October 5, 2023

Hello Nonprofit Leaders and Supporters,

A very happy upcoming Indigenous People’s Day to all our Native and First Nations friends! I hope that everyone takes a moment to reflect next Monday on the contributions and continuing struggle of the people that have been stewarding the lands we are standing on for millennia. 

I also want to thank those that came out to the NAO Nonprofit Salons celebrations we held in towns across the state. It was great to see you all, hear of the work you are doing, the challenges you are facing, and watch connections being made. NAO will continue to gather nonprofit leaders across the state for these Salons. Please join us and check out the educational opportunities which also have a connecting component in the list of upcoming events below.

So, if you have paid any attention to politics over the past weeks, you watched the government barely (and only temporarily) avoid a shut down; the House of Representatives descend into chaos by ejecting their Speaker; and continuing reports in local media of the ineffectiveness and inefficiency of State and local government systems. It has been a grim few weeks, okay, years of incompetent management and hyper-partisan politics... but please don’t despair, I have some good news both at the Federal and State level that is a direct result of your advocacy. 

The Governor made her appointments to the Task Force on Grant Making and Contracting. This Task Force is the direct result of the work that you all helped us and our co-conveners at the Northwest Health Foundation implement through SB606. While NAO does not have a direct seat on the Task Force, we will be working to ensure that the Task Force has everything they need to modernize the relationships between State agencies and their nonprofit partners. A fuller description of the work of the Task Force and a complete listing of the Task Force members can be found on our updated webpage Modernizing Grant Making and Contracting Project. This page is the information hub we are committed to running through the length of the Task Force’s life to ensure your voices are heard and nonprofit-identified solutions are seriously considered. 

The second piece of good news - and I can’t believe I’m saying this - the Federal government is ahead of the State government in taking steps to modernize grantmaking rules for nonprofits. Again, this is a direct result of the work that you are doing through NAO and our peer state associations in concert with groups like the National Council of Nonprofits and Independent Sector. The proposed new rules will make significant improvements to Federal grantmaking including raising the de minimus administrative rate requirement for Federally funded programs from 10% to 15%. Currently, Oregon governments have multiple line departments regularly breaking the Federal rule by offering nonprofits far below that 10% de minimus admin rate already required since 2014. Some of you will recall that honoring this federal rate was a centerpiece of SB606 that was stripped out by legislators because it would cost the State too much. (Instead, they will be returning those funds to the taxpayers in the largest kicker in State history). For more information on these proposed federal changes, see the “At the Federal Level” section below. 

A big THANK YOU to all of you that helped us do this important policy and advocacy work. If you’re not a member of NAO, please become one. It is our membership support that enables us to fight these fights for you. Please continue to engage with us, with each other and with the public sector.

Stay healthy and be safe,

Jim White

NAO Executive Director

Nonprofit News

Work for NAO as our new Nonprofit Education Specialist

Do you have significant practical knowledge of nonprofit management and experience in curriculum development and experiential education? If so, you might be the ideal candidate to become NAO’s new Nonprofit Education Specialist! We seek a dedicated team member who can deftly manage a portfolio of NAO programs while developing and implementing new training content and resources. The Nonprofit Education Specialist plays a critical role in all aspects of NAO’s Capacity Building programs, which consist of in-person and online event delivery. The ideal candidate has recent hands-on experience in nonprofit education and management. Annual salary: $73,900 - $76,900, dependent on qualifications, + generous benefits package. Open until the position is filled. View position announcement.

*New* Board Finance Workbook

We’re excited to release our second workbook focused on nonprofit board finance. This workbook is a self-paced learning resource that will sharpen the tools of your board team and build greater capacity for success in the future. You’ll find ten exercises that provide practical tools and assessments that your board can use to strengthen their financial skills and the oversight roles that you play in keeping your nonprofit financially solvent. Practicing these exercises together strengthens relationships as you complete the workbook as a team. Purchase your digital copy today! 

