The Winter 2013 (2) Edition Of Exempt Magazine

The new issue of our sister publication, Exempt Magazine, is now online for our readers to enjoy. Here's a look at some of the stories you can find within the pages of the Winter 2013 edition.

Articles

• Joint Costs And Social Media: Dennis Morrone and Priti Singh write about how social media has become an effective tool for nonprofits to raise awareness, change public attitudes and behaviors toward a social issue, attract donors, educate chosen constituents and publicize programmatic successes.
• Nonprofit Trademark: Protect Your Fundraising Brand: With the daily barrage of information competing for your donors’ attention, how does your fundraising campaign stand out and get noticed? Many nonprofits don’t realize that their “brand” is one of the most valuable assets.

Column:

• Minimize Your Risk When Allowing User-Generated Content On Social Media: Allowance of user-generated content on social media pages controlled or operated by a nonprofit can raise a number of potential legal risks and liability issues, which are due in large part to the fact that the nonprofit might not have complete control over what a third party posts or displays.

Featured Nonprofit Job: President/Executive Director

The Consumer Credit Counseling Service of San Francisco (CCCS) announced today that it is seeking a new President/Executive Director to run the organization. Do you think you fit the bill? If so, read on for more details on this nonprofit job.

The chosen candidate for this position will be charged with driving innovative program development, the establishment of new strategic partnerships, and directing organizational growth initiatives.  Position will require innovative leadership to meet the demands of a rapidly changing, regulatory and competitive landscape.

To be considered for the President/Executive Director position at CCCS, candidates must possess a demonstrated track record of building high-performing teams with strategic focus and operational discipline. In addition, successful candidates will have proven leadership experience overseeing complex business models in the non-profit, financial counseling, or retail financial services sectors.  A bachelor’s degree is required, though an advanced degree is preferred.

You can apply for this job today by visiting the NPT Jobs Career Center.

4 Ways Of Finding Society Donors

Nonprofits will gladly accept a donation of any size but when it comes down to it receiving a gift from higher-priced donors are much more helpful in the fundraising enterprise.

The most sought after gifts come from what are called Society Donors. These individuals tend to make the biggest donations and, as such, are the biggest catch for any fundraiser. During the 2013 Blackbaud Conference for Nonprofits, George Durney and Page Bullington of Marquette University discussed the best ways to secure a gift from a Society Donor. The process should involve a careful, dedicated program of cultivation.

Based on surveys taken at 12 institutions of higher learning over a 20-year period, Durney and Bullington offered the following reminders when going after Society Donors:

• Have patience. On average, it took 13.2 years for a donor to make their first $1,000 gift.
• Keep donors engaged and giving. Those who gave $1,000 in fiscal year 2009 gave in about 73 percent of the years they were on file.
• Have a cultivation plan. Some 57 percent of donors made a first gift of less than $100.
• Establish donor potential. The higher the first gift, the quicker they became a higher-level donor/

The NPT 2013 Top 100: Who's #1?

For the 25th time in the history of The NonProfit Times, we have unveiled the NPT Top 100. And for the sixth year in a row, the YMCA of the USA came in at number one in our study of the top grossing nonprofits.

Released in our November 1 issue each year since 1988, the NPT Top 100 ranks organizations by total revenue (with at least 10 percent coming in the form of public support). The Y took the top spot again this year thanks to a strong combination of program revenue ($4.556 billion), public support ($827 million), and government support ($614 million). Overall, The Y's total revenue in 2012 was $6.239 billion.

Coming in at a distant second was Goodwill Industries International, which had a total revenue of $4.894 billion. Much of those funds came in the form of program service revenue ($3.404 billion).

Other organizations that made the top five this year were:

• United Way ($4.260 billion);
• Catholic Charities USA ($4.227 billion); and,
• The Salvation Army ($3.353 billion).

You can view the full report on our website, in addition to an exclusive interview with Dan Romano of Grant Thornton, who broke down the NPT 2013 Top 100. 

***

Not to be forgotten amidst this news is the rest of the content of the November 1 issue. Included in this month's edition of The NonProfit Times are stories about ObamaCare guidelines for nonprofits, the story of a group trying to use neuroscience to reframe human services, and an opinion piece from our Editor-in-Chief about what shape organizations are going to take in the future.

Wanted: Participants For The 2014 Best Nonprofits To Work For Report

The Tote Bag Design.

UPDATE: This is the last day to nominate your nonprofit! Don't miss your chance to get your organization listed in the report. As a bonus, all those who complete the registration process will receive a tote bag with the design shown to the left and, in addition, will be entered for a chance to win a $100 AmEx Gift Card. We will be choosing our lucky winners tomorrow.

Do you think your nonprofit is the best for which to work? Now is your chance to prove it by nominating your organization for The NonProfit Times' 2014 Best Nonprofits To Work For Report.

NPT, along with the Best Companies Group, releases a report of the 50 best nonprofits to work for in the United States every year. Last year's study was highlighted by the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), a Jacksonville, Fl.-based organization that helps veterans who were injured in combat. This was the third year in a row that WWP won the top honors; will it win again in 2014, or will a new organization take the crown?

Other top organizations included the American Heart Association, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Alzheimer's Association.

Now is your chance to see if WWP will reign again, or if another nonprofit will dethrone it. Simply go to the Best Companies Group website and register to participate. There is no cost to complete the survey online, so all we require is your time. All applications must be submitted by October 31.

Those who complete their registration will also be entered for a chance to win a $100 American Express gift card!

Once registered, participants will receive the following information in their e-mail:

• The Employer Benefits & Policies Questionnaire;
• The Employee Engagement & Satisfaction Survey;
• Survey distribution instructions; and,
• Other supporting materials and instructions.

As an added benefit to completing the survey, all participants will have the opportunity to purchase the Employee Feedback Report, which details the results of their specific survey. These would normally cost thousands of dollars if initiated independently.

Register today to make sure your nonprofit is represented in the 2014 study!

5 Donor Problems For Nonprofits

Nonprofits exist to solve problems. Yet as many nonprofit managers will attest, they are much happier solving problems that exist outside the organization. One thing is for sure: Any organization that has problems with its donors has problems.

Wayne Elsey, founder and CEO of Soles4Souls, wrote in his book "Almost Isn't Good Enough" that there are at least five issues that nonprofits encounter from donors. Solving these problems, Elsey wrote, can help an organization increase its footprint and success.

The five problems are:

• “I can’t find you online.” Update the Website every 30 days (or 10). Hire or contract with someone who knows digital Web design. “If I can’t find you on Google, then you don’t exist.”
• “I don’t understand what you do.” A good rule of thumb is if you can’t recite the mission of your organization, then you have no hope of spreading the message and funding your work.
• “It’s difficult to get more information.” Donors want to know something about the organization before they are asked their vital statistics, including address.
• “It’s impossible for me to get involved beyond giving money.” Leaders should be asking how they can get more people involved so they can see the pain in the lives of those in need.
• “I never hear from you except when you want me to give.” A relationship based on one party asking and the other giving isn’t much of a relationship.

5 Techniques To Safeguard Your Technology

The Internet is a useful place for nonprofits to be, but it can also be a veritable danger zone for your technology. If you aren’t careful, you could find yourself on the receiving end of a malicious virus that could severely hamper all the hard work your organization has done.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to keep your information out of harm's way before you dive into the web.

