VerticalResponse

The Collaborative Voice of Wisconsin's Nonprofits Mar 2009

In This Issue
Advocacy Sector News Grantor Highlight Workshops Billboard Discounts Technology New Members

Resources Quick Picks
Governance Issues free e-newsletter from Candela Solutions LLC, a CPA firm targeting governance. Volunteer Job Description Primer • Samples • Online Creator from the Community Services Council of Newfoundland and Labrador. Volunteer Value Calculator estimates the appropriate wage rate for volunteer time according to market conditions as reported by the US Department of Labor. WVCA Wisconsin Volunteer Coordinators Association for volunteer managers offering networking, training, resources.
Jobs
For more info: WNA Career Center Executive Director, Center for Media and Democracy, Madison
Join WNA Today!
Membership Year Begins Jan 1 Not yet a member? Become part of the collective voice promoting the impact of our vital sector. Visit us at www.WisconsinNonprofits.org or contact Elaine Glowacki, Member Services Coordinator, elaine@wisconsinnonprofits.org or 608-238-7103. Not sure you're a member? Click HERE.
New Member Referral Bonus
Members: Refer a NEW member to WNA, choose one: 2-for-1 Registration for the annual WNA Summit Exclusive e-collection of Nonprofit Quarterly management/trend articles A featured book from Fieldstone Alliance Let us know whom to expect. When your referral joins, we'll contact you so you can choose your bonus!
Regional Membership Coordinators Ashland: Jennifer Fanucci Madison: Elaine Glowacki Portage County: Sarah Halstead St. Croix: Mary Handrahan Wisconsin Nonprofits Association Our purpose is to increase the effectiveness, visibility, and credibility of Wisconsin's nonprofits through advocacy, resource sharing, and technical support. We find common ground for common good to offer a collective voice for nonprofits.
WNA is a proud member of:

Thank you to our
2009 Annual Funding Partners:

