THE NONPROFIT CONNECTION
News from HandsOn Northwest North Carolina
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We're happy to share these items of interest from around our local network. Please e-mail us any opportunities you would like to be featured in future editions! (The Nonprofit Connection usually goes out during the first ten days of the month; we typically don't include fundraisers.)

  

 
Training 
OPPORTUNITIES
  
+ It's not too late to join Amy and Kathy at the National Conference of Volunteering and Service in Atlanta next week! The Conference is the largest convening of service leaders from all walks of life, united to lead the dynamic, ever-expanding, international volunteer service movement. I know that some local volunteer managers are planning to attend, and we always love seeing a good-sized NC contingent. This year's Conference will showcase those on the forefront of the service revolution who have new ideas and proven solutions to tough community problems. Day rates are available if you can't go for the full time. Go online to learn more and register!

  

+ Sawtooth Offers Digital Marketing Classes at Reduced Rates to HandsOn Supporting Partners! This summer and fall,

Sawtooth, a HandsOn Supporting Partner, is offering other SP's the opportunity to take two of their classes at the reduced Sawtooth member rate! The first, "Introduction to Social Media Marketing," is a hands-on course that will provide students with a social media starter kit to help them maintain social media channels. They will walk through the top social media channels including Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, & YouTube to discuss what makes each channel unique and determine what channels are right for different types of organizations. Basic computer skills are required. Taught by Sawtooth's own Digital Media Coordinator, Taylor Hayes.  The class will be offered twice, in two different sessions. Session A: 2 Thursdays 7/10 - 7/17 | 6PM - 9PM. Session B: 2 Wednesdays 9/03 - 9/10 | 1PM - 4PM. HandsOn SPs must call 336-723-7395, ext. 211 to register for the reduced rate of $80.  Register by July 3rd to receive an extra $20 OFF!

 

The second class, "Steps to Email Marketing Success,"  is a lecture-style class designed for students who want to learn the basic steps that go into creating a successful email marketing campaign. Learn about major providers such as Constant Contact and Mail Chimp to determine which platform is right for your email needs. Learn the best ways to import your current contacts, grow your contact list, create a campaign, and measure results. Basic computer skills are required. Also taught by Taylor Hayes in two different sessions. Session A: August 13 | 6PM - 9PM Session B: September 18 | 1PM - 4PM. Member rate is $50, and the same early-bird $20 discount applies. Remember, you must call to receive these discounts. Thanks, Sawtooth!  

 

+ "Mobile Impact 301: How to Raise More Money via Mobile," TechSoup webinar, June 19, 2 pm to 3 pm, FREE! Join the digital giving experts from Network for Good and PayPal to understand which elements are critical for mobile fundraising success and how to put them into practice for your organization. You'll learn about which mobile fundraising tactics are right for your nonprofit; how to engage donors in a mobile world; and how to optimize your donation experience for mobile and raise more money in the process. Registration is online.

  

+ The Volunteer Center of Greensboro to Offer Volunteer Management Series This Summer! These one-hour sessions offered over the course of four weeks cover a smattering of topics of interest to volunteer managers. Attendees can choose to attend single classes or the full series, and all have been certified for NCAVA credit. Prices for the classes vary, and run from July 30 to August 20th. Go to their website for more information and registration.

Here at HandsOn, we have the ability to offer the full Volunteer Management Training Series, which was developed by and for HandsOn affiliates, and is a more extensive series that is designed to cover all of the basics of volunteer management. Interested in us hosting the series here in Winston-Salem or parts west? Let us know and we'll work with PRAVA to try to put it on the calendar!

 

  

Funding

OPPORTUNITIES 

 

+ The Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust Announces August 2014 Funding Cycle! For the August 12, 2014 deadline, the Trust will accept applications for both its Heath Care Division and its Poor and Needy Division.
 
Proposals will be accepted in all four of the Health Care Division's Issue Areas: Access to Primary Care, Community Centered Prevention, Diabetes, and Mental Health and Substance Abuse. Areas of funding will be based on the Tier Designation of the county being served. They will accept applications based on the county's Tier designation in both 2014 and 2015, should they change. Please review their website for more details, *before* contacting the Trust to assess funding eligibility. 
 