In the book "Nonprofit Management 101," Holly Ross, executive director at the Drupal Association in Portland, Ore., encouraged nonprofit managers to take the security of your devices seriously. She recommended the following five techniques to keep your operation running smoothly:

• Firewall: This is basically a gate between the outside world and your network of computers. It’s essential that you have a firewall set up to keep spammers, hackers, and other malicious people from infiltrating your network to use it for nefarious purposes.
• Antivirus protection: Antivirus software should be installed on each of the computers on your network. Worms and viruses continue to be written every day, so it’s essential that you purchase the regular update packages for whichever program you choose to use.
• Backup: Most people view backing up as insurance for extreme situations such as natural disasters, but the backup is most important in many day-to-day situations.
• Passwords: The simplest thing you can do to protect your organization’s data and files is to put in place a strong password policy. Ensure that staff are both using different passwords for logins and changing their passwords frequently.
• Physical security: Equipment like laptops, printers, and desktop computers should be secured to desks with cable locks so they can’t be removed.

Feds: Charity Boss Stole $4 Million

Brian James Brown, the former head of a charity advocating for Native Americans, pleaded not guilty Monday to charges that he stole $4 million from the organization.

According to a report in The Oregonian, Brown was arrested on Sunday at Portland International Airport, just as he was returning from a month-long trip to Thailand. Authorities say that his excursion was paid for, in part, by the funds allegedly stolen from National Relief Charities (NRC).

The arrest comes 11 days after a federal grand jury in Portland handed up an indictment against Brown, which charged him and unnamed co-conspirators with attempting to defraud NRC. The indictment further stated that Brown stepped down as head of the organization in 2005 to form his own nonprofit, Charity One Inc., which did business as the American Indian Education Endowment Fund.

Brown allegedly convinced NRC to fund Charity One with $4 million from 2006 to 2009, saying the funds would be used to offer scholarships to Native Americans.

"Instead," the government wrote in a news release, "Brown and unnamed co-conspirators allegedly used the entire $4 million for their personal benefit."

To keep the checks of either $100,000 or $200,000 coming in, Brown allegedly delivered falsified financial statements to prove that the money was being used appropriately.

Brown was allowed to go free after his arraignment as he awaits his Dec. 17 trial. He was ordered by U.S. Magistrate Judge Dennis J. Hubel to surrender his passport, wear a GPS ankle monitor, and stay at home from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

You can read the full report in The Oregonian.

Featured Nonprofit Job: Chief Operating Officer

San Diego Rescue Mission is looking to hire a Chief Operating Officer (COO). Do you think you have what it takes to succeed in this position? If so, read on for more details.

The chosen candidate for this position will direct and coordinate both the clinical and operational activities relative to the day-to-day Mission operations, ensuring the internal operations run smoothly and efficiently to maximize Mission resources. Other primary responsibilities include:

• Work with Board of Directors and committees to establish policies and programs and administers such programs.
• Establish appropriate metrics and structure to ensure the effective implementation occurs to support both the long-term and short-term objectives.
• Measure the effectiveness and progression of the strategic plan.
• Identify, develops, implements, maintains and updates consistent policies, procedures and practices to gain operational efficiencies across all programs and services.
• Lead, coach, develop and retain the Mission high-performance management teams with an emphasis on developing capacity in strategic analysis and planning and budgeting.
• Manage staff with multiple competing priorities and preferences.

Qualified applicants for this job should have a Bachelor's degree though an advanced degree is preferred. Candidates are also required to have at least five years of experience in finance, operations or related positions. You can find out more about this job by heading to the NPT Jobs Career Center.

(Also check out San Diego Rescue Mission's other featured job -- VP of Development)

Featured Nonprofit Job: Director, Chemical Products Technology

It's not everyday that we get nonprofit jobs on our Career Center in the field of chemistry, as our newest featured position proves, there's a first time for everything.

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) in Washington, D.C., is looking to hire a Director of Chemical Products Technology. The chosen candidate for this position will serve as the staff executive for several of ACC’s product specific groups. The position will have primary responsibility for managing issues, programs, staff, budget and advocacy efforts to achieve their assigned groups’ goals and objectives. This position will also work to coordinate activities of the groups with the broader ACC and other key local, national, regional and international organizations/stakeholders.

Given the field this organization works in, it's important that you have some background in chemistry before applying, though this is not required. Specific requirements include:

• Eight years of issue management experience in a business, trade, or advocacy organization;
• Strong leadership skills;
• Strong written and oral communication skills;
• Organizational and budget management experience;
• Austomer/member focus with ability to facilitate consensus; capability to work within a large organization and foster coordination across groups; and,
• Strong technical competency with the ability to learn and manage complex issues.

If you are interested in applying for this position, head to the NPT Jobs Career Center for detailed application instructions.

Thes Nonprofit Times' Resource Marketplace: Technology Guide 2013

The October 15th edition of The NonProfit Times includes a number of great editorial items for our readers to enjoy, but it also has another great feature useful for nonprofits which is our semiannual Technology Guide.

The Technology Guide contains the latest top resources for nonprofits seeking assistance for all types of technology, from donor management software to payment processing. The guide is designed to help decision makers in the nonprofit section who are seeking technology-related products and services.

Clients who are featured in the 2013 Technology Guide include:

• Digital Cheetah;
• Serenic Software;
• Salsa Labs;
• Document Advantage Corporation;
• Allegiance Software;
• Greater Giving;
• CharityEngine;
• Donor Drive;
• Tech Impact;
• Donor Perfect;
• Crescendo Interactive; and,
• ResultsPlus from Metafile

All of these services and more will help your nonprofit make the right decisions when it comes to technology. Check out the 2013 Technology Guide II today to see what options are available for your organization.

If you’re a supplier and want to advertise in either our April 2014 or October 2014 Technology Guides, please contact Mary Ford at 973-401-0202 x206 or mary@nptimes.com

The October 15 2013 Edition Of The NonProfit Times

We are pleased to announce that the October 15th edition of The NonProfit Times is now available both online and in print.

This new issue features a new Executive Session with NPT Editor-in-Chief Paul Clolery and frequent NPT contributor Rick Christ, who is vice president at Peabody, Mass-based Amergent. Joining them were Todd Baker, vice president, strategic services at Re-source One in Tulsa, Okla.; Cathy Finney, deputy vice president, strategic services, at The Wilderness Society in Washington, D.C.; and, Mark Rhode, vice president of Russ Reid in Pasadena, Calif. This panel discussed, among other things, the finer details of the request for proposal (RFP) process.

"From the calls I’ve been getting lately, putting out an RFP today is not a process but a bludgeoning," said Clolery, leading off the discussion.

Click here to view the full Executive Session.

Other features of the October 15th issue of NPT include:

Articles

• Gmail Tabs Not Slimming Email Just Yet: If you are a frequent user of Google's email service, known as Gmail, you probably noticed some changes to your inbox. Specifically, Gmail now has four primary inboxes: Primary, updates, social, and promotions. Nonprofit marketers have been worried that their crucial fundraising emails will be relegated to some pseudo-spam limbo. Analysts have a message for nonprofits: Don’t panic just yet.
• GUSA Cuts Quarter Of Its HQ Staff: The ongoing reorganization of Girl Scouts of the USA (GUSA) has carved more than a quarter of the 325 employees from the national headquarters in Midtown Manhattan.

