United Way Worldwide, in an effort to reverse the trend of students dropping out of schools, is launching an effort to recruit 1 million volunteer tutors and role models. What is the crisis, exactly? Well, according to recent studies, 7,000 students in the United States decide to drop out of school every day – that’s 1.2 million students each year. And, a poll of American adults shows that some 29 percent are concerned that their children will drop out. So you can see why some actuon is needed.
United Way’s plan is part of a larger national project and report called “Voices for the Common Good: America Speaks Out on Education.” The plan was unveiled at a star-studded event moderated by CNN’s Soledad O’Brien. At the event, United Way CEO Brian Gallagher said that there are few issues as important as a debate on education in America. Yet it appears that most American's voices are not being heard on this issue. The hope is that this plan by United Way will help draw more attention to the problem and, as a reslt, focus more debate on it.
The recruiting for the 1 million volunteers is to begin immediately, and will be handled by United Way Women’s Leadership Council.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
New Episode of The Nonprofit Times TV is Up
We just uploaded the latest webcast of The Nonprofit Times TV. Here are the stories included this week:
- "1 Million Volunteers Needed"
- "Oregon Wants to Control Nonprofit Spending"
- "Nonprofits Pay Rahm's Transition Bill"
- "Material Girl Might be Out of Material"
- "Mycharity: Water Flush From Social Networking"
As always, we will have summaries of each of these stories up real soon.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Win a Chance to be Featured in The NonProfit Times' Newsletters
Now is a chance to get your organization out to an even wider audience. It's simple, over the next month (so ending on about May 5th), we want you to respond to this post on our Facebook page with the craziest fundraising ideas you have come up with. Tell us the details of the idea, whether it worked, and what you learned from it.
Every week, The NonProfit Times' staff will pick one of these ideas and include it in one of our weekly newsletters that reach over 75,000 subscribers. We will also include a link back to your website, so be sure to include that as well! Good luck!
Every week, The NonProfit Times' staff will pick one of these ideas and include it in one of our weekly newsletters that reach over 75,000 subscribers. We will also include a link back to your website, so be sure to include that as well! Good luck!
Nonprofit to Start Investigative Journalism Site
According to this blog post from The New York Times, The Center for Public Integrity is planning to launch an investigative journalism web site on April 12th. The site, called iWatch News, will be updated every day with 10 to 12 articles as well as content from other sources. The site will focus on a wide variety of topics, including politics, money, government accountability, national security, and more.
The content for iWatch News will be mainly written by The Center's 37 writers and editors, but they will also be working with the Investigative News Network and the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.
The site will be free, but have ads. If users do not want to see these ads, they will have the option to subscribe to a version of the site on tablets and smartphones that have no ads, but this version will cost $50 a month.
“We want to be a model to show journalism, if it’s good, it can be paid for,” said William E. Buzenberg, the executive director of the center. “Clearly we need some earned revenue.”
The Center for Public Integrity is a non-partisan nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC. It was already well known for it's investigative content, so iWatch News will only help further cement the organization's reputation in this field, assuming the site is a success.
Read more about iWatch News at The New York Times Blog.
The content for iWatch News will be mainly written by The Center's 37 writers and editors, but they will also be working with the Investigative News Network and the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.
The site will be free, but have ads. If users do not want to see these ads, they will have the option to subscribe to a version of the site on tablets and smartphones that have no ads, but this version will cost $50 a month.
“We want to be a model to show journalism, if it’s good, it can be paid for,” said William E. Buzenberg, the executive director of the center. “Clearly we need some earned revenue.”
The Center for Public Integrity is a non-partisan nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC. It was already well known for it's investigative content, so iWatch News will only help further cement the organization's reputation in this field, assuming the site is a success.
Read more about iWatch News at The New York Times Blog.
