ARTICLE ARCHIVES
Nonprofit Seminar - October 22nd
Published: 10/2/2008
The Springfield Greene County Library District Funding Information Center and the Community Foundation of the Ozarks will hold a free educational seminar for nonprofit organizations on Wednesday, October 22, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the auditorium at the Library Center.
REGISTRATION BEGINS: October 6th - 883-5341
The day's agenda will be:
8:30 Registration
• 9 a.m. Find, Apply and Succeed with Grants.gov
Webinar with Michael Pellegrino
• 10 a.m., Meet & Greet - WDYDWYD?
• 10:15 a.m., Break
• 10:30 a.m., Technology You Can Use: Google For Nonprofits
• 11:30 a.m., Lunch - Provided by Community Foundation of the Ozarks
• 12:30 p.m., The "Ask": Corporate Sponsorships
Carol Wheeler Vice President & Professional Services Officer
for Stormont-Vail Health Center,
• 1:30 p.m., Kief Schladweiler - Foundation Center
• 2:30 p.m., Break
• 3 p.m., Foundations - Grantmakers Q & A
How much does your nonprofit spend on overhead costs?
Published: 9/18/2008
At a Grant Writing training this week at the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, we discussed how to figure out the efficiency of your nonprofit organization based on fundraising and overhead costs. These numbers can be very convincing when competing for funding dollars in our current economic climate. The National Center for Charitable Statistics helps you break down your organizations financial information to see how you stack up.
The FAQ section of the NCCS website has tons of great information for nonprofits and a variety of statistics available at no cost.
How efficient are an organization's fundraising efforts? How much does a nonprofit spend on overhead costs?
One easily calculated measure of a nonprofit's efficiency in fundraising is the ratio of fundraising expenses (Form 990, line 15) divided by public support (Form 990, line 1a). There are many opinions about the appropriate level of fundraising and factors such as size and type of organization that affect the ratio. Some economists argue that the ideal level of fundraising is reached when it costs one dollar to raise the last dollar of contributions. Other theories are more conservative. All nonprofit executives will agree, however, that it takes money to raise money.
Click here to learn more about the findings from the Nonprofit Overhead Cost Study, a joint project of Urban Institute and the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. We found a great deal of variation in what organizations consider to be fundraising expenses. Thus, we chose not to publish standards or benchmarks. However, we do provide information on common practices and pitfalls and some broad ranges for different types of organizations. We recommend reviewing the policy briefs and guide books to learn more.-----National Center for Charitable Statistics------
Free Videocomference with Anne Borman editor of The Directory of Missouri Foundations
Published: 9/8/2008
BUILDING ON STRENGTHS:
NINE FUNDRAISING STRATEGIES
FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
Join us at The Library Center on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at 7:00 pm for a free interactive videoconference with Anne E. Borman, editor of the Directory of Missouri Foundations.
Published: 8/8/2008
It is always nice to find new ways to fund raise for your organization. These are easy ideas to put in place and promote for any size nonprofit.
MissionFish - The way to fundraise on e-Bay
Get certified by MissionFish and let millions of eBay buyers and sellers support your cause. There are two ways a nonprofit can raise funds using MissionFish. First, your supporters can place items for sale on eBay Giving Works and give a portion of the proceeds of the sale to your nonprofit organization. Second, your nonprofit can sell on eBay Giving Works by placing items up for auction or turning in kind donations into cash. They also offer a wide of variety of other services that are easy to use and of great benefit to nonprofits. I highly recommend you check them out.
http://www.missionfish.org/
GoodSearch- You search we give!
This is another great way to fundraise for your organization. Every time your supporters search the Internet you can get a donation for your organization. They have also added a shop now feature, GoodSearch will donate up to 37% of every purchase to your favorite charity.
The ASPCA has earned 16,800 by using GoodSearch. Check out these amazing success stories you will be amazed at all of the ways your organization can up their donations.
http://www.goodsearch.com/SuccessStory.aspx
As always if you have questions or needs please do not hesitate to give me a call -
Tammy Flippen
Funding Coordinator
Springfield Greene County Library District
883-5366 ext 136
Disney's $100,000 Salt + Pepper Shaker
Simple Advice We Should All Remember
Published: 7/25/2008
This is a story we should all take to heart and try to incorporate this message in our day to day activities.
http://darmano.typepad.com/logic_emotion/2008/07/disneys-1000000.html
How often do we say no instead of yes? Keep track of how many times your organization says "no", and then take a hard look at WHY you said no. Is it a policy issue, precedence - "we have always done it this way". Is it costing you money, time? Maybe it is time to sit down and take a hard look at your day to day operations. I think that most of us will see an eye-opening list of issues.