Columns

• Mythbusters: Everyone knows that multichannel donors are worth many times the value of single-source donors. Except that’s not entirely accurate, said Sarah DiJulio, principal at M+R Strategic Services in Washington, D.C.
• Phoning It In: There’s a mobile phone application (colloquially known as an app) for just about everything these days. As smartphones continue to grow in popularity, it’s only natural that nonprofits would want to create an app of their own. But according to experts in the field, that’s not necessarily the best route to go.

Featured Nonprofit Job: Senior Director Of Membership And Marketing

Are you a marketing expert? Our newest featured nonprofit job, bought to you by the Optical Society (OSA) will be right your ally if that's the case.

The Washington, D.C.-based organization is looking to hire a Senior Director of Membership and Marketing to lead the planning and management of OSA’s membership, marketing and education programming. The chosen candidate will also be a key stakeholder in developing and implementing a strategic plan for membership and marketing services.

Other main responsibilities include:

• Overseeing Membership and Marketing staff and ensures functions are efficiently executed, high quality, and cost-effective, and that growth/development objectives are met or exceeded.
• Tracking membership and marketing programs, assessing program impacts, and making modifications as needed. 
• Managing and coaching of direct reports.
• Building and maintaining positive relationships with volunteers, peer societies and external organizations.

Qualified applicants will have six to eight years of  management-level association experience and experience with program planning, budgeting, execution and tracking. A Bachelor's degree is required, though a Master's degree is much preferred.

You can learn more about what it takes to succeed as a Senior Director of Membership and Marketing by heading to the NPT Jobs Career Center.

Mercersburg Academy Alum Donates $100 Million

In what was the second-largest gift ever given to an independent school in the U.S., Mercersburg Academy announced Thursday that it had received a gift of nearly $100 million from alumna Deborah J. Simon and her foundation.

The donation, which Simon said was made out of gratitude for her two years at the Mercersburg, Pa.-based institution, is the leading gift so far in the school's "Daring to Lead" $300 million capital campaign. When combined with recent campaign gifts that include support for a new student center, Simon and the Deborah Joy Simon Foundation have pledged nearly $107 million to Mercersburg Academy.

"We are thrilled beyond words for this transformational gift and the confidence that Deborah and her foundation have placed in us," said Douglas Hale, head of school. "Because of their vision and generosity, young men and women from all walks of life will have access to an extraordinary education that will allow them to realize their potential."

Simon, who is a member of the Mercersburg Academy Board of Regents, praised Hale for his "vision" for the school. "This is a place where faculty are encouraged to experiment with new ideas and technologies to engage students more fully in their education," she said.

According to a press release announcing the donation, Simon's gift will help Mercersburg Academy achieve its goal of ensuring its education is affordable for its students. Currently, 32 percent of students receive need-based financial aid, and 49 percent receive a combination of merit and need-based scholarships toward tuition. The Academy accepts students in grades 9-12.

Previous gifts to U.S. independent schools that equaled or surpassed Simon's gift include a $128 million donation to the Newtown, Pa.-based George School in 2007 and $100 million to the Hightstown, N.J.-based Peddie School in 1993. The previous high donation to the Mercersburg Academy came in 2000 by alumnus and former President of the Board of Regents H.F. "Gerry" Lenfest, who donated $35 million.

Featured Nonprofit Job: Development Coordinator

Care 4 Needy Copts, located in Plainview, N.Y., is looking to hire a Development Coordinator. Think you have what it takes to succeed at this position? Read on for more details on this newest featured nonprofit job.

The chosen candidate for this position will be responsible for fulfilling three main goals for the organization: Expand the organizational financial resources by increasing and diversifying the donors’ base in the organization; provide technical support to the organizational fundraising strategy and fundraising plan; and, provide technical and administrative support to the current fund raising activities.

Other essential responsibilities include:

• The Development Coordinator will be expected to contribute to the organization’s financial growth and ensure that all fundraising events and initiatives are in alignment with their mission and goals.
• Develop and execute a fundraising plan to increase contributions from all sources, including foundations, individuals, and corporate gifts.
• Plan special events, along with cultivation, marketing and recognition functions. These include the Annual Gala and other events.
• Oversee production of all print and virtual public relations and marketing materials, including newsletters and updates, and annual reports.
• Direct the maintenance and upgrades to the organizations website and public information communications.
• Increase the donor’s base and direct the activities to diverse type of communities.

Qualified applicants will have three to five years of experience in fundraising and marketing for a nonprofit. A Bachelor's degree is required though an advanced degree is preferred.

You can learn more about what it takes to be a Development Coordinator by viewing the full job listing on the NPT Jobs Career Center.

Is Your Nonprofit Truly Philanthropic?

Most nonprofit managers, if asked, would answer "yes" if they were asked whether their organization truly embodied the culture of philanthropy. But does it really?

To fully answer this question, you must first clarify what makes up a philanthropic culture. During the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ 50^th International Conference on Fundraising, representatives of the Osborne Group, a management, consulting and training firm, defined a culture of philanthropy and stewardship as follows: Everyone within the organization, including recipients of services and their families, and the board of directors, understands, embraces, believes in and acts on the person’s roles and responsibilities in philanthropy and stewardship in a collaborative and donor-centric manner.

With this definition in mind, the speakers listed six ways to create a philanthropic culture at your nonprofit:

• Organizational vision provides the urgency for change. A great organization and a successful fundraising operation begin with a clear and compelling mission and an aspirational and urgent vision undergirded with shared, stated values.
• Change requires a vision as well. Imagining the organization or institution once it achieves the culture of philanthropy and stewardship paints a picture all constituencies can grasp.
• Start with champions and modeling behavior. These champions serve as guiding lights.
• Wow the team. It is hard to make others feel great about giving and participating if the proposed change agent feels beleaguered or under-appreciated.
• You need a plan. A vision without a plan is just a pipedream.
• Institutionalize the new changes. Document the new policies and procedures. Reward and celebrate success.

Webinar: Can Nonprofits Raise Money With Social Media?

It's the age-old question for nonprofits: Can you raise money using social media? While studies done over the last three years show that the answer is generally "no," that doesn't mean organizations should abandon ship.

The NonProfit Times, in partnership with the Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN), is proud to present "Can Nonprofits Raise Money With Social Media?" This webinar, which is happening on October 25th at 1:00 p.m. EST, will show how social media is a great way to deepen relationships with your community and eventually turn them into donors, featuring expert opinions by Allyson Kapin of Rad Campaign, Lindsey Twombley of the Human Rights Campaign, and Danielle Brigida of the National Wildlife Federation.

Here is just some of the information you will take away from this special event:

• Strategies that can help you move from single to multi-channel ways to engage and fundraise;
• A suggestion of tools that help you move agilely in a rapidly changing environment; and,
• Information about future trends to help keep your marketing mix fresh and innovative.

This special premium webinar event puts you directly in conversation with expert panelists. Take advantage of our advance registration discount: purchase your registration at our online store by October 20th to receive the early-bird rate of just $49. Full registration after October 20th will be $69.

Register today at the best rate so your organization can be on top when it comes to social and digital engagement.

4 Professional Development Ideas

Professional development is a key skill for any employee to learn. Whether it's advancing in the ranks at your current job or taking your talents elsewhere, it's important to never to be satisfied staying in one position.

