A bi-weekly update from the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network.                                        
IN THIS ISSUE:
HEADLINES

headline1Policymaker Roundtable: Members Only Event
In this edition of MNN's 2016 Policymaker Roundtable series, members are invited to hear from Massachusetts Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders, who leads the largest executive agency in state government and oversees critical services that touch almost one in six residents in the Commonwealth. We hope you will join us  Wednesday, September 14th from  12:00pm-1:00pm at the NonProfit Center in Boston.

This is an amazing opportunity exclusive to MNN members. If you'd like to join the conversation at the Policymaker Roundtable but aren't yet a member, click here to learn how you can join the MNN network . If you are already a member, click here to register and reserve your spot . Please note that seats will be given on a first come, first serve basis. 



headline2Conference: Early Bird Rates End  September 23rd
You Could  Save Up to 75% by Registering Now!

MNN's 2016 Conference, Moving Forward for a Better Commonwealth on November 2nd, is one of the largest local gatherings of nonprofit professionals in the state, convening 600+ nonprofit and business leaders to learn, share, and network. Click here to learn more about this year's conference and the 31 offered workshops. 

MNN members can save up to 75% by registering before  September 23rd .  To join the MNN network and save, click here for more information.

 

headline3Nonprofits & Democracy
A recent article from the Nonprofit Quarterly broaches the subject of the role that nonprofits can play in politics. While advocating for a nonpartisan role in politics, the author notes that participation gaps between various voter segments - low-income and high-income, younger voters and older voters, and voters of different races - constitute a pressing issue that the nonprofit sector should be involved in.

This in turn creates a negative cycle, as these unheard voters are not contacted, so they do not vote, and because they do not vote, campaigns don't engage them. As a result, the issues that these populations care about, from healthcare to education, can be ignored. The article asks how can nonprofits can help break this cycle?

While it is understandable that many nonprofits are leery of becoming involved in politics, the article asserts that nonprofits can, in fact, create effective nonpartisan voter engagement campaigns. Nonprofits are, by their nature, very effective at reaching under-served and unheard communities. Nonprofits can maintain a nonpartisan stance while encouraging voter participation in the populations they serve that helps to strengthen the voice of the community, develop leadership, and help individuals reach their full potential socially and politically. 

To learn more about the details of the voter participation gap  and the role nonprofits can play in bridging it, read the full article here . 
By Jeff Cicolini, CPA, CGMA, AAFCPAs

Charity Navigator, America's most visible charity evaluation platform, has announced the release of CN 2.1, an updated version of the organization's charity rating system.  The CN 2.1 charity rating methodology went into effect on June 1, 2016 AAFCPAs advises our nonprofit clients to evaluate the new criteria to determine the potential impact on your Charity Navigator rating and potentially donor perception.

Charity Navigator has made the following changes to its metrics used to assess a charity's Financial Health...

Read more here. 
QUICK LINKS 
quicklinks
Job Opportunities
Communications Manager,  Massachusetts Nonprofit Network (MNN)
Marketing Manager, Parenting Journey 
Employment and Economic Advancement Manager, International Institute of New England
Director of Finances and Operations, Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers
Community Mobilization & Sustainability Specialist, University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute
Executive Director, Steps to Success
Executive Administrator, Corporate Accountability International
Associate Consultant, Common Impact
Development and Communications Coordinator, Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice
Director of Finance and Administration, Mass Mentoring Program
Manager of Marketing and Communications, Mass Mentoring Program
Executive Director, The Commonwealth Institute
Manager of Corporate and Foundation Giving,  Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries
Accounts Receivable Manager, Third Sector New England 
Director of Marketing and Communications, Primary Care Progress 
Executive Director,  Irish Cultural Centre of New England
Director of Administration & Finance, Partners for Youth with Disabilities 
Director of Immigrant Integration & Elder Services,  Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers

Trainings & Events 
*Discounts for MNN members
Updated Overtime Rules, Lawrence, October 4
RESPONDing to Domestic Violence Gala, Cambridge, October 14
TUGG's Tech Gives Back 2016, Boston, October 20

Resources
Join us for a workshop on Thursday, September 29th from 10:00am-11:30am , presented by Russell Greenwald, Vice President and Director of Information Technology at Insource Services, Inc. , where you will learn how to setup Google Analytics and Google AdWords for your organization. By effectively targeting, tracking, and reporting website traffic, these two products can significantly improve click-throughs on your website and help you better understand what visitors value most. The session will introduce participants to the value of using both products, provide a review of the related benefits that Google offers to nonprofits, and feature a step by step approach for setup, configuration, and collaboration between both products. Click here to register for this FREE event. 