Monday, April 4, 2011
The NonProfit Times Announces New Subscription Pricing
The Nonprofit Times, the leading publication for nonprofit organizations, has announced a new pricing options to subscribe to the print and digital editions of their publication. Depending on which option you choose, the annual price for a subscription will be $19.95 to $111.95. The breakdown in pricing is as follows:
-Subscribe to the print edition of The NonProfit Times for one year for $49.95. A two year subscription is $79.99, and a three year plan is $99.99
-Get the digital edition for one year for $19.95. A two year subscription is $29.95, and a three year plan is $39.95
-Get both a print and digital subscription for one year for $59.95. A two year subscription is $99.95, and a three year plan is $111.95
Whichever option you choose, you will be getting all the news and information The NonProfit Times provides for a very low price. Each issue touches subjects that affect every nonprofit organization, such as current nonprofit news, business tips, and the latest nonprofit jobs. Subscribe today at http://shop.nptimes.com/subscription-thenonprofittimes.aspx.
-Subscribe to the print edition of The NonProfit Times for one year for $49.95. A two year subscription is $79.99, and a three year plan is $99.99
-Get the digital edition for one year for $19.95. A two year subscription is $29.95, and a three year plan is $39.95
-Get both a print and digital subscription for one year for $59.95. A two year subscription is $99.95, and a three year plan is $111.95
Whichever option you choose, you will be getting all the news and information The NonProfit Times provides for a very low price. Each issue touches subjects that affect every nonprofit organization, such as current nonprofit news, business tips, and the latest nonprofit jobs. Subscribe today at http://shop.nptimes.com/subscription-thenonprofittimes.aspx.
Bring Donors Out
Below is an excerpt from a great op-ed piece from The New York Times about donors; specifically how organizations are now going to be able to conceal their donors thanks to the Citizens United Supreme Court case.
THE billionaire industrialist brothers Charles and David Koch have drawn sharp criticism for their extensive giving to libertarian causes. Though some of their organizational ties are public, many are unknown, thanks to a provision in the tax code that allows the Koch brothers and other donors, on both the left and the right, to conceal the recipients of their largess, even as they get to write it off on their taxes.
Fortunately, there is a solution to this problem: require all nonprofit organizations that engage in political advocacy to reveal their donors.
True, individuals must disclose on their tax returns the details of large gifts to charitable organizations, known as 501(c)3 groups from the section of the tax code governing them. But this information is kept private by the Internal Revenue Service. While gifts given directly through foundations must be made public, the wealthy can give without leaving fingerprints by routing money through “donor-advised funds” sponsored by 501(c)3 groups — which don’t have to publicly name their donors.
And, thanks to the Supreme Court decision in the Citizens United case, things are getting even worse. That decision now allows organizations that can engage in overt partisan work, called 501(c)4 groups, to take unlimited corporate money — again, without revealing their donors.
Read the rest of the article at The New York Times.
THE billionaire industrialist brothers Charles and David Koch have drawn sharp criticism for their extensive giving to libertarian causes. Though some of their organizational ties are public, many are unknown, thanks to a provision in the tax code that allows the Koch brothers and other donors, on both the left and the right, to conceal the recipients of their largess, even as they get to write it off on their taxes.
Fortunately, there is a solution to this problem: require all nonprofit organizations that engage in political advocacy to reveal their donors.
True, individuals must disclose on their tax returns the details of large gifts to charitable organizations, known as 501(c)3 groups from the section of the tax code governing them. But this information is kept private by the Internal Revenue Service. While gifts given directly through foundations must be made public, the wealthy can give without leaving fingerprints by routing money through “donor-advised funds” sponsored by 501(c)3 groups — which don’t have to publicly name their donors.
And, thanks to the Supreme Court decision in the Citizens United case, things are getting even worse. That decision now allows organizations that can engage in overt partisan work, called 501(c)4 groups, to take unlimited corporate money — again, without revealing their donors.
Read the rest of the article at The New York Times.
Top Oklahoma Nonprofit for 2011 is Cowboy Museum
The fourth annual Oklahoma Nonprofit Excellence Awards came and went and when the dust settled, a new winner emerged: The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. The popular museum was named the overall winner, and was given a $10,000 prize at the banquet gala in Tulsa, OK.