While it's always preferable to advance within your current organization, sometimes that's not in the cards. The current job market is incredibly competitive which means you will have to present yourself as a unique talent should you decide it's time to start somewhere new.

During the Blackbaud Conference for Nonprofits in National Harbor, Md., William F. Bartolini, associate vice president for development at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., offered advice on how to make yourself look unique to employers.

• Find Your Passion: Sit down and figure out what your best attributes are. Test your list with a trusted friend along with a trusted co-worker.
• Create A List: Use the list to describe your accomplishments, challenges you’ve faced and experiences you want to have.
• Elevator Speech: Prepare a short speech that encapsulates your experiences and advantages. These types of speeches should last 30 seconds. Make them brief.
• Where Will You Go?: Outline what the ins and outs to your work are. Do you want to be involved in fundraising or do a little of everything? Do you want to work in a small shop or big shop? These are all questions you should be asking yourself.

The October 1 2013 Issue Of The NonProfit Times

The beginning of a new month means a lot of things but here at NPT it means one thing in particular: The release of a new issue.

We are proud to bring to our readers the October 1st edition of The NonProfit Times. Within the pages of this issue you will find stories on the NAACP's leadership transition, how the floods in Colorado have affected nonprofits, and much more. Here's a quick overview of some of the main stores in the October 1 issue:

Special Report

• Special Report - Professional Development 2013: Each year we do a special report on professional development in the nonprofit sector. This year's report focuses on how preparation remains key to landing a nonprofit job in today's market.

Articles

• NAACP Leadership Transition Spotlights New Generation Of Leaders: Where does the NAACP go from here now that Benjamin Jealous has stepped down as CEO?
• In Colorado - Safe Shelter And Food Tough To Get When Everything Floods: The recent floods in Colorado have had a huge effect on all organizations in the states but, according to our report, it hit food and shelter agencies the hardest.
• A Year After Sandy Much Is Still To Be Done: The American Red Cross’s $307 million hasn’t fixed it yet, and neither has the Robin Hood Foundation’s $73 million. The New York/New Jersey metropolitan area, devastated by Super Storm Sandy one year ago this month took lifetimes to build and “was destroyed in hours, and will take months and years to rebuild,” said Roger Lowe, senior vice president of communications for the Washington, D.C.-based American Red Cross.

Columns

• General Ramblings - A Debut: Our Editor-in-Chief Paul Clolery's latest opinion column takes aim at Robert Reich's recent suggestion that public schools should not be allowed to have private foundations.
• Controversy: Does volunteering for the upcoming Super Bowl in New Jersey make you a "chump," as one sports commentator recently opined? Our resident volunteer expert, Susan J. Ellis, takes issue with this suggestion.

Also included in this issue of The NonProfit Times is our Professional Development Guide, which advertises services for those wishing to go back to school for nonprofit management.

4 Questions To Ask About Web Technology

Though some would like to believe otherwise, there is simply no way to run a successful nonprofit or business in today's world without being at least familiar with online technology. There are many questions managers will have but, according to experts speaking at this year's Bridge Conference, they should start with their organization's website.

Speaking at the New York City-based conference, representatives of Big Duck and the Environmental Defense Fund said that website technology is an important component of maintaining a good site and keeping it effective.

Getting the most of this technology, the representatives said, means answering specific questions regarding your current web hosting. They said that if the organization cannot give a definitive yes answer to the questions, then it is time to re-evaluate the content management and constituent management systems (CMS and CRM) and to consider alternatives.

The questions you should ask are:

• Does the organization have a way to track actions such as donations, open rates and event sign-ups?
• Is there enough support for the system that there is confidence it will be around for the long term?
• Does the site’s publishing system make it easy for staff to update content?
• Does the site have the tools and functions to meet organization goals and those of the organization’s audience?

Exempt Magazine: Fall 2013 Edition

The new issue of our sister publication, Exempt Magazine, is now online for our readers to enjoy. Here's a look at some of the stories you can find within the pages of the Fall 2013 edition:

Articles

• Transparency, Terrain And Terrorism: Transferring hard currency is always an issue, whether it is due to terrorism rules or the remoteness of the target. There are also vital issues of accountability for the currency transfer and to the donor.
• Confusing Extension: Registrations have increased but major misconceptions about .ORG extensions remain, according to the new domain name report released by Public Interest Registry (PIR), the nonprofit that manages the .ORG top-level domain (TLD).

Column

• Salary Hikes For Online Giving: A study of the past three Nonprofit Organizations Survey and Benefits Surveys sponsored by The NonProfit Times indicates that a relatively new position, online giving manager, is becoming more established while the position of major events manager/specialist has stalled or declined in compensation.

Want to subscribe to Exempt Magazine? Head to our online store for more information on pricing.

Webinar: Social Media, #GivingTuesday and End-of-Year Fundraising

UPDATE: The webinar begins today but it's not too late to register! Sign up today to learn about this important topic.

Every nonprofit wants to be a part of the social media scene. Not only will it increase your organization's visibility, it could potentially lead to an increase in donations. But beware: Being popular on social media doesn't automatically mean you will be seeing improved fundraising.

Join us along with Salsa Labs for "Social Media, #GivingTuesday and End-of-Year Fundraising," a free webinar on September 26 at 2:00 p.m. Roz Lemieux, CEO of Attentive.ly, Drew Bernard, founder and CEO of ActionSprout.com, and Christine Schaefer, VP of Community and Marketing at Salsa Labs, will be speaking about how your organization can turn your social media success into guaranteed donations.

Whether it's on #GivingTuesday or end-of-year fundraising, these three speakers will walk you step-by-step through how even with just a small team and some technology tools you can easily plan, execute and measure to segment and target the right people with the right message at the right time.

This webinar might not be for another three weeks but it's never too early to register. Sign up for free today so you can learn how to turn online popularity into dollars.

Mich. Gov. Snyder Defends Use Of Nonprofit Funds

Amid reports that his nonprofit paid for the living and travel expenses of a government official, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder is saying that taxpayers should not be alarmed.

According to a report in Crain's Detroit Business, Snyder spoke out in defense of the New Energy to Reinvent and Diversify Fund (NERD), a foundation he started to promote various charitable causes. Various reports indicated that NERD paid $4,200 to cover Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr's stay at a hotel and that the fund is also paying for Orr's flights home to see his family in Maryland on the weekends.

When asked about whether taxpayers should be concerned about this at an event at the Michigan State University club, Snyder indicated that it was an appropriate use of the organization's money and that it was actually saving people money.

"We've been very clear it's all legal, it's all been presented, the information that's required," Snyder said. "It doesn't go to my personal benefit, it's actually offsetting costs of government, so people should feel comfortable with that."

NERD is registered as a social welfare, or 501(c)(4), organization, meaning that donors can contribute to the fund anonymously. Federal tax records show that the organization raised $368,000 in 2012, down from the $1.3 million it received in 2011. It had total expenses of $590,453 last year, compared with spending of $865,830 in 2011.

You can read the full story in Crain's Detroit Business.

9 Sobering Stats About Fraud

Every nonprofit manager knows that fraud is a bad thing but too many operate under the belief that it can never happen to them. It's that attitude that can lead to fraud occurring in the first place.

