These are useful links for nonprofits and grantmakers.
20 Questions for Your Board
This two-page questionnaire is a board development ice breaker. Rather than asking detailed questions about board responsibilities, it asks simple questions about behavior and attitudes. The tabulated responses provide insights about areas of strength and weakness, and point to some short-term solutions to improve board performance.
24-Hour Marathon of Design for Good Causes
Are you, or do you know, a DC-area 501(c)3 nonprofit that urgently needs graphic design, web, or communications consultation but can't afford to pay for them? The Falls Church-based MediaStudio offers an annual 24-hour CreateAThon, which provides free design, creativity, and strategic services in support of good causes in Greater Washington.
A Scan of Leadership Development Efforts in the Greater Washington Region
This study examines Greater Washington's leadership needs and the strengths and limitations of local leadership and capacity-building efforts. The literature scan discusses what leaders need to sustain their leadership, how leadership can be expanded in communities and the nonprofit sector, how collaboration can be strengthened, and other topics.
Advocacy Funding: The Philanthropy of Changing Minds
Grantmakers may be cautious about funding advocacy, but advocacy can play a crucial role in advancing a foundation's mission. In this guide, contributors explain that advocacy includes opportunities to improve public policy through work that is well within the limits of the law. This guide offers resources and strategies for planning work, reaching the right audience, evaluating impact, and more.
Blue Avocado Online Magazine to Engage and Support Nonprofit Employees
Blue Avocado's aim is to engage and support the employees of community nonprofits, the ones who do the heavy lifting in building social justice and strong communities, and who create and drive the ideas that change our world for the better.
Hometown Prosperity: Increasing Opportunities for DC's Low-Income Working Families Briefing Book
DC Appleseed, in partnership with the DC Fiscal Policy Institute, has released Hometown Prosperity: Increasing Opportunities for DC's Low-Income Working Families in an online format. The book highlights the numerous obstacles faced by DC families and urges the District government to take a larger role in addressing the issues.
Now Hear This Report from Fenton Communications Explores Strategic Communications
Now Hear This: The Nine Laws of Successful Advocacy Communications, written by Kristen Wolf of Fenton Communications offers tips for building strong communication campaigns through strategic planning.
A Leader's Guide to Executive Coaching
Executive coaching provides leadership training, development of interpersonal skills, and guidance for how to manage and lead employees. The Nonprofit Quarterly has published "A Leader's Guide to Executive Coaching" which provides an overview of the process. Included in the article is a discussion of the leadership challenges facing nonprofits as well as questions and scenarios that executives can use to determine whether or not coaching... Read more
Advertise Your Organization At No Cost
List your organization and its programs so that anyone who needs to find you can do so easily. ROSS (Regional Opportunity Support Services) is a highly detailed, web-based tool that provides comprehensive information on thousands of Washington, DC area government, non-government, community and faith-based social service providers and programs.
Advocacy Leaders Program
Maryland Nonprofits' Advocacy Leaders Program, the first statewide program of its kind, strengthens the knowledge and skills of nonprofit public policy advocates and fosters the development and growth of an actively networked community of nonprofit advocacy leaders.
Americans for the Arts Blog and Podcast
Americans for the Arts' blog and podcast, ARTcast, explore issues that are shaping the arts landscape in the United States.
Association of Fundraising Professionals
The Association of Fundraising Professionals works to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education, and certification programs.
BoardSource
BoardSource, formerly the National Center for Nonprofit Boards, is a resource for practical information, tools and best practices, training, and leadership development for board members of nonprofit organizations worldwide. BoardSource enables organizations to fulfill their missions by helping build strong and effective nonprofit boards.
Briefing on Trends in Philanthropy and the Arts
This guide by Susan Raymond, , highlights the economic and philanthropic foundation of nonprofit arts organizations in America. Included in the report are financing structures, an overview of foundations' roles in giving, an analysis of museum philanthropy, and an exploration of the arts in our age of
global conflict.
Capacity-Building Resource
Capaciteria is a comprehensive, searchable database directory of capacity-building resources for nonprofits.
Cearinghouse of Data on the Nonprofit Sector
The National Center for Charitable Statistics is the national clearinghouse of data on the nonprofit sector in the United States. Users can get quick answers about the nonprofit sector and information about how many organizations there are in the United States or can obtain information catalogued by individual states.
