Cedar Valley Nonprofit Association
Cedar Valley Connections

Issue 74
February 3 2014
Dear Nonprofit Supporter,
 
Welcome to Cedar Valley Connections, a newsletter to connect the leaders of the nonprofit sector. 


Grant Guru's -- February 5, 2014
  
When:  Wednesday, February 5, 2014
 
Where:  Philanthropy Center -- (3rd Floor US Bank Building) 
 
Time:  11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

 

The Grant Guru Learning Network is currently seeking new member leadership. The Grant Guru group meets on a quarterly basis to provide resources and networking opportunities to CVNA.  Members who participate in grant proposal development. Attendees are of all skill levels and varying organization types. To learn more about this group please click here.
 

If you are interested in becoming a Grant Guru leader please contact Holly Dusenbery at coordinator@cedarvalleynonprofitassociation.com.

 

A light lunch will be provided by the CVNA so please register by Tuesday, February 4, 2014 by 3 p.m.

Technology Resources Workshop --Don't Delay, Register Today!!  This Friday!!!!
 
 
When:  Friday, February 7, 2014
 
Where:  Philanthropy Center 
 
Time:  8:00 - 9:00 a.m.   

 

 

Do you ever scratch your head and wonder, isn't there a way that technology could make this easier? Maybe it can! 

 

At this session, several of your nonprofit colleagues will demonstrate technology solutions that they're using to work smarter.  We'll have reviews of 5+ free or nearly free products that can increase productivity, ease collaboration and enhance communication.

 

We'll be using a new format at this membership meeting.  You'll have a chance to sit in small groups for about 10 minutes to witness a product demonstration by one of our own members.  This is not a technology "training", it's a chance to see a tech-product in action, and ask a real-life-user questions!  At the end of the meeting, there will be a time to share for you to share other products that you like! (Or if you have a product that you LOVE, and you'd like to demonstrate it, please email Stacy at vangorp@mcelrottrust.org.  This workshop is FREE to members and non-members pay $40.00 (please bring check with you, made payable to CVNA).

 

Please note, the day of this event is a Friday this month instead of the normal Thursday workshops.  To register for this workshop, please click here

You Are Invited -- Don't Miss Out!!
Please join the United Way at their annual Breakfast of Champions
 
When:  Thursday, February 6, 2014
 
Where:  Park Place Event Center
     (Cedar Falls, Iowa)
 
Time:  7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
 
Cost:  $10 for individual or $80 for table of 8
 
Please click here for more information and to register for this event.
 
 
- ALSO -
 

Get Connected: A Young Professional Networking Event

 

When:  Thursday, February 18, 5 to 7 p.m.

Where:  Isle Casino Hotel, Waterloo

Cost: Free to Cedar Valley United Way Emerging Leaders, Cedar Valley Jaycees and Cedar Valley Young Professionals. $5 for all others

 

Please click here to register.

  

Take part in this round-robin style networking event designed to introduce you to fellow young professionals and leaders from the Cedar Valley. 

 

Confirmed leaders for the event include:

Dr. Linda Allen, Hawkeye Community College

Sue Beach, Cedar Falls Blue Zones Project

Dan Beenken, UNI Incubator

Janelle Darst, Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center

Paul Farmer, Veridian Credit Union

Abraham Funchess, City of Waterloo Human Rights Commission

Brian Hoyer, Recycle Rite

Paul Jungen II, UAW Local 838

Jim Mudd Sr., The Mudd Group

Bari Richtor, Isle Casino Hotel

Write Winning Grant Proposals Workshop

 

Through collaboration with the University of Northern Iowa and the UNI Foundation, the Community Foundation of  Northeast Iowa is pleased to offer nonprofits in Northeast Iowa the opportunity to attend a full-day workshop on grant writing. 

 

When:   Friday, March 7 

Where:  UNI campus. 

Time:    8:00 am- 4:30 pm

Cost:     $20 for workbook (registration fee paid for by UNI and the UNI foundation and $50 - $55 of the workbook covered by the Community Foundation )

Lunch:   NO additional charge (covered by UNI Foundation)

 

Space is limited. To take advantage of this opportunity, nonprofits

need to apply.   Deadline is February 21, 2014.

In order to take advantage of this opportunity, organizations must be classified as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and must serve residents in the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa's region. Limit one participant per organization.

 

Please click here for full details on this workshop and how to get registered.


If you have any questions, please contact Tom Wickersham at 319-287-9106 x20.  

Annual Nonprofit Explor-A-Ganza Event

The CVNA and the UNI Nonprofit Leadership Alliance students are partnering for an opportunity to participate in a career mixer. 

