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
  
 
+ Verified Volunteers and SterlingBackcheck To Host "2014 Recap of Trends in Background Screening," Webinar, Thursday, December 4th at 2 pm.  Presenters: Pam Devata, Partner, Seyfarth Shaw LLP and Paul Kehoe, Senior Council, Seyfarth Shaw LLP. The Fair Credit Reporting Act ("FCRA") is a federal law that regulates how employers can legally obtain and use consumer and investigative consumer reports. As you may know, both employees and volunteers are protected by this legislation. That's why it's important for your organization to remain aware and abreast of any changes in FCRA compliance and state and local lawsVerified Volunteers' parent company, SterlingBackcheck, one of the world's largest background screening companies, runs regular webinars on various aspects of the FCRA and other topics impacting both employees and volunteers. Registration is online. 


Also be sure to check out Verified Volunteers' newest blog post, "Instant Volunteer Background Checks: The Bad and the Ugly." You have likely heard of or experienced "instant" volunteer background checks, which draw upon information from stale nationwide databases. These "nationwide" or "super searches" appear to be great screening solutions, but in reality, they turn out reports that are outdated, incomplete, and even inaccurate. Learn more about instant volunteer background checks in the blog post.


+ Make Plans to Attend the Upcoming Nonprofit Legislative Briefing on Friday, December 5th! FREE! Sponsored by United Way of Forsyth County, United Way of Greater Greensboro, United Way of Greater High Point, United Way of North Carolina and the NC Budget & Tax Center, the event will pull together a wide variety of nonprofits across our region to learn more about what is coming up in the next legislative session. You do not need to be a UW Partner Agency to attend! Scheduled from 10 am to noon this Friday, December 5th at the Girl Scouts' Carolinas Peaks2Piedmont Triad Service Center, 1203 Frances Daily Court, Colfax, NC 27235 (the meeting will be held in the Learning Center, which is at the end of the drive past Magnolia Manor).  Please register online.


+ NC Center for Nonprofits Fundraising Webinar, December 9th, Noon to 1 pm, $49.  The most effective way to raise money is face-to-face, and the most lucrative time to ask is right now! Join NC Center members for this webinar hosted by Andy Robinson, where they'll delve into fundraising: everything from identifying prospects to structuring the 'ask' conversation. Whether you're a veteran fundraiser or new to the field, you can expect to gain practical information and advice. Register today!

 

+ "State of Surry County 2015" Breakfast, Friday, January 23rd, 7:30 am to 9:30 am, Mt. Airy, $15. Convened by the Triad Business Journal, this breakfast will feature a lively panel discussion on the State of Surry. A panel of local leaders will focus on current issues faced by the Surry County community and small businesses. Representatives from local nonprofits are encouraged to attend--these can be excellent networking events, and a great way to be part of a larger community conversation. Registration is online.


 

Funding

OPPORTUNITIES 

 

+ Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust Announces February 2015 Funding Cycle! 

The Trust's Poor and Needy Division continues 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 outside of Forsyth County, if the proposed work seeks to serve financially disadvantaged Forsyth County residents. 

 Great Expectations, the 

cornerstone effort of the Poor and Needy Division in the coming years, focuses on ensuring that all of Forsyth County's financially disadvantaged children have the foundation to be successful in school and life by the time they complete kindergarten.  The Trust wants to hear your ideas about how to help our community's youngest children. 

Download the Trust's Great Expectations Request for Proposals to read more about the types of proposals they're seeking. This cycle represents only the first in a series of Great Expectations inquiries and investments over the next 10 to 15 years. The Trust will also accept applications in all four of the Poor and Needy Division's core Issue Areas: Community Assets, Education, Health Care, and Safety Net. The Trust will consider a very limited number of capital requests (up to $350,000 per request) in their Issue Areas that tie to enhancing and/or expanding the opportunity to improve the quality of life for financially disadvantaged residents in Forsyth County. To engage in an initial conversation about proposals for the February cycle, all interested parties must contact their program coordinator, Robin DeVane, or by phone at 336-397-5521. 

Depending on fit with their issues, interests and strategies, they may then schedule an appointment with you. Please make sure your advance consultation is scheduled well before January 30, 2015. The grant application deadline is February 10, 2015, at 5:00 pm. The Trust's Health Care Division has also opened their February 2015 funding cycle. For more information about their funding priorities, please go to their website. The application process and timeline are the same for both divisions.