The Cowboy Museum was not the only nonprofit to win some cash, however. In total, there were nine award categories, and the two finalists in each category received $5,000 each. Here are the finalists for these categories (thanks to NewsOK for the list):
• Sports and recreation: Shiloh Camp in Oklahoma City. Finalists were Schools for Healthy Lifestyles in Oklahoma City and YMCA of Greater Tulsa.
• Education: Gloria Ainsworth Child Care and Learning Center in Ardmore. Finalists were Leadership Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Arts Institute.
• Seniors: LIFE Senior Services in Tulsa. Finalists were Rebuilding Together Oklahoma City and the Health Services Foundation’s Providence Place Assisted Living Center in Woodward.
• Arts and humanities: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Finalists were the Art on the Square Association in Mangum and the Black Liberated Arts Center in Oklahoma City.
• Community health services: Counseling and Recovery Services of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Finalists were the Center of Family Love in Okarche and Health for Friends in Norman.
• Health services: St. Anthony Hospital’s Behavioral Medicine Center in Oklahoma City. Finalists were the Children’s Hospital Foundation in Oklahoma City and the Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa.
• Youth development: Tulsa Boys’ Home. Finalists were Youth Services for Oklahoma County and Multi-County Youth Services in Clinton.
• Self-sufficiency: Stand in the Gap Ministries in Tulsa. Finalists were the Altus Armed Services YMCA and the Resonance Center for Women in Tulsa.
• Community: Rebuilding Together Tulsa. Finalists were the Latino Community Development Agency in Oklahoma City and Neighbor for Neighbor in Tulsa.
The Cowboy Museum was not the only nonprofit to win some cash, however. In total, there were nine award categories, and the two finalists in each category received $5,000 each. Here are the finalists for these categories (thanks to NewsOK for the list):
• Sports and recreation: Shiloh Camp in Oklahoma City. Finalists were Schools for Healthy Lifestyles in Oklahoma City and YMCA of Greater Tulsa.
• Education: Gloria Ainsworth Child Care and Learning Center in Ardmore. Finalists were Leadership Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Arts Institute.
• Seniors: LIFE Senior Services in Tulsa. Finalists were Rebuilding Together Oklahoma City and the Health Services Foundation’s Providence Place Assisted Living Center in Woodward.
• Arts and humanities: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Finalists were the Art on the Square Association in Mangum and the Black Liberated Arts Center in Oklahoma City.
• Community health services: Counseling and Recovery Services of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Finalists were the Center of Family Love in Okarche and Health for Friends in Norman.
• Health services: St. Anthony Hospital’s Behavioral Medicine Center in Oklahoma City. Finalists were the Children’s Hospital Foundation in Oklahoma City and the Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa.
• Youth development: Tulsa Boys’ Home. Finalists were Youth Services for Oklahoma County and Multi-County Youth Services in Clinton.
• Self-sufficiency: Stand in the Gap Ministries in Tulsa. Finalists were the Altus Armed Services YMCA and the Resonance Center for Women in Tulsa.
• Community: Rebuilding Together Tulsa. Finalists were the Latino Community Development Agency in Oklahoma City and Neighbor for Neighbor in Tulsa.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Maryland Nonprofit Consumer Group Gives Progress Report on Energy
Although energy efficent programs have been put into place in Maryland during the past two years, a local Nonprofit Consumer Group still says the state may miss its 2015 energy savings target. The group, Maryland PIRG Foundation, released the findings in their report Thursday at an energy efficient house in Myersville, MD.
The report says that by the end of 2010, utility energy savings were on track to meet 46% of the state's 2015 goal, although this is estimated to cost consumers about $1.4 billion. Over the long run, however, consumers will save about $60 million per year because of these efficency measures, and this number could swell to $900 million over the lifetime of the measures.
On the negative side, however, the report is critical of the Maryland Public Service Commission, which the nonprofit says delayed implementation of 2008's EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act because of "unclear program guidelines and a drawn-out approval process." The commission has also not yet made a system to evaluate utility programs in a timely manner, which Maryland PIRG says is essential to hold utility companies responsible if they don't meet their goals.
