
(You'll be asked to enter your email address, then will receive an email with a link to 'Update Your Profile.' Follow this link to review and set your mailing preferences.)
A special thanks to Pacific Continental Bank for their support of the new training series!
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Discounted Training for NAO Members
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NAO Members receive 10% off all NAO training, including individual network sessions and season passes, workshops, and webinars. Learn more about member benefits here.
View listings of our Nonprofit and Affiliate Members.
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| Office Space Available for Sublease | |
NAO seeks a nonprofit tenant to sublease office space. The office is in the RiverSide Center, located at 5100 SW Macadam Avenue, Suite 360; Portland, Oregon 97239 (in the Johns Landing neighborhood).
View map.
THE DETAILS:
Two bright, sunny adjacent offices (11'3" x 10'5" and 15'1" x 16'4");
Approximately 419 rentable square feet;
$636.66/mo lease rate ($7639.87 annually), plus additional to be negotiated for copier, reception, coffee, etc.;
Need to have own phone and internet service, but cable is complete;
Rent increases 3% annually September 1;
Prefer at least a two to three year commitment.
Contact Alice Forbes, Operations Director
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