Summertime Reading Suggestions
Published: 7/16/2008
Over the next few weeks I will be sharing with you some great books and websites I've been reading and reviewing this Summer, check them out for your Summer Reading List.
"The Back of the Napkin" by Dan Roam
This is an incredible book about problem solving and how to sell ideas with pictures. Dan takes a great visual approach in handling issues and ideas in a way that gets everyones ideas and insights involved to produce dramatic results.
Also check out his Google Author Talk you will be intrigued and engaged with his process and approach to problem solving.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuA_yz7aTo0
Published: 7/8/2008
Are your programs reaching out and meeting the needs of your community?
Outcomes-based evaluation is an approach to measuring the effects of a project, or an institution's, services and activities on the target audience that these programs seek to benefit or serve.
Learn outcomes based evaluation methods for creating new programs and inistiatives and also evaluating current programs and services.
- Shaping Outcomes - Free Online Course Tutorial http://www.shapingoutcomes.org/course/index.htm
- Outcome Based Evaluation: Faith Based Social Service Organizations and Stewardsihip http://www.heritage.org/research/family/sr13.cfm
- Nonprofit Good Practice Guide http://www.npgoodpractice.org/Resource/BasicGuideOutcomesBasedEvaluation.aspx
Listen Online Free to The Foundation Center's Guide to Proposal Writing
Published: 7/1/2008
The Library has many wonderful titles from The Foundation Center's Nonprofit Management series you can now listen online to the "Guide to Proposal Writing" for free.
The Guide outlines the entire proposal-writing process:
- Pre-Proposal Planning Tips
- Components of the Proposal
- Guidance from Grantmakers
The Foundation Center is making available free of charge a new audio version of the most popular book in their Fundraising and Nonprofit Management Series. For your convenience the audio version is divided into tracks corresponding to chapters in the book so you can listen to exactly what you need. Start listening now and learn how to create grant winning proposals!
http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/learnabout/audiobook.html
Published: 6/24/2008
http://www.presentationzen.com/
That is just the beginning of what you can do with your Flickr account: organize your photos, create a photo stream to your website, unlimited storage, unlimited uploads and unlimited sets. The list goes on and on this is something that is definitely worth checking out.
http://www.flickr.com/good/
Published: 6/9/2008
With so much going on in the world of philanthropy, it can be a full time job just keeping up! Lucky for us, the Foundation Center has gone to the trouble of doing all the hard work. The Foundation Center offers access to a number of newsletters and bulletins on their website, but the two that are the most popular are the Philanthropy News Digest and the RFP Bulletin.
Philanthropy News Digest, a weekly news service, is a compendium in digest form of philanthropy-related articles and features culled from print and electronic media outlets nationwide.
The RFP (Request for Proposal) Bulletin, published every Friday afternoon, provides a brief overview of a current funding opportunity offered by a foundation or other grantmaking organization - a great source to keep current on what grants are being offered.
The Foundation Center, based in New York, is the nation's leading authority on philanthropy, and is the biggest aggregator of foundation grant information in the country. Be sure to get signed up for the email alerts!
Published: 5/26/2008
We all know about dialing 9-1-1 during an emergency, but have you heard about 2-1-1 yet? Launched in November 2007, 2-1-1 became the number to call to get connected with community resources -- such as a family in need of a food pantry, or a frightened spouse seeking a safe haven.
Supported by the United Ways of Missouri, along with a grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health, this service enables residents to have better access to needed health and human services. Staffed by trained professionals, the 2-1-1 call center will provide referrals to valuable health and human services in your area.
Are you a nonprofit that provides human services to your Missouri community? If so, check to see if your organization is listed in the 2-1-1 database. If you're not, go ahead and get added to the list.
Learn more about United Way 2-1-1 by visiting their website at 211missouri.org.
Published: 5/12/2008
Networking with other non-profit agencies can be beneficial to your operation. Participating in local events and groups can help you reach your goals together – there is power in numbers.
