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Vol. 6, No. 2
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September 2009
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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
"What's With All The
Change?"
Some people embrace change and some people don't. 2009 has
been a year of change for almost everyone - for better or worse. There were big
picture changes - a new president, new debates on Capitol Hill, and changes in
the value of stock holdings and houses. Closer to home, Washington had a cooler
summer than I can remember, my neighbor's son went to college and taught my
sons to tie a tie before he left (that's a big change in my household), and my
oldest son started high school.
At Compass, I saw people changing jobs, and boards of
nonprofits struggling with a fallen economy. Some nonprofits closed their
doors, but most hunkered down and kept a close eye on the ever changing
environment, because both clients and donors had changed. In the summer of 2009, I got
a new board chair after two amazing years of work by Hilary Joel.
Although Compass' basic program didn't change - it's still
going strong - we have made a few changes here, too. We are making significant
improvements to our Project Leader training, thanks to former Project Leader Al
Rogers and former volunteer Francine Tolson. We're launching a knowledge
management site to provide more support for our teams. We've redefined our
Project Advisor role. We've added a Client Orientation. And we have just launched a brand new website!
But in the end, Compass is still doing what we've been doing
for the past eight years - helping nonprofits become stronger, more effective
and more efficient. We're still matching experienced business professionals
with nonprofits who have identified strategic challenges. We have 21 new clients (see list below), and I'm
sure we'll have many new volunteers joining the ranks of the loyal and always
appreciated returning volunteers.
If you're looking for a positive change, think about joining
a Compass team. You'll make a difference for one nonprofit and for that
nonprofit's clients. Some change can be good. At Compass, everything's in place
for an even better year than last year - despite all the changes.
All the best,
Suzanne
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MEET THE 2009-10 PROJECTS
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We've selected 21 diverse and wonderful nonprofit clients
for 2009-2010. You can enrich your life and that of others in the Washington
area by volunteering on one of the following Compass projects this year. For
more details about each organization and project, please visit our web site at:
www.compassdc.org.
Anacostia Watershed Society
Bladensburg,
MD
www.anacostiaws.org
The mission of the Anacostia Watershed Society is to
protect and restore the Anacostia River and its watershed communities by
cleaning the water, recovering the shores, and honoring the heritage. AWS is seeking a funding strategy
project to clearly identify resources needed as tied to the strategic plan, and
identify stable and new sources of revenue.
Annapolis Symphony Orchestra
Annapolis, MD
www.annapolissymphony.org
The mission of the Annapolis Symphony
Orchestra is to produce and present memorable symphonic music that increases
the awareness, enjoyment, and appreciation of music for audiences of all ages
throughout the region.The Annapolis Symphony has requested a strategic alignment project. (Note: This team will meet in Annapolis.)
The Arc of Northern Virginia
Falls Church, VA
www.thearcofnova.org
The Arc of
Northern Virginia is a the leader in providing effective advocacy and
indispensable direct services for families, children and adults living with
intellectual and developmental disabilities to enable full, welcoming community
participation. The Arc is seeking assistance to improve board development, communications, and utilization.
Bridges Public Charter School
Washington, DC
www.bridgespcs.org
Bridges is a
unique public preschool whose mission is to educate together children with and
without special needs. Bridges has requested a board development project
to improve the board's effectiveness and engagement.
Capital Partners for Education
Washington, DC
www.cpfe.org
Capital Partners for Education is a dynamic,
four-year, college preparatory and mentoring program serving motivated,
low-income students in the DC area who might not go to college without CPE's
programming and individualized support. CPE has requested a strategic alignment project. CPE will
embark on a new strategic planning process this year to identify viable options
for program expansion.
Class
Acts Arts
Silver Spring, MD
www.classactarts.org
Class Acts is an arts outreach organization dedicated
to bringing educational and culturally diverse arts experiences to schools and
communities in the DC metro area. Class Acts has asked for a funding strategy project to research
and analyze ideas for earned income ventures that would remain aligned with
their organization's mission.