Managers can’t eliminate human weakness, but they can be vigilant in preventing fraud or, if necessary, dealing with it right away. Further, prevention can be helped in part by awareness throughout the organization.

During the recent AICPA Not-for-Profit Industry Conference, Mitchell Lewis, David McRoberts and William Mellon shared several statistics regarding fraud, taken from the Association of Fraud Examiners 2012 Global Fraud Survey (which includes for-profits). Get ready to be demoralized:

• Asset misappropriation schemes made up 87 percent of reported cases.
• The typical organization loses 5 percent to fraud each year.
• Reported frauds last approximately 18 months before detection.
• Some 77 percent of frauds were committed by individuals in one of the following six departments: accounting, operations, sales, executive/upper management, customer service, purchasing.
• Owners/executives and managers committed median losses at $573,000 and $180,000, respectively.
• The median loss caused by occupational fraud was $140,000.
• Median losses for nonprofits totaled $100,000.
• Approximately 85 percent of fraudsters are first-time offenders.
• Approximately 54 percent of fraudsters were between the ages of 31 and 45.

Webinar: Has Your Nonprofit Outgrown Quickbooks?

Update: Missed today's webinar? Not to worry, you can view the complete slides and recording on our online library.

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Over the last year or so, Intacct Corporation has worked with us on a number of informative webinars on the current world of nonprofit financials. They are joining us for another session on one of the more popular accounting programs available: QuickBooks.

"Has Your Nonprofit Outgrown QuickBooks? Taking Financial Management to the Next Level" is the latest in our series of free webinars with Intacct. Many organizations use QuickBooks because it's easy, well known, and it simply works. But as your organization moves beyond the entry level, QuickBooks may hold you back -- slowing growth and draining productivity. Change is hard but this webinar will help you start the transition of moving to a new accounting system.

Here's what you will be learning during this webinar with speaker Joan Benson, Sr. Product Manager, Nonprofit Industry at Intacct:

• Why you need a true nonprofit accounting solution.
• Five signs your organization has outgrown its small business accounting solution.
• How to evaluate the true costs of staying with QuickBooks (hint: it's not just the software).
• How the cloud makes it easy to move to a true fund accounting system.

Register today to get your nonprofit financials back on the right track. The webinar begins on Sept. 19 at 2:00 p.m. EST.

Local Organization's Nonprofit Status In Question

A deal that would move a camp for the homeless in Portland, Ore., has come into doubt after questions about the tax-exempt status of the organization that pays for the camp have emerged.

According to a report on KATU.com, the city of Portland and Right 2 Dream Too came to agreement on a plan that would move the camp to the city' Pearl District. Yet that plan is now in jeopardy after a letter from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) surfaced that claimed the organization that runs the camp is not actually a nonprofit.

City Commissioner Amanda Fritz, who has worked for years to find Right 2 Dream Too a new home, told KATU that she was not aware that the camp was not recognized as a tax-exempt organization by the IRS. She said that determining the exact status of the organization had to be cleared up before the deal could be finalized.

Right 2 Dream Too's website lists its current monthly costs as $1,500 per month and covers these expenses through donations. Fritz confirmed that the camp would probably not have to pay rent at its new location. When contacted by KATU, Ibrahim Mubarak, the camp's leader, refused to comment on the camp's finances.

You can read the full story on KATU's website.

Featured Nonprofit Job: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

The NPT Jobs Career Center already offered up one Chief Executive Officer position this week and now, with our newest featured nonprofit job, we have another. Think you have what it takes? Read on for more details.

San Francisco, Calif.-based Tides is looking to hire a CEO to lead the organization into the future. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the chosen candidate for this position will be responsible for the vision, mission, and overall health (financial and otherwise) of the Tides Network. S/he must be an individual with a track record of success in managing large-scale operations, building and inspiring leadership teams, and a strong personal connection, commitment, and passion for the mission and values of the organization.

Other essential duties include:

• Renew a powerful, long-term mission and vision for Tides Network , building on and leveraging the current work and previous successes of the organization.
• Serve as the organization’s leading public representative, funding/business development executive, and spokesperson for the Tides brand to key constituencies.
• Oversee the solicitation, accumulation, investment, and allocation of Tides Network’s long-term capital resources.
• Help to expand and diversify the Board. Recommend new board member criteria when appropriate and facilitate the orientation of new board members.

Qualified candidates will have a strong track record of proven leadership ability and at least 10-15 years experience in a complex regional or multinational organization. A passion for the organization's mission is also essential.

You can apply for this job today by visiting the NPT Jobs Career Center.

The September 15 Issue Of The NonProfit Times

Two is always better than one, and that's especially true when it comes to The NonProfit Times. We have just released the September 15 issue meaning you'll have a double dose of NPT this month.

Here's some of what you can expect to find within the pages of the new edition of NPT:

Special Report

• Special Focus: Donor Management Software: Each year, NPT examines the benefits of donor management software and this year's edition of places the spotlight on cloud-based programs. The report also features the most up-to-date list of donor management software, including pricing.

Articles

• Pennsylvania's Property Tax Exemption Might Go To Voters: Battle lines are being drawn in Pennsylvania between the courts and the legislative bodies with nonprofits squarely in the crossfire. At issue is who gets to decide if an organization “of purely public charity” is exempt from property tax.
• New ABS Boss Changing Fundraising Apparatus: A new chief executive at the American Bible Society (ABS) is putting his mark on the 197-year-old charity, just months into his tenure. Two key development positions have been vacated and the organization switched direct response vendors since Douglas Birdsall took over as president and CEO in March.
• Unlocking Monthly Gifts: Eight animals are trapped in cages but all a donor has to do is make a monthly gift to Humane Society International (HIS) and the gate is unlocked. The higher the monthly gift, more animals or larger ones are set free, not only in RL (real life) but on the Web, too.

Columns

• Loyalty Goes Both Ways: Bridget Brandt, a former volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters, had a message to attendees of the 2013 Bridge Conference: Don't treat your volunteers like BBBS treated me.
• Committees That Work: A well-designed planned giving committee can provide you with a remarkable advantage. However, it is important to avoid the common trap of expecting your volunteer committee members to seek planned gifts from their clients.

Featured Nonprofit Job: President & CEO

Do you think you have what it takes to be the head of a United Way affiliate in Tacoma, Washington? If you have the ambition and experience necessary to tackle such a role, you will be interested in our latest featured nonprofit job: President & CEO at United Way of Pierce County (UWPC).

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the chosen candidate for this position will provide strong leadership, shares vision, inspires staff and board members to do their best work, builds strong relationships with all stakeholders, and creates, as well as identifies, strategic and collaborative opportunities for the organization.

The current president of UWPC will be retiring at the end of this year, and whoever is chosen to replace him will need the same characteristics. As such, applicants should have the following qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or better in fields relevant to the organization;
• A minimum of 7 to 10 years of progressively more responsible leadership success at a senior level;
• Ability to provide vision for the future and open to input;
• High integrity;
• Passion for United Way’s mission;
• Inspired by service, not by power;
• Strong professional presence in groups;
• High emotional intelligence;
• A "people person";
• Politically astute; and,
• Desire to deliver exponential revenue growth

If you think you embody all of these qualities, head to the NPT Jobs Career Center to apply today.

Microsoft To Offer Nonprofits Office 365 Free Of Charge

Tech giant Microsoft announced Tuesday that it would be offering qualified nonprofits free versions of its Office 365 program.