Nonprofit listserv: To inquire about joining the list, send an email to nonprof@mail.sgcl.org. The purpose of this list is to share information and experiences with other local nonprofit agencies.
Meetings: Join local and/or national organizations that have regular meetings and seminars, for example the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce (http://www.springfieldchamber.com), the Association of Fundraising Professionals (http://www.afpozarks.org), the Alliance for Nonprofit Management (http://www.allianceonline.org), or the Community Partnership of the Ozarks (http://www.commpartnership.org).
Look through The Directory (available at any Springfield-Greene County Library branch, or online at http://thelibrary.springfield.missouri.org/directory/directory.cfm), and locate other nonprofit groups with similar interests, and contact them to discuss and exchange ideas.
Published: 4/28/2008
Here's your quarterly reminder to use those Event Planning and Training calendars. These calendars are easy to find; available on both the Springfield-Greene County Library's Community Matters website as well as right here on the Nonprofit Prophet.
The Event Planning calendar is the spot to post any upcoming fundraising events as a means to publicize and coordinate events. Nonprofits can see when to plan fundraisers so they won't conflict with those of other agencies'. After all, we're all in this together!
The Training calendar is used to include sessions that would benefit the nonprofit community. I often post area grant writing workshops or other trainings of interest to this calendar, so be sure to check often.
If your organization does not have an account and would like one created, let me know by sending an email to the attention of Aleah Weltha at nonprof@mail.sgcl.org.
Foundation Directory Online Professional
Published: 4/14/2008
Have you been in yet to check out the Foundation Directory Online Professional (FDO) database? If not, here's what you're missing:
- Search through 90,000+ grantmakers, including corporate givers.
- Over 1.2 million records of recently awarded grants.
- Updated weekly.
- Available on any computer at the Library Center. (There are still 2 computers reserved for funding research in the Funding Information Center.)
- Individual profiles can be emailed directly from the database, or you can print or save a list of profiles to an easy-to-read pdf file.
- Remove grantmakers who are not accepting applications with one click!
To schedule an appointment, email me at nonprof@thelibrary.org. You're also welcome to drop in anytime the Library Center is open to use all of the Funding Information Center's resources.
Still curious? Find more information about Foundation Directory Online Professional at the sites listed below:
- FDO flyer from the Foundation Center [Download PDF: http://ccnet.fdncenter.org/training/doc/Fdoflyer.pdf]
- Tips for searching FDO [Download PDF: http://ccnet.fdncenter.org/training/doc/FDO_handout_ltr.pdf]
- An introducation to Foundation Directory Online Professional [View tutorial: http://grants.library.wisc.edu/videos/fdo-intro.html]
Published: 3/31/2008
Be sure to keep an eye out for a new face in the Funding Information Center -- I am pleased to introduce everyone to Tammy Flippen! Tammy will be taking my place as Funding Information Center Coordinator. Tammy, a long time Library employee, is ready to hit the ground running and we're tickled pink to have her. You can always reach Tammy at tammyf@thelibrary.org or by coming by to visit her at the Library Center.
Are you wondering where I'm off to? Well, I haven't gone far. You can always look me up at the new Park Central Branch on the square in downtown Springfield.
Published: 3/17/2008
How does your nonprofit get the money it needs? Come by the Library Center on for a session with Mr. Wayne Groner, a retired CRFE, as he offers his time to assist local nonprofit agencies with fundraising and any other nonprofit management issues that may arise. His class is held on the second Tuesday of the month at the Library Center starting at 10am. No registration is required unless you wish to schedule an individual consultation with him following the session. He has a wealth of information that can help you make the difference in your fundraising efforts, so please join him for a session!
Published: 3/3/2008
"Death, taxes and childbirth! There's never any convenient time for any of them." -- Margaret Mitchell, Gone With the Wind
The arrival of another tax season has prompted me to dig through my files for some of those helpful tax-time resources. To save you the same trouble, I'll post them here.
Remember, even tax-exempt organizations need to file an information return to the IRS if they have $25,000 or more in gross receipts. This return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after the end of the fiscal year. And no, all of this information isn't stored in my head. I found these tidbits (and many more) on the IRS website!
