Nonprofit Resource Center for Alabama
December 22, 2008
For Immediate Release
Nonprofit Resource Center of Alabama Helps National Council of Nonprofits
Develop Recommendations to the Presidential Transition Team
Birmingham, Alabama (Dec. 22, 2008)—To ensure that the voices of Alabama’s nonprofits get heard, the Nonprofit Resource Center of Alabama (NRCA), which is a member of the National Council of Nonprofits, helped develop recommendations submitted to President-Elect Obama’s Transition Team. Members of the Transition Team had asked the National Council of Nonprofits for ideas 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 Council says, “then many needy people will have no place to turn.” Moreover, that will increase significantly the number of jobs lost across the country.
The National Council of Nonprofits’ recommendations include the following:
• Creating the Social Entrepreneurship Agency for Nonprofits called for in the Obama Plan within the first 100 days so it can help strengthen nonprofits, especially community-based nonprofits 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 substantial 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.
“We were honored to have an opportunity to play a role developing this unique communication on behalf of nonprofits in Alabama,” said Molly McGregor, NRCA President and CEO. “Although this happened in lightening speed, given the nature of a transition, it was exciting to see behind the scenes as ideas came from across our nationwide network to inform the process.”
In releasing the package of recommendations, Tim Delaney, president & CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits, said, “That the Transition Team reached out to seek the views of America’s community-based nonprofits is most encouraging. We look forward to working with the incoming Administration and new Congress to help solve the significant challenges our country faces.”
For more information about how the economy is hurting nonprofits across the country and strategies nonprofits can use, visit the National Council of Nonprofits’ online clearinghouse of information, the Nonprofit Economic Vitality Center, at www.councilofnonprofits.org/economy/.
As Alabama’s “nonprofit for nonprofits” NRCA provides a comprehensive professional education program in the areas of board governance, agency management and fund development; resource and referral services; access to consulting services and technical assistance; and advocacy on behalf of the nonprofit sector.
The National Council of Nonprofits is the network of state and regional nonprofit associations serving more than 20,000 member organizations. By linking local nonprofit organizations across the nation through state associations, the National Council helps small and midsize community-based nonprofits manage and lead more effectively, collaborate and exchange solutions, engage in critical policy issues affecting the sector, and achieve greater impact in their communities.
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Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Free Training - Faith Based - Outcomes measurement
The Walker Area Community Foundation invites all nonprofits in Walker to join us for a series of free webinars. The location for our showing will be the CHS Activity Center at 204 19th Street East in Jasper.
###
The White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives and the United States Department of Labor Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives invites you to participate in a unique, three-part training to improve your organization’s ability to measure, manage, and communicate results. Participants who complete the training will also receive free case management and outcomes tracking software.
This valuable Results-Based Management training is free and will be offered in three, 90-minute webinars on December 18, 2008, January 6, 2009, and January 13, 2009, from 2:00-3:30 p.m. (EST). This opportunity is open to faith-based and other community nonprofits engaged in addressing poverty, disease, and other critical human needs.
Results-Based Management training strengthens organizations’ information management capabilities and services, spurs strategic thinking, and equips organizations to communicate more effectively about what funders care most about: real impact in the lives of people in need.
The first 90-minute training webinar on December 18, 2008, will teach the fundamentals of creating and applying an outcomes-focused, case management information system. At the conclusion of the first webinar, you will be asked to complete and submit a logic model (evaluation plan) for one program offered by your organization for evaluation by experts.
Prior to the second training webinar, experts will assess your logic model and provide feedback. The second 90-minute training webinar on January 6, 2009, will build on the first by fine tuning your organization’s logic model with the help of experts and peers taking part in the webinar.
The third 90-minute training webinar on January 13, 2009, will teach you how to use case management and outcomes tracking software and customize it for your organization’s specific program(s). If you or your colleagues participate in and complete all three training webinars, your organization will also receive a free, one-year license to use ResultsOnline2, a web-based case management and outcomes tracking software.
###
The White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives and the United States Department of Labor Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives invites you to participate in a unique, three-part training to improve your organization’s ability to measure, manage, and communicate results. Participants who complete the training will also receive free case management and outcomes tracking software.
This valuable Results-Based Management training is free and will be offered in three, 90-minute webinars on December 18, 2008, January 6, 2009, and January 13, 2009, from 2:00-3:30 p.m. (EST). This opportunity is open to faith-based and other community nonprofits engaged in addressing poverty, disease, and other critical human needs.