As reported on CNET.com, this offer allows nonprofits in 41 countries worldwide to use Office 365 -- which contains word processing, e-mail, video conferencing, and calendar programs -- in their workplace free of charge. The donation program is part of the Redmond, Wash.-based software company's larger "Technology for Good" initiative, which distributes $2 million worth of software every day to organizations around the globe.

"In the hands of nonprofit organizations, technology can boost productivity, increase effectiveness through better collaboration, and extend services to new communities and individuals in need," Microsoft wrote on its web site. "Moreover, technology can be a powerful force that opens exciting opportunities for nonprofits to better achieve their missions and accelerate their impact."

Organizations must be recognized as a tax-exempt organization in their respective countries to qualify for this giveaway. In addition, eligible organizations should work to improve their communities in a meaningful way, including, but not limited to:

• Providing relief to the poor;
• Advancing education;
• Improving social welfare;
• Preserving culture;
• Preserving or restoring the environment;
• Promoting human rights; and,
• Establishment of a civil society.

One confirmed, organizations will have the choice to upgrade their Office 365 program to a cloud-only version for a reduced price of $4.50 (down from $20). You can find out more about this offer on Microsoft's website. 

Do you think your nonprofit will take advantage of this program? Let us know in our comments section.

Featured Nonprofit Job: Vice President Of Development

The Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge is looking to hire a Vice President of Development. Interested? Read on for more details on this latest featured nonprofit job.

The chosen candidate for this position will be responsible for envisioning and managing the organization’s fundraising efforts. At a management level, the VP of Development serves as chief strategist for the organization’s fund development and provides primary staff support (in fundraising matters) for the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors through its Development Committee.

Other responsibilities include:

• Setting and achieving, in close collaboration with the Board and President and Chief Executive Officer, the organization’s annual revenue goals.
• Developing and implementing a written plan for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting of individuals, foundation and corporate potential donors
• Establish forecasts and prepare evaluations of fundraising potential by identifying and rating prospects.
• Assume a hands-on role in developing strategies and implementation plans for major gift work and planned giving with high wealth / top prospects.
• Develop calendars and implement action plans for all campaigns, membership programs, grant request and special events.
• Developing and maintaining a database of potential donors.
• Serving as a member of the organization’s management team by staying abreast of organizational issues and contributing to the overall management of the organization. 

Qualified applicants will have a Bachelor's degree and at least five years of experience in fund development. Candidates should also have a passion for the Freedoms Foundation's mission: Helping to further educate the country's citizens.

You can apply for this job by visiting the NPT Jobs Career Center.

Nonprofit, Founder Ordered To Pay Employee After Racist Rant

A federal jury in New York ruled that a nonprofit and its founder must pay a former employee $280,000 after she was subjected to a rant using racial slurs.

According to a report on CNN.com, the ruling stems from a lawsuit filed by Brandi Johnson against STRIVE, an employment center in East Harlem section of Manhattan. Johnson claimed in her suit that STRIVE’s founder, Rob Carmona, repeatedly harassed her, culminating in a rant that used slurs against African-Americans. Johnson, who is black, said in court that the incident was the last straw for her. She sent a formal complaint to the organization’s CEO, Phil Weinberg on April 11, 2012 but was allegedly told that she was being "out of line" and "emotional."

Johnson was fired two months later, which she alleges was done as retaliation for her complaints.

The jury ruled Tuesday that Carmona, who founded STRIVE in 1984, must pay Johnson $25,000 and the organization must contribute $5,000 in punitive damages. This comes a week after jurors awarded Johnson $250,000 in compensatory damages.

"We are disappointed by the verdict, as we do not believe that it comports with the full facts applicable to the case," said Carmona's lawyer, Diane Krebs, via a statement. "Nevertheless, we respect the jury's decision and the judicial process. We are exploring all our options moving forward, including appeal, and look forward to the judicial process taking its entire course."

While testifying last Friday Carmona, who identifies as black and Hispanic, tearfully tried to explain his actions. He explained, "I come from a different time." According to STRIVE, Carmona spent his early teenage years in Harlem addicted to drugs and in and out of prison. He found solace in an alternative incarceration program where he cleaned up and eventually attended college. The center's website says that it has helped nearly 50,000 individuals across America enter the workforce.

For her part, Marjorie Sharpe, Johnson's attorney, called the decision "important" because it is the first case where "we essentially have the n-word on trial."

"There are a number of cases where the n-word has been used in a workplace, but usually it's been done between people of different races, and when we're having that discussion, it seems that it's clear that if you're not African-American and you use the n-word, absolutely it's insulting," continued Sharpe.

You can read the full story on CNN's website.

4 'ObamaCare' Actions To Take Now

Many of the provisions of the Affordable Care Act -- so-called ObamaCare -- will be going to affect in the coming year. Despite its potential benefits for Americans, the law does pose some issues for employers. 

During the AICPA Not-for-Profit Industry Conference, Eddie Adkins of Grant Thornton and Cheryl Press of Tax Exempt and Government Entities (TEGE) at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) discussed how employee benefits and compensation are affected by healthcare reform, particularly when it comes to full-time and part-time employees. They reminded listeners that the IRS has rules defining exactly who is and who is not a full-time employee, and those rules are complex.

What can nonprofits do to prepare for these regulations? Adkins and Press said that action should be take now, not later. Specifically, they recommended taking the following steps:

• Take time to thoroughly understand the details in the regulations. With complexity comes the chance of misunderstanding or misinterpreting. A few details could make a difference. 
• Convene a meeting of all stakeholders, including individuals responsible for health plans inside and outside the organization. This includes the employee benefits director, the insurance broker and legal counsel.
• Discuss the details of the rules and how they apply to the organization, and identify changes that might be necessary to avoid mandated excise taxes. 
• Follow through with proper implementation.

The September 1 2013 Issue Of NPT: Now Available

Labor Day is generally considered the symbolic end of summer and, in that spirit, we offer you the first NPT issue of the Fall.

The September 1 issue of The NonProfit Times includes exclusive donor research. This special report examines the results of a survey NPT conducted in partnership with ORC International. Donors were asked whether they were more likely to contribute to a disaster-relief or non-disaster relief charity. The results were somewhat surprising as a slim majority of respondents (47 percent to 44 percent, 9 percent undecided) said they would give to a non-disaster relief organization.

You can purchase the full results of the survey through our online store if you are interested in seeing the demographic breakdowns.

Here are some other noteworthy features of the issue:

Articles

• Municipal Bankruptcies Are Changing Social Services: In the wake of Detroit filing for bankruptcy, we examine how nonprofits' services were affected by Chapter 9 and 11 filings in other cities.
• FCC Opens FM Airwaves For Nonprofits: Nonprofits on the radio? A recent FCC ruling is opening the doors for more organizations to broadcast on low-powered FM stations.
• Texas Hoarders: Livestrong Piled Up Cash: Livestrong has been stockpiling cash in recent years, holding four times as much in short-term savings and temporary cash in 2012 as it did three years ago, according to a review of its Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 990.