You can read more about Maryland PIRG's energy report at iStock Analyst.
The report says that by the end of 2010, utility energy savings were on track to meet 46% of the state's 2015 goal, although this is estimated to cost consumers about $1.4 billion. Over the long run, however, consumers will save about $60 million per year because of these efficency measures, and this number could swell to $900 million over the lifetime of the measures.
On the negative side, however, the report is critical of the Maryland Public Service Commission, which the nonprofit says delayed implementation of 2008's EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act because of "unclear program guidelines and a drawn-out approval process." The commission has also not yet made a system to evaluate utility programs in a timely manner, which Maryland PIRG says is essential to hold utility companies responsible if they don't meet their goals.
You can read more about Maryland PIRG's energy report at iStock Analyst.
Notre Dame to Hold Nonprofit Networking Event
The University of Notre Dame will be holding a nonprofit career event on April 5th, so if you are interested in learning more about nonprofit jobs, then you should head to this event if you live in the area. The program, called “Making a Living Making a Difference," will be held in Geddes Hall from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, and it will give students and locals the chance to learn what it takes to work in the not-for-profit-sector
Speakers at the program include Notre Dame alumni Bill and Nancy Jordan, who will present the keynote speech: "Sustainability in a World of Energy and Food Poverty." The Jordans are co-founders of Let’s Share the Sun Foundation, which is dedicated to installing solar energy technology in some of the poorest parts of the world in order to enhance the quality of life in those communities.
After the keynote speech, there will be an Informational Fair at 7:30 PM in the Geddes Hall coffee house meeting area, which will allow attendees to learn about potential nonprofit internships and careers (with both local and national nonprofit organizations).
Interested? Read about more about the event at Thriving In Michiana, and be sure to read more about nonprofit careers at our Jobs Blog.
Speakers at the program include Notre Dame alumni Bill and Nancy Jordan, who will present the keynote speech: "Sustainability in a World of Energy and Food Poverty." The Jordans are co-founders of Let’s Share the Sun Foundation, which is dedicated to installing solar energy technology in some of the poorest parts of the world in order to enhance the quality of life in those communities.
After the keynote speech, there will be an Informational Fair at 7:30 PM in the Geddes Hall coffee house meeting area, which will allow attendees to learn about potential nonprofit internships and careers (with both local and national nonprofit organizations).
Interested? Read about more about the event at Thriving In Michiana, and be sure to read more about nonprofit careers at our Jobs Blog.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Clarksville's Nonprofit Funding Problems
The way the Clarksville, TN City Council handles nonprofit funding is being put under some major changes--though when that will happen is anybody's guess.
As with any chage in governance practices, a new committee has been formed to figure out how the city will handle future funding of Clarksville nonprofits. So why does there even need to be any changes? Well, according to the Clarksville Leaf Chronicle, this subject has been a difficult one for the city during the last two years. In 2010, for example, members of the City Council were frustrated with why they were being asked to fund only certain nonprofits, while leaving others out. Members also were skeptical if the money they were doling out was going to worthy causes.
During the new committee's initial meeting on Wednesday, it was agreed that a small pecentage of the city's budget would go to non-profits each year. This is not much differet than previous plans, but this time there is discussion about dividing funding into set percentages for specific charitable functions, such as help for the poor or arts. The committee's leader, Ward 8 Councilman David Allen, hopes that this move would help mak more competition funding, rather than allowing a small group of nonprofits dominating each year.
Read more about the non-profit funding battle at the Clarksvile Leaf Chronicle.
As with any chage in governance practices, a new committee has been formed to figure out how the city will handle future funding of Clarksville nonprofits. So why does there even need to be any changes? Well, according to the Clarksville Leaf Chronicle, this subject has been a difficult one for the city during the last two years. In 2010, for example, members of the City Council were frustrated with why they were being asked to fund only certain nonprofits, while leaving others out. Members also were skeptical if the money they were doling out was going to worthy causes.
