Download - ACE February Newsletter
February 2012
IN THIS EDITION
3 Greetings from ACE
4–5 Upcoming
Trainings & Events
6 Member Spotlight-
Arkansas County
Partners in Health
7 Federal and State
Policy Updates
8-10 Resources, Grants &
Other Links
11 Benefit of the Month
12 Contact Us
2
Arkansas Coalition for Excellence: Helping
Nonprofits Help Arkansas
We are proud to work with you to achieve ACE’s
mission and vision together:
Mission: Strengthen Arkansas Nonprofits
Vision: A strong, vibrant, united and effective
nonprofit sector that is well positioned to
meet the diverse needs of all Arkansans.
Our Core Values: Best Practices; Inclusive;
Unity in Diversity; Connecting & Equipping;
Statewide Vision & Regional Approach
Congratulations to ACE
Members JPMS Cox LLC, Helen
R. Walton Children’s
Enrichment Center and Food
Bank of Northeast Arkansas
for their nominations in the
Arkansas Business of the Year
Awards!
Cover Photo: White River, Batesville Arkansas
Dear ACE Members and Friends,
If you are reading this newsletter, then I am going to go out on a limb and say
that you must have a personal interest in Arkansas’ nonprofit sector. Am I
right? You may be a nonprofit leader, business person, consultant or even
an individual donor or volunteer. But my guess is that YOU are passionate about serving
the communities of Arkansas - and YOU are interested in making our nonprofit sector better
and stronger.
So, you’re interested, but are you INVESTED? As the state’s association of nonprofits, ACE
is committed to serve all nonprofits across this great state. However, it is our members
who reap the unbeatable benefits that only a membership with your state association can
provide. This includes access to national resources for technical assistance and top notch
training; cost saving benefits from office supplies to background checks; access to afford-
able health insurance for small and large organizations; advocacy on nonprofit issues at
the state and national level; and so much more! Even our business members and consult-
ants are given opportunities to promote their services while directly working with our non-
profit members.
If you are not currently an ACE member, I strongly encourage you to join our growing
coalition. You may visit our website to learn more about us at www.acenonprofit.org – or
you can even Click Here and go straight to an application for membership. However, I
would like to personally invite you to contact an ACE staff member and let us tell you about
ACE before you join! Let us brag about the work we are doing and explain the real benefits
of an ACE membership. We want you to fully understand what you are getting into because
it’s FANTASTIC and we don’t want you to miss a thing!
Please take a few minutes to learn more about ACE and how to become a member, or take
the time to Renew Your Membership now. You can call me or Rebecca Zimmermann,
Membership & Communications Coordinator, at 501.375.1223.
We look forward to hearing from you very soon!
Sincerely,
Emily
Emily C. Ingram
Interim Executive Director
P.S. Be on the lookout for a new Arkansas Diamond Standards™ training series coming this
spring – and the announcement of a Listserv exclusively for ACE Members!
GREETINGS FROM ACE
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UPCOMING TRAININGS, EVENTS & PROGRAMS
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Demystifying the Big “C” Word- Collaboration
What we’re all told to do by Funders, but don’t quite
know how to!
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Can nonprofits really work together to address community needs?
If so, how is it even possible? Can it be successful? Would funders
actually support it? The simple answer is YES, and the Community
Foundation of Southern Arizona offers one such strategy on how it
worked.
In 2009, as the impact of the economic crisis spread, the Community Foundation for Southern
Arizona re-designed its community investment grant process to respond to the critical situation
that was unfolding in the nonprofit sector. In 2010, after gathering and analyzing feedback and
information received directly from nonprofits on needs in the community, the foundation
initiated a new grantmaking process that focused on a three-year cycle of funding broad-based
community collaborations. This new grantmaking strategy of only granting to coalitions of
nonprofits rather than individual nonprofits was explored by the foundation in order to maximize
the effort and impact of various nonprofits.
As nonprofits, we always hear of funders wanting us to collaborate more, yet we
lack many substantive models of what this looks like and how it could
potentially work. Hearing this presentation (from a funder) will hopefully help
answer many of those who, what, when, where, why and how questions that
linger when we talk about the big “C” word- Collaboration!
In this session, we’ll hear from Evan Mendelson, Vice President, Donor Relations and Program
Services at the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona, on how her
foundation implemented this grantmaking strategy and the pros and the cons of the entire
process.
As Vice President, Donor Relations and Program Services at the Community Foundation of
Southern Arizona, Evan is responsible for ensuring that donors receive excellent, quality service
and for implementing community investment strategies that create positive impact in southern
Arizona. Throughout her career in the not-for-profit sector, she has consulted, spoken and
written in the areas of philanthropy, nonprofit management and public affairs.