Columns

• Multi-Year Grants: The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy’s The State of Multi-Year Funding 2011 shows that the more things change the more they stay the same when it comes to the long-term, flexible grant dollars.
• General Ramblings: Politicizing Politics: In his latest column, NPT Editor-in-Chief Paul Clolery examines the war of words between secular nonprofit and religious organization leaders regarding a recommendation that clergy should be able to say anything they want from the pulpit of their tax-exempt houses of worship so long as it doesn’t cost anything.

This is just a taste of the content in our newest issue. If you are already a subscriber, click here to access the digital edition of the magazine, otherwise head to our subscription page to get access.

Featured Nonprofit Job: Executive Assistant to the President and CEO

The Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda (FBLA-PBL) is looking to hire an Executive Assistant to the President and CEO. This is the perfect position for an experienced office assistant who is ready to transition to the nonprofit sector.

The chosen candidate for this position will provide crucial administrative assistance to the President and CEO of FBLA-PBL. In addition, the Executive Assistant is responsible for all facilities, technology, office administration and handles issues of a confidential nature.

Other important duties include:

• Provide administrative support for all board meetings including logistics, materials, record and transcribe minutes.
• Manage the calendar of the President & CEO, and proactively coordinate the pre-planning of trips, including arranging appropriate travel, hotels, transportation, meetings and necessary contacts, as well as other information.
• Manage the administration and organization of fundraising efforts, currently in an Access database.
• Coordinate the staff hiring and recruitment process, including advertising, screening, and executing relevant correspondence.
• Serve as network administrator for computer, Internet, and telephone networks.

Qualified applicants should have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field plus seven or more years of office management experience. Proficiency with Microsoft Office products is also a plus, as are superior written, research, and oral communication skills.

You can apply for this job by visiting the NPT Jobs Career Center.

The Top 10 Risks Facing Nonprofits

Risks are everywhere these days. Whether they are known or unknown, they pose a threat to your nonprofit and the first step to successful risk management is knowing your enemy.

In materials provided to the AICPA Not-for-Profit Industry Conference, Melanie Lockwood Herman, executive director of the Nonprofit Risk Management Center, talked about the most serious risks that organizations face on a daily basis. She presented a top 10 list of the most damaging risks. They are:

• Uncertainty regarding financial sustainability. The less cash on hand, the greater the danger when revenue is late or unreliable;
• Ineffective fiscal and risk oversight;
• Incomplete appreciation of fraud risk. There are three general kinds: against the nonprofit, by the nonprofit and through the nonprofit;
• Allowing a leader/staff member/volunteer to be “above suspicion.” A casual glance through the news should be enough to put this one to rest;
• Lack of succession planning. On average, boards spend two hours a year on CEO succession planning;
• Ineffective departure planning and execution. Nothing lasts forever;
• Naïve crisis planning. People don’t get to choose the source or cause of their next crisis;
• Dissatisfied donors (poorly understood/managed donor relationships);
• Unmanaged conflict on the board; and,
• Lack of practical (well-understood) governance practices. This can cover every conceivable item, from conflict of interest through gift acceptance, and anything in between.

California Nonprofit, Union Spar Over New Contract

A new contract between a Berkeley, Calif., nonprofit and the California Professional Employees (CAPE) union is being held-up because of disagreements regarding a potential pay raise for the organization's workers.

According to a report in The Daily Californian, Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency (BOSS) -- which provides food and shelter for the homeless -- and CAPE began negotiations for a new contract in January, but have yet to reach common ground on pay. The union is demanding a 2-percent pay raise, an amount that BOSS Executive Director Donald Frazier said would bankrupt the organization.

"They’re asking me to increase the deficit, and I’m just not willing to do that," The Daily Californian quoted Frazier as saying. "BOSS is not equipped to do that." BOSS has an annual budget of more than $5 million, according to its most recent federal Form 990. The organization has 90 employees, most of whom are members of CAPE.

In an interview with The NonProfit Times, Frazier said they got an extension of the current contract until August 31. As to what happens after that, he said that it's hard to say at this point, but that it's possible they will get another extension of the contract so they can continue negotiations.

"I've asked the union to work with me for one year. We can certainly do a two-percent increase eventually, but we need to stabilize financially first," said Frazier.

A representative from CAPE took issue with Frazier's statement, saying that employees at BOSS have not received a pay raise since 2006. Christoper Graeber, who is CAPE's business representative, reportedly said that the only concession BOSS is offering is to give workers an extra day-off each year.

Graeber reportedly described the wage increases sought as "minimal," and expressed disappointment that Frazier is refusing "to bend at all."

You can read the full story in The Daily Californian.

Participate In The 2013 Nonprofit Salary And Benefits Survey -- Final Deadline!

Every year, The NonProfit Times and Bluewater Nonprofit Solutions publish the Nonprofit Salary and Benefits Reports. These in-depth studies help organizations to determine whether they are in line with similar organizations and to remain in compliance with the Internal Revenue Service. The data for these reports come from surveys of our readers and this week will be your last chance to add to the large amount of information we have already collected for our upcoming 2013 Salary and Benefits Reports.

We have have received tremendously valuable data already from participants who have completed the 2013 Nonprofit Salary and Benefits Survey, but there's always room for more! Those participants who complete their survey by August 31 will get a FREE Executive Summary of the Survey, with full salary data for all positions. Everyone who completes the survey will receive 50% off the full report ($285 currently). In addition, one lucky individual will be selected to win a Kindle Fire HD!

We know that your time is valuable so we have streamlined the survey so that it will be even quicker to complete. In addition, if you have previously completed the 2011 or 2012 surveys, you now have the ability to jump start the 2013 survey completion process–you only need to change the data that is different.

Other new features of the 2013 Survey include:

• The survey is now compatible with all major Internet browsers including Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer.
• We've made it easier and more intuitive to enter data. We've also added more prompts to guide users.

Head to our website today to start the survey and help all nonprofits. Remember, the deadline to complete it is in just four days!

11 Tips To Limit Fraud At Your Nonprofit

Unless someone develops a way to stop humans from having feelings of greed, nonprofit leaders are going to have to continue to be vigilant about fraud prevention. At a recent AICPA Not-for-Profit Industry Conference, the best ways to do this were discussed.

At the conference, Mitchell Lewis, David McRoberts and William Mellon said that while it is nearly impossible to stop fraud, there are ways to reduce the chances it will happen to you and to limit the damages if it does. They said that one of the main causes of fraud is a work environment where lack of oversight and too much trust are rampant.

With that in mind, Lewis, McRoberts, and Mellon offered five suggestions for organizations to practice:

• Fraud governance structure, including tone at the top, a zero tolerance policy, documented fraud policy statement and a code of ethical behavior.
• Regular education and training.
• A fraud tip line.
• Completion of a fraud assessment to identify fraud exposures and related events that require mitigation.
• An investigation and response reporting process.

In terms of specific anti-fraud controls, they suggested:

• Vendor bidding process;
• Completion of background and reference checks;
• Dual signatures and levels of approval;
• Segregation of duties;
• Mandatory vacations; and,
• Internal audits and use of Computer Assisted Audit Techniques (CAATs).

Featured Nonprofit Job: Consultant For Fundraising, Director Of Development

The American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM) Foundation, located in Chevy Chase, Md., is looking to hire a Consultant for Fundraising, Director of Development. Interested? Read on for more details.