CLPI Guide Helps Nonprofits Engage in Legislative Advocacy
The Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest has published an easy-to-follow guide for nonprofits seeking to engage in legislative advocacy. Make a Difference for Your Cause: Strategies for Nonprofit Engagement in Legislative Advocacy guides organizations in building their organizational capacity to engage in advocacy and helps them understand nonprofit lobbying laws and factors they should consider in using legislative advocacy to advance their missions. Offering examples... Read more
Collect Donations Through Text Messages
A new program, mGive, allows organizations to collect $5 or $10 donations via text message. Donors send texts and confirm their intent. The donations are charged directly to their wireless bill. From there, the donations are passed from their carriers to the Mobile Giving Foundation, which then passes on 90 to 95% of the donation to the nonprofit.
Communications Resources for Nonprofits
Because the Meyer Foundation believes in the importance of good communications in helping nonprofits achieve their goals, we've compiled this list of frequently asked questions and communications resources.
Community Technology Centers
Community Technology Centers' Network offers resources to enhance each affiliated organization's capacity to provide technology access and education to people who are socially or economically disadvantaged.
Congress Reviews Embedded Giving
The Philanthropy News Digest introduced a New York Times report by Stephanie Strom on forthcoming legislation to regulate corporate embedded giving programs.
Council on Foundations Annual Grantmaking Awards
The Council on Foundations announces December 2007 deadlines for a number of grantmaking awards programs. Among the awards programs are: the Critical Impact Awards, the Paul Ylvisaker Award for Public Policy Engagement, Robert W. Scrivner Award for Creative Grantmaking, and Wilmer Shields Rich Awards for Excellence in Communications.
Counseling for Nonprofits
The Enhanced Business Information Center, a product of the DC government, the US Small Business Administration, the DC Public Library, and private sponsors, provides technology and business counseling and trainings for small businesses, including nonprofits.
Creating a Website for Your Organization
One easy, efficient, and economical way to share the good news about your work is by creating a website. It's necessary in today's world and easier than you think. Here we answer some questions you may have about websites and their worth.
Creating a Website on a Shoestring Budget
Wild Apricot Products explains how to create an engaging website on a small budget.
Dashboard for Nonprofits
Just like a dashboard in a car provides a driver with instantaneous updates on important factors such as gas and temperature, developing a dashboard for nonprofit services can help nonprofit managers organize and present critical information in an streamlined, straightforward way. Though dashboard indicators are not comprehensive, they can allow executives and boards to review critical information quickly and efficiently.
DC and Federal Government Funding
For information on current federal, District, and foundation grants for which DC-area organizations are eligible, subscribe to the weekly Funding Alert or search the Grants Information Data System (GIDS). Both the publication and the online database are produced by the Office of Partnerships... Read more
DC Budget Toolkit
The DC Budget Toolkit, a service of the DC Fiscal Policy Institute, is designed to help you understand the budget of the District of Columbia and follow the annual budget process. Users can find out how much is being spent in different areas, compare spending to previous years, and obtain the tools necessary to get involved in the budget process.
DC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy
The DC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy publishes an e-newsletter filled with timely information about what's going on in DC to support young people and families and promote healthy behavior.
DC Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Campaign Helps Low-Income Residents
The DC EITC Campaign is a citywide partnership of government, nonprofit, and business entities that educates taxpayers about valuable tax benefits, offers free tax preparation services, and helps connect residents with services and programs that can help them increase their financial stability.
Developing a Powerful Grant Proposal
Tracks to Success has published an 18-part series that covers the entire spectrum of grant proposal development. The series offers step-by-step tutorials, checklists, worksheets, and samples to help guide proposal development.
ePhilanthropy Foundation Supports Nonprofit Internet Programs
ePhilanthropy.org is the global leader in providing training to charities for the ethical and efficient use of the Internet for philanthropic purposes through education and advocacy.
Executive Transition Program
The Center for Nonprofit Advancement sponsors the Executive Leadership Transition Initiative to help area nonprofits prepare for and manage executive director transitions. At the heart of the new program is a process known as Executive Transition Management.
Family Resource Simulator
The DC Fiscal Policy Institute has partnered with the National Center for Children in Poverty to develop a "Family Resource Simulator" for the District of Columbia. The Simulator is a web-based tool that allows users to compare the resources potentially available to low- and moderate-income families with children — including earnings and public benefits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit — with the expenses such families potentially face.
Family Strengthening Policy Center
The Family Strengthening Policy Center aims to make family strengthening a priority by mainstreaming neighborhood-based, family-centered practices, programs, and policy. The Center promotes family policy that contributes to family economic and social empowerment. Information is available through the center’s website and eNewsletter.
Financial Management Resources for Nonprofits
Because the Meyer Foundation is committed to strengthening the management and leadership of nonprofit organizations, we've compiled this list of frequently asked questions and resources on financial management. Visit these free online resources. Please let us know whether you find these helpful or they don't work for your organization at all.
