Tip of the Month: Partnerships & Collaboration

Our Tips of the Month share simple, practical advice inspired by our Principles & Practices guide to help you strengthen your organization, connect with your community, and reach your mission.

Check out this month's tip to understand the difference between partnerships and collaboration and why we need both (think: creativity + long-term impact).

YES! Nonprofits are Still Nonpartisan

We’ve been getting a lot of questions about the IRS’s recent move asking a federal court to allow two churches and two nonprofits involved in a Texas lawsuit to speak about political candidates during their services without violating the Johnson Amendment.

The Johnson Amendment is shorthand for the law that 501(c)(3) nonprofits and houses of worship cannot make campaign contributions or support or oppose candidates for office or political parties – the basis of nonprofit nonpartisanship as we know it.

Because this case could have implications on how the Johnson Amendment is understood and enforced, check out our summary of the details and why it’s important for nonprofits.

Training that Transforms

Because our nonprofits are stepping up and taking action to the changing situations around us, it’s imperative that the learning and professional development we carve out time for doesn’t just transfer information, it actually helps us build stronger teams, better organizations, and ultimately, healthier communities.

For those who design and deliver these training and learning experiences, says Nancy Bacon, the real impact happens when knowledge turns into something people do. Based on her From Information to Impact: A Social Sector Theory of Change, she offers ways to make that happen:

• Create practical learning that's tied to real work
• Design curriculum with transfer in mind
• Zoom out to the system level – are the right people learning the right things at the right time?

Nancy brings this full circle on August 6 and 20 during a live Trainer Academy, for teachers, trainers, consultants, and leaders to dig into effective in-person and online workshop design and instruction that inspires and motivates. You’ll leave with a fully-developed workshop and the confidence to deliver it. Register now.

More on AI

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the nonprofit sector – leading to new ways for our organizations to enhance efficiency, strengthen engagement, and increase impact. But with these opportunities come important ethical and operational questions. That’s why our colleagues at Maryland Nonprofits partnered with NTEN to create and launch the AI for Nonprofits Resource Hub.

What’s inside? Videos, templates, and resources to help nonprofits adopt and apply AI responsibly, effectively, and equitably including:

• Expert insights from nonprofit and AI leaders
• Best practices for ethical AI adoption
• Practical tools, guides, and training tailored for nonprofits

What We're Reading

• It’s Time For Nonprofits To Collaborate, Communicate, Coordinate Like Never Before, Bloomerang
• Why Cutting Your Marketing Budget in Tough Times is a Bad Idea, Fisher Creative
• Immigration Guide, Enlace Latino NC

Upcoming Training

• Responsible Sunsetting, Hibernation or Dissolution: The Dos and Don’ts, July 30
• The Trainer Academy: How to Teach Online or In-Person (live), August 6 & 20
• Creating a Culture of Financial Transparency, October 9
• The Ultimate Grant Proposal Blueprint: Your Step-by-Step Roadmap and Build-It-Yourself Toolkit for Crafting an A+ Proposal (on-demand, 8-session course)
• The Trainer Academy (on-demand, 16-session course)
• Bookmark the Nonprofit Calendar for ongoing training and events

Powering Nonprofits: Spotlight on Our Business Sustainers

This month, we begin celebrating the incredible businesses that are helping drive impact across North Carolina’s nonprofit sector. These Business Sustainers invest not just in the Center but in the strength, resilience, and reach of nonprofits statewide. Their support fuels high-quality training, bold advocacy efforts, and coaching that helps nonprofits thrive.

In return, Business Sustainers receive exclusive visibility, connection, and engagement opportunities including Business Finder listings, newsletter promotions, discounted registrations, and pro bono volunteer pathways.

This month, we proudly recognize:

• Armstrong McGuire – longtime Sustainer & Nonprofit Champion
• Avanzare Labs – new Sustainer

Thank you for your partnership and purpose-driven leadership in North Carolina!

Want to see your business featured here next month? Learn more and become a Business Sustainer.

We also appreciate the support of these businesses with new listings in Business Finder, our online directory of businesses and consultants that work specifically with nonprofits.

Welcome, New Members!

We appreciate the members of our growing nonprofit network. Your support and partnership make it possible for us to educate, connect, and advocate for and with nonprofits across North Carolina.

Nonprofit Connections is the monthly newsletter of nonprofit news, trends, and resources from the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits. If a colleague forwarded this message to you, sign up for our emails.

Current Center Member? Access your benefits or create your account.

Members of the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits have full access to training, resources, and discounts on additional programs and services.

All NC 501(c)(3) nonprofits can become members.

Not a Center Member? Join now.

Not a 501(c)(3) org? Support or affiliate with the Center.

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