The Poor and Needy Division's financial and human resources continue to be committed to improving the quality of life and health of financially disadvantaged individuals in Forsyth County. They encourage grant applications from local organizations, as well as organizations located outside of Forsyth County, if the project serves financially disadvantaged Forsyth County residents. The Trust will accept applications in all four of the Poor and Needy Division's Issue Areas: Community Assets, Education, Health Care,  and Safety Net. 
 
All interested parties for grants from either division should contact the program coordinator at 866-551-0690 to engage in an initial conversation about proposals. Depending upon the fit with their issues, interests, and strategies, they may then schedule an appointment with you and the appropriate program officer. As always, an advance consultation with a program officer is required well before the August 12, 2014 5:00 pm submission deadline.

  

+ The Women's Fund of Winston-Salem Is Now Accepting Grant Applications!  The Women's Fund of Winston-Salem, a 
HandsOn Supporting Partner, has released their 2014 grant guidelines. Grants of up to $30,000 are available to organizations implementing programs that address the challenges women face in achieving economic security, so that all women and girls have equal opportunities and the skills and resources to be independent, self-sufficient, contributing members of their community. 
Their grantmaking focus emanates from their research report Through a Gender Lens: The Economic Security of Women and Girls in Forsyth County.  They are very interested in receiving applications from programs that focus on creating social change around the issues the economic security of women and girls. You can download the guidelines from this page on their website. Preliminary applications are due June 19th!
    
+ Funds Available to Support Youth Service Trips and Volunteering!  True Hero grants cash awards to high school, college and qualified non-profit community youth organizations that sponsor service trips and volunteer activities for students.  These cash awards enable more schools and nonprofits to continue their service learning programs and offer a life changing experience to those students who participate. Awards are given to those projects with the most on-line votes on June 30th, 2014. There is still time to post your project and get votes!  
 
+ Apply for The Ultimate Neighborhood Give Back Challenge!  Presented by Guaranteed Rate, a national mortgage lender, The Ultimate Neighborhood Give Back Challenge is a nationwide search for projects that make a meaningful impact in their communities. Projects can be almost anything: rehabbing classrooms, improving a ball field, revamping a youth center, cleaning up a playground, planting a community garden, upgrading a counseling center, expanding a pet shelter...anything that makes the community a better place. Six projects will be selected to receive a grand total of up to $100,000. One grand prize winner will receive up to $50,000, plus Ty Pennington, host of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," will spend a day - tools and all - on-site working on the project. Five other winners will receive up to $10,000 each. It only takes 500 words on a Facebook form to apply--so do it today! (Many thanks to the NC Center for Nonprofits for the head's up!)
 
+ BI-LO Foundation Provides Funds to Fight Hunger in NC! The BI-LO Holdings Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of people in the states where they operate stores, including NC. The Foundation supports programs that alleviate hunger directly or enhance hunger-related education or health initiatives. Visit the Foundation's website to submit an online application. Application deadline is June 30th!
 
  
Employment
OPPORTUNITIES
 
+ The Shepherd's Center of Greater Winston-Salem Seeks a New Community Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator! Responsibilities include overseeing community outreach efforts on behalf of The Shepherd's Center of Greater Winston-Salem, a HandsOn Supporting Partner, including speaking engagements, and connecting with corporations, congregations, and civic clubs to communicate their mission and story. As an integral part of the job, this person will also coordinate volunteer recruitment, training, and support. The position will also be the focal point for marketing and communications for the organization. For more information, contact Sam Matthews, Executive Director. 

  

+ Salemtowne Seeks a Full-Time Hospitality Concierge Coordinator! This new position, housed within Salemtowne's Office of Admissions,  would provide general assistance to residents by answering questions and problem solve on issues that arise. They would also coordinate internal moves within independent living and assist with the move-in process of new residents, in addition to other communication and administrative duties. Salemtowne,

a HandsOn Supporting Partner, is specifically encouraging those interested in the nonprofit sector as well as those with experience working with older adults to apply. Please review the fuller position description for more details; the deadline has been expanded and the position has not yet been filled, so apply today!

  

+ Samaritan Ministries Seeks New Volunteer Coordinator! 
Samaritan Ministries, a HandsOn Supporting Partner, is seeking a volunteer coordinator to help recruit and retain volunteers to support their Soup Kitchen and Shelter. Samaritan has a well-established volunteer program but will be expanding with the move to a new facility this fall. An Associate degree and 3 years volunteer management experience is required, college degree preferred.  Database management skills are a plus. Excellent benefits, including vacation, retirement and health/dental insurance.  Review the full position description for more details. Contact Jan Kelly for more information.
 