During the new committee's initial meeting on Wednesday, it was agreed that a small pecentage of the city's budget would go to non-profits each year. This is not much differet than previous plans, but this time there is discussion about dividing funding into set percentages for specific charitable functions, such as help for the poor or arts. The committee's leader, Ward 8 Councilman David Allen, hopes that this move would help mak more competition funding, rather than allowing a small group of nonprofits dominating each year.
Read more about the non-profit funding battle at the Clarksvile Leaf Chronicle.
Online Wine Auction to Benefit Napa County Nonprofits
And who said wine couldn't help nonprofits?
An online auction, known as Napa Valley 360, was recently launched to sell Napa Valley Wine and experiences to bidders who are willing to shell out some cash. And where is all that cash going to go? Well, it is going to benefit four nonprofits in Napa County: the St. Helena Family Center, the Calistoga Family Center, Family Service of Napa Valley, and Cope Family Center. All of these organizations have provided services for the needy, yet the demand for their services have soared by nearly 50% during the past year. Because of this, these nonprofit are in desperate need for funds so that they can continue to run; hence the need for Napa Valley 360.
Obviously, the main attraction of this auction will be the fine wines available, including a mixed case of St. Helena Appelation wines, Cabernets, and a special Chardonnay produced by a fifth generation Napa Valley family. However, there are some other unique items available in the auction, such as a Chefs Table dinner for four at La Toque, a flight for two above Napa Valley, a boat ride, and much more. Interested in this auction? Read more about it at The Napa Valley Register or visit Napa Valley 360.
An online auction, known as Napa Valley 360, was recently launched to sell Napa Valley Wine and experiences to bidders who are willing to shell out some cash. And where is all that cash going to go? Well, it is going to benefit four nonprofits in Napa County: the St. Helena Family Center, the Calistoga Family Center, Family Service of Napa Valley, and Cope Family Center. All of these organizations have provided services for the needy, yet the demand for their services have soared by nearly 50% during the past year. Because of this, these nonprofit are in desperate need for funds so that they can continue to run; hence the need for Napa Valley 360.
Obviously, the main attraction of this auction will be the fine wines available, including a mixed case of St. Helena Appelation wines, Cabernets, and a special Chardonnay produced by a fifth generation Napa Valley family. However, there are some other unique items available in the auction, such as a Chefs Table dinner for four at La Toque, a flight for two above Napa Valley, a boat ride, and much more. Interested in this auction? Read more about it at The Napa Valley Register or visit Napa Valley 360.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Feature Nonproft Jobs Press Release
Here is a recent press release we put out about The Nonprofit Jobseeker...
The NonProfit Times, the leading publication for nonprofit organizations, wants employers to know about an exciting feature on The NonProfit Job Seeker (the publication's online destination for non-profit jobs) that they can use to highlight new jobs at their organizations: Featured Jobs. Once you apply one of the Featured Job options to one of your open positions, that job will be listed on The NonProfit Job Seeker's main page, and will be highlighted in yellow in the search results. This will guarantee that your job is seen by the the industry’s most sought-after talent: passive job seekers.
Passive job seekers are more highly sought after by companies, because this type of worker represents a larger portion of the workforce (83%, according to a recent survey by Yahoo!). Passives are constantly browsing the web for high quality nonprofit positions; but they aren't going to spend hours browsing through the site, they are going to want to know which jobs are the best to apply to. By using Featured Jobs, your company will have a higher chance of attracting these talented workers.
There are two options for Featured Jobs: a 30-day posting at $100, or a 60-day posting at $130. The only difference between these two options are the length of time and the price, so you will be getting the same great service no matter which length of time you choose. For more information on Featured Jobs and The Nonprofit Jobseeker, visit http://www.nonprofitjobseeker.com.