Results-Based Management training strengthens organizations’ information management capabilities and services, spurs strategic thinking, and equips organizations to communicate more effectively about what funders care most about: real impact in the lives of people in need.
The first 90-minute training webinar on December 18, 2008, will teach the fundamentals of creating and applying an outcomes-focused, case management information system. At the conclusion of the first webinar, you will be asked to complete and submit a logic model (evaluation plan) for one program offered by your organization for evaluation by experts.
Prior to the second training webinar, experts will assess your logic model and provide feedback. The second 90-minute training webinar on January 6, 2009, will build on the first by fine tuning your organization’s logic model with the help of experts and peers taking part in the webinar.
The third 90-minute training webinar on January 13, 2009, will teach you how to use case management and outcomes tracking software and customize it for your organization’s specific program(s). If you or your colleagues participate in and complete all three training webinars, your organization will also receive a free, one-year license to use ResultsOnline2, a web-based case management and outcomes tracking software.
Monday, December 8, 2008
A better name?
We have a "General Fund". This fund accepts contributions from the public and allocates grants to the nonprofits serving Walker County. We have heard that the word "General" is not very catchy to say the least. If you had the chance to create a new name for this Fund, what would you call it?
Thursday, May 22, 2008
50 free hobbyist-type models for youth
A donor has given us (United Methodist Children's Home) 50 brand new military-related models including tanks, planes, infantry men, and more. These are hobbyist-type models for assembly. We would be willing to give them to any nonprofit for use. They are not quite appropriate for the kids in our care.
They are currently located in Selma, but I could have them brought up to Birmingham (and possibly other areas of the state) sometime in the next couple of weeks or someone could pick them up. Please contact my office if you would like to have them for your nonprofit, or forward this message to any nonprofit who might be interested, even one that doesn't serve children like a VA group or some kind of physical rehab center.
Thanks!
Patrick McCurry
Public Relations Supervisor
United Methodist Children's Home
Public Relations and Development Office
1507 Alex Dr., Suite 105
Birmingham, AL 35210
phone (205) 951-1978
toll-free (877) 729-8624
fax (205) 951-1935
pmccurry@umch.net
Visit us on the web at www.umch.net
They are currently located in Selma, but I could have them brought up to Birmingham (and possibly other areas of the state) sometime in the next couple of weeks or someone could pick them up. Please contact my office if you would like to have them for your nonprofit, or forward this message to any nonprofit who might be interested, even one that doesn't serve children like a VA group or some kind of physical rehab center.
Thanks!
Patrick McCurry
Public Relations Supervisor
United Methodist Children's Home
Public Relations and Development Office
1507 Alex Dr., Suite 105
Birmingham, AL 35210
phone (205) 951-1978
toll-free (877) 729-8624
fax (205) 951-1935
pmccurry@umch.net
Visit us on the web at www.umch.net
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Foundation awards $569,170 in ‘07 Endowment at $12 million
Foundation awards $569,170 in ‘07 Endowment at $12 million
ED HOWELL
The Daily Mountain Eagle
http://www.mountaineagle.com/NF/omf/eagle/news_story.html?rkey=0106607+cr=gdn
Published May 15, 2008 11:44 PM CDT
The Walker Area Community Foundation awarded $569,170 in grants to 49 different groups in 2007, with more than $12 million in its total funds, an official said during the foundation’s annual luncheon Wednesday in Jasper. Board member Eddie Jackson said the foundation took in $432,961 in 2007, which declined from 2006’s record $552,806 but was still the second biggest year for giving. Last year’s contributions came from about 450 individual donors.
“It is a testament to this community that it has increased its giving as times have gotten harder,” Jackson said. “This is something for which we should not only be thankful, but proud.”
The awards for this year will result in more than $2 million in community improvements and new initiatives for the area.
“In 1997, the first seven grants were awarded in the amounts of $289,300. Since then, the foundation has awarded grant money in excess of $3.7 million to more than 90 nonprofits in our area,” board president John T. Oliver Jr. said in the annual report.
The foundation’s endowment has grown from its original $6.4 million to its current total of $12,164,567, Jackson said. That is up by nearly $150,000 over the previous year.
“That’s not bad in what I think everyone perceives as hard economic times,” Jackson said.