Five Things One Board Member Can Do to Raise $100 to $5,000
Most board members feel that they "ought" to be raising money, or more money. This article from Board Café looks not at what the board should or can do, but suggests what each individual board member can do.
Flickr for Good
Flickr is an online online photo management and sharing application. Flickr, in partnership with TechSoup will offer 10,000 1-year Flickr pro accounts to nonprofit organizations.
Flip Video Spotlight
Flip Video Spotlight offers 60-minute Flip Video Ultra camcorders with built-in video editing and publishing software to eligible nonprofits. The kit also comes with instructions for uploading to your own website or popular video sharing sites (like YouTube, MySpace, and AOL Video), tutorials, and other training materials.
Free Communication Resources: Branding, Website Management, Media Strategies, and More
Fenton Communications offers free resources to help communicators learn valuable "best practices" in public relations. Topic areas inlcude branding, marketing, and advertising; website management: public and media relations; and more.
Free Online Giving Report
Network for Good has released a free, online giving report entitled "The Young and The Generous: A Study of $100 Million in Online Giving to 23,000 Charities." Click the above link for more information.
Free Time Sheet Technology
Clockware Cares offers organizations free time tracking software systems with up to 10 user licenses. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and educational organizations. There is no deadline for applications.
Free Training for Fathers and Heads-of-Household
CitiWide offers free computer training, life and employment skills, and job placement/retention to low-income fathers and head of households in the District. Training is held at the CitiWide Computer Training Center, located at 3636 16th Street, number BG-49, in northwest Washington, DC.
Google Grants For Organizations Promoting Community Service
The Google Grants program supports organizations that share the company's philosophy of community service worldwide in areas such as education, global public health, the environment, youth advocacy, and the arts.
Grantmakers and Donors Are Looking for You
GuideStar, the national database of nonprofit information, is used by many donors and grantmakers to research nonprofit organizations before they give money to them. Let these funders know more about your good work by adding information to your GuideStar listing. A free online form allows you to add or update your nonprofit's information on the GuideStar website.
Grantmaking with a Racial Equity Lens
GrantCraft, a project of the Ford Foundation, has released "Grantmaking with a Racial Equity Lens," a report on how attention to racial equity in grantmaking can strengthen giving programs.
Guide for Using Consultants
The Grand Victoria Foundation has published the Insiders Guide to Outside Advice to help nonprofits make better use of consultants. The toolkit includes a project planning tool, a sample RFP, proposal screening tool, reference checking tool, interviewing tool, sample letter of agreement, contract guide, and project evaluation model.
Guide to Nonprofit Careers for First-time Job Seekers
This e-book is a free resource for emerging professionals pursuing their first position in the nonprofit sector.
Guide to Nonprofit Careers for Sector Switchers
This e-book is a free resource for transitioning professionals pursuing new career options in the nonprofit sector.
Informational Podcast on how to Prepare for the New Form 990
This free PricewaterhouseCoopers' podcast features Howard Schoenfeld and Laura Parillo of PWC's Washington/National Tax Services Exempt Organizations Practice Group. Highlighted are some of the key features of the redesigned form and outline of the important steps nonprofit organizations should be taking now to prepare for the new form.
IRS Announces New Filing Requirement and Plans for Revised Tax Form in 2009
Beginning in 2008, small organizations have a new filing requirement. Tax-exempt organizations that normally have annual gross receipts of $25,000 or less and do not have to file Form 990 or 990-EZ now must file a new electronic form—Form 990-N, more commonly known as the e-Postcard.
IssueLab Forum for Nonprofit Research
IssueLab is an online publishing forum for nonprofit research. Its goal is to more effectively archive, distribute and promote the extensive and diverse body of work being produced by the nonprofit sector. All research posted to IssueLab is done as an open archive that is free for the general public to access. Published research includes policy analysis reports, white papers, case studies, data sets, fact sheets and legislative testimony.
Leading by Design: A Resource for Nonprofits
Anne Ackerson, consultant and director of the Museum Association of New York, writes about nonprofit leadership issues, financial management, and board roles and responsibilities.
Learn to Comply with DC's New Paid Sick Leave Law
The Nonprofit Agenda explains what nonprofits need to know about the recently enacted paid sick leave law in Washington, DC.
MacArthur Foundation Recognizes Small & Creative Nonprofits
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is creating a new annual award of up to $500,000 each for a select group of small nonprofit organizations around the world that have shown unusual effectiveness and creativity.
