Philanthropy Front and Center-Cleveland

Program Series - Tackling Tough Times

The Foundation Center-Cleveland is presenting a series of free classes and special events during January 2009 aimed at helping small and mid-sized nonprofits get their organizations in shape for weathering the uncertain economy.

Brown Bag Lunch programs.
Tuesday, January 6, 12:00- 1:00 pm:
Creative Marketing for Nonprofits on a Budget. Join Paul Jarrett, the director of marketing and public relations for Opera Cleveland, as he shares his expertise and discusses ways for nonprofits to promote their services in tight financial times.

Tuesday, January 13, 11:30 am-1:00 pm:
Building a Strong Financial Infrastructure: Internal Controls 101. Learn about the building blocks of effective financial oversight from Tina Dzik of Cohen & Company Certified Public Accountants.

Thursday, January 22:
Introduction to Fundraising Planning, 10:00 am-12:00 pm.
Your Board and Fundraising, 1:00-2:30 pm. Our popular classes will be followed by Q&A sessions with Daniel Mansoor of GoodWorks Group who will answer your questions while sharing his fundraising and board development expertise.

Wednesday, January 28, 4:30-7:00 pm:
Resource Market. Top-tier professionals from a selected group of Northeast Ohio nonprofits will gather to share information about their organizations' services in a fun, trade fair atmosphere. Meet and greet (and eat!) while visiting 'vendor tables' and attending any of the following mini-sessions:

• 4:30-4:45: David Holmes, Foundation Center on foundation fundraising
• 5:00-5:15: Carol Carbary, Association of Fundraising Professionals on individual fundraising
• 5:20-5:35: Tom O'Brien, Neighborhood Connections on grassroots fundraising
• 5:40-5:55: Ann Kent, Business Volunteers Unlimited on nonprofit boards
• 6:00-6:15: Don Slocum, Neighborhood Leadership Institute on adovcating for your organization

Recommendations to Presidential Transition Team

I received an e-mail message from the Ohio Association of Nonprofit Organizations containing recommendations to the Obama Transition Team, re-printed here in its entirety:

National Council of Nonprofits with State Nonprofit Associations Release Recommendations to the Presidential Transition Team

Washington, DC (Dec. 22, 2008)—Working in close collaboration with its state association members across the country, the National Council of Nonprofits has submitted its recommendations to President-Elect Obama’s Transition Team, which had requested the organization’s insights regarding ways the federal government can work better with nonprofits.

To put its recommendations in context, the National Council of Nonprofits’ report emphasizes: “The nonprofit sector serves as America’s social safety net to provide for people needing basic human services like food, shelter, and health care. Yet that community safety net is unraveling rapidly, straining to endure the additional weight dropping on it from the economy. With more people losing their jobs due to layoffs, losing their homes due to foreclosures, and losing all or a portion of their health insurance due to employers cutting jobs and benefits, the demand for nonprofit services is skyrocketing.”

At the same time, the report continues, “nonprofit revenues are plummeting as foundation assets evaporate, state and local governments cut contracts and freeze reimbursement rates, corporate donations shrink, and individuals suffer financially. The nonprofit sector remains committed to providing as much relief as possible to those in need. However, despite the purest intentions and the strongest dedication, community nonprofits cannot continue to do so much more with so much less for very much longer.”

The report provides an overview of how the economy is harming nonprofits, and cites a projection by noted public service expert Dr. Paul Light that the menacing economy could wipe out as many as 100,000 nonprofits within the next six months. “If that happens,” the National Council says, “then many needy people will have no place to turn.” Moreover, that will significantly increase the number of jobs lost across the country.

The National Council of Nonprofits’ recommendations include the following:

• Creating within the first 100 days the Social Entrepreneurship Agency for Nonprofits called for in the Obama Plan so it can help strengthen nonprofits—especially community-based organizations, because 93% of all charitable nonprofits have revenue under $1 million.
• Focusing the economic recovery plan “first on maximizing operating budget relief for state and local governments” to prevent additional state operating budget reductions because “future cuts to state and local governments will greatly exacerbate our nation’s current economic crisis.”
• Establishing a new Community Services Protection Fund to restore “the public/private covenant between governments and nonprofits by investing in nonprofits that perform work that traditionally has been performed and/or funded by government – because past government policies that shifted government human service programs to nonprofits often did so without full payment to provide those services.”
• Eliminating the distinction between the Standard Business Mileage Rate (now 58.5 cents per mile) given to corporate and federal employees and the substandard Charitable Mileage Rate (now just 14 cents per mile) for volunteers so there is one rate, set the same way, and treated the same way for tax purposes so volunteer workers helping others are treated the same as paid workers.
• Strengthening democracy by restoring the American people’s ability to amplify their voices through nonprofits so the people may participate meaningfully in their government.