Take a look for yourself:
- Tax Information for Charities & Other Non-Profits from the IRS [http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/faqcat/71-79]
- The Nonprofit FAQ > Regulation > Taxes from Idealist.org [http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/faqcat/71-79]
- Tax Information for Nonprofits from the Free Management Library [http://www.managementhelp.org/tax/np_tax.htm]
- IRS Unveils New Nonprofit Tax Form from The Chronicle of Philanthropy [http://www.philanthropy.com/news/updates/index.php?id=2528]
- Nonprofit Prophet > Legal & Tax Info [http://thelibrary.org/infolink/nonprofit/legal.cfm]
Published: 2/18/2008
It's time for a little trivia.
Did you know that the Foundation Directory Online Professional database lists 60 grantmakers as located in Greene County? That's right, 60! Most of these grantmakers, 58 to be exact, give Springfield as their home base. 24 of those accept applications.
If you would like to see the whole list just send me a note at aleahw@thelibrary.org or come on in to the Library Center. In the meantime, here are the top 3 Springfield grantmakers based on total giving (based on their 2005 tax filing):
- Community Foundation of the Ozarks
- United Way of the Ozarks
- CoxHealth
Published: 2/4/2008
If a stranger approached you on the street and offered to give your nonprofit free world-wide publicity, would you turn them away? Of course not! Although you may be a bit skeptical at first, you'd at least allow them a chance to elaborate before you scurried to the other side of the street. And why is that? Because publicity equals funding and publicity isn't necessarily cheap.
So why aren't you blogging? A blog, which is short for web log, is a free and relatively simple way to get your nonprofit on the web. It's available billboard space on the information super highway.
A blog offers your organization a simple way to communicate with your members, your donors, even the public on a daily basis -- without ever leaving the office. Among the 10 uses Britt Bravo gives for blogs, a way to reach potential donors definitely sticks out as a compelling bullet point.
Where do you sign up? There are many free blogging applications available on the web. A few you may enjoy, although definitely not a comprehensive listing, are:
- Blogger at https://www.blogger.com/start
- Wordpress at http://wordpress.org/
- Or even a photo blog using Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/
Take a look at how nonprofits are using these free or low-cost tools to promote their mission and share information:
- Give and Take at http://www.philanthropy.com/giveandtake/
- Kiva Chronicles at http://www.socialedge.org/blogs/kiva-chronicles
- Grassroots.org at http://grassroots.org/blog
Read on:
10 Ways Nonprofits Can Use Blogs on Netsquared.com [http://www.netsquared.org/blog/britt-bravo/10-ways-nonprofits-can-use-blogs]
Seven Blogging Tools Reviewed on techsoup [http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/webbuilding/page5516.cfm]
The "Blogging for Nonprofits" Course at [http://www.askkivi.com/blogclass/blog/]
Published: 1/21/2008
Meet NOZA, an online database that indexes charitable donation records from foundations, companies and individuals. While NOZA isn't a new product, it has recently undergone major renovations. In October 2007 the makers of the NOZA database announced free foundation searching. This means that its database of over 925,000 grant records are now available to search absolutely free. While there is a lot of information available for free on NOZA, much more remains fee-based. Only donation records from charitable foundations are available to view free of charge.
The benefit of searching through awarded grants are many. In case you need some convincing, here are a couple of reasons to get started: (1) locate funders who are giving to organizations similar to yours; (2) locate funders giving in the amounts you need and in your geographic location.
If all of this sounds familiar to some of you, that's because it is! Foundation Directory Online Professional (FDO), the funding research database located in the Funding Information Center, offers the same service with its Grants Database. Although NOZA can't compete with FDO's 90,000+ grantmaker profiles and detailed grantmaker statistics, it is still a wonderful supplement and comes with the convenience of unlimited access.
There are several methods for searching awarded grants in NOZA. You can search using the following categories:
- Donor name
- Recipient's city and/or state
- Recipient's zip code range
- Donation year (from 1994 to present)
- Cause (field of interest)
- Donation amount
- Keyword
- Donation category (type of support)
Learn more about NOZA:
- "NOZA announces free grant search," from ResearchBuzz. [http://www.researchbuzz.org/wp/2007/10/01/noza-announces-free-grant-search/]
- "Free grant-searching tool for nonprofits," from TechSoup. [http://blog.techsoup.org/node/152]
Published: 1/7/2008
According to Grants.gov, the federal government gives over $360 billion each year to state and local governments, academia, and nonprofits. This is compared to the roughly $38.2 billion that private and community foundations gave in 2006, based on statistics from the Foundation Center. The government is clearly contributing to charitable giving in the U.S., and at a rate that's bound to pique some interest.