 
+ Earn Funds By Working the Concessions at Wake Forest Basketball Games! Ovations, the company in charge of WFU concessions, is currently seeking non-profit groups to work concessions for men's basketball. Your group will receive funds contingent upon net sales for the stand that you cover. This can be a great way to earn additional revenue and engage your volunteers in a fun and unique activity. These kinds of opportunities can be especially lucrative for parent and "friends" groups that draw on a large volunteer base that may only have periodic volunteer engagement opportunities. Learn more on their website, and please contact Mark Noda for more details and to express interest.

+ Grants Available from the Morris and Lillian Sosnik Memorial Fund to Fund Visiting 
Lecturers, Musicians, and Artists!
The Morris and Lillian Sosnik Memorial Fund of The Winston-Salem Foundation was established to bring visiting lecturers, musicians, and artists to the community. Applications, which are accepted biennially in odd-numbered years, may be made for requests of up to $5,000. An advisory committee will review applications and make grant recommendations, and applicants will be notified of a funding decision within 45 days after application. Go to the Foundation's website for more information and application instructions. Applications are due February 1, 2015!

+ Funds Available for Outstanding Youth Arts and Humanities Programs! Twelve award-winning programs this year will each receive $10,000 and an invitation to accept their award from the President's Committee's Honorary Chairman, First Lady Michelle Obama, at a ceremony at the White House. After-school and out-of-school time arts and humanities programs are encouraged to apply. This award is presented by The President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Please click the following link to access the online National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards Application. Applications are due February 2nd

+ Deloitte Launches RightStep Innovation Prize!  The Deloitte RightStep Innovation Prize, is the company's first-ever external call for applications connected to their Corporate Citizenship work. They are looking to recognize an education organization that is leveraging technology innovatively to drive specific education outcomes for K-12 students, such as reading / math proficiency, on-time graduation rates, and college readiness.The prize, which is open to U.S.-based nonprofits and for-profit organizations with a social mission, includes $100,000 cash and the opportunity to receive $100,000 in pro bono services for the winner, as well as access to the Deloitte network, enabling the organization to improve its geographical reach with the goal of impacting and helping even more students. Please go to their website for more details and application instructions. The first round of submissions for the prize is due on December 15, 2014, and the winner will be announced in early April 2015. 

  
Employment
OPPORTUNITIES
 

+ Leadership Winston-Salem Seeks Administrative and Technology Specialist! Leadership Winston-Salem, a HandsOn Supporting Partner, seeks to fill this key, full-time position within their organization. The right person will be someone who is experienced in financials/ QuickBooks, database queries, administrative/office needs, and has a passion for Leadership Winston-Salem!   This role is the hub of the inner workings as it provides administrative, bookkeeping, database, website, social media, and fundraising support with an energetic approach to helping create a community of leaders. See the full position description for more details. Act quickly and send resume, cover letter, references, and salary requirements to Jo Ellen Carson by December 5th! 
 
+ Hosanna House of Transition Seeks Contracted Fund Developer! They are

accepting immediate proposals for a Contracted Fund Developer to raise funds and develop a funding plan for the Community Employment Training Lab (CETL).  Please see the full RFP for more details.  This will be a monthly contracted position. Proposals are due by December 10th and decisions made by December 16 with contract to begin immediately following the decision.

 

+ Family Services of Davidson County Seeks Lead Therapist! Family Services of Davidson County, a HandsOn Supporting Partner, seeks to put people first and, through a wide array of quality services, strives to make a difference in our community by encouraging positive change for
individuals and families. The Lead Therapist provides therapy services to children, adults, families, and groups. This position, through accountability to the Clinical Services Program Director, also has responsibility for the quality/quantity of professional services the agency provides and for the efficient and effective delivery of these services. A Master's Degree from an accredited school of counseling, social work, or related therapy program. Licensure in the state of North Carolina or licensure in your home state with the ability to become licensed in North Carolina is required. For more details, please review the full position description. Position open until filled.

+ The Bethesda Center for the Homeless Still Looking for the Right Development Director!  Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the 
Development Director  is responsible 
for the strategic planning and management of Bethesda Center's fundraising, marketing, public relations, branding, publications, and media relations strategies. This person will also research and implement appropriate fundraising events. Please visit their website for the full position description.  If you are interested in applying, lease contact Office Manager Danielle Koger at 336-722-9951 ext 410. (While other positions are listed on their site, we have confirmed that the Development Director position is the only one still open.)