The National Council of Nonprofits is the network of state and regional nonprofit associations serving more than 20,000 member organizations.  OANO is a member of the National Council of Nonprofits.

--Cindy Bailie

At the Foundation Center (December 22 - January 2)

We are offering library hours this week and next.

Week of December 22:
Monday, 12:00 - 4:30 pm.
Tuesday, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm.
Wednesday, CLOSED.  
Thursday, CLOSED.  
Friday, CLOSED.  

Week of December 29:
Monday, 12:00 - 4:30 pm.
Tuesday, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm.
Wednesday, 9:30 am - 1:00 pm.
Thursday, CLOSED.  
Friday, CLOSED.

Classes resume the week of January 5th:
Tuesday, January 6, 12:00-1:00 pm: Creative Marketing for Nonprofits on a Budget.
Wednesday, January 7, 6:00 - 7:30 pm: Introduction to Fundraising Planning.
Thursday, January 8: Proposal Writing Basics (10:00 - 11:30 am) and Proposal Budgeting Basics (11:30 am - 12:30 pm). 

We are offering library hours this week and next.

Week of December 22:
Monday, 12:00 - 4:30 pm.
Tuesday, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm.
Wednesday, CLOSED.  
Thursday, CLOSED.  
Friday, CLOSED.  

Week of December 29:
Monday, 12:00 - 4:30 pm.
Tuesday, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm.
Wednesday, 9:30 am - 1:00 pm.
Thursday, CLOSED.  
Friday, CLOSED.

Classes resume the week of January 5th:
Tuesday, January 6, 12:00-1:00 pm: Creative Marketing for Nonprofits on a Budget.
Wednesday, January 7, 6:00 - 7:30 pm: Introduction to Fundraising Planning.
Thursday, January 8: Proposal Writing Basics (10:00 - 11:30 am) and Proposal Budgeting Basics (11:30 am - 12:30 pm). 

Looking for a Fiscal Sponsor?

Well, look no further.

The San Francisco Study Center, in conjunction with the Tides Center and the National Network of Fiscal Sponsors (NNFS) has created a free online Fiscal Sponsor Directory. The directory provides detailed information on 139 fiscal sponsors in 26 states, including sponsor's philosophies, fees, eligibility requirements, and a listing of services they provide--everything needed to decide which fiscal sponsor might be the best match for a nonprofit project. You can search by state, service category (e.g. arts & culture, disaster relief, youth development, etc.), or keyword for information on nonprofit fiscal sponsors. The  online directory also provides statistics and resources on fiscal sponsorship. 

Fiscalsponsordirectory.org was initially funded by a grant provided through the Schwab Fund for Charitable Giving. 

If your organization would like to be listed in the directory, just fill out this form.  As of this writing, there is only 1 organization in the directory from Ohio. There have to be more?

Additional resources on fiscal sponsorship are available on the Foundation Center's website:

• Guide to Fiscal Sponsorship

• What is a fiscal sponsor, and how do I find one?

• Where can I find examples of policies, procedures, and guidelines for fiscal sponsorship agreements on the Web? 
  
  (Reposted from Philanthropy Front and Center San-Francisco; written by Jean Johnson.)

From the Answer Desk: What Should I Do After Submitting a Proposal to a Foundation?

A: Wait a few weeks, then contact them to confirm receipt. You may also want to inquire at that time about their review process and offer to meet or to answer any questions that they have. Remember to re-read any relevant documents or guidelines before making contact, so that you are prepared for any and all questions.

Final grantmaking decisions are typically made by a foundation's board, which may meet just once, or which may be on a regular meeting schedule throughout the year. Each foundation is different, so keep in mind that a final decision about your proposal could take some time. You can continue to communicate major changes and milestones with the foundation throughout this period, but probably shouldn't send your daily (or even weekly) e-mail alerts! Be selective. For more information about communicating with prospective funders, attend our free class How to Approach a Foundation at any of our locations, by webinar, or as a recorded webinar, which is available anytime.

Have a question? Ask Us!

(This post is from Katie Artzner, the Foundation Center's online librarian)

Best of 2008?

It's hard to believe that 2008 is nearly over. As you make plans for new beginnings, how are you feeling about 2008? Good riddance? Or, farewell old friend?  I am leaning towards good riddance. It's been difficult, but there have been some bright spots in the world of philanthropy.

Here's one bright spot in Ohio philanthropy that I took special note of this year. What stood out for you? Tell us about it in the comments area, and we can celebrate the best of 2008 together.