Time: 2:30 - 3:45pm
Location: Arkansas Studies Institute
401 President Clinton Ave
Little Rock, AR 72201
Next to the Main Library
Cost to attend: FREE
To register e-mail Rebecca at [email protected]
The Summit: Where Volunteer, Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leaders Meet
Thursday, April 26th and Friday, April 27th
Hosted by. the Arkansas Department of Human Services-
Division of Community and Nonprofit Support
In partnership with the Arkansas Coalition for Excellence and the Arkansas Community Foundation
For more information click here
5 Trends in Technology that will Shape a new Reality for Nonprofits
ACE/FireSpring Trainings
Tuesday March 20th
To some, the word “technology” is titillating – it conjures up
excitement and pumps adrenaline to the brain. But to others,
“technology” elicits an uneasy feeling in the gut that makes them want to curl up
on the couch with a blanket and a book.
Exposure to too much of the geeky stuff causes them to just shut down. In this
session, Jay will take you by the hand – regardless of your current geek IQ – and
help you understand how each of us can benefit from the trends in technology. In
just over an hour you’ll: · Learn about eCommunities · Discover how to use
technology to get things done in your nonprofit for less money · Learn how your cell
phone will change your life (if it hasn’t already) · Understand how our children are
being pre-programmed for the workplace of the future This fascinating information
is presented in a down to earth style by one of America’s top-rated speakers. If you
haven’t caught Jay on CNN, MSNBC or at one of his keynotes at a national
conference, you’ll want to be sure not to miss this engaging, informative session that will help you
understand, in real terms, our “new reality.”
Time: 9:30-11:00a.m.
Location: Webinar accessible online and by phone
Cost: FREE
Coming soon: Arkansas Diamond Standards™ Trainings!
Learn more about the Arkansas Diamond Standards ™ best practices that guide
nonprofits to excellence in four areas: Mission, Money, Management, and
Governance.
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MEMBERSHIP
ACE MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:
Partners in Health of Arkansas County
Thank you to all of our new
and renewing members!
ACCESS, Inc – Pine Bluff
St. Joseph’s Center of Arkansas-
Little Rock NEW
Dianne Williams- Greenbrier
Healing Farms Retreat and Inte-
grated Recovery Services Inc.-
Little Rock
Vera Lloyd Presbyterian Home
and Family Services Inc.- Little
Rock
The 20th Century Club of Little
Rock, Inc.- Little Rock
Generations of Faith, Inc.- El
Dorado
Van Buren County Literacy
Council- Clinton
Hunter Goodman- North Little
Rock
Helen R. Walton’s Children’s
Enrichment Center- Bentonville
Museum of Discovery- Little
Rock
Arkansas Interfaith Conference-
Little Rock NEW
Hannah K. Vogler- Little Rock
Arkansas STEM Coalition- Little
Rock NEW
Zion Climbing Center- Searcy
The Arkansas 4H Foundation-
Little Rock
Argenta Community
Development Corporation- North
Little Rock
Precious Hearts Student Center-
Pine Bluff
Arkansas Head Start
Association- Little Rock
Youth Bridge, Inc.- Fayetteville
ACHANGE- Little Rock
Hispanic Community Services,
Inc.- Jonesboro
Reptile Rescue Center- Little
Rock NEW
The EAST Initiative- Little Rock
Patrice Brown- Little Rock
Garland County CASA- Hot
Springs
Arkansas Insurance Department
SHIIP, Little Rock NEW
Arkansas United Community
Coalition- Fayetteville NEW
Project 3:27, Inc.– Conway NEW
James E. Harris, P.A.– Little
Rock
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Arkansas County Partners In Health (ACPIH) is a grassroots initiative that seeks to
identify and address health issues in the community through health promotion and
disease prevention programs. The network was created in January 2002, after the
need for such an organization was identified through public meetings hosted by the
local health unit in Arkansas County. The network originally began with three
partnering organizations as a Hometown Health Initiative. Today, the community-based
non-profit is comprised of individuals from twenty-eight organizations in three counties
including educational institutions, healthcare providers, health organizations,
community service groups, consumers, government agencies, faith-based
organizations and the business community.
ACPIH focuses on collaborating, coalition building, assessing community health and
prioritizing local health issues. The network develops and implements health strategies
that are designed for and supported by the local community through data driven
programs with sustainability in mind. ACPIH programs reach individuals of all ages in
Arkansas, Lonoke and Jefferson counties.