+ American Heart Association Seeks Director of Development for Heart Ball for Winston Salem & Iredell County!  Are you ready to join an organization where you can make an extraordinary impact everyday?  Imagine all Americans enjoying ideal cardiovascular health free of heart disease and stroke.  At the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, they get to work toward that goal every day.  Is it easy?  No.  Is it worthwhile?  Absolutely. This is satisfying and challenging work that makes a real difference in people's lives.  You will have the opportunity to partner with individuals, schools, lawmakers, healthcare providers and others to ensure everyone has access to healthier lifestyle choices and proper healthcare. Major duties include co-accountability for the planning and implementation of the 700+ person Heart Ball, the securing of major and corporate gifts, and other fundraising and stewardship duties. For more information, go to their website.


Other

OPPORTUNITIES 


+ Nominate an Outstanding Young Leader for a 40 Leaders Under 40 Award!   The Triad Business Journal is accepting nominations for extraordinary young professionals in the Triad who deserve to be honored for their accomplishments! They will honor these 40 deserving leaders at an awards ceremony on February 19, 2015. Amy Lytle, HandsOn's Executive Director, is a former 40 Leaders Under 40 recipient; she was nominated by an organization with which she volunteered. The application is online and straightforward--consider nominating an exceptional young board member, volunteer, or staff member today!


+ Free Furniture Available From Piedmont Opera! Did you miss out on HandsOn's "moving sale" in September and still need office furniture? Here's your next chance! Furniture at the Piedmont Opera offices at 235 N. Cherry Street in downtown Winston-Salem, will be available for FREE to other nonprofits on Wednesday, December 10th from 10 am to 2 pm.  There is a limited amount of furniture available. Immediate pick-up is preferred, although pick-up times can be arranged through Friday, December 12.  All items must be gone by December 15th, as the building is being razed. Don't miss out again! Contact Jen Rimes, Office Manager, for more information.


Interfaith Winston-Salem Needs Office Space! Interfaith Winston-Salem, a HandsOn Supporting Partner, is seeking a small office space downtown (maybe 10'x10') that is inexpensive or free.  Access to wi-fi would be beneficial.  Needed early 2015.  Contact Jerry McLeese if you have any leads.


 

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



December 2014- Vol 7, Issue 12

 
Wow--I guess it really is December, no matter what the thermometer earlier this week might have said! 2014 has flown by for us here at HandsOn, and many of you have been key to the success we have experienced over the past twelve months. 

First of all, thank you to all who attended our Fall Best Practice Breakfast: Sowing Seeds of Innovation last week. As I said at the breakfast, we are sowing seeds ourselves, using the breakfast to help us gauge interest in the Service Enterprise national certification program. Over the course of the next six months, we will need to identify funding partners, as well as a cohort of 5 to 7 nonprofits who are interested in going through the process. If there is enough interest, we will apply to become a Certification Hub this summer, with the cohort going through initial training in the fall of 2015. If you attended the breakfast, and are interested in being in that initial cohort, please let me know. We think the research and results are very compelling, and we hope that this program will be a good fit for us locally.

Secondly, we also wanted to let you all know that we have a few spots still available for Project Blueprint.  If you are, or know someone who is interested in serving on a board and has a background that is typically underrepresented on boards currently, please send them our way! Scholarships are available, and we don't want cost to be a barrier to participation. Please contact us if you have any questions, and we hope you will share the application with your networks as well! There's only a few spots available, so the sooner, the better. The weekly, lunchtime classes will begin in late January and run through the end of March.

Lastly, we wanted to give you one last reminder before the end of the year about our Nonprofit Executive Summit on June 1-5, 2015. We are very excited to get this new program, which is co-presented by Wake Forest University's Community Law
 and Business Clinic, off and running,  and hope that by giving
 you all plenty of advance notice, you can make plans to attend on both your calendar and in your budget. The innovative, learning lab format, led by extremely experienced Wake Forest University faculty, will be great way to build your leadership tools while tackling some of the tough questions and challenges you face as an experienced nonprofit leader.

I hope December and the holiday break gives you all a chance to catch your breath and reflect on the work you've all done to help make our community a better place to live, work, and volunteer. I know that we cannot do our work with you, and we so appreciate you going on this journey with us. I hope we continue to travel safely together into new adventures in the coming year!

May your holidays be filled with Light--
Signature 
Executive Director

Attendees mix and mingle at our first-ever HandsOn Board Bank Speed Dating event this past summer. Join us for another fun evening together this
Thursday, December 4th from 5 pm to 7 pm! Remember, access to our Board Bank and its Speed Dating events is an exclusive benefit for HandsOn Supporting Partners!  