Make a Difference for Your Cause: Strategies for Nonprofit Engagement in Legislative Advocacy
The Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest (CLPI) has produced a free online resource guide for nonprofits. The guide describes all the steps and resources needed for a nonprofit organization to use legislative advocacy to advance their mission. It addresses the elements to build organizational capacity and components to develop a strategy. The publication also details the legal issues involved, outlining the lobbying activities nonprofits can and cannot do.
MissionFish
MissionFish is a free application that brings together eBay buyers and sellers to support causes. Nonprofits can use MissionFish to receive donations, turn in-kind contributions into cash, or hold an auction event to support fundraisers.
Model to Achieve Sustainable Funding
Benevon offers a free online video explaining a model for building sustainable funding from lifelong individual donors.
MoneyNet Searchable Donor Database
The Enterprise Foundation provides a searchable database of community development funder sources called MoneyNet. The Social Enterprise Alliance is partnering with the Enterprise Foundation to add listings for social entrepreneurship funders.
National Youth Development Information Center
National Youth Development Information Center (NYDIC) is a one-stop website for youth workers with interest in any and all of the following areas: funding, programming, research, policy, and job and training opportunities. NYDIC also provides current news to the youth development field and has one of the largest online libraries, providing practice-related information at low-cost or no cost. NYDIC provides constant opportunities for practitioners to share knowledge and experience,... Read more
The Urban Institute and the Washington, DC Local Initiatives Support Corporation are pleased to announce their new partnership to operate NeighborhoodInfo DC.
NeighborhoodInfo DC provides current and reliable neighborhood-level data and analysis to assist community organizations, nonprofits, government agencies, philanthropy,... Read more
New Online Grants Database for DC-Area Nonprofits
The Mayor's Office of Partnerships and Grants Development, in partnership with the Office of the Chief Technology Officer, announces its new Grants Information Data System.
Nonprofit Careers
Nonprofit Careers is a comprehensive employment resource center for nonprofit sector employers and job seekers in the Greater Washington area. Through Nonprofit Careers, employers can access quality candidates, quick and easy job postings, online reports with job activity statistics, and competitive pricing. Job seekers can post their resume, receive automated weekly e-mail notification of new job listings, and save jobs for later review.
Nonprofits By the Numbers 2008: Analysis of Maryland’s Nonprofit Sector
This free report is a synopsis of the trends and statistics related to the Maryland nonprofit sector.
Nonprofits Need Effective Boards
The Philanthropy Journal Publisher Todd Cohen addresses strategies for building effective nonprofit boards. More>>
Nonprofits Use Social Web During Giving Season
This blog from the nonprofit NetSquared reviews some of the ways nonprofits can use the social web to support fundraising programs.
NPAction.org
NPAction, an online resource for nonprofit advocacy, has been updated and improved to make it easier for users to find what they need to be effective advocates. A new section features examples of successful advocacy by a wide variety of nonprofits.
npEnterprise Forum
The npEnterprise Forum is an email distribution list that discusses practical steps nonprofits can take to enhance their organizational capacity, mission impact, and financial sustainability, through the development of income-generating business activities.
Online Fundraising and Nonprofit Marketing Learning Center
Network for Good announces a free resource center designed to be "A Fundraising Guide for the Overwhelmed, Overworked Nonprofit." Some of the topics include articles such as: 8 Things Your Home Page Must Have; 13 Secrets of Holiday Fundraising Online; the Five Minute Guide to Social Networking; and the New Home of Nonprofit 911.
Plastic Jungle Converts Old Gift Cards to Cash for Charities
Plastic Jungle that helps people sell or trade in gift cards. It has launched a fundraising program that will allow nonprofits to collect unused gift cards worth $10 or more and convert them into cash. Plastic Jungle will then give the charities 70 percent of the total gift-card value.
PolicyMap Data Generator
PolicyMap is a geographic information generator that allows users to create custom maps, tables, and charts. It provides over 4,000 indicators plus the ability to plot your own data.
Preparing for the New IRS 403(b) Requirements
New IRS reporting and compliance regulations for 403(b) retirement plans will take effect on January 1, 2009. The changes will require audits and careful attention from managers. This article by Mike Sorrells from Cherry, Bekaert, & Holland, L.L.P provides a brief overview of the preparations needed to meet the new requirements.
Pro Bono Design for Nonprofits
Idealist.org, in collaboration with the Art Directors Club, has launched a new initiative to match designers with nonprofits looking for pro bono help in creating brochures, website re-design, and other promotional needs.