 

WHEN:  Monday, March 3rd, 2014 from 3:45pm-5:00pm

 

WHERE:  To Be Announced

 

Explore-A-Ganza is an excellent opportunity for non-profit organizations to become familiar with UNI students while providing students a forum to discuss internships, jobs, career & volunteer opportunities with your organization.    

 

Organization profiles will be shared with students ahead of time.  The format of the event will consist of "speed interviewing" with 5-6 rounds/rotations.   We hope you will join us!


If your organization is interested in participating in this great event, please click here

Nonprofit Management Academy

The Nonprofit Management welcomes anyone seeking professional development in the area of nonprofit management, including staff, management, volunteers, professional association employees, educators, and private sector employees. 

  

When:  March - December 2014 

  

Where: Johnson County Extension Office in Iowa City

  

Those who are interested in succession planning, building the skills of new managers, or enhancing leadership within the organization are strongly encouraged to participate. For more information, go to Johnson County Extension's home page at www.extension.iastate.edu/johnson.

Contest Promotion for Nonprofits


Vision Services Celebrates Milestone With New Name and Logo Giveaway
 
Vision Development Services and Vision Media Services have combined into one...1Vision.  

To celebrate... 1Vision is giving away a FREE logo to one lucky Nonprofit!  1Vision will donate a new logo/branding design, valued at $6,000, through our Like It, Love It, Logo Contest.  The contest is open to any U.S. nonprofit.  Nonprofit executives and volunteers are encouraged to nominate their organization.  There is no cost or obligation to enter. 

 
Participants can nominate or vote for their favorite at 1Vision's Facebook page.  Get the most "likes" and your nonprofit wins. 
 
Hurry!  The nominations deadline is 8am on Wednesday, February 12, 2014Voting will continue until 8am Thursday, March 6, 2014.

P.S. Take a look at our new website
.
 
Job Openings
 
 
Job Title: Director of Marketing
 
Are you seeking a rewarding career with an employer of choice in the Cedar Valley?  Cedar Valley Hospice is seeking a full time Director of Marketing.  The Director of Marketing is a member of the Executive and Advancement teams, and is responsible for Marketing and Public Relations.  Qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Public Relations or related field.  Five years experience in Marketing and or Public Relations, and at least two years of management/supervision experience is required.

Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to:
Katie Unland (kunland@cvhospice.org)
Director of Human Resources
PO Box 2880
Waterloo, Ia 50702
319-272-2299 Fax

  

For more details on how to apply for this position, please click here

  

 

- AND - 


 

Job Title:  Education & Interpretation Manager  

 

Individual will facilitate educational programs and initiatives to preserve the heritage and expand the knowledge of American agriculture. Bachelor's degree with emphasis in education, interpretation, history orrelated field required. Four years of education/interpretive experience needed. 

 

If you are an excellent communicator and self-motivated, submit application here.

Keeping Our Members Informed.....

 

Volunteer Iowa Day at the Capitol - - Register now for your chance to advocate for your organization and the impact of volunteers in Iowa!

 

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE: Iowa nonprofit organizations and programs that utilize volunteers or national service to enhance their services and carry out their mission.

 

WHAT: Volunteer Iowa Day at the Capitol, hosted by the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service (Volunteer Iowa).  No fee to attend the reception. 

 

WHERE: Legislative Dining Room, State Capitol Building, 1007 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa

 

WHEN: February 24, 2014, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Your RSVP requested by Thursday, February 20)

 

WHY AND WHAT'S NEW THIS YEAR: Volunteer Iowa Day at the Capitol is an opportunity for Iowa nonprofit organizations to communicate the power of volunteers and the public policy agenda of the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service to legislators and policy makers.  This agenda was developed with input from the Iowa volunteer and nonprofit sector.  The day also gives you a chance to talk with your legislators about the impact volunteers have in their district and the critical services volunteers provide in their communities. 

 

This year, instead of setting up tables in the rotunda and asking legislators to come to us, we're going to them! Meet up and receive training at our reception and then visit with your representatives about your organization and how we can support volunteers in Iowa. You can also invite your legislators to meet you at the reception. Join our webinar for tips and tricks to make the day successful for you!

 

Please click here for registration details. Please click here for full details on this event.

 
 
-AND-
 

Also from Volunteer Iowa, A unique Volunteer opportunity to serve the State of Iowa.  Branstad forms groups to review volunteer background check policies.   

 

On January 22, 2014 (DES MOINES, IA) - Governor Terry E. Branstad announced that the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service (ICVS) will help lead a stakeholder group tasked with developing ways to streamline and improve the background check process for volunteers in organizations and schools throughout Iowa.