After nearly a decade of existence, programs continue to center around health
promotion and disease prevention. Programs in the service area include community
health education and outreach, StrongWomen, Organ Wise Guys, prescription
assistance and child seat safety. This past year, ACPIH launched a worksite wellness
program for area businesses and was instrumental in bringing Diabetes
Self-Management Education to Arkansas County.
ACPIH often connects area residents to health care resources. ACPIH co-sponsors the
annual Grand Prairie Health and Wellness Expo, where many times it is the only
opportunity for individuals to receive health screenings for free or a minimal fee.
ACPIH AmeriCorps Volunteers ensure low-income, uninsured and under insured
residents receive prescription medications at no or low cost and connect individuals
who have or at risk of developing chronic health issues to other health resources in the
community and around the state.
Anyone who is interested in improving the health of the community and works or lives
full-time in Arkansas, Lonoke or Jefferson County can be a part of the organization.
There are opportunities to volunteer and serve on the Board of Directors. ACPIH board
meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month and are open to the public.
PUBLIC POLICY AND ADVOCACY
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Payroll Tax Cut, Benefits Extension Enacted
Congress and the President reached agreement on extending tax and
benefits provisions that were scheduled to expire. The Middle Class Tax Relief
and Job Creation Act of 2012, approved by Congress and signed into law by
President Obama earlier this month, includes continuation of a two-percent
individual payroll tax cut, reauthorization of the TANF
program through December (a three-month extension),
extension of unemployment benefits for up to 73 weeks in
some states, and a two-year delay on the 27.4 percent
Medicare reimbursement cut to physicians (known as the
Doc Fix). The law does not renew any of the expired tax
provisions, such as the IRA rollover or other incentives for
food, book, or computer donations to charity.
Elections and Non-Charitable Nonprofits As the election season heats up, policymakers are
increasing efforts to curb what they consider to be abuses
by misuse of certain types of nonprofit organizations. But
this year, it appears they finally recognize the legal
distinctions between the different categories of nonprofit
organizations, in that 501(c)(3) nonprofits – unlike other nonprofit
organizations – already are prohibited from engaging in partisan election
activities. A bill in the House to require greater disclosure of the names of
donors expressly excludes charitable nonprofits. Likewise, when a group
of Democratic Senators sent a letter to the IRS regarding potential abuses of
tax law regarding electioneering, they expressly limited their inquiry to 501(c)
(4) “social welfare” nonprofit groups. Despite these positive signs, charitable
nonprofits should be on alert to correct and clarify news reports and
statements of policymakers that fail to distinguish 501(c)(3) organizations
from other nonprofits; otherwise public perceptions of the charitable sector
and unwarranted regulations may arise.
RESOURCES AND OTHER LINKS
NONPROFIT RISK MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE MONTH
Happy at Work
By Melanie Lockwood Herman
Productive and engaged are words that come to mind when I picture a high-performing employee in a nonprofit.
The literature on performance management is packed with advice about inspiring great performance among the
members of a staff team. Some of the techniques I often cite in workshops include the generous sharing of
information, eliminating “class” distinctions between employees who deliver services and those who provide
internal support (finance, administration, risk management, etc.), and helping employees understand how their
work advances a nonprofit’s mission. Recently I’ve become intrigued by the link between happiness and
productivity. Are happy employees more productive? What should leaders do to inspire happiness at work? New
research identifies factors that contribute to or detract from being happy and also highlights the link between
happiness and productivity in the workplace.
In an interview featured in the January-February 2012 edition of the Harvard Business Review, Harvard
psychology professor Daniel Gilbert explains that “We know that people are happiest when they’re appropriately
challenged—when they’re trying to achieve goals that are difficult but not out of reach,” and that “People
blossom when challenged and wither when threatened.” In a companion article titled “The Future Of Happiness
Research,” doctoral student Matthew Killingsworth writes that “…no matter what people are doing, they are
much less happy when their minds are wandering than when their minds are focused.” Killingsworth explains
that the research refutes the belief held by some managers that “a certain amount of daydreaming is a good
thing” with regard to overall employee productivity.
A challenged and focused workforce sounds productive, but is there an even more
compelling determinant of happiness? Daniel Gilbert cites our social nature as the
most significant predictor of personal happiness. According to Gilbert, a deep
sense of connection to others—friends, co-workers, family—is the most important
predictor of personal happiness.
As you reflect on the human “face” of risk in your nonprofit and the relationship
between happy workers and mission fulfillment, ask:
Do managers offer employees truly challenging assignments or frequently set
impossible or unrealistic deadlines, requirements or expectations?