Jackson said the foundation was able to give more last year than it took in because the foundation has protected the principal and only used the interest, while it has also been successful in its investments.
Jackson pointed to growth in some areas, based in part on the Samuel Lee Smith Advised Fund, which helps children and youth, which started with a family donation of $200,000 and which has grown from contributions. An advisory council recommends donations to be paid off of interest to encourage athletics, scouting, religion and the arts.
Another area of growth came from the Excellence in Education Donor Advised Fund, which assists the Jasper City Schools.
The fund “is steadily building toward its goal of $50,000 and stands after six months at $15,000, and it is about ready to make some grants,” Jackson said. “These funds will allow the city school system to do things it cannot do within its budget.
“We are establishing a relationship with the foundation where we can raise funds for projects and special initiatives that we want to accomplish in our district,” Jackson quoted Sparkman saying in the annual report. “This is not for pencils and paper and for things the school board can take care of. It is for technology, science labs, fine arts, enrichment — things that will enhance the learning opportunities of our students and further develop our teaching staff.”
Another factor was the Hope Clinic Campaign, which raised $200,971 in 2007, of which the foundation gave $50,000. The clinic helps qualified, uninsured residents get medical care.
Jackson said funds for the Memorial Park Natatorium and the APEX accessible playground equipment nearby were combined in 2007 to create the Jasper Recreation Fund. More than $200,000 has been donated for the site so that those with or without disabilities can play in a safe and attractive area, he said.
He also looked at the social impact of the foundation. In 2007, the foundation looked at the impact of drugs and formed a work group. Celebrate Recovery, which offers faith-based counseling for those with drug problems, and Citizens for a Drug Free Walker County both wanted to participate and received grants to help with their efforts, Jackson said.
Blooming Grove Baptist Church has been instrumental with Celebrate Recovery, and Jackson urged other churches to get involved with Celebrate Recovery “so that the drug dealers go out of business.”
The foundation, through the Samuel Lee Smith Fund, has also supported Equines Assisting Special Individuals (EASI), which gives therapeutic and spiritual support to children through horses. The foundation sponsored lessons and saddle time for 37 students last year.
“The impact of a horse on a disabled child or a child who is autistic or emotionally distraught or confined to a wheelchair is dramatic,” Jackson said. “Picture a child who is autistic or confined to a wheelchair being able to sit on a horse like John Wayne and tell it where to go.”
Jackson also pointed out the foundation’s help in getting a lighted walking trail for the Capstone Rural Health Care Clinic in Parrish.
“Suffice it to say, you are making great things happen in Walker County,” Jackson said.
Paul Kennedy, the executive director of the foundation, said in 2008 the foundation will be working more toward networking between the nonprofits to better resolve problems, save dollars and form stronger ties. As a result, the foundation can get more outside grants and services to the nonprofits that once seemed unreachable for them, he said.
“We’re training, we’re coaching and we are a resource for these nonprofits, last year in grant writing and volunteer management and this year we’ll be working on capacity and self-sustainability,” Kennedy said.
The luncheon, emceed by Jasper native Anna Donaldson of CBS 42, also heard from Jasper native Luke Dollar, who has built a successful career involving academic, exploration, conservation and humanitarian efforts, especially in the Madagascar region. He said he took what he learned growing up in Jasper to apply to his work in Madagascar.
Donations
Other organizations listed as receiving grants from the foundation included the following:
General Fund: Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform Foundation, Alabama Grief Support, Alabama Power Service Organization-Gorgas Chapter, American Red Cross, the ARC of Walker County, Arthritis Foundation, The Birmingham Architectural Foundation, the Birmingham Regional Emergency Medical Systems Services, the Girl Scouts, ClasTran, Daybreak, the Haleyville Historical Society, Houston Historical Society, Independent Living, Invest for the Future, Jasper Police Explorers, the Montgomery Institute, the Nonprofit Resource Center of Alabama, the Salvation Army, UAB’s Department of Theatre’s Traveling Groups, VSA arts of Alabama, Walker County Christian Chorus, Walker County Volunteer Firefighters Association.
Samuel Lee Smith Advised Fund: Black Warrior Council of the Boy Scouts, Daily Mountain Eagle Shoe and Coat Fund, First United Methodist Church’s Mother’s Day Out, Walker County Arts Alliance and scholarships to attend various recreational programs.