About The NonProfit Times: Founded in 1989, The NonProfit Times is one of the leading publications on the nonprofit sector in the United States. The latest issue can always be viewed online at http://www.nptimes.com
The NonProfit Times, the leading publication for nonprofit organizations, wants employers to know about an exciting feature on The NonProfit Job Seeker (the publication's online destination for non-profit jobs) that they can use to highlight new jobs at their organizations: Featured Jobs. Once you apply one of the Featured Job options to one of your open positions, that job will be listed on The NonProfit Job Seeker's main page, and will be highlighted in yellow in the search results. This will guarantee that your job is seen by the the industry’s most sought-after talent: passive job seekers.
Passive job seekers are more highly sought after by companies, because this type of worker represents a larger portion of the workforce (83%, according to a recent survey by Yahoo!). Passives are constantly browsing the web for high quality nonprofit positions; but they aren't going to spend hours browsing through the site, they are going to want to know which jobs are the best to apply to. By using Featured Jobs, your company will have a higher chance of attracting these talented workers.
There are two options for Featured Jobs: a 30-day posting at $100, or a 60-day posting at $130. The only difference between these two options are the length of time and the price, so you will be getting the same great service no matter which length of time you choose. For more information on Featured Jobs and The Nonprofit Jobseeker, visit http://www.nonprofitjobseeker.com.
About The NonProfit Times: Founded in 1989, The NonProfit Times is one of the leading publications on the nonprofit sector in the United States. The latest issue can always be viewed online at http://www.nptimes.com
Former Director of Kingman Nonproft Agency Gets Probation
Jeanne Mae Caisse, former director of The Kingman Resource Center, was sentenced to probation after pleading guilty to one count of felony theft earlier this morning. Caisse had been accused of stealing more than $7,000 from the nonprofit organization, which provides services for low-income families; it is funded by other charities in the New York.
Caisse, who was first arrested at Kingman's board meeting last Spring, is just another nonprofit manager who as run into legal trouble lately. Earlier, we wrote about how Robert Jones, former CEO of the National Center for the Employment of the Disabled, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for fraud in government contracts. We also wrote about Sheila Kitchens, a nonprofit bookkeeper who was sentenced to three years in jail for computer theft and first-degree forgery. And of course, there has been legal issues in the past year or so with Larry Jones, former head of Feed the Children. So when it comes to non profit managers and CEOs, March continues to be an unkind month.
Read the full article on Jeanne Mae Caisse at The Times Union.
Caisse, who was first arrested at Kingman's board meeting last Spring, is just another nonprofit manager who as run into legal trouble lately. Earlier, we wrote about how Robert Jones, former CEO of the National Center for the Employment of the Disabled, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for fraud in government contracts. We also wrote about Sheila Kitchens, a nonprofit bookkeeper who was sentenced to three years in jail for computer theft and first-degree forgery. And of course, there has been legal issues in the past year or so with Larry Jones, former head of Feed the Children. So when it comes to non profit managers and CEOs, March continues to be an unkind month.
Read the full article on Jeanne Mae Caisse at The Times Union.
Quick Note-Squidoo
Ever heard of Squidoo? It's a neat little site that allows users to create "lenses," which are basically pages devoted to a specific topic. So why do we mention this? Well, we just set up our own Squidoo page, dedicted to Nonprofi Jobs. It's sort of meant to be a companion page to our Nonprofit Jobs Blog, and it will be updated everday with job tips, links to useful articles/videos about non-profit careers, and more. Check it out, and be sure to "like" it!
Saginaw Valley State to Offer Nonprofit Management Certificate
Looks like another school is getting on the nonprofit management bandwagon. I posted earlier that the University of Hawaii was going to offer a certificate in nonprofit management; well, now it looks like Saginaw Valley State is planning to do the same thing.