Boston University's Nonprofit Management and Leadership (NML) Certificate Program  is designed especially for experienced nonprofit managers eager to have a greater impact in their organizations and in their communities.  On Tuesday evenings from October 2016 to April 2017, you will join a dynamic community of accomplished peers, award-winning faculty, and experienced senior fellows to strengthen your management skills and demonstrate increased competency in areas such as financial management, marketing social issues, measuring impact, leading change and developing talent. Learn more.

Partnerships for a Skilled Workforce (PSW) is delighted to announce the release of its Request for Proposals to procure a career center operator for the Metro Southwest region of Massachusetts.  Please find the RFP with attached forms here. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act provides all those who value workforce development programs across the United States with an opportunity to rethink the way services are delivered to employers and job seekers.  The company will be presenting two identical webinars to be held on Thursday, August 18th from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm, and Tuesday, September 13th from 1:00 pm-2:30 pm.  All times are EASTERN STANDARD TIME.  An email inviting you to register for the webinar will be sent prior to each event. Please address all questions to Claudine Coulon at [email protected].

The Smith Family Foundation's Small Capital Grants Program supports one-time capital expenses that directly enhance a nonprofit organization's ability to serve its clients and achieve its mission. Grants may be used for such purposes as facility improvements, vehicles, equipment purchases, and other non-expendable assets. The Foundation targets this assistance to nonprofit organizations that would otherwise find it difficult, if not impossible, to meet this type of need through their operating budgets. For more information, including complete eligibility requirements, please visit the Foundation's website. If you have questions, please contact Amy Hampe at 857-404-0705 or [email protected].

If your nonprofit pays into the MA unemployment system (ask your CFO or HR Payroll Person), your company is eligible for F-R-E-E computer skills training! Operation A.B.L.E. was awarded a grant from Commonwealth Corporation to provide your employees with updated computer skills! Employees can come to them (174 Portland Street across from TD Garden) or they can go to you. Send as few as one or send many. Operation A.B.L.E. can train in the following: Microsoft Office 2010/2013 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access & Outlook), Computer Essentials, Computer Troubleshooting.  Call LaVerne Freeman at 617-542-4180 x144  to register!

 
 

New & Returning Affiliate Members
*Special discount for MNN members

Austin Philanthropics
Austin Philnathropics guides management, boards and staff in implementing appropriate, profitable, and sustainable planned giving programs. Realistic opportunities include on-going bequest campaigns, charitable remainder trusts, retained life estates and strategic endowment building.  *A half-day, pro bono analysis and feasibility discussion and more

The only Professional Employer Organization (PEO) exclusively serving nonprofit organizations that offers an attractive alternative for nonprofits that require high quality human resource expertise and affordable business solutions. They offer competitive advantages to nonprofits in the areas of grants management, workforce planning, financial administration, hiring, and more.  *Annual network membership discount

McKenna Management is an association management company that provides nonprofit associations and societies with management, consulting, and event planning services. They serve clients from a diverse range of industries including healthcare/medical and higher education among others. Their experienced team of Executive Directors and staff provide effective and creative solutions to help make your association the best that it can be. 

Muse Intermedia is all about inspiration and connection. They spend time getting to know their clients to understand who those clients are and what tools they need to be successful. Muse Intermeida's goal is to help create something beautiful, functional, and unique that encapsulates the essence of who their clients are and what they do. They conceptualize and create it and then watch it grow. *Free initial consultation and project estimates, discounted rates for non-profits

Telosa offers both cloud based (Exceed Beyond) and locally installed affordable, yet powerful fundraising software programs (Exceed! Basic and Exceed! Premier) for small to mid-size nonprofit organizations. With over 30 years of experience supporting nonprofits of all sizes and scope. *Special pricing for MNN Members

MNN's work is made possible by The Barr Foundation, The Boston Foundation & State Street Foundation.
If you'd like to share a story or have a job, grant or other information that is important to Massachusetts nonprofits, contact [email protected]