September 8, 2022

Hello Nonprofit Leaders and Supporters, 

As many of you are aware, we are in the grip of another very dry and hot fire season. Community-based organizations around the state are already responding to fires in Deschutes, Josephine, Klamath, and Wallowa counties that have displaced people from homes and businesses. Going into the weekend, other organizations are prepared and bracing for high winds and hot temperatures - both which exacerbate fires - in a number of areas of the state. Power companies are planning power shutoffs in advance of the weekend to mitigate some of the worst possible scenarios.

Remember that NAO has been curating a number of resources over the past two years to help community-based nonprofits prepare for and work in disasters. As you think about how your program participants or organizations may be impacted by wildfires, please avail yourselves of these free resources that can be found here. Also, be sure to connect with your local Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) or Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG), both of whom meet to support disaster-impacted communities. A listing of those organizations can be found on the Oregon Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters website. 

Finally, I wanted to mention, we have a very busy Fall full of network events, webinars, conferences, workshops, and more! I hope to see you virtually or in-person at one of our upcoming events. 

Stay healthy and be safe, 

Jim White

NAO Executive Director

Building Movement Projects has launched their 2022 Race to Lead survey to better understand the experiences of people working at nonprofits in the United States. Just thirty minutes of your time can help catapult the non-profit sector into a more equitable space for everyone. This year, they are focusing on the role the pandemic and the 2020 uprisings have played in the work of nonprofits. Please fill out this important survey here.

At the State Level

The Oregon Employment Department has begun their much-needed systems upgrade. For more information on the changes taking place, please visit here.

At the Federal Level

People with federal student loans who work at charitable nonprofits and in other public-service jobs should take immediate action before Oct. 31 to secure a waiver under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. In 2007, Congress created an incentive for individuals to take jobs in public service: in exchange for working at a charitable nonprofit or government for 10 years and making 120 timely monthly payments on their federal student loans, then the government would forgive the remainder of the loan. This year, the Biden Administration created a time-limited Temporary Waiver to eliminate past barriers so more payments that workers had made during their years of public service would be recognized and qualify toward PSLF forgiveness, including partial, lump sum, and late payments, as well as certain periods of deferment and forbearance. But the Temporary Waiver expires on Oct. 31. All employees of charitable nonprofits and governments should immediately check out their eligibility using the PSLF Help Tool. Even those who had previously been told they were ineligible should try again because of the relaxed rules under the Temporary Waiver. 

NAO Conference

Guiding More Good

September 10 | In-person: CH2M Hill Alumni Center, Corvallis

This day-long conference brings together nonprofit leaders, board members, and volunteers to learn and share their stories and experiences of working and volunteering for nonprofit organizations. Each year, Guiding More Good inspires attendees with expert speakers, robust conversations, practical resources, and cross-sector networking opportunities. This jam-packed conference is the perfect opportunity to re-connect with your peers, learn about how to navigate current issues that are top-of-mind today, and create new relationships with other nonprofits. More details and registration information here.

NAO Webinars

Building Immunity by Building Community – Members Only

September 13, 10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Presenter: Renee' Menkens, Nurse Practitioner

The goal of BIBC is to increase vaccine confidence within communities that have been most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This project is a collaboration between the Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network (ORPRN), Boost Oregon, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and OAFP. This webinar is free and available to members only. More details and registration information here.

Investing in Change: Foundation Support for Lobbying and Other Advocacy

September 23, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. | Presenter: Quyen Tu, Bolder Advocacy at Alliance For Justice 

Private and public foundations can play an important role in advocacy by engaging in advocacy themselves and funding their grantees to advocate on their issues. This workshop is designed for foundation staff and trustees. After this workshop, your foundation will have a clear understanding of the kinds of advocacy activities you can safely engage in and best practices for grantmaking to give your grantees the most flexibility under the law for their advocacy efforts. Not sure how to make the case for funding advocacy? Uncertain whether you can fund grantees that lobby? Wondering whether your public or private foundation can speak out on a particular issue? This training answers these questions and more! More details and registration information here.

Board Bright: Governance Roles & Responsibilities

October 6, 3- 4:30 p.m. | Presenter: Jenn Clemo, NAO 

In this 90-minute webinar, participants will learn about the fundamentals of nonprofit governance and gain an understanding of the board’s role in the management of the organization. This webinar is part of NAO’s Board Bright Series – a quarterly board training designed for emerging and seasoned board members alike, and anyone else looking for a governance refresh. Free to NAO members! More details and registration information here. 

Effective Board Management for Meaningful Engagement

October 11, 13 and November 15, 2-4 p.m. | Presenter: Sarah Spangler, NAO

Board Service can be challenging to navigate! In this webinar, we will discuss the finer details of board management including: how to differentiate the role of staff versus board, tips for running effective meetings that move the work forward, and an exploration of how to have productive conversations amongst your various teams - especially when those conversations generate conflict. This webinar is part of NAO's Springboard Series - a cluster of trainings designed for rural nonprofits. Are you a rural nonprofit in one of the counties below? Register today!