Anyone who is interested in taking the program, which starts June 1st, can start sending in applications today at the University's official website. The program, which is made possible by the United Way of Saginaw, is designed for upper level employees at nonprofit organizations. It looks like this certificate will help these individuals get through the often tricky world of non profit management by offering courses that cover the following areas:
Anyone who is interested in taking the program, which starts June 1st, can start sending in applications today at the University's official website. The program, which is made possible by the United Way of Saginaw, is designed for upper level employees at nonprofit organizations. It looks like this certificate will help these individuals get through the often tricky world of non profit management by offering courses that cover the following areas:
- Leadership
- Evaluation
- Governance
- Financial management
- Information technology
- Fund development
- Human resources
Hope Chidren's Home: Insight on a Florida Nonprofit
Carrollwood Patch has just put up a pretty insightful interview with Jason Roberts, outreach coordinator for Hope Children's Home, a nonprofit in Carrollwood. The organization, which was founded in 1968, offers residence to about 65 children who have been abused or have gone through other terrible life incidents. Roberts says that while it may not be possible to replace traditional homes for children, he believes that it's the next best things for them.
So right now, you may be thinking this just sounds like a foster home; what, exactly makes it different? Well for one thing, Hope Children's Home places a big emphasis on siblings. This means that unlike most foster homes, brother/sisters are not split up. Another big difference? They do not take any state or federal money which means, as Roberts says, they "are not a burden on the tax payers." They are able to stay afloat, like most nonprofits, with the help of donations from locals.
And now for a little history lesson: as I mentioned, Hope Children's Home was founded in 1968 by Dr. Ron Schaffer and Lindy McGowan after they saw how many children were being abandoned and neglected in their area. Children at the Home are taught to be reliant on the teachings of Jesus Christ, and are given the care and loving they were always denied.
Interested in donating to Hope Children's Home? Visit their website and be sure to read the full interview with Jason Roberts at Patch.
So right now, you may be thinking this just sounds like a foster home; what, exactly makes it different? Well for one thing, Hope Children's Home places a big emphasis on siblings. This means that unlike most foster homes, brother/sisters are not split up. Another big difference? They do not take any state or federal money which means, as Roberts says, they "are not a burden on the tax payers." They are able to stay afloat, like most nonprofits, with the help of donations from locals.
And now for a little history lesson: as I mentioned, Hope Children's Home was founded in 1968 by Dr. Ron Schaffer and Lindy McGowan after they saw how many children were being abandoned and neglected in their area. Children at the Home are taught to be reliant on the teachings of Jesus Christ, and are given the care and loving they were always denied.
Interested in donating to Hope Children's Home? Visit their website and be sure to read the full interview with Jason Roberts at Patch.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Local Resident Tapped to Lead Virginia-Highlands Nonprofit
According to a recent report from Virginia-Highland Patch, the Clear Air Campaign has hired a local resident as an Employer Services Manager. The resident, Tom Tomaka, will be working with Georgia-based companies to build more commuter and rideshare programs. In fact, that is one of the main goals of the Clear Air Campaign: to help commuters find travel alternatives so that there is less traffic congestion and overall better air quality. Already, the nonprofit organization works with over 1,600 companies to help achieve this goal, so Tomaka will be in charge of growing this number even further.
Want to read more about this story? Head on over to Virginia-Highland Patch.
Want to read more about this story? Head on over to Virginia-Highland Patch.
The Nonprofit Job Search: A New Resource
It's been up for a few weeks now, but we wanted to let our readers know about a blog that The NonProfit Times launched called Nonprofit Jobs. As the title might suggest, this is a blog dedicated to helping job seekers fufill their goal of getting into the nonprofit sector. It contains helpful articles about how to conquer some of the more difficult aspects of the nonprofit job search, as well as links to other expert opinions on the subject.
Be sure to check it out everyday; a new article is posted every weekday!
Be sure to check it out everyday; a new article is posted every weekday!
Modesto Non-Profit Needs Volunteers
This is a fairly quick post, but it's also a very important one if you live in the Modesto, CA area. Inter-Faith Ministries, a California nonprofit organization that helps people in need, is in need of volunteers for their various food and clothing donation drive. If you are interested in doing some non profit volunteer work, you should go to their headquarters on April 16th for a volunteer orientation.