Walker Area Youth (WAY) Council: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Carbon Hill High School Beta Club, Club NAT, Dora High School Beta Club’s School Beautification Project, Jasper Aquanauts Special Olympic Swim Team, Parrish High Peer Helper Program, Sumiton Christian Eagle Ambassadors Club, Walker County Arts Alliance, Walker County Humane Society.
Walker County Arts Alliance received funds from all three funds above, while APEX received grants from the WAY Council and the Smith Fund. The Walker County Humane Society received money from the General Fund and the WAY Council.
On the Net: www.wacf.org.
ED HOWELL
The Daily Mountain Eagle
http://www.mountaineagle.com/NF/omf/eagle/news_story.html?rkey=0106607+cr=gdn
Published May 15, 2008 11:44 PM CDT
The Walker Area Community Foundation awarded $569,170 in grants to 49 different groups in 2007, with more than $12 million in its total funds, an official said during the foundation’s annual luncheon Wednesday in Jasper. Board member Eddie Jackson said the foundation took in $432,961 in 2007, which declined from 2006’s record $552,806 but was still the second biggest year for giving. Last year’s contributions came from about 450 individual donors.
“It is a testament to this community that it has increased its giving as times have gotten harder,” Jackson said. “This is something for which we should not only be thankful, but proud.”
The awards for this year will result in more than $2 million in community improvements and new initiatives for the area.
“In 1997, the first seven grants were awarded in the amounts of $289,300. Since then, the foundation has awarded grant money in excess of $3.7 million to more than 90 nonprofits in our area,” board president John T. Oliver Jr. said in the annual report.
The foundation’s endowment has grown from its original $6.4 million to its current total of $12,164,567, Jackson said. That is up by nearly $150,000 over the previous year.
“That’s not bad in what I think everyone perceives as hard economic times,” Jackson said.
Jackson said the foundation was able to give more last year than it took in because the foundation has protected the principal and only used the interest, while it has also been successful in its investments.
Jackson pointed to growth in some areas, based in part on the Samuel Lee Smith Advised Fund, which helps children and youth, which started with a family donation of $200,000 and which has grown from contributions. An advisory council recommends donations to be paid off of interest to encourage athletics, scouting, religion and the arts.
Another area of growth came from the Excellence in Education Donor Advised Fund, which assists the Jasper City Schools.
The fund “is steadily building toward its goal of $50,000 and stands after six months at $15,000, and it is about ready to make some grants,” Jackson said. “These funds will allow the city school system to do things it cannot do within its budget.
“We are establishing a relationship with the foundation where we can raise funds for projects and special initiatives that we want to accomplish in our district,” Jackson quoted Sparkman saying in the annual report. “This is not for pencils and paper and for things the school board can take care of. It is for technology, science labs, fine arts, enrichment — things that will enhance the learning opportunities of our students and further develop our teaching staff.”
Another factor was the Hope Clinic Campaign, which raised $200,971 in 2007, of which the foundation gave $50,000. The clinic helps qualified, uninsured residents get medical care.
Jackson said funds for the Memorial Park Natatorium and the APEX accessible playground equipment nearby were combined in 2007 to create the Jasper Recreation Fund. More than $200,000 has been donated for the site so that those with or without disabilities can play in a safe and attractive area, he said.
He also looked at the social impact of the foundation. In 2007, the foundation looked at the impact of drugs and formed a work group. Celebrate Recovery, which offers faith-based counseling for those with drug problems, and Citizens for a Drug Free Walker County both wanted to participate and received grants to help with their efforts, Jackson said.
Blooming Grove Baptist Church has been instrumental with Celebrate Recovery, and Jackson urged other churches to get involved with Celebrate Recovery “so that the drug dealers go out of business.”
The foundation, through the Samuel Lee Smith Fund, has also supported Equines Assisting Special Individuals (EASI), which gives therapeutic and spiritual support to children through horses. The foundation sponsored lessons and saddle time for 37 students last year.
“The impact of a horse on a disabled child or a child who is autistic or emotionally distraught or confined to a wheelchair is dramatic,” Jackson said. “Picture a child who is autistic or confined to a wheelchair being able to sit on a horse like John Wayne and tell it where to go.”
Jackson also pointed out the foundation’s help in getting a lighted walking trail for the Capstone Rural Health Care Clinic in Parrish.