Dear Elaine,
Association News
Registration now OPEN! Keynote by Tim Delaney, National Council of Nonprofits 4 Pre-Summit Workshops • 21 Summit Workshops Management / Development / Accountability / Technology Governance / Advocacy / Marketing Conversation Cafe • Networking & Exhibition Reception Special Reports on the Economic Stimulus and Recovery Wisconsin Nonprofits Association as a member of the National Council of Nonprofit Associations, brings you NCN's special series of reports that include national analyses and perspectives on the economic stimulus and recovery. You find analysis; grant information; resources; including sites accessing state programs; and insight into proposed changes affecting nonprofits.
Advocacy and Public Policy
National Service Legislation Advances in Congress The United States Congress is on the verge of enacting landmark legislation to improve and expand national and community service programs and strengthen the infrastructure for volunteerism within the nonprofit community. The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act would triple the number of service volunteers – from 75,000 to 250,000 – and expand service opportunities for all stages of life, focusing on such targeted areas as veterans services, the environment, disaster relief, and arts education. The bill would also create a nationwide community-based infrastructure fund to leverage investments in service and set up a volunteer generation fund to help build the capacity of nonprofits to coordinate, train and manage volunteers. This legislation will provide a powerful boost to tap into the growing desire to serve others and strengthen our organizations' ability to continue providing the services our communities need. Nonprofits: The DNA of Democracy Nonprofits have long understood that without political will, policies, and public weigh-in and buy-in, the most well-intentioned initiatives open themselves up to criticism and disregard the political support needed to ensure that what’s proposed is feasible and successful beyond the pilot phase.
Nonprofit Sector News & Information
Local grants to nonprofits declining Three million bucks. That's how much the total assets of four west-central Wisconsin community foundations dropped in 2008 as a result of the plunging stock market. ... Chippewa Valley community foundation officials said they would be forced to give less this year after suffering a steep loss in their investments last year. "These returns will definitely affect the 2009 granting cycle for the Eau Claire Community Foundation and likely future ones," said Heidi Fisher, executive director of the 12-year-old foundation, which suffered a 22 percent drop to $4.9 million in the value of its endowments in 2008. Reasons to have - and reasons not to have - an attorney on the board “We should have an attorney on the board.” It’s conventional wisdom we’ve all heard. We expect that an attorney would bring legal expertise (so we wouldn’thave to pay a lawyer) and that she’ll have a skill set, personality, and community stature that would benefit our organization. Attorney Mark J.Goldstein of Milwaukee shares some thoughts A Board Member's Guide to Nonprofit Insurance Many board members don't think about the organization's insurance until something adverse happens. As one Blue Avocado reader commented: "Insurance isn't sexy, but it's as essential as a roof over your head." In these tight times, it's tempting to make insurance a low priority, but this strategy can be penny wise and pound foolish. 8 Recession-Proof Tips for Communications Savvy communications combined with a solid perspective and plain old common sense can help your organization weather the economic storm and come out on the other side with strategy intact and minimal losses. Now is a good time to focus and simplify, while reaching out and collaborating with like-minded individuals and organizations to save money and amplify impact. Tracking Volunteer Time to Boost Your Bottom Line: A Complete Accounting Guide Tracking volunteer time: sounds like another chore? Actually it can help you meet match requirements, improve your financial statement presentations, and reduce liability.
Grantor Highlight
USDA Rural Development of Wisconsin is committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in Wisconsin through its funding and technical assistance programs. Public and nonprofit organizations eligible to apply for grants and loans include local and state governmental entities; nonprofit groups, such as community development organizations, associations, private corporations, and cooperatives operating on a not-for-profit basis; and federally recognized Native American groups. Programs of special interest to nonprofits and public bodies include: Business and Community Community Facilities Direct Loans and Grants Community Facilities Guaranteed Loans Cooperative Development Technical Assistance Internediary Relending Program Rural Business Enterprise Grants Rural Business Opportunity Grants Rural Cooperative Development Grants Community Development Empowerment Zone / Enterprise Community Housing Farm Labor Housing Loans and Grants Housing Preservation Grants Multi Family Housing Direct Loans Multi Family Housing Guaranteed Loans Rural Housing Site Loans Self Help Technical Assistance Grants Utilities Distance Learning and Telemedicine Loans and Grants Solid Waste Management Grants Technical Assistance and Training Grants Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants
Workshops and Seminars
See Full Calendar for More FREE Webinar: Storytelling: Tapping the Power of Narrative. 1p - 2:30p. Why storytelling is the single most powerful communication tool you possess; specific ways you can use stories to advance your mission. Presenter: Andy Goodman. Sponsored by NTEN and WNA Preferred Vendor ReadyTalk. Event details and Reg online. Marketing for Nonprofits Madison, 4/23/09, 7:30a - 12p, Alliant Energy Center. Topics include: Building Blocks of Nonprofit Branding; Public Relations for Nonprofits; Fundraising for nonprofits; Web marketing; Building Sponsorships; Marketing on a Shoestring Budget. Co-hosts American Marketing Association and Association of Fundraising Professionals. Reg deadline: 4/17. Cost, incl light breakfast: $50 nonprofits; $60 for-profits; $25 students. Event details and Reg online. For more info: Nancy Resnick or 608.273.2742. Wisconsin Volunteer Coordinators Association 40th Annual Conference (formerly WVCTI), Onalaska (La Crosse). 5/7-8/09, Stoney Creek Inn.The premier training opportunity for all levels of professionals who manage volunteer programs. Topics include: writing stronger grant proposals; new learning styles; recruiting corporate volunteers; mentoring youth; team building; supervisor feedback skills; basic and advanced volunteer management; project management; workplace safety; self care; technology for training, marketing, and management; working with Gen Y. Cost: $80 includes materials and some meals. Some scholarships available. For more info: WVCA or Ruth Morgan, CAVS or 608-392-4203. LarsonAllen's 16th Annual Nonprofit and Foundation Conference Minneapolis, MN 5/7/09, 7:45a - 4:30p, The Northland Inn. Keynote: Sandy Vargas, a career leader across government, private, and nonprofit sectors; breakout sessions on a broad spectrum of organizational concerns, including investment standards, operational excellence, banking relationships, and reductions in work force, and the latest accounting and tax issues. Cost: $140 before 4/10; $175 after. Event details and Reg online. For more info: Shana Vachhani or 612-397-3049. FREE Webinar Fundraising Series from Network for Good. 4/7/09 - 6/16/09 Topics: What Should a Website Cost?; Broadening Your Fundraising Net: Diversifying Your Fundraising Channels; Using Search (Google Grant or Paid) for Fundraising; Creating Sustainable Funding in Economically Challenging Times; How Online Marketing Can Be Your Fundraising Stimulus Plan During Tough Times; Improving Donation and Landing Pages; Writing for the Web. Series details and Reg online.
Billboard Marketing Discount
Have Something to Promote? – Think Big For many years, the Outdoor Advertising Association of Wisconsin (OAAW) has served non-profits by donating space on their signs or billboards. Public service ads or PSAs have been recruited foster parents, EMTs, and mentors for at-risk youth and promoted hunter safety, and the prevention of forest fires. Outdoor advertising is especially successful in promoting events, branding, or driving viewers to your website. You will be able to promote your cause at an 80% discount. The OAAW donates the space on billboards, but there are some printing and posting costs. Your costs depend on the size of the sign and the number required, but would begin at $300. PSA programs have ranged in cost from $1000 for a small, one-month effort to $30,000 for a statewide, year-long campaign. Samples and Testimonials. For more info: 608.286.0764.
Technology
The Common Craft Show presents complex ideas "in Plain English" through (free) short and entertaining videos featuring simple illustrations and straightforward narrative. Among a long list on this site, check out their series on social media, which includes: Blogs in Plain English Twitter in Plain English Podcasting in Plain English Social Media in Plain English
New Members - Welcome!
Community Action Consulting, LLC, Lake Mills Fine Feathered Friends Sanctuary Inc., Edgerton Middleton Outreach Ministry, Middleton The Student Debt Relief Foundation, Inc., Madison Walworth County Habitat for Humanity, Lake Geneva Watertown Family Center, Watertown And welcome back, renewing Members!
Got this from a friend or colleague? Subscribe to Common Ground.

Forward this message to a friend

If you no longer wish to receive emails from Wisconsin Nonprofits Association, please reply to this message with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line or simply click on the following link:* Unsubscribe

Wisconsin Nonprofits Association
PO Box 1662
Madison, Wisconsin 53701-1662
US

Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy.

Tracking Volunteer Time to Boost Your Bottom Line: A Complete Accounting Guide Tracking volunteer time: sounds like another chore? Actually it can help you meet match requirements, improve your financial statement presentations, and reduce liability.

Tracking Volunteer Time to Boost Your Bottom Line: A Complete Accounting Guide
Tracking volunteer time: sounds like another chore? Actually it can help you meet match requirements, improve your financial statement presentations, and reduce liability.