A bi-weekly update from the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network.                                        

With Congress back in session, MNN has been keeping close tabs on the status of multiple federal legislative issues that affect our nonprofit members. In particular, we're monitoring efforts to repeal the Johnson Amendment and the status of the federal charitable tax deduction. While you're keeping posted to us for updates on these, below are two issues that you can take action on today:
  1. Join the live teleconference today from 3-4PM with the Office of Advocacy at the U.S. Small Business Administration to discuss federal overtime regulations, regulatory reform opportunities in the coming months, and ongoing engagement with SBA Advocacy to promote nonprofit interests within the federal government. MNN and the National Council of Nonprofits (NCN) are asking nonprofits to attend this call to ensure that the voice of our sector is heard while federal departments and agencies review existing regulations. Register here.
  2. If your nonprofit receives government funding, we invite you to take NCN's brief online survey here on the grant reforms known as the OMB Uniform Guidance. These reforms were undertaken to improve the way local, state, and the federal governments treat nonprofits that perform services on their behalf. This survey will inform efforts to ensure that these reforms are properly implemented and best serve the nonprofits who contract with governmental entities.
Early bird registration for 2017's Annual Conference closes  Friday, September 22. Take advantage of savings of as much as 40% on admittance to this year's conference, 10 Years of Strengthening Massachusetts Nonprofits, on November 1, 2017 at the Sheraton Framingham. This year marks MNN's tenth anniversary of supporting Massachusetts' vibrant nonprofit sector, and will feature Independent Sector President and CEO Dan Cardinali as the keynote speaker.  Whether you're looking to enhance your fundraising acumen, rebrand your organization, diversify your staff and board, or network with hundreds of peers, this event will provide you with everything you need to set yourself and your organization up for success for the next 10 years and beyond. 

Register here.   To save on admittance fees to this year's Conference, plus gain access to a slew of other benefits, learn about becoming a  MNN member here .
It's no secret that nonprofits are frequently asked to do more with less. Whether you are a current nonprofit member or are interested in joining, remember that MNN  can help your organization save money with cost savings on in-demand products and services to boost your productivity and effectiveness. Members have access to a wide range of savings and discounts on everything from publications, office supplies, insurance policies, and more, including:
  • More than 50% off the annual Zipcar membership fee;
  • 20% off of trainings and educational events at TSNE MissionWorks and Human Service Forum;
  • $45 off an annual subscription to the Boston Business Journal;
  • Up to 40% off registration to all MNN events.
  Click here to learn more about all available cost savings. Reach out here with any questions.
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By Barbara Andrews, CPA, Senior Audit Manager, KPM & Associates

Picture this scenario: the director of a nonprofit has been informed that the agency's landlord is selling the building that houses their operating facility. The lease ends in a year and there is now an organized scramble to find a new location. This recent chain of events has moved the organization into a "reactive" mode, which is disruptive to their regular operations. There are many types of unforeseen events that can happen to an organization; however, there are steps organizations can take to prepare for the unexpected.  Read more .
webinarsFree Webinar on Wed. 9/20: Compensation and Benefits Considerations for Nonprofits

Compensation and Benefits Considerations for Nonprofits
Many nonprofits have budgetary constraints around the compensation packages they can offer. In this webinar, join us and our Affiliate Member Insource Services, Inc. as they review traditional compensation plans and explore innovative, low-cost ways to design benefits packages in order to attract and retain strong performers. Insource will look at ways to strengthen compensation packages, creatively building benefits offerings, and ways to avoid common pitfalls. They will also touch upon other timely compensation topics, such as the Massachusetts Pay Equity Act. Register here.

lookingfor
MNN connects nonprofits to resources, and one great way to do that is by sharing knowledge and experiences within the sector. This section of SectorNews provides a space for nonprofit professionals seeking advice from, or collaborations with, their peers. Tap into the collective wisdom of over 10,500 subscribers- reach out to [email protected] and get conversations started or questions answered by posting to this section!

QUICK LINKS 
Financial Reporting Manager, Homes for Our Troops
Salasin Project Program Director, Salasin Project- Western MA Training Consortium
Executive Director, Wediko Children's Services
State Advocacy Manager, Community Catalyst
Development Coordinator, Social Innovation Forum
Development Associate, Just A Start Corporation
Bilingual Case Manager, Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services
Education Site Supervisor (ESS), Community Action of Franklin, Hampshire, & North Quabbin Regions
Community Engagement Project Coordinator, Winchester Multicultural Network
Individual Giving Manager, City Year Boston
Conference Coordinator, Massachusetts Coalition for Adult Education
Afterschool Site Director, For Kids Only Afterschool
Art Therapist, Raw Art Works

Mindfulness@Work , Online, September 12
Just in Time Meditation, Boston, September 13
Nonprofit Incorporation Workshop, Boston, September 14

Resources
Nonprofits that provide services to Boston residents or are located within Boston city limits can now apply for a discounted organizational domain name ending in ".BOSTON." .BOSTON is part of a a new class of generic top-level domain names that expands the options for website domain names as .com's become increasingly hard to find. Nonprofits that meet the requirements receive a .BOSTON name at a discounted price prior to the general availability phase. Interested parties should apply here before October 10. 