+ The Enrichment Center Seeks Full-Time Supported Employment Specialist. This position works as a personal job coach for individuals with significant disabilities and diverse backgrounds who are seeking long-term employment. In this position, you will help create work opportunities by establishing relationships with local employers through cold-calling, networking, and targeted marketing campaigns. You will also provide on-the-job coaching and training for individuals who have been placed. Responsibilities also include maintaining complete and accurate records and reports in accordance with federal, state, and other regulatory requirements.  Computer skills are essential. Hours will vary and may include nights, weekends and holidays. Availability is a must.   Salary: Commensurate with training and experience. HS diploma or equivalent required. Prefer QP status and experience working with adults with disabilities. Dependable transportation, NCDL and clean criminal background required. Submit resumes to Deanne Hooker, or through the mail to her at The Enrichment Center, 1006 S. Marshall St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101. 
 
+ Leadership Winston-Salem Seeks Part-Time Program Coordinator!  Leadership Winston-Salem, a HandsOn Supporting Partner, is seeking a 20 hour per week Program Coordinator who will provide logistical support for the 9-month Flagship program and special events, as well as social media and administrative support for the organization (including backup Quickbooks & donor database support). Review the full position description for more details. To apply, e-mail Jacinta White your cover letter, resume, references, and salary requirements by June 19th!
 
 
Other 
OPPORTUNITIES 

 

Leadership Winston-Salem Now Accepting Applications for its 2014-2015 Flagship Program! 
IGNITE your passion for community leadership! Submit your application for this unique 9-month program offering rare, behind-the-scenes insights into our community. The very first class was graduated in 1985, so if accepted, you'll be part of the 30th Anniversary class. Apply before May 23rd and your name will be entered into a drawing for a special prize. The final deadline for applications is June 18. For more information and application materials, visit their website.

 

+ Nominate an Outstanding Woman You Know for a Women of Worth Award! The L'Oreal Paris Women of Worth program celebrates everyday women who follow their true passion to make a beautiful difference in the world through volunteerism. Each year, ten women are chosen to be honored for their extraordinary efforts with a $10,000 donation to their charitable cause. From now until June 25, visit  Women of Worth to nominate yourself or a woman in your life who has a passion for volunteerism.

 

HandsOn
JOIN / GIVE NOW
HandsOn NWNC invites nonprofits to financially support our mission to build the capacity of local nonprofits and increase volunteerism. In exchange for a minimum $50 donation, our Supporting Partners receive a variety of discounts on our program offerings and other special opportunities, that can lead to savings as great as $800 per year! Vendors and consultants who work with nonprofits are also encouraged to become Supporting Partners.
Join HandsOn and Become a Supporter



June 2014- Vol 7, Issue 6

 
Summer's here! Summer's here! Summer's here! Despite the many years I am removed from a school schedule (and the fact that I teach a summer course for Forsyth Tech,) the end of the "regular" school year still gives me that slightly giddy feeling of release. Maybe it's because I am still the parent of a school-aged child (she's now a rising 3rd grader; she had just turned one when we started HandsOn,) or maybe it's because that here at HandsOn, June marks a similar break for us--it's a time when we lighten our programming schedule, and focus on planning and scheduling for the fall and the coming year. This summer will also have us planning and implementing our first-ever office move, into our beautiful new digs at 751 W. Fourth Street in downtown Winston-Salem. We're looking forward to hosting the majority of our fall workshops in our new digs!
 
I want to take a moment and thank everyone who came out in support of our Governor's Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service breakfast last month. Co-hosted by HandsOn, United Way, Salem College, and the Winston-Salem Journal, we welcomed approximately 200 people as we honored winners in 10 different categories. We also surprised many of our nominees by presenting them with the President's Volunteer Service Award! This is always our biggest event of the year, and it's your participation and support that makes it so successful and meaningful to the volunteers. 
 