HandsOn Board:

Board Bank "Speed Dating"

Thursday, December 4th, 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Location: Burress Family Center for Philanthropy, The Winston-Salem Foundation building, 751 West Fourth Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, 3rd floor (see map; free parking is available at the lot across the street on 4th and Broad, as well as in the lot immediately behind the building)

Looking for a fun, stress-free, and no-commitment way to learn more about difference nonprofits in the area? Do you want to make a positive impact, collaborate with people who share your values and interests, broaden your leadership skills, or expand your personal and professional networks? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then you should come to our Board Bank Speed Dating event!

You'll find a list of confirmed, participating nonprofits on our website, and we encourage you to visit their websites prior to the event to help you focus your questions and maximize your 10 minute speed-dating rounds. Although board/committee placement is not guaranteed (nor required,) the event will familiarize you with different nonprofits and their culture, programs, and people, before committing to serve as a board/committee member. 

We'll begin with time to mingle and enjoy light appetizers, beer and wine from 5:00 pm-5:20 pm. At 5:30 pm, we'll begin promptly with the speed dating rounds. 

Cost: FREE!

For Potential Board CANDIDATES ONLY: Please register and then complete a Board Bank candidate application, if you have not already done so. We ask that you submit the application prior to the event, but you can bring it with you as well.

For NONPROFITS: This event, and our Board Bank in general, is only available to Supporting Partners, and is currently filled. However, if you are interested in attending our next event, which will be held in May/June, please contact Kathy Davis for more information.
 

2014-2015 Nonprofit Essentials:

Human Resources

Thursday, December 11th, Noon to 4:30 pm
Location:  Burress Family Center for Philanthropy, The Winston-Salem Foundation building, 751 West Fourth Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, 3rd floor Neill board room (see map)

Whether staff members or volunteers, the most important asset of any organization is its people. 
WFU logo
This course will address key topics such as recruitment, retention, recognition, performance management, and conflict resolution for both staff and volunteers. The course will also review essential policies and discuss record keeping. 

The Human Resources class will be taught by Abby Monclova. Abby has over ten years of experience in management, recruiting, personnel relations, training, and relationship building. She is a graduate of Wake Forest University and received her MS in Human Resources from Western Carolina University. Previous roles include Director of Volunteer Services at the Ronald McDonald House of Winston-Salem, Inc; Treasurer and Co-President of PRAVA (Piedmont Regional Association of Volunteer Administrators); and Community Development Director for the Winston-Salem Jaycees. Abby is currently the Human Resources Manager at Savers Administrative Services, and the Director of Staff and Volunteer Services at Outfitters4Most importantly, she believes an organization's most valuable resource is its people, and how their collaboration can strengthen your organization, your mission, and our community. 

The 2014-2015 Nonprofit Essentials classes
are taught primarily by Wake Forest University staff, faculty, and local alums. After finishing all sessions, participants will graduate with a Certificate from Wake Forest University.

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 will be the fourth class of the 2014-2015 series. Payment plans are available. All classes include a networking lunch and extensive take-home materials. 

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



Get Involved!

2015 MLK Day of Service Read-In!

Saturday, January 17th, 9 am to Noon
Location:  Winston-Salem State University, Donald J. Reaves Center, first floor (see map, # 39)

2013 MLK Read-In

We're gearing up for our annual Martin Luther King Day of Service held locally on January 17th this year, which will again feature our Read-In event. We're excited that our long-time partner, Winston-Salem State University, will be our host for the first time this year!  We get great support for this event from not only WSSU staff and students, but also staff and students from Wake Forest University, who has hosted the event in the past, and Salem College. Volunteers leaders from Girl Talk's Triad Chapter and locally-serving AmeriCorps VISTA members from United Way are also crucial to the planning and success of the event. The planning team is convened by HandsOn NWNC and Bridget Hochwalt, our Corps18 VISTA member. Together, we hope to engage 150 youth aged 4-10 this year, matched with one-on-one with volunteers.

If you're a part of a youth-serving organization, or are a parent yourself, and would like your youth to take part in this event, please let us know ASAP, so that we have time to get everyone registered. (As for volunteers, we're already putting people on a wait list!) We'll be MLK Day of Service Logo happy to provide you with more details and let you know what's involved in participation. Please encourage the young people in your life to attend, as it's a great morning filled with learning and FUN!

 

Cost: FREE! (All volunteers and youth participants must be able to make their own transportation arrangements; parking will be available on WSSU's campus.)

 

Make it A Day On, Not a Day Off!