In other Inter-Faith Ministries news, the organization will be holding a sale from April 8-9, and needs donations of clothes and furniture. Items can be donated to the organization Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Also, Inter-Faith has begun a milk and education program for families with children ages 5 to 18. Interested? There will be an informational meeting on April 4, also held at Inter-Faith's headquarters, which is at 120 Kerr Ave. For more information read the full article from the Sacramento Bee.
In other Inter-Faith Ministries news, the organization will be holding a sale from April 8-9, and needs donations of clothes and furniture. Items can be donated to the organization Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Also, Inter-Faith has begun a milk and education program for families with children ages 5 to 18. Interested? There will be an informational meeting on April 4, also held at Inter-Faith's headquarters, which is at 120 Kerr Ave. For more information read the full article from the Sacramento Bee.
Monday, March 28, 2011
More About Nonprofits and the Recession
The other day, we posted a story about how the recession impacted nonprofits. Today, we wanted to follow up on that story a little bit. Over the weekend, The Charleston Post Courier posted a story about some local nonprofits that have either succeeded or faltered during the Great Recession. It's a pretty fascinating read, to say the least.
The story starts with information about Florence Crittenton Programs, an NPO dedicated to helping poor mothers in South Carolina. The director there, Lisa Belton, had to start working for 30% less than the previous director made because donations were fading because of the country's economic plight. As she explains, she made a personal sacrifice to help an organization she cares so deeply for.
Yet the story provides an interesting contrast by describing how Goodwill Industries of Lower South Carolina fared. Located just a few miles from Florence Crittenton, this nonprofit organization was on the opposite end of the spectrum. During the same period that saw Forence Crittenton Programs suffer, Good Will Industries flourished, posting double-digit revenue increases. In fact, the organization did so well that in 2009, it gave its president a $31,375 bonus in addition to the $228,417 he already made annually.
Thus was the story of South Carolina Non-profits (and, really, nonprofits all across the country). As donors started saving their money instead of donating, organizations had to do more with little. Some agencies, like Goodwill, managed to harness this better; and some, like Florence Crittenton, did not. This is not a judgement on either of these organizations, though it probably was a little easier for Goodwill with its large network. At the same time, however, a local South Carolina food bank, Lowcountry Food Bank, was able to succeed in this environment as well. By spreading their message of how food was a priority, this NPO was able to raise a lot of money; their revenue rose by nearly $23 million (or 45%) from 2007 and continued during the worst of the recession.
This story is a great read on how differnet NPOs managed to survive (or struggle) through one of the worst economic downturns this country has experienced, and we at The NonProfit Times recommend you read this story in its entirety.
The story starts with information about Florence Crittenton Programs, an NPO dedicated to helping poor mothers in South Carolina. The director there, Lisa Belton, had to start working for 30% less than the previous director made because donations were fading because of the country's economic plight. As she explains, she made a personal sacrifice to help an organization she cares so deeply for.
Yet the story provides an interesting contrast by describing how Goodwill Industries of Lower South Carolina fared. Located just a few miles from Florence Crittenton, this nonprofit organization was on the opposite end of the spectrum. During the same period that saw Forence Crittenton Programs suffer, Good Will Industries flourished, posting double-digit revenue increases. In fact, the organization did so well that in 2009, it gave its president a $31,375 bonus in addition to the $228,417 he already made annually.
Thus was the story of South Carolina Non-profits (and, really, nonprofits all across the country). As donors started saving their money instead of donating, organizations had to do more with little. Some agencies, like Goodwill, managed to harness this better; and some, like Florence Crittenton, did not. This is not a judgement on either of these organizations, though it probably was a little easier for Goodwill with its large network. At the same time, however, a local South Carolina food bank, Lowcountry Food Bank, was able to succeed in this environment as well. By spreading their message of how food was a priority, this NPO was able to raise a lot of money; their revenue rose by nearly $23 million (or 45%) from 2007 and continued during the worst of the recession.
This story is a great read on how differnet NPOs managed to survive (or struggle) through one of the worst economic downturns this country has experienced, and we at The NonProfit Times recommend you read this story in its entirety.
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