Nonprofit Association of Oregon
November eNews

Jim WhiteFrom the Desk of
Jim White 

In this second letter on the job, NAO's new Executive Director Jim White takes note of the many changes this time of year brings. 

This month, Jim also asks for your immediate attention regarding the looming fiscal cliff, and its effect on Oregon nonprofits.

Read the full letter.

Living with the Spirit of Gratitude    

Guadalupe Guajardo has been a Senior Consultant with NAO since 1988, and has worked in the sector for more than 25 years in total.

In this piece she shares valuable insight into the Thanksgiving season, its traditions,  and what values it shares with the spirit of nonprofit work.  

 

Read her thoughts here.  

Executive Transition Services Practices What it Preaches

 

Since founding the Executive Transition Services (ETS) team in 2000, Bob Hazen has lead the charge in placing more than 150 leaders and executing on over 75 executive searches. 

In December, Bob will be stepping down to help with a nonprofit project in Mexico over the coming year.

True to their message, the ETS team has pegged Ben Moorad, a member of the Interim Director team since 2008 and an industry veteran, as Interim Program Director for the next several months.  

Read more about the transition here.  

Public Policy News 

Immediate Attention Needed: Oregon Nonprofits and the People We Serve are at Risk

Unless Congress acts before January, when federal budget cuts are due to take effect and personal taxes set to increase, Oregon communities will lose tens, possibly hundreds, of millions of dollars, severely impacting many of the people that we serve as well as the very fabric of the nonprofit sector. Learn more. 

A Nonprofit Caucus for Oregon

After hearing from our members in listening sessions and town halls conducted across the state this past year, and through the information gleaned from the Oregon Nonprofit Sector Report, it is clear that Oregon legislators need to be aware of the power of the nonprofit sector and the challenges/realities we face. NAO plans to cultivate a group of legislators to serve as a nonprofit caucus. Learn more. 

NAO Conversations with the Attorney General's Office 

NAO Executive Director Jim White and NAO Board member Ross Laybourn had a meeting on Nov 9th with Liz Grant, Assistant Attorney General (Charitable Activities Section), and Jeff Manning, Public Information Officer at the Attorney General's office in Portland. NAO had reported at our Annual Meeting in September that there may be an increase on Oregon Department of Justice fees in connection with charities' filing of annual financial reports.  Ms. Grant and Mr. Manning reported that Oregon DoJ fees have not changed in over 25 years, so it is to be expected that there will be increases. The Oregon DoJ is committed to a process that involves nonprofit organization feedback on how they adjust their fees.  The current fees are anticipated to remain in place through 2013, but DoJ is continuing to evaluate the need for a fee increase in future years.  NAO will keep our members apprised as this information develops. 

Member Benefits Spotlight 

Considering Unemployment Services Trust  

 

As the January 31 deadline to opt out of Oregon's state unemployment tax system for 2013 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 via email at [email protected]. Just remember the deadline to opt out of the Oregon unemployment tax system is coming up fast!

Already an NAO Member? Thank you!

Not an NAO Member? Join today!

Not sure? View our Nonprofit and Affiliate member lists.

Imagine Possibilities is Seeking a Passionate Program Director    

Since 1959, Imagine Possibilities has celebrated a relentless spirit that aims to provide individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with meaningful opportunities and progressive daytime services.  

They're looking for a Program Director who, among other qualifications, can:   

  • Be articulate, able to talk knowledgeably and comfortably with a wide range of participants, parents, funders, state agencies, staff and the general public.
  • Practice leadership with humility, generosity, inclusivity, collaboration and empowerment as key values.
  • Be a great listener who has the capacity to know when to make decisions and implement them.  

Learn more about the position and how to apply here

Executive Director Sought by Oregon Coast Community Action  

Oregon Coast Community Action (ORCCA) provides programs and services aimed at alleviating the causes and effects of poverty in Coos, Curry and Western Douglas counties so that all south coast households thrive, and live with dignity, security and hope. 

They're looking for an Executive Director who can provide, among other qualifications:   

  • A deep understanding of and experience with community action and community service nonprofit organizations.
  • Experience and success in all areas of fundraising, from writing grants to securing support from both large and small donors.
  • Proven successful leadership experience, preferably with a non-profit organization as well as prior experience working effectively with a dedicated board of directors. 

Learn more about the position and how to apply here

Other Announcements

Upcoming Webinar on the Impact of the Affordable Healthcare Act  

At the forefront of the recently concluded election season was the debate over the effectiveness of the Affordable Health Care Act, a landmark piece of legislation passed in late 2009.  

Now with President Obama re-elected, it's more important than ever to understand the requirements of this important healthcare bill, and how it might affect your nonprofit work.