Promotional Toolkit for National Volunteer Week
The Points of Light Foundation National Volunteer Week toolkit has information and resources to help nonprofit professionals recognize volunteers publicly. The toolkit can help nonprofits leverage the nation's focus on volunteering. Click the above link for more information.
Report on Civic Engagement and Nonprofits
The Building Movement Project has released Nonprofit Service Organizations and Civic Engagement: Addressing Challenges and Moving Forward, which explores how nonprofits can incorporate civic engagement in their service programs.
Report on Ending HIV/AIDS in the DC Region
The Washington AIDS Partnership has released A Fight We Can Win: Ending HIV/AIDS in Metropolitan Washington, DC.
Report on Washington-Area Nonprofits
The Nonprofit Roundtable of Greater Washington has released Beyond Charity, Recognizing Return on Investment—How the Nonprofit Community Impacts Greater Washington.
Scholarships to Attend Foundation Center Seminars
Partial scholarships are available to enable representatives of under-resourced nonprofits serving the Washington, DC metropolitan area to attend the Foundation Center's full-day training seminars. This initiative is intended to help small community-based organizations to build their capacity in preparation for seeking financial support for their work. Applications are required.
Seven Fundraising Tips for Surviving 2008
The Agitator is a free online resource that provides fundraising and advocacy strategies, trends, and tips. Included its resources is a list of seven fundraising tips to help your organization survive the economic downturn.
Shortchanging America's Health: A State by State Look at How Federal Public Health Dollars are Spent
Trust for America's Health has relased the report, Shortchanging America's Health, which finds that Midwestern states receive less funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention than other states. The report includes complete anaylsis and reviews of key health statistics and federal funding for public health on a state-by-state level. The full report is on the Trust for America's Health's website.
Singing Our Praises
Singing Our Praises is a new book on participatory evaluation for arts organizations that introduces readers to two case studies and provides a wealth of information about how to approach and execute evaluation.
SmartChart Helps Nonprofits Communicate Effectively
Communications consulting firm Spitfire Strategies has created SmartChart, a free online tool to help organizations create and implement communications plans.
SPIN Project
The SPIN Project helps organizations working to build a fair, just, and equitable society that want to be heard in today's crowded media environment.
SPIN Project Offers Online Strategic Communications Tutorial
The SPIN Project strategic communications tutorial will help nonprofits promote their work more effectively and strategically.
StayExempt.org - Free Tax Resources for Nonprofit Organizations
The Internal Revenue Service offers free resources and information for nonprofits with 501(c)(3) tax status on its website. Nonprofit professionals can receive free online training in topic areas including: steps to retaining nonprofit status, managing unrelated business income, employment, filing error-free returns, and managing disclosures. The site's resource library also offers important forms and publications for download.
Study on Boards of Midsize Nonprofits
The Urban Institute has released a report on its study of the needs and challenges of boards of midsize nonprofits. Click on the link below to access the full report.
TechSoup
TechSoup is a comprehensive source of technology information for nonprofit organizations.
Timesheet Software for Nonprofits
The Pacific Timesheet Company is offering eligible organizations free time tracking software systems with up to 10 user licenses.
Transition Guides
TransitionGuides is a website developed by seasoned consultants, management support organizations, and others who specialize in working with nonprofit organizations engaged in executive leadership transitions.
Trend Tracker
The Foundation Center has launched a free online tool that offers immediate, interactive access to the center's historical financial data on U.S. grantmakers.
Virginia Neighborhood Assistance Program
The Virginia Department of Social Services' Neighborhood Assistant Program emphasizes partnerships between the private and public sector to assist the economically deprived. State tax credits are provided as an incentive for businesses and individuals to contribute directly to an approved nonprofit organization designed to benefit impoverished people.
Washington Post Award for Excellence in Nonprofits
The Washington Post Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management is an annual award presented to a Washington, DC, metropolitan-area nonprofit organization for outstanding achievement in organization management.
Why Nonprofits Need Strong Taglines
This article from Nancy Schwartz and Company discusses how effective taglines can help strengthen the public identity of nonprofits.
Wise Decision Making in Uncertain Times: Using Nonprofit Resources Effectively
A follow-up to the Foundation Center's best-selling "Effective Economic Decision-Making by Nonprofit Organizations," this book focuses on the challenges faced by nonprofits in the post-9/11 world.
YouTube Nonprofit Program Helps Nonprofits Broadcast Their Cause
Through a new nonprofit channel, YouTube is helping nonprofits broadcast their messages to the world's largest online video community. Among the benefits are premium branding capabilities and increased uploading capacity, rotation of videos in "promoted videos" areas throughout the site, and the option to drive fundraising through a Google Checkout "Donate" button.