• October 11: Klamath County 
• October 13: Coos and Curry County 
• November 15: Umatilla County

Time Management Hacks for the Harried Executive

October 19, 12 - 1 p.m. | Presenter: Kari Anderson, Incite! Consulting

Ever heard the adage "manage your time, or it will manage you"? Do you feel like you're on a never-stopping hamster wheel of perpetual Mondays? Kari Anderson, a former nonprofit executive, will share tips and tools that helped her move from survive to thrive in her 20+ year career in the sector. More details and registration information here. 

Creating an Annual Fundraising Plan (That You Can Actually Stick To!)

October 25, 27 and November 29, 2 - 4 p.m. | Presenter: Sarah Spangler, NAO

When it comes to fundraising, it can feel like we're simultaneously overwhelmed with tasks, and yet, still not doing enough. In this session, we'll provide you with the tools to build an efficient, effective, and realistic annual fundraising calendar. Planning quarter by quarter, you'll be able to plan a year's worth of fundraising that features effective solicitation, heartfelt donor stewardship, and meaningful relationship development. This webinar is part of NAO's Springboard Series - a cluster of trainings designed for rural nonprofits. 

Are you a rural nonprofit in one of the counties below? Register today! 

• October 25: Klamath County 
• October 27: Coos and Curry County 
• November 29: Umatilla County

Functional Forecasting: Taking Control of Cash Flow

November 8, 10 and December 13, 2 - 4 p.m. | Jenn Clemo, NAO

Many organizations find themselves at the mercy of their finances, instead of the other way around. In this 2-hour webinar, participants will do a deep dive to explore how cash flows in and out of an organization. Through hands-on activities, templates, and break-out conversations, we'll build the skills and confidence that nonprofit leaders need to better manage precious financial resources. This webinar is part of NAO's Springboard Series - a cluster of trainings designed for rural nonprofits. 

Are you a rural nonprofit in one of the counties below? Register today!

• November 8: Klamath County 
• November 10: Coos and Curry County 
• December 13: Umatilla County

Board Bright: Finance Fundamentals

November 15, 3-4:30 p.m. | Presenter: Jenn Clemo, NAO

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. 

Hope is not a Strategy - Defining What's MOST Important in Your Work

November 16, 12 - 1 p.m. | Presenter: Kari Anderson, Incite! Consulting

Are you great with a task list, but struggle making decisions about the work that will most impact your mission? Is the word "yes" a perpetual staple in your vocabulary, when you should be saying "no" more often in order to achieve your goals? Kari Anderson, a former nonprofit executive, will share how she cuts through the clutter to ensure the most important work is done, and will share resources for you to use in your daily work. More details and registration information here. 

Making Board Service Palatable

December 7, 12 - 1 p.m. | Presenter: Kari Anderson, Incite! Consulting

As a generation of board members exit their volunteer roles, it's time to get serious about rethinking board service. There are scores of young professionals who have the skills and energy that your nonprofit needs. Are you creating an inviting space for them at your board table? Kari Anderson, a former nonprofit executive, will share critical insight, ideas, and perspectives from those "under the age of 50" to make your board roles both doable and exciting. More details and registration here. 

Board Bright: Engaging Your Board in Fundraising

December 15, 3-4:30 p.m. | Presenter: Jenn Clemo, 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 here. 

NAO Workshops (In-person)

Investing in Change: Foundation Support for Lobbying and Other Advocacy

September 23, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Presenter: Quyen Tu, Bolder Advocacy at Alliance For Justice

Private and public foundations can play an important role in advocacy by engaging in advocacy themselves and funding their grantees to advocate on their issues. This workshop is designed for foundation staff and trustees. After this workshop, your foundation will have a clear understanding of the kinds of advocacy activities you can safely engage in and best practices for grantmaking to give your grantees the most flexibility under the law for their advocacy efforts. Not sure how to make the case for funding advocacy? Uncertain whether you can fund grantees that lobby? Wondering whether your public or private foundation can speak out on a particular issue? This training answers these questions and more! More details and registration information here.

Nonprofit Advocacy Training – Members Only

September 24, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Presenter: Quyen Tu, Bolder Advocacy at Alliance For Justice

This six-hour intensive in-person training is perfect for nonprofits interested in developing and elevating their advocacy program. The training is two workshops rolled into one that’s designed for both nonprofit board members and staff to participate together! You’ll learn about the lobbying and election year activities that nonprofits can engage in just in time for the 2022 General Election, 2023 state and federal legislative sessions. More details and registration information here.

NAO Regional Networks (In-person)

We’re excited to bring back NAO’s in-person regional networks. Join us for a session in Bend, Corvallis, Medford, Portland or Springfield. All events below are Member Pass eligible. Save over $200 by purchasing a Member Pass before October 31!