The chosen candidate for this position will plan, develop, execute and manage a comprehensive marketing and development program that will meet the philanthropic needs of the organization. The Director of Development is responsible for all of The ABAM Foundation’s fund-raising operations and results.  The successful candidate must have the energy and ability to articulate the vision of the organization and to shape a philanthropy program that supports that vision.

An ability to successfully lead team members is also required, as the position will require you to supervise at least one part-time assistant.

The preferred qualifications applicants should have include:

• Minimum of 3 – 10 years’ experience ( or recent graduate from a university Development Program.
• B.S. or B.A. Degree.
• Demonstrated success in meeting fundraising goals.
• Experience in conducting annual fundraising and capital campaigns, and expediting planned giving. 
• Background of collaborating with physicians, medical education, health care systems, and grateful patients: useful but not necessary.
• Strong history of board and volunteer involvement.

You can find out more about this position by visiting the NPT Jobs Career Center.

Redesigned Resource Marketplace Now Online

The NonProfit Times' Online Resource Marketplace has long been a place where nonprofits can find great services to enhance their organization. With our just-launched redesign of the page, it will be even easier to find what you need.

The major change you will notice is that all of the resource categories have been organized into sections based on their area of focus. For example, the Online Fundraising category has been placed into the Fundraising Services section. Each of these sections can be easily browsed with a simple click of the mouse.

Sections will collapse into drop-down menus when clicked, allowing you to browse the relevant categories

One of the other changes you will see is largely cosmetic but is very important for clients who list their services on the Marketplace. Advertisers who have purchased a Gold or Silver listing with us will have their postings highlighted with the appropriate color, giving it extra recognition. For more information on the differences between a Gold, Silver, or Basic listing, contact Mary Ford at 973-401-0202 x206

A gold listing on the Online Resource Marketplace.

We hope that you enjoy the redesign of the Resource Marketplace. We are always open to feedback, so let us know if you have any suggestions or concerns.

Take Advantage Of Sizzling NPT Summer Savings

Update: There are just over four weeks left to take advantage of this deal. Place your order now before time runs out!

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There is a reason The NonProfit Times has been the leading publication for the nonprofit sector for over 20 years. Through insightful reporting of the latest news and trends in the world of nonprofits, this valuable resource has been used to keep organizations ahead of the curve.

If your organization does not already receive a copy of the magazine, now is your chance to take advantage of a new summer special on subscriptions. For a limited time only, you can subscribe to a full year of NPT in both print and digital forms for just $49.95 (usually $59.95) and, for no additional price, you will receive a copy of our 2013 Best Nonprofits to Work For report. Finally, all customers who take advantage of this offer will be signed up to get our companion NPT Weekly eNewsletter, which highlights the latest nonprofit news.

You can view a sample of NPT Weekly by clicking here.

This deal is only for the summer so take advantage of it before it's too late! The last day to place your order is September 15th.

Featured Nonprofit Job: Development Director

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) in Indianapolis, Ind., is looking to hire a Development Director. Interested? Read on for more details on this featured nonprofit job.

The chosen candidate for this position will be responsible for assisting the Regional Development Director in the implementation of action plans developed with the national office; reaches target for assigned area in raising funds to support the 37 member institutions and serves as an ambassador for UNCF.

Other duties include:

• Identify and recruit campaign leaders and Advisory Board members and create a formal campaign organization strategy.
• Establish and maintain liaison with volunteers.
• Develop and submit solicitation proposals; design, develop, and implement special fundraising events.
• Assist the Regional Development Director in establishing local campaign goals, including planning and implementing campaign strategies consistent with UNCF national action plans and policies.

Qualified applicants will have a Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least 5-7 years of fundraising experience. You can find more information about this job by visiting the NPT Jobs Career Center.

Thieves Return Stolen Computers To Nonprofit

When something is stolen from your home or place of work, the last thing you would expect is for it to be politely returned by the perpetrators. Yet that is exactly what happened to one nonprofit in California.

Just hours after six computers were stolen from the offices of San Bernardino County Sexual Assault Services on July 31, a local ABC affiliate reported that the burglars apparently had a change of heart: The computers were returned intact along with a handwritten note that said [sic]: "We had no idea what we were takeing. Here your stuff back. We hope that you guys can continue to make a difference in people's lives. God Bless."

"I don't know what to feel," Executive Director Candy Stallings told KABC. "One minute I'm devastated, and the next minute I just thought, 'Wow, this is just incredible.'" Stallings plans to frame the note left by the burglars to "tell each and everyone one of the staff here that do this work that you never know when you're going to touch somebody."

Police said that the thieves were able to bypass the organization's security systems by clipping phone wires and alarm cables. They were then able to enter the office through a crawlspace.

Though Stallings will be able to breathe a sigh of relief with their computers now returned, the nonprofit will still be out $5,000 because of the damages caused by the burglars. Individuals interested in donating should e-mail candyir@aol.com or call 909-855-8884.

You can read the full story on KABC's website.

Featured Nonprofit Job: Chief Financial Officer

EMQ FamiliesFirst, located in Los Gatos, Calif., is looking to hire a Chief Financial Officer. Do you think you have what it takes to succeed in this demanding position? Read on for further details.

The chosen candidate for this position will be responsible for all financial aspects of the organization. Specifically, he/she will have the following daily tasks:

• Plans, organizes, directs and controls the financial activities of the agency.
• Recommends financial policies and actions to be considered by key managers.
•  Establishes directly or indirectly through management, short-term and long-term strategic financial planning.
• Directs the organization’s relationship with lending institutions, contracting agencies, and the financial community.
• Directs, administers, and coordinates the fiscal activities of the organization in support of policies, goals, and objectives established by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Board of Directors.

Qualified applicants will have a Bachelor's degree in finance or a related field and at least 10 years of executive management experience. Preferred qualifications include:

• Master's degree in finance or related field.
• Previous experience managing diverse geographical operations.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
• Medicare and MediCal experience or like California MediCal (other similar states)  experience preferred.

Head to the NPT Jobs Career Center for more information, including application instructions.

Nonprofit To Oversee Broadband Network

The city councils of two Central Illinois towns have approved a measure that would create a private nonprofit to oversee a large broadband network running through both locations.

The Urbana-Champaign Big Broadband network (UC2B) was created by the towns of Urbana and Champaign to boost Internet access in low-income areas, but there were concerns over government control of the network. That's why, according to a report in The News Gazette, both city councils passed the bill to have it run by a nonprofit.

Before it could pass, however, several key changes had to be made to the bill. This includes a requirement that the nonprofit submit an annual report to the cities and that the network's high, self-imposed standards for procuring minority contractors be maintained. Another key provision, which was critical to gain the support of Urbana Alderman Charlie Smyth, was to allow attendees of the organization's board meeting to provide their input.

The board will not have to follow Illinois' Open Meetings Act, which has strict requirements for advance public notification of meetings and the accessibility of meetings. Council members in Urbana and Champaign believed those requirements would hurt the board's efficiency.

The UC2B network, which cost $30 million to create, is currently being funded by a federal grant created in 2010. That grant expires on Sept. 30 and at that time, much of the expenses will fall on the shoulders of local governments. City officials are confident that it will only need support from the cities for the first six months, just to get it off the ground.

The nonprofit overseeing UC2B, which has not yet been given a name, will be governed by a nine-member board, and the cities of Champaign and Urbana and the University of Illinois will each appoint three members to that board.

You can read the full story in The News Gazette.