Cedar Valley Nonprofit Association
Cedar Valley Connections

Issue 152
February 27, 2017
Dear Nonprofit Supporter,
 
Welcome to Cedar Valley Connections, a newsletter to connect the leaders of the nonprofit sector. 


Marketing Meet-Up...

Thank you for attending the CVNA Marketing Meet-Up earlier this month. We had a great turnout and energized group!
 
The survey results showed a consensus around getting this group together again.   We are looking at meeting in April, June, August, October and December. Stayed tuned to Facebook, Web-Site and Newsletter for exact dates and locations.   

While we work to plan our next Marketing Meet-Up, please join our closed 
FB group :  https://www.facebook.com/groups/763986593748531/To make this a valuable resource, we encourage you to post questions, articles, tutorials, etc. for the group.
Member Spotlight...


The Waterloo Schools Foundation's long-term vision is to be a catalyst for educational excellence and pride in the Waterloo Community School District. 

We will:
* Generate resources to enhance educational opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable to students
* Fund programs and pilot projects that align with the District's Strategic Plan
* Develop, maintain, and support partnerships between the schools and community
* Build a sustainable endowment

 


In six years, the Waterloo Schools Foundation has gifted more than $900,000 to the Waterloo Community School District. This has been in three areas:
1. Innovative Learning Grants: Outcomes based teacher grants
2. Young Scholars Grants: Funding for students to pursue academic interests
3. District Initiatives: Large-scale projects with the potential to impact learning District-wide.

To read more on this great organization, please  click here.  

Waterloo Community Schools Foundation has been a valued member of the CVNA since 2015-- thank you for your continued support.
Webinar Opportunities...
Online Communications - The Basics
Tuesday for 3 Weeks
12:00-1:00 p.m. CST
Regular/Discount: $120/$95

Every nonprofit needs a solid online communications foundation. This course will help you define your communications goals, practices, and strategies. We'll help you refine your "SMART" communications goals, learn what kind of content engages your stakeholders, understand the purpose and best use of each online communications channel, develop an editorial calendar, track success against goals, and choose how to invest your time and money. By the end of this course you'll have a firm understanding of how to create an online communications plan that meets your goals, connects with your audience, and drives engagement.

March 7: Communications Fundamentals Online, it's easy to shout, but hard to be heard. We'll kick off by covering the fundamentals of online communications, including: defining a SMART goal approach to communications, understanding your unique value proposition, developing content, and inspiring meaningful engagement. By the end of this session you'll have a better understanding of how to align your goals with what your audience wants. 
March 14: Channels and Tools There are so many channels and tools, and each is useful in slightly different ways. We'll look at current internet, social media, and tech trends to help you choose the right communications channels for you. We'll also walk through the best uses of website, email, social media, and mobile content to maximize your communications efforts. Course Partner Marketing Packet 5
March 21: Developing a Plan and Making it Work Executing communications can be creative and fun-once you've done the planning. We'll show you how to get organized, develop a robust editorial calendar, and make sure your content is going out at the right time, on the right platform, to the right people. We'll also cover common online metrics to help you learn whether your communications efforts are working. This week we'll also cover frequently asked questions about budget and staffing for communications success.

Remember as a member of the CVNA you can take advantage of these webinar series at the discounted rates.  Please contact Holly for password if interested in signing up for this webinar series.
Job Openings...

Job Title:  Executive Director

The Executive Director is responsible for the successful leadership and management of Family & Children's Council according to the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in human services or related field, plus at least five years of increasingly responsible work experience both with families and administration.

The Executive Director duties include, but are not limited to:

Leadership, Executive Director and staff, Fund raising, Operational planning and management, Funders, Program planning and implementation, Policy formation, Administrative responsibilities, Community representative, and Organizational responsibilities.

Please click here to read more information/apply for this position. 




Job Title:   Director of Investor Relations

The Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber invites an experienced sales professional and advocate for economic growth to join our team as a full-time Director of Investor Relations. This mission-critical role will be responsible for achieving revenue goals through creative and effective investor recruitment programs.   Qualifications include 3-5 years of B2B sales, marketing or related work experience, and familiarity with the business community and decision makers a big plus. 
 
Complete job description at  www.cedarvalleyalliance.com

Please send resume, salary requirements & references to: [email protected] . Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber, 10 West Fourth Street, Suite 310, Waterloo, IA 50701.
Things Happening Around the Cedar Valley...


Bring your family to downtown Waterloo to discover, explore and play. March 13 - 17, 2017.  Special dates and times at each location.

2017 attractions: (click on each link for full details)
Download the  complete flyer.


2017 Empty Bowls Tickets  Now Available!
Our biggest event of the year, Empty Bowls, will be happening on  Friday, March 31st from 6:00PM - 9:30PM at the 5 Sullivan's Convention Center.  We will be celebrating this event with delicious soups from the minds of brilliant local chefs and you will receive a symbolic bowl.  In addition, we will be holding live and silent auctions that include over 65 items ranging from handcrafted artwork, jewelry, sports memorabilia, mini vacations and Chicago Cubs game package. To make this event more exciting, we will also be revealing a big announcement! 

For more information about Empty Bowls,  visit this link  and order your 
tickets today!  You can also buy tickets by calling the Food Bank at 319-235-0507.

State Representatives News Updates...

Please click here  for the most updated information from Bob Kressig


 
Please click here for the most updated information from Sandy Salmon


Please click here for the most updated information from Walt Rogers

 

Please click here for the most updated information from William Dotzler


Please click here for the most updated information from Bill Dix


Please click here  for the most updated information on Timi Brown Powers

 

Please click here for the most updated information on Ras Smith

We Don't Want You To Miss A Thing!


Have you renewed and joined yet?  Don't miss out on our upcoming programs and networking opportunities!


RENEW/JOIN TODAY!

 In our first two years we have: (continually being updated)
  • 74 member organizations
  • 5 investors
  • 1,350 program registrations
  • 86 hours of programming
  • 153 e-newsletters
  • Grant Gurus workshops
  • 156 jobs advertised
  • 20+ organizations connected with 50 UNI students 
  • added additional educational training workshops to our members
  • won the "Gift of the Heart Innovation" award in 2013
  • Partners with Idealware
Check out the other benefits of membership HERE If you are interested in joining CVNA, you can access our application form online HERE

If you have any questions, please email CVNA Coordinator at 
Share your good news with the CVNA and be featured in future e-newsletters.   Have you implemented an innovative idea?  Are you hiring?  Have you created or updated your website?  Are you hosting an event?   Let the CVNA spread the word. 

To submit an item for the next newsletter, click on the
submit news  page.  Please note that only member organizations who have submitted membership applications may post items.  The newsletter is published every two weeks.

 

 

 


CVNA Meeting Dates
CVNA is pleased to announce the topics of our upcoming education events for the year ahead:  2017
  • April 6th - NP Luncheon 
  • April 27th - Grant Gurus
  • June 1st - Lean Experimentation
  • June 22nd - Grant Gurus
  • August 3rd - Board Engagement
  • September 28th - Grant Gurus
  • October 5th - Effective Meeting Planning Design
  • December 1st - Legislative Forum
There will also be some added"special training" presentations for 2017 so for  the most updated
information please visit our resources section and stay tuned to our web-site for additional information.
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