Community
Lodgings
Alexandria, VA
www.communitylodgings.org
Community Lodgings mission is to lift
families from homelessness and instability to independence and self-sufficiency.
Community Lodgings is requesting board
development assistance to make the board more comfortable with relationship
cultivation, fundraising, and effective leadership.
Compass
Washington, DC
www.compassdc.org
Compass provides pro bono strategic consulting to nonprofits
benefiting the Greater Washington DC community. Compass needs a funding strategy
project to analyze options for earned income ventures that would be consistent
with Compass' mission.
District
Alliance for Safe Housing (DASH)
Washington,
DC
www.dashdc.org
DASH
provides a safe and sustainable refuge for women and children who are victims
of domestic violence. DASH is seeking a strategic alignment
project.
Greater
Prince William Community Health Center
Woodbridge, VA
www.gpwhealthcenter.org
The Greater Prince William Community Health
Center provides primary, affordable, health care services to families in
Greater Prince William County, regardless of income, age, race, residency, and
insurance status. To support growth, the Health Center has asked Compass
to help them develop a funding strategy
to include best practices for fundraising. (Note:
This team will meet in DC or northern Virginia.)
The
Helen Hayes Awards
Washington, DC
www.helenhayes.org
The Helen
Hayes Awards programs and services are designed to build audiences, honor
excellence, and educate youth - all in celebration of professional theatre in
the Washington metropolitan area. The Helen Hayes Awards is seeking strategic
alignment project to help the organization develop a clear strategic plan
to guide its operations for the next five years.
The
Kingsbury Center
Washington, DC
www.kingsbury.org
The Kingsbury Center is a leading-edge
provider of education assessment for individuals with learning
differences. Kingsbury needs help in developing a strategic planning process in order to assess their current
leadership structure, organizational mix and size, and relationship with the DC
Public School system.
The Lab
School of Washington
Washington, DC
www.labschool.org
The Lab School provides education to children and
adults with moderate to severe learning disabilities. The school is looking to
develop its first strategic plan. This
will be the second year of a two-year project to help develop a strategic plan.
(Note: There will be limited spots
available for new team members.)
Language
ETC
Washington, DC
www.languageetc.org
Language ETC's mission is to empower adult
immigrants through education to become self-sufficient and contributing
community members. LETC is requesting a funding strategy project to help
analyze new sources of funding such as corporate sponsorships and/or individual
micro-giving campaigns or other viral marketing that will allow LETC to
fundraise through Web 2.0 social media platforms.
National
Child Research Center
Washington, DC
www.ncrcpreschool.org
An independent
preschool serving Washington families for generations, the National Child
Research Center (NCRC) provides preschool education in an environment that
nurtures the whole child, fosters partnerships with families and is committed
to the inclusion of children with special needs. NCRC has requested a strategic alignment project. to explore
new opportunities.
Oatlands
Leesburg,
VA
www.oatlands.org
Oatlands is a National Trust for Historic
Preservation Site and a National Historic Landmark. It is an early 19th
century estate with a mansion, exquisite gardens and extensive farmland. Oatlands
has requested a funding strategy
project to evaluate current revenue sources to determine if existing funding
sources can be increased and to identify new revenue sources. (Note: Team meetings will be in Washington,
DC, not Leesburg.)
Pregnancy
Aid Centers
College
Park, MD
www.pregnancyaidcenter.com
Pregnancy Aid Centers is a non-sectarian women's health clinic and social service
agency. They provide medical and mental health care to low-income women
and adolescents. Pregnancy Aid Center is seeking assistance with board development, with an emphasis on expansion
and revitalization.
Reality, Inc.
Laurel,
MD
www.realitytreatmentcenters.org
Reality provides affordable treatment for St.
George's County's chemically dependent and dually diagnosed populations,
regardless of ability to pay. Reality
has requested Compass' new service line - refocusing,
restructuring and contingency planning - to examine and revise their newly
developed strategic plan in light of the current fiscal and staff situation
created by the economic downturn. (Note: Team
meetings will be in Washington, DC or nearby Maryland.)
SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now) of Northern
Virginia
Alexandria,
VA
www.scanva.org
SCAN
of Northern Virginia's mission is to promote the well being of children,
improve parent-child relations, and advocate for children in the community, the
legislature and the courts. SCAN has asked Compass to help develop a five-year strategic
plan to improve the organization's ability to address new challenges,
strategically pursue expansion opportunities, and sustain the organization's
health and community impact.
Synetic Theater
Arlington,
VA
www.synetictheater.org
Synetic
Theater enriches the theater offerings in the metropolitan area through its
unique, highly acclaimed theater productions. Synetic Theater is seeking a
comprehensive strategic plan covering artistic, fundraising, marketing,
and business goals for the next 5-10 years. This will be the second year
of a two-year project.
The Treatment and Learning Centers (TLC)
Rockville,
MD
www.ttlc.org
TLC's
mission is to improve lives and expand possibilities for individuals with
special needs. TLC serves clients through an independent school (preschool
through 12th grade), testing and tutoring services, vocational
assistance for adults, outpatient speech and occupational therapy services,
child care and a summer program. TLC has requested a board development project to help the board develop their skills
and increase their impact.
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VOLUNTEER APPLICATIONS DUE OCTOBER 8!
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Volunteer applications are due October 8, 2009. Applications
are available on the Compass web site at www.compassdc.org or directly
at:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=UYFPLondf2x7SPTnbemuAQ_3d_3d
Most Compass volunteers have an MBA from a top business
school, however, we accept applications from other business professionals with
consulting or nonprofit experience.
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MEET THE CLIENTS - SAVE THE DATE, OCT. 1
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| Don't miss this year's Project Launch at 6:30 p.m. on October 1, 2009 at The Washington Club.
Viki Betancourt, Manager of Community Outreach at the World Bank, will kick off
the evening with a brief keynote address. Then there will be plenty of time to
meet the executive directors and Project Leaders of this year's projects.
Evites will be sent by the week of September 21. If you do not receive an Evite
and want to attend, please email [email protected]
to RSVP.
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COMPASS 2009-2010 PROJECT TIMELINE
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LAUNCH EVENT October
1
Project Leader Training (New PLs) September 21
Project Leader Training (Al PLs) October 5
Volunteer Application
Deadline October 8
Volunteer Orientation October
22
Service Line Training November
5
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COMPASS LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE
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| Check it out - www.compassdc.org.
Last week, Compass launched a beautiful new website full of useful and
interesting information. Find details about the project cycle, this year's
clients, volunteer requirements, and amazing photos from Compass' clients. This
website was designed by D*MNGOOD, a design firm with incredibly talented
graphic designers, writers and web designers. The site redesign was made
possible through a generous grant from the William J. and Dorothy K. O'Neill
Foundation.
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THREE VOLUNTEERS JOIN COMPASS BOARD
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Compass
is pleased to announce three new additions to our board.
Ari
Zentner is a long-time Compass volunteer, a University of Chicago Booth School
of Business alum, and a management consultant by profession. Ari will be chairing the Board Committee on
Volunteer and Alumni Relations.
Linda
Youngentob has been involved with Compass since its inception, having worked on
one of the very first projects in 2001.
Linda is an alum of Harvard Business School and a professor at
Montgomery Community College. She will be chairing our Individual Donors
Development Subcommittee.
Sally
Sloan led the Bright Beginnings project last year. She received her MBA from Darden and had
professional experience in nonprofit finance at National Public Radio. Sally will be joining the Finance and
Development committees.
Compass
would also like to thank Hilary Joel, our outgoing Board Chair. Hilary is one of the founders of Compass and,
as Chair, shepherded us through our transition to an independent 501(c)3 this
past year. We thank her for her tireless
service. Hilary will remain on the board
serving on the Development Committee.
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| JOB OPPORTUNITY - O'NEILL FOUNDATION
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SEEKING GRANT OFFICER
The William J. and Dorothy K. O'Neill Foundation located in
Cleveland, Ohio, seeks a creative person to join our team as the Program
Officer for The Capacity Building Grants Program. The position will
manage all aspects of the Capacity Building Grants Program including grantee
communications and support, due diligence and analysis of requests and staff
leadership to the Foundation Grantmaking Committee.