The  Boston Business Journal and  Belmont Savings Bank are teaming up to bring area nonprofits the best fundraising ideas from the best in the sector at their event,  Biz of NonProfits. On Thursday, October 26 from 7:30-9:30am at the Conference Center at Waltham Woods, attendees will enjoy a panel discussion featuring leadership from  Cape Harbor View Combined Jewish Philanthropies Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston and the  Archdiocese of Boston and learn about the top ways to increase support for your nonprofit organization to take it to the next level. Register here.

The Northeast Arc and the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation want your ideas to identify innovative concepts to help positively disrupt the system to improve the lives of persons with intellectual disabilities and/or autism and their families. They are looking for out-of-the-box ideas and people who can imagine possibilities, be creative and who want to change the status quo. The Northeast Arc is awarding up to a total of $200,000 through the Changing Lives Fund, to one or multiple innovative ideas, during the inaugural The Arc Tank competition. Quincy Miller of Eastern Bank has been chosen as a member of the expert panel for this year's competition. All applications are due no later than September 29, 2017. For more on application requirements and overall details about the competition, click here. 

The form to receive benefits under Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program was recently released by the federal government. PSLF was created to encourage borrowers to enter into public service work or the nonprofit sector by forgiving their eligible federal student loan balance. American Student Assistance is providing information on eligibility requirements, eligible loans, payments, employers, and the PSLF application process free of charge. Visit their website here to learn more.

Affordable downtown Boston coworking space is available for nonprofits.  Shared office space available near Government Center at the Next Mile Project, a collaborative, community space dedicated to helping nonprofits work productively, build their capacity, and broaden their networks to achieve  social  impact. The  Social   Innovation   Forum  recently acquired the Next Mile Project and we are actively recruiting new coworking members in an effort to build an inclusive community of diverse programs and leaders. All memberships include basic office amenities (e.g. high-speed wifi, printing, mail service, access to conference rooms), as well as access to workshops, trainings, peer-to-peer networking, and invitations to the  Social   Innovation   Forum 's broader network and events. If you are interested,  fill out this  online coworking membership application form  or contact us a  [email protected]  or 617-492-2305.

The Bridgespan Group is working with six local funders to provide Leading for Impact®, an innovative capacity building program, to nonprofits in the Boston area. Leading for Impact® is a city-based consulting program designed to help ambitious nonprofits pursue strategic opportunities and build capacity to both improve their performance over time and achieve greater, local impact. Through Leading for Impact®, Bridgespan will help accelerate the impact of 50 high-potential nonprofit organizations in the Boston area through 2021. They will be launching cohorts of 8-9 organizations every 6 months, and Bridgespan is currently enrolling for the cohort that will start in December 2017. This program is best suited for organizations that are working to increase social mobility in the greater Boston area, and that have executive teams of four to six individuals. Please see the  list of organizations that have participated in the program. Click  here to learn more.











New & Returning Affiliate Members 
*Special discount for MNN members

Firm specializing in accounting, auditing, and executive search services for nonprofits.

Business advisory firm providing accounting, tax, and business consulting services for nonprofits.

Creates cloud-based platforms to help nonprofit organizations manage their board meetings and materials in a simple, secure manner.

Certificate program geared for individuals looking to enter the field of fundraising or advance their current professional knowledge.

Full-service commercial and personal bank serving the needs of businesses, individuals, and nonprofits.

Technology services company offering nonprofit clients help using websites, online tools, and technology to communicate, advocate, and raise money for their missions.

Offers interim executive director services to nonprofits and solutions to other challenges nonprofits face.
*Free over-the-phone organization review and assessment

Helps nonprofits deliver successful projects by creating a project management culture that uses best practices to prepare deadline-oriented plans and processes.
*10% off of all services

Muse Intermedia
Technology and media company that specializes in creating functional, beautiful, and unique websites, graphic design, marketing and public relations campaigns.
*Free initial consultation and project estimates; discounted rates for nonprofits

Helps clients become leaders in their fields through integrated communications campaigns that feature messaging, media coverage, digital, government relations, executive visibility and thought leadership programs.
*Discounted pricing for nonprofits and foundations

New & Returning 
Nonprofit Members

- Uphams Corner Community Center


MNN's work is made possible by the Barr Foundation, The Boston Foundation & the Highland Street Foundation.
If you'd like to share a story or have a job, grant or other information that is important to Massachusetts nonprofits, contact  [email protected].