 

 

2014-2015 Nonprofit Essentials:

Strategic Marketing

Thursday, January 22nd, Noon to 4:30 pm
Location: Burress Family Center for Philanthropy, The Winston-Salem Foundation building, 751 West Fourth Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, 3rd floor board room (see map)

Nonprofit organizations and government agencies are increasingly adopting traditional business models, often managed by individuals with business backgrounds. The WFU logo prominence of ethical corporate failures coupled with a greater recognition of the concepts of social responsibility and social enterprise, have created a more significant focus on nonprofit marketing - including targeting, public relations, donor relations, and volunteer management. The essence of modern marketing is to satisfy "consumer" needs through efficient exchanges. The adoption of a "value proposition" is key to any marketing offer - whether for goods or services, or ideas. The classic tools of marketing - the 4 Ps of Product, Price, Place, and Promotion have to include the 5th P of People as perhaps the most critical resource. Marketing research focused on consumer psychology/behavior and related topics contribute to relevant "knowledge management" to design programs and campaigns that set the specific offer apart from alternative "competitor" variations. New developments in social media technologies offer very focused and lower cost alternatives to typical communication strategies and budgets.

For this Emerging Issue class, we're welcoming two professors from Winston-Salem State UniversityDean Notis Pagiavlas and Dr. M. Dee Guillory.  

Notis Pagiavlas (Ph.D., University of Texas, Arlington) is Interim Senior Associate Dean of The College and Professor of Marketing at Winston-Salem State University. Dean Pagiavlas is a scholar of entrepreneurial marketing, innovation, and new venture creation with a focus on the application of modern marketing principles in corporate, non-profit, and social enterprises. Dean Pagiavlas is the founding director of the Center for Entrepreneurship at Winston-Salem State University. The Center serves as an effective platform to connect students with the broader community to conduct applied research dealing with entrepreneurship and creative marketing. He has earned a number of awards, including the 7th Annual NC Association of County Directors of Social Services Best Practices Award - Achieving Excellence in Turbulent Times, Innovations in Services to Customers: TEAM-UP (Teens Engaged in Aspiring Mentorships: an Uplifting Partnership), and the Kauffman Foundation Platinum Award for the Center for Entrepreneurship. Dean Pagiavlas current research and engaged scholarship focuses on providing intellectual leadership for the business incubator at the Simon G. Atkins Community Development Center, which houses over 20 associates with varying business needs.

Dr. M. Dee Guillory is an Assistant Professor in the Marketing and Management Department of the School of Business and Economics at Winston-Salem State University. A South Carolina native, Dr. Guillory enjoyed a successful career at several major U.S. firms before founding D.G. Consulting, a Cherry Hill, NJ based business management and marketing consulting firm. Serving a broad market of small and mid-sized businesses, the company offered services including market research analysis, business plans, marketing strategies, and business analysis. Dr. Guillory ran D.G. Consulting for over twelve years.Dr. Guillory graduated from Georgia State University with a Ph.D. in Marketing She also holds an M.B.A. in Marketing and Entrepreneurial Studies from the University of Michigan and a B.A. degree with honors in Organizational Behavior and Economics from Stanford University. Her research interests lie in the domain of branding, social media and interactive marketing. From a substantive stand-point, she is currently studying brand age and e-recommendations and would like to explore the use of marketing in new social media platforms.

The 2014-2015 Nonprofit Essentials classes are taught primarily by Wake Forest University staff, faculty, and local alums. After finishing all sessions, participants will graduate with a Certificate from Wake Forest University.


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 fifth class of the 2014-2015 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.)
 



NEWS YOU CAN USE!
Don't Be Scammed on #Giving Tuesday!

 

We know that many of you ran campaigns in conjunction with #GivingTuesday this week (we know because we got your e-mails!) Here at HandsOn, we participated ourselves through our HandsOn Connect/All for Good Facebook app, where people could pledge to give time as well as dollars.


#GivingTuesday has been able to take off over the past two years because more nonprofits have the ability to accept credit card donations online. However, the NC Center for Nonprofits made us aware of a growing scam related to online donations, and we want to make sure none of you fall victim, even as you grow this revenue stream.


 
The Internet Crime Complaint Center has received numerous complaints from charitable organizations, schools, universities, health related organizations, and non-profit organizations. The scam works like this: using a stolen credit card, someone makes a fairly large online donation to your organization. Once the donation is made, the scammer requests the majority of the donation back, but credited to a different card, by claiming to have mistakenly donated too much by adding an extra digit to the dollar amount (i.e., $5000 was entered instead of $500). Once the stolen card is discovered, the original charge is blocked, and the nonprofit is out the money it "refunded." A good way to avoid being caught is to insist on just cancelling the charge to the original card, and never refund to a different card.


I hope #GivingTuesday went well for you, and that you continue to grow your online donations in a safe way! 


 

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