Managing the Overworked Accounting Department

September 14, 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | Presenters: Todd Kimball and Vega Tom, CFO Selections 

Location: The Melody Event Center, Portland

In this session, we’ll start by discussing the current pressures facing the accounting profession in our COVID landscape. We’ll offer strategies to reduce the workload placed upon the department and suggest ideas to improve efficiency. Additionally, we’ll discuss current strategies to retain staff and increase team appreciation and engagement. More details and registration information here. 

Optimizing the Board & Executive Director Relationship

September 20, 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Presenter: Jenn Clemo, NAO

Location: Alvord-Taylor, Springfield

The board/executive director relationship is among the most critical for an organization to be successful. This relationship is not effortless, but the reward is a results-driven partnership that is productive, enjoyable, and consistently in support of the organization’s mission. This session, participants will examine board/executive director roles and the division of labor between governing and managing. Participants will also learn about essential elements of a good board/executive director relationship as well as optimal elements of a great, high-performing leadership team. More details and registration information here.

Creating Gender Inclusive Teams: Understanding Pronouns to Create Inclusion

September 21, 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Presenter: Kaig Lightner, Quantum Gender LLC

Location: Ecotrust, Portland

The use of pronouns and gender-neutral language demonstrates respect to people of all gender identities/expressions. The practice of including pronouns in company email signatures in addition to online profiles is a solid first step in creating inclusive spaces, but it is critical to deepen understanding into the complexity and nuance of individual gender identity. This workshop is ideal for anyone who is just beginning to understand the importance of using pronouns and gender-neutral language respectfully as well as those who are eager to increase their allyship skills for transgender and nonbinary identified colleagues. More details and registration information here.

Planned Giving: Gifts That Help Now and Later

September 22, 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Presenter: Grady Goodall, OSU's College of Liberal Arts

Location: C3-Corvallis Community Center, Corvallis

As we all grapple with a changing financial landscape, it can feel tempting to put planned giving on the backburner. When the need for funding is immediate, we instead focus on fundraising activities that we believe will generate more immediate revenue. However, “Planned Giving” and “Quick Giving" don't have to be mutually exclusive! More details and registration information here.

Managing Financials with an Operational Mindset

September 28, 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Presenter: Megan Fries, Frenzy to Freedom

Location: Deschutes Children's Foundation, Bend

We generally start or lead a non-profit because we are passionate about a cause and want to make a difference, not because we love to wear ALL the hats. Financial management is one of the key areas to gauge success, create plans for growth, and demonstrate our effectiveness as an organization. Truly an area we can all use some support. This session on Managing Financials with an Operational Mindset walks us through financial aspects that will strengthen the operations of your organization. More details and registration information here.

Engaging Your Board in Fundraising: A Mission-based Approach

October 18, 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Presenter: Grady Goodall, OSU's College of Liberal Arts

Location: Alvord-Taylor, Springfield

Effective fundraising is a team sport, and it can be frustrating to feel like too much of your team is still on the bench. Board members can be some of our most powerful ambassadors, storytellers, and fundraisers - and yet many feel underprepared to fully participate in the fundraising process. In this session, we'll cover strategies to help staff engage board members in fundraising activities so that everyone shares the workload - and the success. More details and registration information here.

Nonprofit Advocacy: Why Nonprofits and Why Now?

October 20, 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Presenter: Phillip Kennedy-Wong, NAO

Location: Corvallis Community Center, Corvallis

Communities are going through unprecedented change. Oregon is making important decisions in the coming months about state leadership at all levels. Nonprofits have the right to educate civic leaders on the role our organizations play in our communities to help them make most informed public policy decisions. Join us for an informative discussion on the importance of nonprofit advocacy during a time of social upheaval and unpredictable political challenges. 

More details and registration information here.

Board Governance Plans: What Are They and How Do They Help

October 26, 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Presenters: Jen and Tim Rusk, Rusk Coaching & Consulting

Location: Deschutes Children's Foundation, Bend

This session focuses on exploring the benefits of a Board Governance Plan that clearly communicates the expectations, responsibilities, and protocols for all those involved in the governance function of a nonprofit. A Board Governance Plan is an opportunity for board members to define their culture, agree on how they will work together, set up how they will measure success, establish an orientation process, and calendar the work they need to do over the course of a year. More details and registration information here. 

Guided by our Values: Value-driven Leadership and Intentional Workplace Culture

November 3, 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Presenter: Chris Wallace Caldwell, MA, Catalysis LLC

Location: Ecotrust, Portland

As nonprofit leaders we often talk about being value-driven. And we often (but not always) have a set of organizational values. But how do we use and lean into our values to help us make decisions, work through dilemmas, and create the workplace culture we truly want? What would it look like if we set out to create a workplace culture that helps us all feel a sense of belonging to bring our best work? This is becoming even more critical as our workspaces respond to changes brought on by the pandemic, reckonings with systemic racism and social inequities, and shifts in how we approach work life balance. This workshop is for leaders who want to operationalize what it means to be "value-driven" and who are ready to create an intentional approach to workplace culture. More details and registration here.