A bi-weekly update from the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network.                                        

SpilkaMNN Kicks Off Policymaker Roundtable Series 
"Passion for creative ideas... Innovative solutions... That's why the sector here is so strong"- Senator Karen Spilka

It was a full house for MNN's first Policymaker Roundtable, during which Senator Karen Spilka, Chair of the Ways and Means Committee, shared her personal experience and answered questions for more than 40 of MNN's members.

From her early career in education to her work in the Senate, Senator Spilka's many roles are guided by her personal experience, which she views as having come full circle. And on the eve of the release of Governor Baker's budget, information from Senator Spilka regarding the budgeting process, and how she approaches line items, was particularly pertinent.  

She reminded attendees that public officials rely on nonprofit leaders to learn about the issues organizations face on a daily basis, which prompted the question: what is the best way to educate public officials on topics that are critical to the nonprofit sector? The Senator's advice: "Make your information concise. Come prepared with a one-pager that contains 2-3 of the most important points. And personalize the request to the official you are speaking to."

These members-only roundtables will continue throughout the year and feature a variety of special guests. Stay tuned for more information on the next roundtable!

policyyPublic Policy Update: Protecting Nonprofits' Property Rights
There is a proposal at the State House ( House bill 3908, section 27) that would give municipalities the right of first refusal whenever a nonprofit sells property and changes its use to residential, commercial, or industrial. MNN has heard from many members who are concerned about this proposal. We are working with a number of organizations to convey our opposition to it.
 
If you have any questions, or want to reach out to legislators on this issue please contact   [email protected].

SAVE THE DATE: Nonprofit Awareness Day 2016
On June 13, 2016 join hundreds of nonprofit and business leaders, plus elected officials, to celebrate the work of the nonprofit sector and raise awareness of causes throughout the state at MNN's 9th annual celebration of Nonprofit Awareness Day, presented by Citizens Bank.
 
This event sells out each year so be sure to mark your calendar. Registration will open March 21.

February FREE Wednesday Webinar
Wednesday, February 24,  10-11am
Presented by G.T. Reilly & Company

This is not just for financial professionals! During this webinar, you'll learn how to use your organization's finances and your budgeting process to advance your organization and gain a better understanding of the inner workings of your nonprofit: the organization's strengths and weaknesses; how to tackle strategic planning; your staff's key performance indicators; and what stories you should be telling funders.

Info
NONPROFIT 411: Tips for Nonprofit Directors
By Sheryl Howard, Krokidas & Bluestein
Too often, new members sit at board meetings without a good understanding of the organization and the board's role in its governance. Training board members about their roles and responsibilities can make your board into a stronger body and can help ensure that your organization meets its legal requirements.

Regardless of the nature of an organization, there are some responsibilities that are common to all boards of directors.  These include the following...  Read more.
QUICK LINKS 
QuickLinksJob Opportunities
Operations Manager, Massachusetts Nonprofit Network
President, Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts
Executive Director of Human Resources, MA College of Art and Design
Development Coordinator, The Food Bank of Western MA
Director of Budgets and Contracts, Health Resources in Action
Executive Director, A Safe Place Nantucket
Director of Development, Lowell Association for the Blind
Mentors Program Coordinator, Silver Lining Mentoring
Development Manager, MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership
Director/ CEO, Hispanic Black Gay Coalition
Chief Executive Officer, Building Impact
Communications Assistant, Boston After School & Beyond
Director of Communications and MarketingNortheast Sustainable Energy Association
VP for Organizational AdvancementJobs for the Future
Executive Director, The Desai Foundation
Senior Director of External AffairsMENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership
Major Gifts Manager, The Greater Boston Food Bank
Program Planning Associate, Father Bill's & MainSpring
Executive DirectorThe New England Center for Investigative Reporting

Grant & Award Opportunities
The Big Read, Due January 27
Safe Places to Play Grants, LOI due January 29, Application due February 5
Healthy Campus Award, Due January 31
Steelcase Foundation, Due February 12
Third Wave Fund, Due the 15th of each month
Working on Wellness, Due March 4
Ben and Jerry Foundation, Due April 15

Trainings & Events 
*Discounts for MNN members
Public Speaking for Women, Cambridge, January 27
Nonprofit Incorporation Workshop, Boston, January 28
* The Power of Preparation, Boston, February 9
Email Etiquette (event number 6674732880, webinar, February 11
Make Special Events More Special, Wellesley, February 11
CHNA 15 & SCI Social Media Training, Burlington, March 10
* Reflective Leadership, Boston, March 10
Institute for Trustees, South Hamilton, March 19
Grants Management Essentials (Scholarships available), Brattleboro, March 23-24
* The Trustee Institute, Lowell, March 25

Resources
What Every Nonprofit Executive Needs to Know About Information Technology from TechNetworks of Boston.

The School of Education and Social Policy at Merrimack College is accepting applications for the 2016 - 2017 Master of Education in Community Engagement Fellowship program.  This unique, 36-credit graduate program prepares students with skills for careers in outreach and partnership in schools, colleges, and community organizations. Fellowships include a full-tuition scholarship! Deadline for applications is February 1. Learn more.

The UNH Graduate School offers a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree for working professionals.  The program is offered evenings at the Durham and Manchester, NH campuses and provides a core foundation of knowledge and skills needed by those who wish to be successful in a non-profit and/or public sector management or administrative role. Learn more.






New & Returning Affiliate Members
*Special discount for MNN members

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They specialize in candidate development and executive search for small to midsize nonprofit organizations. *10% discount on retained advisory recruiting services.
Their risk management process focuses on the unique needs and exposures that can affect businesses of all sizes, as well as ones not ordinarily detailed on standard policy forms.


New & Returning Nonprofit Members