August 3, 2023

Hello Nonprofit Leaders and Supporters,

It’s that time of year again! With August here, we are proud to launch the Fall through Spring NAO Programming season! Every Fall, NAO connects nonprofit leaders to one another in learning sessions with renowned experts who are at the forefront of the issues and needs facing nonprofit organizations. These “networks” have in some cases been going on for over 30 years! Leaders of nonprofits of all budgets and sizes across Oregon have made these sessions an immersive home for rigorous programming that highlight a broad range of topics. The topics range from Addressing Resistance When Doing DEIJB work to Exploring Alternative Leadership Structures to the annual 990 and GAAP updates. This year, each Network will offer eight sessions that include deep conversations, presentations, panels, networking, and more which provide space and time to grow as a leader within your organization and community. If you are an NAO member, you can buy a “Member Pass” with big savings for your organization and a guaranteed seat in these important learning and collaboration spaces. So, log into the Members Only Area and buy your Member Pass today to get the most out of any of the eight networks being offered across the state!

Also coming up on August 17 is National Nonprofit Day, a day to recognize all of you – the dynamic, hard-working, dedicated, systems-changing, community-loving nonprofits of Oregon! Anyone that has read my letter in the past knows why I think nonprofits are so important to a thriving civil society. I could bang on here about the core democratic values that we engender in our work every day, or the inclusive nature of our organizations, being made up of, led by, and serving the community's hopes and needs. I could also talk about how much economic power you generate in our communities and how, without our nonprofits, our communities, state and country would be that much poorer for it. But you already know that stuff. That is why you are doing this work: to make your places better, happier, and more vibrant. Instead, I am going to wish that you’ll celebrate the day by possibly taking it off to rest or by just enjoying time with your team to think about all you have been able to accomplish this year already. 

In that spirit, I’d like to invite any of the nonprofit leaders in our network regions (Bend, Corvallis, Eugene-Springfield, Medford, Portland) to come to a special celebration of your work and to enjoy the camaraderie of your peers. While they won’t exactly be on August 17th, check out the regional Salon Happy Hours we are holding across the state and please come celebrate your work. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. September 13: Portland Nonprofit Salon; September 20: Corvallis Nonprofit Salon; September 27: Medford Nonprofit Salon; and September 28: Eugene-Springfield Nonprofit Salon. Hope to see you there!

Happy Nonprofit Day on August 17th!



Jim White

NAO Executive Director

Nonprofit News

NAO's Regional Networks Are Back!

Want to connect with other nonprofit leaders in your area? Join us at a regional network in Bend, Corvallis, Medford, Portland, or Springfield! NAO's regional network sessions are designed for nonprofit leaders, staff, board members, and volunteers. They are open to any nonprofit leader who wants to learn more about best practices while advancing their skills in nonprofit management, financial accountability, equity, and inclusion.

The 2023-24 network series will offer a combination of in-person and virtual sessions between September and June. Click through to see the scheduled event for each network and to buy a Member Pass!

Bend

Nonprofit Network of Central Oregon (NNCO)

Corvallis

Mid-Valley Nonprofit Network (MVNN)

Portland Metro

Equity and Inclusions Leaders Network (EILN)

Nonprofit Fiscal Managers Network (NFMA)

Nonprofit Leaders Network (NLN)

Medford

Rogue Valley Nonprofit Network (RVNN)

Springfield

Lane County Nonprofit Network (LCNN)

At the State Level

Governor Signs Oregon Nonprofit Modernization Act Task Force Into Law!

The Governor’s legislative Task Force on Modernizing Grant Funding and Contracting is accepting applications to serve on a 15-member body responsible for examining how the state’s granting and public procurement practices limit the wages of employees of nonprofit organizations and making recommendations to the Oregon Department of Administrative Services. There are nine positions reserved for nonprofit representatives. The task force is expected to convene in October 2023 and anticipated to meet monthly. The task force’s work is to be completed by September 2024. NAO highly encourages any interested in nonprofits to apply.  

NAO Launches Policy Labs to Compliment Task Force

NAO will be convening nonprofit leaders in the form of policy labs, a discussion group around specific grant-making and contracting issue areas that will develop recommendations to share with the Task Force on Modernizing Grant Funding and Contracting. The first three policy labs will focus on: wages/workforce retention, application procedures, and no interest government loans for nonprofit operations. The policy labs will meet early fall. To sign-up for one of these policy labs or all three, please email Public Policy Director, Phillip Kennedy-Wong at pkennedy-wong@nonprofitoregon.org. 

Nonprofit Learning Cohort (Virtual)

Cultivating a Thriving Multigenerational Organization

September 12, 19, 26, October 3 and 10, 12 – 1:15 p.m. | Facilitator: Alexandra Reese, OpaStrategy

Are you struggling to lead a high-performing multigenerational organization? It’s perfectly understandable, given the unique composition of the workforce. For the first time in modern history, there are five generations in the workforce. Each generation has a unique life stage and shared lived experience, so each brings its own priorities, needs, communication styles, and work preferences into the workforce. Most organizations have more diversity than ever in their workplace. How can you create a cohesive team and culture while embracing this rich diversity within your organization? In this highly interactive cohort, we will answer the above question together so you can create a high-performing multigenerational organization. More details and registration information here.

