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Nonprofit Portal Digest
January 2009

IN THIS ISSUE

MANAGING IN A CHALLENGING ECONOMY
PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE
RESEARCH & PUBLICATIONS
OPPORTUNITIES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
SAVE THE DATE!
TRAINING AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
JOBS THAT SERVE
SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS

MANAGING IN A CHALLENGING ECONOMY

Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee Offers Free Series on Challenges Facing the Nonprofit Sector
Programs in January include “Economic Challenges and Volunteerism” on January 15 and “Exploring Collaboration as a Response to the Economic Crisis” on January 27.  Each program runs from 8:30-10:00 a.m.

National Organizations Gear Up to Provide Ongoing Information and Research Advisories on the Impact of the Economy on Nonprofits

Nonprofit Management

The Bridgespan Group: Managing in Tough Times
This collection of resources includes results of a recent survey of 100 nonprofit leaders to understand how they are being affected by the downturn and the approaches they are taking to address the challenges ahead.

National Council of Nonprofits Economic Vitality Center
Formerly the National Center for Nonprofit Associations, the National Council of Nonprofits has devoted a special section on its website to a resource center for nonprofits coping with the economy.  Sections include basic facts and analysis, impact on nonprofits, action steps and gratitude for grantmakers.

Charitable Giving

Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University (COP)
COP’s most recent research publication is a December 2008 Briefing on the Economy and Charitable Giving.

Foundation Center:  Focus on the Economic Crisis
The Foundation’s most recent research advisory addresses the question, “Do foundation giving priorities change in times of economic distress?

News and Dialogue

The Chronicle of Philanthropy offers a guide for managing charities through a recession. In addition, every Tuesday the Chronicle hosts online discussions on a variety of topics, featuring national experts.  Even non-subscribers can participate in the discussions or read the archives.  The last discussion was Outlook 2009:  What the Recession Will Mean for Your Organization.

For a thoughtful and critical look at nonprofit collaboration, view the Chronicle's transcript of the December 16 discussion, Mergers and Alliances:  Should More Charities Consolidate Operations?

PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE

January 2009 Public Policy Update from the Wisconsin Nonprofits Association
The Wisconsin Nonprofits Association (WNA) tracks state and federal public policy that impacts Wisconsin nonprofit organizations. This public policy update provides news on legislative activity, public policy work of organizations around the nation, and WNA's advocacy work on behalf of Wisconsin nonprofits.

RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS

February 4: Helen Bader Institute Nonprofit Research Colloquium
"The Role of Rating Agencies in the Market for Charitable Contributions: An Empirical Test," is the topic of a presentation by Dan Neely, UWM Assistant Professor of Accounting, on February 4 from 12-1:30 p.m. on the UWM campus.

New from the Urban Institute:  Nonprofits and Business, edited by Joseph J. Cordes and C. Eugene Steuerle
In this age of high-profile corporate foundations and socially responsible companies, the barrier between the nonprofit and business worlds is more permeable than ever.  Nonprofits and Business assembles diverse researchers to examine nonprofits from commercial, economic, operational, and legal perspectives.  As the government and the public demand more efficiency from nonprofits, nonprofits look to corporations to find ways to raise money and demonstrate effectiveness.  Nonprofits and Business is a unique resource on this emerging trend. 

OPPORTUNITIES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Marquette University Law School Program Provides Pro Bono Legal Services to Nonprofits
The Milwaukee Legal Initiative for Nonprofit Corporations [M-LINC] is the only source of its kind in the state, connecting attorneys and law students willing to donate their time and expertise with charities unable to afford legal help.  For more information contact M-LINC at (414) 288-6331 or at (888) 530-5462.

January 27:  HireAbility:  Creating an Inclusive Workplace
Michael Roush, Program Associate with the National Disability Institute in Washington, DC, is the featured presenter at this morning workshop sponsored by the Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee in collaboration with the Milwaukee Center for Independence. 

Combined Federal Campaign to Accept Applications
Beginning March 5, the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) of Greater Wisconsin is accepting applications for charitable organizations to participate in the 2009 campaign. The deadline for applications is April 9. Charitable organizations providing health and welfare services to 46 Wisconsin counties (including Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, Waukesha, Kenosha and Racine) are encouraged to apply. To receie an application, call or send a request to: CFC of Greater Wisconsin, PCFO Director, 414-263-8134, rgustafson@greaterwicfc.org.

SAVE THE DATE

Wisconsin Nonprofits Association Annual Summit to be held June 1 & 2, 2009
Watch for more information in the coming month.

UPCOMING TRAINING AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

BoardStar
Sign up with BoardStar, an initiative of the Nonprofit Management Fund, to get notification of free weekly podcasts about matters of interest to nonprofit board directors. Recent podcasts include:

The Governance Committee
With Bonnie Prochaska, governance committee chair of the Racine Symphony Orchestra, and Pat Wyzbinski of the Nonprofit Management Fund.

Understanding Excess Benefits
The new IRS Form 990’s questions about compensation and excess benefits impact nonprofit organizations of all sizes.  With Pat Wyzbinski and Karin Werner, Director of the Milwaukee Legal Initiative for Nonprofit Corporations (M-LINC).

Adapting Policy Governance 
With Bud McKonly, retired chapter executive of the American Red Cross in Southeastern Wisconsin, and Pat Wyzbinski.

Calendar of Nonprofit Training and Learning Events
Visit the Portal Calendar to learn about upcoming workshops, conferences and other training and learning events. Some upcoming highlights:

Board Governance

1/15--Leadership in Tandem:  Boards and Executive Directors Working Hand in Hand (BoardStar)
1/29--Orientation Express:  The Training of the Board (BoardStar)

Nonprofit Management

1/22--Orientation to the Funding Information Center (Marquette University)
1/28--Assessing Nonprofit Organization and Managerial Effectiveness (UWM Continuing Education)
1/29--Getting Beyond the Numbers:  Profiling Your Clients and Target Neighborhoods (Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee)
1/31--Volunteer Management:  Best Practices for Congregations (Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee)

Learn about these offerings and more on the Nonprofit Portal Calendar.

JOBS THAT SERVE

Jobs that Serve is an online job listing service for nonprofits only, managed by the Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee. Posting a job is easy, fast and affordable. There is no charge for job seekers.

Recent postings include:

Lead Accountant (St. Aemilian Lakeside)
RN Care Manager (Community Care)
Programmer Analyst (Alverno College)
VITA Site Coordinator (La Casa de Esperanza)
Pre/Post Purchase Housing Counselor (Housing Resources)

Find more information about these and other positions at Jobs That Serve.

SPREAD THE NEWS!

Forward this newsletter to a colleague! Share the news about the many resources available to nonprofit executives, staff and boards in the greater Milwaukee area.

SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS

The Nonprofit Portal Digest is distributed monthly via e-mail. Subscribe or unsubscribe.

THE NONPROFIT PORTAL OF GREATER MILWAUKEE

The mission of the Nonprofit Portal is to strengthen the knowledge and skills of nonprofit organizations in the greater Milwaukee community through the collaborative development and use of on-line technologies.

The Portal is a project of the Helen Bader Institute for Nonprofit Management at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in collaboration with a group of community organizations dedicated to enhancing the effectiveness of the nonprofit sector in the greater Milwaukee area.

For more information, contact:

Barbara Duffy, Director
Nonprofit Portal
c/o Helen Bader Institute for Nonprofit Management
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
(414) 229-2924
bduffy@uwm.edu

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