 

Currently, if an individual provides volunteer service to more than one organization, each organization conducts-and pays for-its own background check on that volunteer.  Varying levels of checks, with multiple fees, are completed depending on the volunteer's planned activities with vulnerable citizens or children.  There is no formal system in place to allow sharing of the information.

 

The stakeholder group will develop a strategy for establishing a volunteer background check network and will provide guidance on appropriate levels of screening for different types of volunteers, in order to improve the efficiency and utility of volunteer screening while reducing redundant background checks.  

 

"We are seeking representatives from all different kinds of volunteer organizations to serve as members of this stakeholder group", stated Branstad.  "Especially those that serve vulnerable populations and other organizations that could be affected by any change in policy regarding background checks; including employers and volunteer centers."

 

Anyone who represents one or more of the varying interests impacted by this issue who would like to serve on the stakeholder group should visit www.volunteeriowa.org to apply.  The application deadline is February 5.

 

For more information, contact Adam Lounsbury (515.725.3099) or Jamie Orozco Nagel (515.725.3096).

Nominations Please -- Deadline 2/24/14
   
Celebrating women whose lives, talents and passions shape the Cedar Valley community is at the heart of the YWCA of Black Hawk County. Beginning in 1911, the YWCA has empowered women and girls, advocated for equal opportunities for all people, developed young female leaders and promoted cultural diversity. Since 2007, we have recognized and honored women whose lives, talents and passions have shaped the Cedar Valley community. 
 
Cedar Valley Women of Persimmon candidates exemplify the YWCA mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all and make a difference in their community. Please take this opportunity to nominate a friend, relative or
colleague for this special honor. Winners will be announced at our luncheon on Thursday, April 3, 2014 at 11:30 a.m. at the new Hilton Garden Inn in the Cedar Falls Industrial Park. 

Deadline for nominations is Friday, February 21, 2014. Please have nomination forms post-marked by this date. Completed nominations can be mailed or delivered to: Cindy Mohr, YWCA of Black Hawk County, 425 Lafayette, Waterloo, IA 50703. 
 
Please take this opportunity to nominate a friend, relative or colleague for this special honor. Click here for more information and to print of the nomination form.
In Theater News....
   
Waterloo Community Playhouse presents: Black Comedy 
 
January 31 - February 8, 2014 
 
Comedy with a real twist ... the audience can see the actors, but they can't see each other. When the lights go on for the audience, the actors must pretend they are in a "black out." The action supposedly in the dark is illuminated; when the lights are to be on, the stage is the dark. Lovesick and desperate, sculptor Brindsley Miller has embellished his apartment with furniture and objects d'arte "borrowed" from the absent antique collector next door hoping to impress his fiancée's pompous father and a wealthy art dealer. The fussy neighbor returns just as a blown fuse plunges the apartment into darkness and Brindsley is revealed teetering on the verge of very ripe farce. Unexpected guests, aging spinsters, errant phone cords and other snares impede his frantic attempts to return the purloined items before light is restored. 
 
 
Hope Martin Theatre, located inside the Waterloo Center for the Arts at 225 Commercial Street in Waterloo. Tickets: 319.291.4494 | tickets@wcpbhct.org | www.wcpbhct.org
WE DON'T WANT YOU TO MISS A THING!


Have you renewed and joined yet?  Don't miss out on our upcoming programs and networking opportunities!


RENEW/JOIN TODAY!

 In our first two years we have:
  • 58 member organizations
  • 7 investors
  • 310 program registrations
  • 35 hours of programming
  • 72 e-newsletters
  • Grant Gurus workshops
  • 40 jobs advertised
  • 20+ organizations connected with 50 UNI students 
  • added additional educational training workshops to our members
  • won the "Gift of the Heat: Innovation award in 2013

Check out the other benefits of membership HERE If you are interested in joining CVNA, you can access our application form online HERE
.

If you have any questions, please email CVNA Coordinator at 
Share your good news with the CVNA and be featured in future e-newsletters.   Have you implemented an innovative idea?  Are you hiring?  Have you created or updated your website?  Are you hosting an event?   Let the CVNA spread the word. 

To submit an item for the next newsletter, click on the
submit news page.  Please note that only member organizations who have submitted membership applications may post items.  The newsletter is published every two weeks.

 

 

 


CVNA Meeting Dates
CVNA is pleased to announce the topics of our upcoming education events for the year ahead: 2014
  • February 5th - Grant Guru
  • February 7th - Technology Resources
  • March 3rd - Explor-A-Ganza
  • April 3rd - Human Resources
  • June 5th - Compliance Relations
  • August 7th - Media Panel (Marketing & Social)
  • October 2nd - Advocacy
  • December 4th - Legislative Forum

More information about times and location will follow.  Please check our web-site for additional information.

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