A few of our winners with the student-made centerpieces which were selected and matched individually for each winner.
This month, we'll also be hitting two new milestones. We'll be honoring our fifth class of Nonprofit Essentials graduates, and our fourth class of graduates from Women's Emerging Leaders! Each of these programs started out as simple conversations in our office about "wouldn't it be good if...." and both have become powerful engines in equipping the current and future leaders of our local sector. The development of these programs demonstrate the power in "blue-sky" thinking and in the importance of forging strong, collaborative, win-win relationships. I hope you get a chance this summer to participate in a little bit of both!
 
Participants and nonprofits mingle prior to the formal start of our inaugural Board Bank Speed Dating event last week.
The second milestone was the development of our first-ever Board Bank Speed Dating event, the first event of its kind not only for HandsOn, but also for our community. We had more than two dozen potential candidates sign up to participate, which shows the demand for this kind of fun, interactive, and low-pressure environment in which to learn more about board membership and the variety of nonprofits available in our community. I want to thank all of the nonprofits who participated, as well as to Leadership Winston-Salem, who lent us valuable thought-leadership during the planning stages, as well as crucial logistic and recruitment support. Based on the feedback, our plan is to try and host two of these events each year, timed to the common board year start dates of July 1 and January 1. Our goal is to try to host a second event in our new space in early December. 
 
We're also excited to announce that the Community Care Center was the first local organization to sign up with Verified Volunteers to use their new background check service. I know many more of you are currently exploring this option and have come to both me and the Verified Volunteers team with questions--please keep them coming! We're excited that so many of you are interested in finding out more. If you haven't already checked out their blog, I encourage you to do so. This month's article is "Volunteer Screening: How the Volunteer Fast-Pass is Improving the Status Quo." You can learn even more about this service at the PRAVA meeting later this month.
 
We were disappointed to have to postpone the launch for our NEW Nonprofit Executive Summit, from June to August due to scheduling issues. On the plus side, we hope this means that those of you finalizing your July 1 to June 30 2015 budgets will be able to take advantage of what should be a fantastic learning and development opportunity. The innovative program is design was specifically created to allow seasoned, mid-to-high level staff and board leaders the relatively rare opportunity to come together and tackle tough, individualized problems and collectively develop resources and solutions in a peer "learning lab" environment, while also benefiting from the coaching and guidance of a Wake Forest University professor. View the full program description for more details about the Summit, and we will let you know as soon as we have finalized the new dates!
  
Enjoy June, everyone!

All the best,
Signature
Executive Director



Women's Emerging Leaders

Applications due this Friday, June 13 at 5 pm!
Leadership Essentials for Women, Sept. 4 & 5
Location: Senior Services, 2895 Shorefair Dr., Winston-Salem (see map)

Our Women's Emerging Leaders program combines a two-day, intensive Leadership Essentials for Women workshop based on the Center for Creative Leadership's research and taught by a CCL adjunct faculty member, with our ten-month long Nonprofit Essentials series. The entire program is designed to provide the skills needed to help mid-level, female nonprofit staff move into leadership positions within the nonprofit sector. The program is only open to those currently working in nonprofits serving people in Forsyth, Davidson, Davie, Stokes, Surry, and/ or Yadkin Counties. Leadership Essentials for Women, which must be attended by all participants in the program, is scheduled for September 4th and 5th here in Winston-Salem. (We won't yet be in our new home, but will be some place good.)

  

Cost: $300 for Supporting Partners/ $350 for all others. Please note that these fees represent only about 13-15% of the total per person cost of the program, and is cheaper than our Nonprofit Essentials series alone. These deep discounts can be offered due to a generous grant from The Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust. Price includes lunch during all class days, and extensive take-home materials and assessments. 

  

Apply Today!

  

(Not sure if your organization is a HandsOn Supporting Partner? You can view the current full list on our website.)

  

 

Nonprofit Essentials:

Grant Proposal Writing

Thursday, June 19th, Noon to 4:30 pm
Location: Reynolda Hall, WFU Campus (see campus map)

This practical course is designed for those seeking to develop their grant proposal writing skills. Participants will learn how to research funding sources and develop relationships with funders. They will also explore best practices for developing successful grant proposals and letters of inquiry. 
 
The class will be taught by Stephen L. Williams, CRA who has served as Wake Forest University's Assistant Director of the Office for Research & Sponsored Programs for more than 15 years. His office assists faculty on the Reynolda Campus with their pursuit and management of sponsored WFU logo activities, including the identification of suitable funding opportunities, proposal preparation, and grant and contract management. 