Our friends at Heffernan Insurance Brokers have extended an invitation to a webinar they're hosting on the topic on January 16. Learn more about the session here

Help Launch a New Post-Thanksgiving Tradition: #GivingTuesday  



#GivingTuesday has a very simple premise: we have a day for giving thanks, we have two for getting deals, wouldn't it be great to have a day for giving back?

Incubated at New York's 92nd Street Y and backed by The United Nations Foundation, the campaign seeks to forever mark November 27th as a national day for charity and community support. Learn more.

Other Professional Development Opportunities 

Pitchfalls: Why Bad Pitches Happen to Good People  

In this recently released, free eBook, Erica Mills of Claxon Marketing shares examples of where normally well-pitching folks go wrong. Things to avoid include using too much jargon and sounding like a robot. Read more.

Portland State University Now Offering their Master of Social Work Program in Bend and Eugene   

Portland State University's School of Social Work offers a 3-year distance program designed to prepare graduates for entry into advanced professional practice in social work. The distance programs in Bend and Eugene are now accepting applications until February 1, 2013 for cohorts scheduled to begin Fall of 2013. To learn more contact Distance Program Coordinator Dana Fuller at 503-725-5299 or Click here.

Funding Opportunities 

Nike Employee Grant Fund Accepting Online Applications Through December 1  

The Oregon Community Foundation's Nike Employee Grant Fund has opened online applications through the end of this month. As this is Nike's "backyard" program, applicants must be in Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, Yamhill or Columbia county in Oregon, plus Clark County in Washington. 

Grants are between $5,000 and $20,000, and are awarded via two grant cycles each year. 60 percent of the grants will be awarded for projects that use sport or physical activity to leverage other community benefits, while 40 percent will be awarded for projects with the potential for long-term impact on our environment, health, and/or the well-being of children and families. Learn more.

In This Issue 

From the Desk of Jim White
Living with the Spirit of Gratitude
Executive Transition Services Practices What it Preaches
Public Policy News
Member Benefits Spotlight
Imagine Possibilities is Seeking a Passionate Program Director
Executive Director Sought by Oregon Coast Community Action
Other Announcements
Other Professional Development Opportunities
Funding Opportunities

Give Yourself the Gift of Training


As a special thank you for all the work you do to strengthen the Oregon nonprofit community, NAO is offering you two upcoming network training sessions for the cost of one.

Use the free session as a holiday gift for a colleague- or attend both sessions to expand your own nonprofit knowledge. This offer applies to any network session on the 2012-2013 schedule but to take advantage of it you must register by January 1. Offer is not valid on previous registrations.

Get a complete list of events available and a registration form here.

Member of the Month: Portland Center for Media Arts



 
This month, we talk with Brian Lehmann, Founder and Executive Director of the Portland Center for Media Arts (PCMA), about their at cost videography services, and how they amplify the message of nonprofit organizations in the area. Learn more here.


Know of a nonprofit organization doing good work in your community? 

Let us know about them!

This space is reserved for our Nonprofit Members. View the member listing here.

Check Out an Upcoming NAO Training  


Planning for Sustainability: Strengthening Your Business Model 

Nov 20 in Eugene

Oregon Nonprofit Sector Report (Free Presentation) 

Nov 20 in Eugene 

Development Strategies: Finding a Balance that Works 

Nov 28 in Bend

Evaluation: How to Meaningfully Measure Impact 

Dec 6 in Portland

Grants Readiness: The Culture & Practices of Successful Grantseeking Organizations 

Dec 7 Online

Assessing Your Board: Does It Fit Your Organization? 

Dec 11 in Portland

Leadership for an Increasingly Diverse Future 

Dec 13 in Portland

The CFO's Role in Planning for New Fundraising & Enterprise Ideas 

Dec 20 in Portland 

The Oregon Nonprofit Corporation Handbook

--Member Discount 

The Oregon Nonprofit Corporation Handbook

NAO Nonprofit Members receive $15 off the newly released fifth edition of The Oregon Nonprofit Corporation Handbook.  

Already an NAO Member?
To receive the member discount code, send us an email or call 503-239-4001,
ext. 127.

Not an NAO Member yet?
Join today!  

Learn more or purchase The Handbook here.  

Welcome New & Renewing Members

We'd like to extend a warm welcome to our new members and big thanks to our renewing members during the month of September. Together, our voices are stronger!

New Members 

Renewing Members 

Member Story Bank 

We like to feature the good works of our members, and offer several avenues for visibility: our website, social media platforms, presentations, and print materials (just to name a few). Interested in having your organization featured? Submit success stories and high-resolution photos that demonstrate your mission in action to [email protected].

Looking for a Job?

Bookmark NAO's Nonprofit Job Board to keep an eye on the latest nonprofit job openings.

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The mission of the Nonprofit Association of Oregon is to strengthen the collective voice, leadership, and capacity of nonprofits to enrich the lives of all Oregonians.

To be a strong and effective voice for the nonprofit sector, we need your voice as a member!

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