2023-2024 Rural Advocacy Cohort

Begins September 19, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Facilitator: Phillip Kennedy-Wong, NAO

Rural nonprofits are invited to participate in a no cost 10-month advocacy cohort designed to teach nonprofit leaders how to effectively plan, create, and organize public policy campaigns. This cohort is also intended to help rural nonprofits build a support network with each other for advocacy work in the short and long-term. More details and registration information here.

Nonprofit leaders that self-identify as serving rural communities or are based in rural Oregon are eligible to participate and encouraged to reach out to Phillip Kennedy-Wong at pkennedy-wong@nonprofitoregon.org to learn more about this opportunity.

Getting Started with Board Committees

October 24, 31 and November 7, 14, and 21, 10 – 11:15 a.m. | Facilitator: Sarah Spangler, NAO

Many of us have been there—our board meetings are running longer and longer, but we still aren’t able to make the kind of progress that our organization needs. This five-week cohort equips participants with the knowledge and skills to create and manage effective nonprofit board committees. From building a strong foundation to evaluating committee effectiveness, this series covers the essential elements of committee success. Participants will learn to establish committee structures aligned with organizational goals; recruit diverse and skilled committee members; foster productivity through efficient management practices; cultivate collaborative relationships between board, staff, and committee members; and evaluate committee impact for continuous improvement. More details and registration information here.

Building a Healthy Board

November 7, 14, 21, 28 and December 5, 10 – 11:15 a.m. | Facilitator: Kari Anderson, Incite! Consulting

If you’ve chosen to serve the nonprofit sector, you’ll eventually come into contact with a nonprofit board of directors. Whether you’re a staff member or a member of the board, you want to do the right thing, right? But you can’t do the right thing if you don’t know what it is, why it’s important, and how to do it! This cohort will include a baseline in board education, clarification of board/board member/staff roles, what board committees “really” do, how to tackle hard conversations and deal with bad behavior, and succession planning. You’ll come away with a clearer understanding of the important role that boards and board members play in the success of a nonprofit, as well as strategies to implement to make your organization even stronger! More details and registration information here.

NAO Webinars

Board Bright: Finance Fundamentals

August 15, 3 – 4:30 p.m. | Presenter: Lesley Bennett, CFO Selections

Join us for an overview of basic financial principles including board member responsibilities, understanding restrictions, reviewing your statements for key financial indicators, and internal controls. Please note that this webinar provides fundamentals-level overview that is most appropriate for new board members, emerging nonprofit leaders, or those looking for a refresh of the basics. Free to NAO members! More details and registration information here.

Avoiding Nonprofit Fraud & Embezzlement

August 22, 10 – 11 a.m. | Presenter: Susan Bower and Lottie Zorn, Oregon Department of Justice

Susan and Lottie will provide an overview of DOJ’s oversight of charitable entities and fiduciaries and discuss one of the most common and troubling issues DOJ sees – embezzlement. Discussion points will include: Uncharitable headlines: tales from the trenches and why nonprofits are ripe for fraud; Prevention: how to reduce the risk of embezzlement; Detection: what to look for and how to root out embezzlement; and Recovery: what to do when embezzlement occurs. More details and registration information here.

Getting on Track for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

August 22, 12:30 – 2 p.m. | Presenter: Leigh McIlvaine, Clarity Loan Forgiveness Consulting, LLC

Join Leigh McIlvaine of Clarity Loan Forgiveness Consulting for a 90-minute webinar that clearly lays out the rules, requirements, and process for receiving federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Attendees can expect to learn about the types of loans, payment plans, and employment that qualify for PSLF. This webinar will also focus on a critical time-sensitive PSLF opportunity that ends December 30, 2023. Leigh will address the recent Supreme Court decision overruling the Biden Administration’s One-Time Student Debt Relief as well as beneficial new regulations and payment plans now available to borrowers. Attendees will leave the webinar feeling confident that they have the tools and knowledge to successfully navigate the PSLF process while minimizing their loan payments and maximizing their financial well-being as they pursue loan forgiveness. Free to NAO members! More details and registration information here.

Board Bright: Engaging Your Board in Fundraising

September 12, 3 – 4:30 p.m. | Presenter: Sarah Spangler, NAO

A well-prepared and passionate board is essential to successful fundraising. This 90-minute addition to the Board Bright series will provide strategies for setting your board up for fundraising success. Learn how to create fundraising expectations from the get-go, increase your board’s understanding of the organization’s revenue needs, find ways for everyone to play a role, and build board ambassadors for your cause. Free to NAO members! More details and registration information here.