 

Nonprofit Essentials classes are taught primarily by Wake Forest University staff, faculty, and local alumni. After finishing all sessions, participants will graduate with a Certificate from Wake's Institute for Public Engagement. (This is the same Certificate program that Wake offers in Charlotte, but that we offer for hundreds less locally!)  

  

Cost: $45 for Supporting Partners/ $55 for all others.  You can register for the entire, 10 class series for just $400! A series pass can also be shared by a single organization that may have several staff members who can benefit from different classes; this is the last class in the 2013-2014 series. Payment plans are available. All classes include a networking lunch and extensive take-home materials. 

  

Register Now!

  

(Not sure if your organization is a HandsOn Supporting Partner? You can view the current full list on our website.)

  

 

PRAVA Meeting:

Screening Your Volunteers

Wednesday, June 25th, 8:30 am to 19:30 am
Location: Hospice & Palliative CareCenter's multi-purpose room, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 (see map)
 

The Piedmont Regional Association for Volunteer Administration (PRAVA)'s regular networking meetings are opportunities to learn about other organizations' best practice and community volunteer needs, and include informal roundtable discussions where you can share your experiences, ask questions, and bring examples of your work. 

 

This month's topic will feature a brief presentation on

HandsOn and Verified Volunteers before continuing the discussion on other volunteer screening processes that you use. We will address background screening process 'do's and don't's', proper record keeping, screening frequency, and what works best for you! Roundtables are free for all attendees. 

 

PRAVA, a HandsOn Supporting Partner and all-volunteer professional development organization, works in collaboration with other volunteer-based organizations to encourage the recognition and effective engagement of volunteers' skills and services, while working to enhance the role and importance of all volunteers.  Membership is open to anyone who works with volunteers in any capacity or setting, and is only $25 a year. PRAVA is an official, regional affiliate of the statewide North Carolina Association of Volunteer Administration, and you can join both organizations with a single check. Download their most current membership brochure for more information. 

 

COST: FREE! Breakfast is provided, so please register below to provide an accurate count.

 

NEWS YOU CAN USE!
Independent Sector Releases New Values for Volunteer Time!

 

Each year, Independent Sector crunches the numbers and releases a new estimate for the value of an hour of volunteer time. The amount is based on the hourly earnings (approximated from yearly values) of all production and non-supervisory workers on private non-farm payrolls (based on yearly earnings provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics). Independent Sector indexes this figure to determine state values and increases it by 12 percent to estimate for fringe benefits.

 

In 2013, the national amount is $22.55 per hour. The NC rate for 2013 is $21.04. Using one or the other for your own calculations of the financial impact of your volunteer program is considered industry standard, as long as you remain consistent throughout the years. 

 

Find more details on Independent Sector's website.

 
  
NEWS YOU CAN USE!
Spend 20 Minutes to Help Your Board Fundraise!

 

I hear from many of you how difficult it is for you to engage your boards in fundraising. How do you get them more comfortable in this role? When will you find the time to train them? Thanks to GuideStar, I was excited to see this 20-minute exercise that can easily be incorporated into a board retreat, or even a regular board meeting. (At HandsOn NWNC, we set aside 15-20 minutes out of every board meeting for a strategic or board development topic.) 

Don't feel comfortable facilitating this kind of conversation yourself? Let us know, and we'll be happy to serve as that "outside expert" and run this exercise for you!

 

Enjoy!

 

  
NEWS YOU CAN USE!
Urban Institute Study Finds Massive Governmental Contracting Issues

 

Last month, the Urban Institute released a free report  on nonprofit-government contracting issues in each state. The report found that:

  • Half of North Carolina nonprofits with government grants and contracts are paid late by federal or state agencies. Late payments are a growing problem in North Carolina, and many nonprofits have reported being paid 3-9 months late on their government grants and contracts this year.
  • About three-fourths of nonprofits have experienced needlessly complex contracting application and reporting burdens. One NC Center for Nonprofit's member reported, "Not only did we have to provide our annual report to the funding agency, but we had to complete the state auditor's report, participate in an audit by an independent auditor, and have an internal audit by staff at the granting agency."
  • More than half of the time, government contracts don't cover the full cost of contracted services.
The NC Center for Nonprofits is actively developing strategies to work with policymakers to develop solutions for these and other contracting problems. Many thanks to their work on this important issue! 

  

 
  

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