Let's Make Sure Your Nonprofit is Compliant Webinar

Running a nonprofit requires knowing how to run a business and remaining compliant with state and federal nonprofit rules. NAO will co-host a webinar on October 27 with Business Verified Affiliate members, Rational Unicorn Legal Services, on ensuring your nonprofit is compliant. Join Michael Jonas and Natalia Kay-O’Brien as they discuss nonprofits' do's and don'ts so that you can worry less and focus more on your excellent community work. More details and registration information here.  

At the State Level

Nonprofit Modernization Act Task Force Appointed

The Governor has appointed the membership of the legislative Task Force on Grant Making and Contracting. The 15-member body includes 9 positions for nonprofit representatives and 1 foundation. For a list of the members, please go to our webpage on the Grant Making and Contracting Project. Through this project, we will continue to keep you involved and updated on the work of the Task Force. The task force also includes two legislatively appointed members: State Senator WInsvey Campos of Aloha and State Representative Charlie Conrad of Eastern Lane County. 

NAO Policy Labs Successful!

We had over 50 individuals from across the state participate in September’s three policy labs. Due to overwhelming interest last month, NAO will be continuing its policy labs on wages/workforce retention, no interest operations loans, and universal grant/contract applications. NAO is excited to be providing this platform for nonprofits to formulate legislative concepts for future advocacy. The policy labs are all conducted virtually, and registration is open to NAO members. To sign-up please see the dates below.

At the Federal Level

New Federal Rules for Grantmaking Proposed

The Office of Management Budget (OMB) is proposing significant changes to the rules governing federal grantmaking that would correct longstanding challenges that have limited nonprofit effectiveness, discouraged qualified organizations from seeking and performing under federal grants, and wasted billions of dollars and countless hours in needlessly complex reporting requirements. In announcing the reforms, the Administration asserted that the “proposal will materially decrease the burden on recipients of federal financial assistance, advance equity and job growth across the country, and meaningfully improve the administration of federal financial assistance.” 

The comprehensive reform proposal seeks to amend the OMB Uniform Guidance that provides common rules that govern most federal grantmaking to charitable nonprofits, state, local, and tribal governments, and others. The public is invited to submit comments on the proposed rule changes by December 4, 2023. NAO will be sending in comments of our own, and also encourage you to do the same. We know that the proposal is 111 pages long, so send your good vibes to Phillip as he reads through everything for you! That is why NAO’s policy work is so critical to digest and to give you our best analysis together with our friends at the Council of Nonprofits who have already provided this review of the changes. 

NAO Conference (In-person)

Policy Labs (Virtual)

Wages/Workforce Retention

October 24, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Presenter: Phillip Kennedy-Wong, NAO

This session will be a discussion to explore how nonprofits can raise wages and retain their workers. This session is free and available to NAO members only. To register, log into the Members Only Area.  

No Interest Operations Bridge Loans

October 25, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Presenter: Phillip Kennedy-Wong, NAO

This session will discuss whether nonprofits can continue services when there is a delay in government payments. To register, log into the Members Only Area.  

Universal Grant/Contract Applications

October 26, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Presenter: Phillip Kennedy-Wong, NAO

This session will discuss developing a universal application and prequalification system for grants and contracts. To register, log into the Members Only Area. 



Nonprofit Workshops (In-person or Virtual)

Engaging Your Board in Fundraising: A Mission-based Approach (Hermiston)

October 17, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Presenter: Grady Goodall, NAO Board Member

Nonprofit organizations need comprehensive fundraising strategies and a solid team to carry out the work. Board members can be some of our most powerful ambassadors, storytellers, and fundraisers - yet many feel underprepared to participate in fundraising fully. Improving our ability to recruit, develop, and support our entire fundraising team can multiply our fundraising efforts, maximizing our organization's impact. In this session, we'll cover strategies to help staff engage board members and volunteers in fundraising activities so that everyone shares the workload - and the success! No cost to participate, but registration is required. More details and registration information here.

Effective, Rewarding Board Service (La Grande)

October 18, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Presenter: Grady Goodall and Lisa Ladendorff, NAO Board Members

Meaningful board service involves more than just attending meetings--a truly engaged board is one whose understanding of their individual and collective roles matches their passion for and dedication to your mission. Attendees will learn the roles and responsibilities for individuals and the board as a collective; the strategies for developing a board work plan, including the use of committees; how officers can be effective leaders, and more. No cost to participate, but registration is required. 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.