ChatGPT for Frontline Fundraisers

September 19, 1:30 – 3 p.m. | Presenter: Anne Murphy, Empowered Fundraiser

In today's fast-paced fundraising environment, connecting with donors, engaging supporters, and raising funds is crucial to the sustainability of nonprofits. Time is precious, and several tools can help you streamline your fundraising strategies. Join Anne Murphy of Empowered Fundraiser for a comprehensive webinar providing insights into using ChatGPT, an AI-powered language processing tool, to enhance your fundraising efforts. More details and registration information here.

Nonprofit Workshops (In-person or Virtual)

Agile Engagement: Strategies for Building Lasting Donor Relationships (Portland)

September 21, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Presenter: Matt Lehrman, Social Prosperity Partners

As nonprofits adjust to the "new normal," building and maintaining lasting donor relationships in times of change and uncertainty is critical. This highly interactive workshop offers a practical and innovative framework for emphasizing adaptability in donor relationships. Discover practical tools and techniques grounded in tenacity, agility, and humanity that will help you build strong donor relationships designed to endure whatever the future holds. More details and registration information here.

Take FIVE: Five Steps to Focused Impactful Volunteer Engagement (Klamath Falls)

October 3, 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Presenter: Janet Capetty, Take FIVE Training

Organizations need and want volunteers - and volunteers want to contribute! Drawing on years of experience working with volunteers and training others to do so, Janet Capetty offers this session that outlines five simple steps to achieve Focused Impactful Volunteer Engagement. Take FIVE Training helps nonprofits further their mission by actively engaging volunteers, giving those volunteers a positive experience, and keeping them involved and returning for more. More details and registration information here.

Government Grants: 2-Part Readiness Series (Estacada)

October 18 and 25, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Facilitator: Hannah Cortez, The Dotted i

Join us for this two-day grant writing series that will increase your understanding of government grants and help you prepare to secure funding! In this series, we will offer hands-on learning activities, peer networking, and expert knowledge on preparing to seek local, state, and federal grant funding. In addition to in-class instruction, participants will have weekly homework to deepen their learning and have direct access to course trainers for feedback and support. Through this training, we hope to demystify the government grant process and give participants a better understanding of how this type of funding can be leveraged. More details and registration information here.

Effective Supervision (Bend)

October 26, 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Presenter: Cliff Jones, Capacity Building Partnerships

Employees are your organization’s greatest resource. Effective support and direction for your staff and understanding ways to work across differences will help create an environment where people can fully contribute and advance your organization’s mission and goals. Cliff Jones, Consultant Partner at Capacity Building Partnerships, offers a holistic approach to supervision. He has helped hundreds of supervisors in nonprofit settings develop skills and supervision methods that make a difference. In this workshop, we will explore the essential elements of a supervisor’s role with a diversity, equity and inclusion lens; offer insight into the specific challenges of supervision in the nonprofit environment to help you identify concrete goals and changes that you can implement with individual staff and teams; and examine strategies to address unclear expectations between staff and supervisor, ambivalence about authority, low pay, and heavy workloads. More details and registration information here.

Take FIVE: Five Steps to Focused Impactful Volunteer Engagement (Coos Bay)

November 1, 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Presenter: Janet Capetty, Take FIVE Training

Organizations need and want volunteers - and volunteers want to contribute! Drawing on years of experience working with volunteers and training others to do so, Janet Capetty offers this session that outlines five simple steps to achieve Focused Impactful Volunteer Engagement. Take FIVE Training helps nonprofits further their mission by actively engaging volunteers, giving those volunteers a positive experience, and keeping them involved and returning for more. More details and registration information here.

Government Grants: 4-Part Virtual Readiness Series (Virtual)

November 7, 9, 14 and 16, 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Facilitator: Hannah Cortez, The Dotted i

Join us for this 4-part grant writing series that will increase your understanding of government grants and help you prepare to secure funding! In this series, we will offer hands-on learning activities, peer networking, and expert knowledge on preparing to seek local, state, and federal grant funding. In addition to in-class instruction, participants will have weekly homework to deepen their learning and have direct access to course trainers for feedback and support. Through this training, we hope to demystify the government grant process and give participants a better understanding of how this type of funding can be leveraged. More details and registration information here.

NAO Conference (In-person)

High Desert Conference (Redmond)

October 16, 8:30 a.m – 4:40 p.m.

Join us for a transformative conference designed specifically for nonprofit leaders, staff, volunteers, and individuals engaged in Central Oregon's nonprofit sector. The 2023 High Desert Conference (HDC) breakout sessions cover a range of essential topics for nonprofit professionals, including donor acquisition and stewardship, workforce culture improvement, volunteer management, succession planning, nonprofit advocacy, and strategies for implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Join us to gain valuable insights and practical knowledge in these areas. HDC is more than just an educational event; it's an opportunity to build and enhance relationships critical to the nonprofit sector. A limited number of scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis. View conference agenda and registration information here.