Our new team member will have excellent communication,
critical thinking and analytical skills. In addition, the right
individual will have the energy and passion for our mission and vision and
willingness to take initiative in all aspects of the Foundation's work.
This is an extraordinary opportunity to enter and grow in the philanthropic
sector by working with a highly experienced staff and governance team.
The successful candidate will have 3-5 years of experience
in the non profit sector and will have a bachelor's degree in a related
field. Preference will be given to those holding a master's degree in a
relevant discipline.
Candidates should submit their cover letter and resume via
email ONLY, to Leah S. Gary, President and CEO at [email protected].
Be sure to put "Application for Program Officer Position" in the subject
line. All submissions are due by close of business, 5:00 pm EST, Monday,
October 12, 2009.
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CLIENT ANNOUNCEMENT - VEHICLES FOR CHANGE
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Compass would like to introduce you to a unique nonprofit
partner (and former client): Vehicles
for Change (VFC). VFC provides a valuable tool to eliminate poverty and
strengthen families. We would like to invite you to donate your car to Vehicles
for Change. They will award it to a low income family and in addition donate
$150 per car to either Compass or the local nonprofit of your choice.
VFC exists so that low-income families can achieve financial
and personal independence that comes from owning a vehicle. VFC repairs donated
cars and sells them at a minimal fee to low-income families for employment
purposes. Jobs, daycare, doctors, and even grocery stores are unavailable
without a car. A recent survey showed that 73% of VFC's recipients have
obtained better jobs at an average salary increase of $4,800.
How can you help?
Donate a car in good condition and Vehicles for Change will
award it to a worthy family. As an added benefit, you might be able to deduct
the "fair market value" of the vehicle in your tax return. To learn more or to donate
you car, please call 410-242-9674 or visit www.vehiclesforchange.org, and be
sure to note that you heard about VFC from Compass!
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WE COULDN'T DO IT WITHOUT THE BUSINESS SCHOOL CLUBS
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We couldn't put together out talented consulting teams
without skilled volunteers. We couldn't recruit the amazing volunteers without
the support of the local business schools clubs. Thank you to the following
clubs who help spread the word about Compass. The following local business
school clubs helped announce this year's Project Leader and Volunteer
opportunities. We are grateful for their continued support:
The University of Chicago Booth
School of Business
The Harvard Business School Club of
Washington
Stanford Graduate School of Business
Tuck School of Business at
Dartmouth
The Wharton School at the
University of Pennsylvania
Columbia Graduate School of
Business
Fuqua School of Business at Duke
University
University of Michigan Ross School
of Business
University of Virginia Darden
School of Business
Northwestern University Kellogg
School of Management
Yale School of Management
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RAYMOND JAMES - Compass Newsletter
Sponsor
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Specialized Services for
Nonprofits and Associations
The
Global Wealth Management Group of Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
In-depth Experience
With 46 years of combined
investment experience and more than 30 licenses and designations, our team is
well suited for addressing the unique needs of nonprofits and associations.
International Focus
Our clients represent 51
countries. And with a global client base, come global ideas. Our team is at the
forefront of customized asset allocations with special emphasis on
international investing.
Industry-leading Support
Our professional experience,
knowledge and client support are further strengthened by our association with
Raymond James & Associates - a nationally recognized leader in financial
planning and investment services with 2,200 locations worldwide.
Inclusive and Comprehensive
Coordination
We understand that coordinating
funding with donors and recipients is key to the success of nonprofits and
associations - but it can also be one of the more complex and time-consuming
operational aspects of an organization. We provide simplicity by managing these
vital functions, leaving organizations free to focus on their missions.
Ozgur
Karaosmanoglu
Senior
Vice President, Investments & International Sales
Investment
Management Consultant
The
Global Wealth Management Group of Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
Phone:
202-872-5911
Toll
Free: 800-982-3035
[email protected]
raymondjames.com/wealthmanagers
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