“Suffice it to say, you are making great things happen in Walker County,” Jackson said.
Paul Kennedy, the executive director of the foundation, said in 2008 the foundation will be working more toward networking between the nonprofits to better resolve problems, save dollars and form stronger ties. As a result, the foundation can get more outside grants and services to the nonprofits that once seemed unreachable for them, he said.
“We’re training, we’re coaching and we are a resource for these nonprofits, last year in grant writing and volunteer management and this year we’ll be working on capacity and self-sustainability,” Kennedy said.
The luncheon, emceed by Jasper native Anna Donaldson of CBS 42, also heard from Jasper native Luke Dollar, who has built a successful career involving academic, exploration, conservation and humanitarian efforts, especially in the Madagascar region. He said he took what he learned growing up in Jasper to apply to his work in Madagascar.
Donations
Other organizations listed as receiving grants from the foundation included the following:
General Fund: Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform Foundation, Alabama Grief Support, Alabama Power Service Organization-Gorgas Chapter, American Red Cross, the ARC of Walker County, Arthritis Foundation, The Birmingham Architectural Foundation, the Birmingham Regional Emergency Medical Systems Services, the Girl Scouts, ClasTran, Daybreak, the Haleyville Historical Society, Houston Historical Society, Independent Living, Invest for the Future, Jasper Police Explorers, the Montgomery Institute, the Nonprofit Resource Center of Alabama, the Salvation Army, UAB’s Department of Theatre’s Traveling Groups, VSA arts of Alabama, Walker County Christian Chorus, Walker County Volunteer Firefighters Association.
Samuel Lee Smith Advised Fund: Black Warrior Council of the Boy Scouts, Daily Mountain Eagle Shoe and Coat Fund, First United Methodist Church’s Mother’s Day Out, Walker County Arts Alliance and scholarships to attend various recreational programs.
Walker Area Youth (WAY) Council: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Carbon Hill High School Beta Club, Club NAT, Dora High School Beta Club’s School Beautification Project, Jasper Aquanauts Special Olympic Swim Team, Parrish High Peer Helper Program, Sumiton Christian Eagle Ambassadors Club, Walker County Arts Alliance, Walker County Humane Society.
Walker County Arts Alliance received funds from all three funds above, while APEX received grants from the WAY Council and the Smith Fund. The Walker County Humane Society received money from the General Fund and the WAY Council.
On the Net: www.wacf.org.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Foundation Center FREE access
The Foundation Center is a paid resource that provides a comprehensive, searchable database of private funding sources throughout the U.S. Following up on some questions at training, here’s a list of libraries (by state) that provide FREE access to the Foundation Center database during scheduled hours:
http://foundationcenter.org/collections/
ALABAMA
CORE COLLECTION OF PUBLICATIONS
ANNISTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
108 E. 10th St.
Anniston, AL 36201
(256) 237-8501
BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY
Government Documents Dept.
2100 Park Place
Birmingham, AL 35203
(205) 226-3620
GADSDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY
254 College St.
Gadsden, AL 35901
(256) 549-4699
HUNTSVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Information and Periodicals Dept.
915 Monroe St.
Huntsville, AL 35801
(256) 532-5940
MOBILE PUBLIC LIBRARY
West Regional Library
5555 Grelot Rd.
Mobile, AL 36609
(251) 340-8555
AUBURN UNIVERSITY AT MONTGOMERY LIBRARY
74-40 East Dr.
Montgomery, AL 36117
(334) 244-3200
http://foundationcenter.org/collections/
ALABAMA
CORE COLLECTION OF PUBLICATIONS
ANNISTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
108 E. 10th St.
Anniston, AL 36201
(256) 237-8501
BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY
Government Documents Dept.
2100 Park Place
Birmingham, AL 35203
(205) 226-3620
GADSDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY
254 College St.
Gadsden, AL 35901
(256) 549-4699
HUNTSVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Information and Periodicals Dept.
915 Monroe St.
Huntsville, AL 35801
(256) 532-5940
MOBILE PUBLIC LIBRARY
West Regional Library
5555 Grelot Rd.
Mobile, AL 36609
(251) 340-8555
AUBURN UNIVERSITY AT MONTGOMERY LIBRARY
74-40 East Dr.
Montgomery, AL 36117
(334) 244-3200
Thursday, April 17, 2008
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