Tillamook County Resource Roundup (Tillamook)

November 3, 12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Facilitator: Sarah Spangler, NAO

The Tillamook County Nonprofit Resource Roundup is a learning and networking opportunity convened by the NAO for nonprofit staff, board, and volunteers to connect, meet funders, and learn about valuable tools and resources designed specifically for nonprofits. Following the funder's panel and discussion, participants will work together through a facilitated discussion and an assessment tool to identify areas where you can improve your work and connect to resources that can help you become more effective in serving your mission. This workshop is free, but registration is required. More details and registration information here.

Board Management Workshop (Lincoln City)

November 6, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Facilitators: Jim White and Sarah Spangler, NAO

Join NAO for a full-day workshop on nonprofit board management! This workshop consists of three sessions: Effective Board Management for Meaningful Engagement, Bolstering Board Recruitment & Retention, and Engaging Your Board in Fundraising. This workshop is free, but registration is required. Don’t let this opportunity pass! 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.

Board Management Workshop (Newport)

November 7, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Facilitator: Sarah Spangler, NAO

Join NAO for a full-day workshop on nonprofit board management! This workshop consists of three sessions: Effective Board Management for Meaningful Engagement, Bolstering Board Recruitment & Retention, and Engaging Your Board in Fundraising. This workshop is free, but registration is required. Don’t let this opportunity pass! More details and registration information here.

Linn County Resource Roundup (Sweet Home)

November 3, 12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Facilitator: Sarah Spangler, NAO

The Linn County Nonprofit Resource Roundup is a learning and networking opportunity convened by the NAO for nonprofit staff, board, and volunteers to connect, meet funders, and learn about valuable tools and resources designed specifically for nonprofits. Following the funder's panel and discussion, participants will work together through a facilitated discussion and an assessment tool to identify areas where you can improve your work and connect to resources that can help you become more effective in serving your mission. This workshop is free, but registration is required. More details and registration information here.



Grant Writing: Keys to a Successful Foundation Proposal (2-Part Series) (McMinnville)

December 5 and 12, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Facilitator: Sarah Spangler, NAO

Join us for this 2-part grant writing series tailored to foundation grants. This series will offer hands-on learning activities, peer networking, expert knowledge on grant readiness, grant research, proposal writing, and grant management. In addition to in-class instruction, participants will have homework to deepen learning and have direct access to course trainers for feedback and support. This series perfectly introduces foundation proposal writing for small and rural nonprofits and those new to grant writing. Through this course, participants will gain tangible tools and strategies to bring back and implement in their nonprofit organizations. More details and registration information here.



Nonprofit Learning Cohort (Virtual)

DEI Audit and Assessment: Managing the Work in Between Where We Are and Where We Hope to Be

November 7, 14, 21, 28 and December 5, Noon – 1:15 p.m. | Facilitator: Erica Briggs, NAO

Growth in any area requires an honest audit of organizational history and an objective tool to assess success and continued growth areas. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) audits can help identify existing workplace conditions and help strengthen weak spots to build excellent cultural resiliency. However, as with any test, audits can be met with fear and resistance, pulling people apart and building walls. This cohort will share key considerations on how best to approach a DEI audit and how to use this process to deepen relationships and build bridges that lead to learning and growth. More details and registration information here.



NAO's Regional Networks

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) – Upcoming Nov. 9

Corvallis

Mid-Valley Nonprofit Network (MVNN) – Begins Oct. 18

Portland Metro

Equity and Inclusions Leaders Network (EILN) – Begins Oct. 18

Nonprofit Fiscal Managers Network (NFMA) – Begins Oct. 19

Nonprofit Leaders Network (NLN) – Begins Oct. 11

Medford

Rogue Valley Nonprofit Network (RVNN) – Begins Oct. 19

Springfield

Lane County Nonprofit Network (LCNN) – Begins Oct. 11