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From the Desk of Jim White
 Dear Friends,
The Oregon Legislature adjourned last week, much later than expected and without resolving important budget and tax issues that directly affect our state's nonprofits. It's not all bad news, though. Oregon's nonprofit sector achieved one significant victory--the state tax incentive for charitable deductions remains unscathed. Continued vigilance is required regarding this issue given the rumored special session this fall and the scheduled short session early next year.
In the meantime, we must protect giving at the federal level, where many concurrent initiatives and ideas are competing to address the budget, comprehensive tax reform, and deficit reduction. Find out what's at stake and the simple steps you can take to save the charitable giving incentive, which is integral to the work of our sector.
Read the full letter.
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Be sure to read Jim's letter, which provides a great recap of the 2013 Oregon legislative session from the nonprofit sector perspective, plus important information on the threat to the charitable deduction posed by federal tax reform.
For the latest overview of public policy advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels, check out the July 15 issue of Nonprofit Advocacy Matters from the National Council of Nonprofits.
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Renewing Nonprofit Member Project Access NOW improves the health of our community by creating access to care and services for those most in need.
Founded in 2007, Project Access NOW Classic connects low-income, uninsured people to donated health care by coordinating a network of volunteer physicians and other health care providers, making it easier for them to donate medically necessary care to the low-income uninsured in our communities. They support and facilitate the support of about 2,000 people at any time, including access to medical care. Learn more here.
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Member Benefits Spotlight #1
 Unemployment Insurance
NAO Nonprofit Members, please note that you will be receiving a mailing from Unemployment Services Trust (UST) outlining the unemployment insurance member benefit.
Member of the Month Project Access NOW recently received a refund of $1,912 from UST!
Already an NAO Member? Thank you!
Not an NAO Member? Join today!
Not sure? View our Nonprofit and Affiliate Member lists.
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Member Benefits Spotlight #2
What Small Nonprofits Need to Know about Health Insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) (Jul 30 Online)
Does your nonprofit have the information it needs to answer your employees' questions about health insurance under the ACA and to make decisions about providing health insurance for your employees? Guest speakers from the federal government will explain how implementation of health care reform will impact small nonprofits. This webinar is hosted by our national network, the National Council of Nonprofits, free of charge to all NAO Members thanks to the generous support of ReadyTalk. Register now.
Already an NAO Member? Thank you!
Not an NAO Member? Join today!
Not sure? View our Nonprofit and Affiliate Member lists.
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Help Us Improve the Value of Membership!
We want to hear your assessment of membership and member benefits, whether you are a current NAO Member or a prospective one.
To show our appreciation, we are giving away two copies of The Oregon Nonprofit Corporation Handbook, Fifth Edition. To enter the drawing, provide your contact information when prompted at the end of the survey.
Take our 2013 Membership Survey now!
NAO Survey Results & Voucher Winners
Thank you to everyone who participated in NAO's two recent survey requests!
The 2013 NAO Training Survey had 295 respondents. Over 85% of attendee respondents stated that they shared resources/information and used tools/skills received at an NAO training back at their organization. The majority of respondents agreed that NAO trainings made them feel more connected to the nonprofit community. The most requested training topics included Board recruitment, fundraising, and diversification; effective leadership; and budgeting for programs, administration, and fundraising. We will be incorporating suggestions from the survey into our planning for the 2013/14 training season; visit the NAO event calendar for details.
The 2013 Oregon Nonprofit Survey had 257 respondents. Stay tuned for a summary report of our findings.
And, congratulations to the two lucky drawing winners--Lisa Chang, Executive Director of KIAKO Foundation and Mary Eberdt, Operations Manager with Oregon Health Care Quality Corporation. Both will receive a voucher for one NAO training or network season pass (up to $150 value). We appreciate all those who made time to share their thoughts and feedback with NAO.
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Professional Development Opportunities
Early Bird Discount! QuickBooks Made Easy for Nonprofits (Sep 10 in Portland)
Gregg S. Bossen, CPA of QuickBooks Made Easy, is partnering with the Nonprofit Association of Oregon at Mercy Corps in Portland, Oregon to offer his updated two-part QuickBooks® training seminar for nonprofits. The full day (Parts 1 & 2) is
$149 for first person, $99 for each additional person (from the same organization), and includes lunch. Register by July 31 and the first person's registration fee is only $129! Alternatively, Part 1: Essentials is $99 per attendee, and Part 2: Advanced is $79 per attendee. Learn more or register now.
Lobbying With Confidence: Legal Tips for Nonprofit Advocates (Jul 25 Online)
Lobbying is not only legal--it's one of the most effective means for nonprofits to advance their missions! Whether to influence your state's budget, protect Medicaid, or pass marriage equality, there are many reasons that 501(c)(3) public charities may choose to lobby to achieve their policy goals. Federal law allows 501(c)(3) public charities (including houses of worship and public foundations) to lobby within generous limits. This hour-long webinar will address:
- How the tax law permits lobbying by public charities
- One easy step charities can take to maximize the amount they're allowed to spend on lobbying
- How much lobbying your charity can do each year
- Tips for taking advantage of the narrow definitions of lobbying--which will help charities make the most of their lobbying limit
- The application of these rules to ballot measure activities
Only $35! Register here.
Oregon Law's Nonprofit Clinic
The University of Oregon School of Law's Nonprofit Clinic is a dynamic interdisciplinary program that strengthens Oregon nonprofits while providing graduate students in law, public policy, and conflict resolution with hands-on experience. Student teams, closely supervised by professional consultants, assess the organizational health of selected nonprofit organizations in the areas of management, governance, conflict resolution, and legal compliance. In addition to providing detailed recommendations for improving governance, the Clinic's legal team reviews the nonprofit's legal instruments and advises on action needed to assure compliance. The services are provided free of charge. Apply now.
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Oregon Nonprofit Forum 2013/Annual Meeting
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SAVE THE DATE! The Oregon Nonprofit Forum, held in conjunction with NAO's Annual Meeting, will be on October 18 in Portland. Stay tuned for details!
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Welcome, New & Renewing Members!
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See a list of our new and renewing Affiliate and Nonprofit Members!
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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.
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Check Out an Upcoming NAO Training
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Bookmark NAO's Nonprofit Job Board to keep an eye on the latest nonprofit job openings.
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NAO Nonprofit Members receive $15 off of The Oregon Nonprofit Corporation Handbook, Fifth Edition.
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.
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