Do supervisors help employees stay focused on mission-critical tasks and priorities, or send mixed signals
about what’s important by loading everyone on the team with time-wasting projects due yesterday?
And, most importantly, do leaders from the board room to the front lines encourage and model kindness and
appropriate social behavior to nurture trust, respect and even friendships among co-workers?
Risk management isn’t limited to keeping clients and caregivers safe from harm. The risk of an exodus of top
performing staff will increase as the economy continues to improve and your competitors start hiring. Instead
of waiting to discover that you’re understaffed, look for ways to make your agency an employer of choice. If
you want to reap the benefits of a happy workforce, collaborate to set challenging but achievable goals, help
your team focus on top priorities, and remember that socializing shouldn’t be restricted to sanctioned office
holiday parties.
Melanie Lockwood Herman is Executive Director of the Nonprofit Risk Management Center. She welcomes your
ideas about any risk management topic, feedback on this article and questions about the Center’s resources
at [email protected] or (202) 785-3891. The Center provides risk management tools and resources
atwww.nonprofitrisk.org and offers consulting assistance to organizations unwilling to leave their missions to
chance.
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TAX UPDATES
Tax season is here! Make sure you stay informed of all tax laws, and other IRS news.
Check out these recent updates
EO Releases FY 2011 Annual Report and FY 2012 Work Plan
Guidance on Requirements for Tax-Exempt 501(c)(29) Qualified
Non-Profit Health Insurers
EO’s 2012 Graduate Student Summer Internship
Applications Due March 2
EO Seeks Academic Hosts for Workshops for Small and
Medium-Sized 501(c)(3) Organizations
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TK Foundation Fund Youth Development Program
Application available; click here for RFP.
The TK Foundation, a donor-advised fund of the Orange County Community Foundation, envisions a world where
all youth have access to opportunities that lead to employment that allows them freedom, equity,
security, and human dignity. The TK Foundation is interested in supporting youth development programs that are
meeting the needs of
motivated disadvantaged youth ages 15-21 through innovative and effective programs that help prepare the
program's young beneficiaries for employment and careers that will allow them to become self sufficient in
adulthood.
Grant requests may range from $50,000 - $500,000. Multiyear grant requests that fall within a grant period of up
to three years will be considered.
Please note that this program is seeking proposals for programs throughout the United States.
For questions or additional information, please contact Patricia Benevenia, Program Officer, by
emailing [email protected]
Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation Grants
Each year the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation sponsors a special grant program in partnership
with Arkansas Community Foundation to support programs that serve African-Americans and other minority
communities in Arkansas.
Projects must focus on
Education
Health and wellness
Youth development
Small business development/economic development
Who Can Apply? 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, hospitals, schools, government
agencies and other
organizations with a clear charitable purpose are eligible to apply. All geographic areas of the state are
eligible.
Where Can I Get More Info? Check out the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation Grants page on our
website for details about this program. You'll be able to download and complete our PDF
IDEALWARE TIP OF THE MONTH
Finding Fans on Social Media
You need an audience for any social media strategy to work. The good news is,
because of the “network effect,” attracting a few followers can often increase
your potential audience exponentially—the very nature of social media makes it
easy for your friends to spread the word to their own networks of friends, and
so on. So how do you attract people to “like” your Facebook page, follow your
Twitter feed or subscribe to your blog?
It should go without saying that if you want people to pay attention, post some-
thing they’ll find useful and relevant. For more information click here.
JOBS CENTER
Traveling Sales and Maintenance Technician, Museum of Discovery
Executive Director, Arkansas Coalition for Excellence
Field Director, Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance
Program Administrator, Single Parent Scholarship Fund (Last Day to Apply 2/29)
Sign-Into your ACE member account to post jobs openings at your organization.
For a complete list of jobs click here.
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NEED AN INTERN?
Are you in need of an extra set of hands or a new burst of creativity? Ouachita
Baptist University in Arkadelphia is interested in connecting some of our
outstanding students with your nonprofit as summer and fall interns. Positions
might include finance and accounting, education, marketing and public relations
and grant writing.
Please contact Lauren Land, Ouachita’s Director of Career Services,
at [email protected] or at (870) 245-5283 to discuss this opportunity. Learn more
about Ouachita Baptist University at www.obu.edu.
Thank you for reading this month’s edition of our
newsletter. Questions or Comments? Contact us.
Emily Ingram,
Interim Director
Rebecca Zimmermann
Membership & Communications
Coordinator, AmeriCorps VISTA
Located within the Charles A. Frueauff Foundation Offices
200 River Market Avenue, Suite 100
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 375-1223
www.acenonprofit.org