Match Day 1 and Match Day 2.0, powered by the online giving portal at The Columbus Foundation called PowerPhilanthropy. 
~Match Day 1 (March 6, 2008): "With the click of a mouse, central Ohioans and The Columbus Foundation successfully executed an unprecedented, extraordinary day of giving—contributing $805,000 to 245 local nonprofit organizations in a matter of hours on PowerPhilanthropy Match Day." Wow.  
~Match Day 2.0 (November 18 and 19, 2008): "The community’s response to Match Day 2.0 was extraordinary. While the goal of Match Day 2.0 was $1 million in 48 hours, that number was surpassed in just over 24 hours. The Columbus Foundation processed 650 gifts in 17 minutes—1,000 gifts in 40 minutes." Match Day 2.0 ultimately leveraged $1,265,564 in giving to Central Ohio nonprofits in just over 24 hours. Double wow. 

We should all get on board with the development of 'one-click' solutions and embrace the potential of online communities to mobilize people and resources in a matter of minutes, literally. 

Tell Us How Grants Make a Difference

We’re living in uncertain times, filled with mounting anxieties about the potential effect of the economic crisis on nonprofit organizations and the communities they serve. But, as the holiday season begins, we may gain some perspective as we consider not our losses but rather the many gifts given and received that help to build a better world every day.

It seems like the appropriate moment to ask for your submissions to our new feature, Grants That Make a Difference. We invite nonprofits, foundations, individual grantseekers, and anyone involved in or touched by philanthropy to share your experiences about the impact of grants or other support you gave or received. What effect did the grant have? Who did it help? What positive change did it create? Why was it effective?

Tell us your stories and help us tell the story of philanthropy. We will feature selected stories regularly on PhilanTopic, at one or more of our regional Philanthropy Front and Center blogs, and at other areas of the Foundation Center's web site. Submit your story.

This Week at the Foundation Center (December 15 - 19)

Classes:

Tuesday, December 16: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, Securing Corporate Partnerships.

Wednesday, December 17:  5:30 - 7:30  pm, Grantseeking Basics with a special Introduction to the Foundation Center web site at Cleveland Heights - University Heights Library.

Thursday, December 18: 1:00 - 2:00 pm, Finding Foundation Support for Your Education.  

Library:
Use Foundation Directory Online, borrow books, and get reference help free of charge with no appointment necessary.

Hours:
Monday, 12:00 - 4:30 pm
Tuesday, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wednesday, 12:00 - 4:30 pm
Thursday, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Friday, 12:00 - 4:30 pm

Hours:
Monday, 12:00 - 4:30 pm
Tuesday, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wednesday, 12:00 - 4:30 pm
Thursday, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Friday, 12:00 - 4:30 pm

Tracking the Economic Crisis

We know that many of you are very concerned about the impact of the current recession on giving. To help you track what’s going on, and to give you some historical perspective, the Foundation Center has created a new web feature that brings together headlines from Philanthropy News Digest, Foundation Center research, interviews with leaders in the field, podcasts, and other resources on the topic.

Here’s a sample of the expert information and advice you can access:

• Steven Lawrence, senior director of research, Foundation Center:  Past Economic Downturns and the Outlook for Foundation Giving
• Paul Brest, president, William and Flora Hewlett Foundation: Smart Philanthropy in Tough Times
• Deborah Hoover, president, Burton D. Morgan Foundation: The Economic Downturn, Entrepreneurship, and Foundation Giving for Economic Development 

Other resources on this topic:

Foundation Center’s MapShots lets you see the distribution of recent grants and program related investments, as well as the location of community foundations and Cooperating Collections.

Nonprofits and Economic Downturns: Reading List

PhilanTopic: Blog Posts on the Economy

For updates, check back with the Center’s  Focus on the Economic Crisis page. We hope you’ll use this space to let us know how you like this new feature, and to share your own experiences as well. 

(This post is from Charlotte Dion, director, Foundation Center-New York)

This Week at the Foundation Center (December 8 - 12)

Classes:

Wednesday, December 10: 6:00-7:30 pm, Proposal Writing Basics.

Thursday, December 11: 6:00-8:00 pm, Grantseeking Basics with a Special Introduction to the Foundation Directory Online at Elyria Public Library.

Friday, December 12:
1:00-2:30 pm, Introduction to Fundraising Planning.
2:30-3:30 pm, Your Board and Fundraising.

Library:
Use Foundation Directory Online, borrow books, and get reference help free of charge with no appointment necessary.

Hours:
Monday, 12:00 - 4:30 pm
Tuesday, 9:30 - 4:30 pm
Wednesday, 12:00 - 8:00 pm (late night!)
Thursday, 9:30 - 4:30 pm
Friday, 12:00 - 4:30 pm

Hours:
Monday, 12:00 - 4:30 pm
Tuesday, 9:30 - 4:30 pm
Wednesday, 12:00 - 8:00 pm (late night!)
Thursday, 9:30 - 4:30 pm
Friday, 12:00 - 4:30 pm