However, contrary to popular belief, government grants are not a free gift. As with all grants, the recipient is bound by any and all obligations that will come part and parcel with that grant. Government grant programs also focus most of their efforts on the organizations I've already listed: state and local governments, academia, and nonprofits. This means that there is not a large cache of government money set aside for starting a business.
You can find government giving programs at the following locations on the web:
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance [cfda.gov]
The Catalog of Federal Assistance offers government assistance programs available to individuals, nonprofit groups, and local and state agencies.
Grants.gov [grants.gov]
Grants.gov allows organizations to electronically find and apply for competitive grant opportunities from all Federal grant-making agencies. Grants.gov is THE single access point for over 900 grant programs offered by the 26 Federal grant-making agencies.
Missouri Catalog of State Assistance Programs [http://www.mo.gov/mo/pdf/MOCSAP2007.pdf]
From the Hawthorn Institute, this guide list state and federal grant and assistance programs.
Grants for Nonprofits: Government Funding [http://www.lib.msu.edu/harris23/grants/2gov.htm]
A compilation of resources from Jon Harrison at the University of Michigan. Always well researched and quite informative.
Grants & Program Implementation Division [http://www.ci.springfield.mo.us/egov/planning_development/grants/]
The city of Springfield's department on city assistance programs.
Funding Information Center's Government Grant Bookmarks[http://del.icio.us/fundinginfo/Government]
As I locate relevant grant programs online, I bookmark them at the website above.Check back often!
Foundation Directory Online Professional
Published: 12/24/2007
There is a new funding database in the Funding Information Center. Our old favorite, FC Search, has recently been replaced by the Foundation Directory Online Professional (FDO) database. FDO, the newest product available from the Foundation Center, offers the same informative data as FC Search plus so much more.
- Updated weekly.
- Available on any computer at the Library Center. (There are still 2 computers reserved for funding research in the Funding Information Center.)
- Individual profiles can be emailed directly from the database, or you can print or save a list of profiles to an easy-to-read pdf file.
- Remove grantmakers who are not accepting applications with one click!
To schedule an appointment, email me at nonprof@mail.sgcl.org. You're also welcome to drop in anytime the Library Center is open to use all of the Funding Information Center's resources.
Still curious? Find more information about Foundation Directory Online Professional at the sites listed below:
- FDO flyer from the Foundation Center [Download PDF: http://ccnet.fdncenter.org/training/doc/Fdoflyer.pdf]
- Tips for searching FDO [Download PDF: http://ccnet.fdncenter.org/training/doc/FDO_handout_ltr.pdf]
- An introducation to Foundation Directory Online Professional [View tutorial: http://grants.library.wisc.edu/videos/fdo-intro.html]
Published: 12/10/2007
If you've come in to see me at the Funding Information Center you've probably heard me go on about how most grants go to 501(c)(3) nonprofits. I like to tell people this, because if you're looking for grants it can be fairly important. The obvious next question, once I share this bit of information, is usually, "So how do I start a nonprofit?" Good question!
It's true that the process is fairly straight forward, at least on the paperwork side. As with most things, however, there is more to the process than just paperwork. What project are you trying to get funded? Are the regulations and filing requirments that accompany incorporation worth the trouble? Forming a nonprofit is not the only solution, so be sure to consider your options. You may be able to find sponsorship with an existing nonprofit, or there may already be a nonprofit in the community that shares your mission. The bottom line? Do your research.
And you don't have to take my word for it. I highly recommend visiting the sites below to learn more about the issues and the process:
- Things to think about before launching a new nonprofit, from Idealist.org
- Creating a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation in Missouri, from the University of Missouri Extension
- Steps to starting a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Missouri, from the St. Charles Library
- Downloadable Forms & Publications, from the Missouri Secretary of State
- Tax Information for Charitable Organizations, from the Internal Revenue Service
Published: 11/26/2007
Sometimes a new perspective is all that's needed to get things back on track. In the nonprofit world, this outside help often comes in the form of a consultant. A consultant can assist your nonprofit organization in a multitude of ways, from planning to proposal writing.
Has your organization toyed with the idea of hiring a consultant, but you're not sure where to start? Here are a few resources to get you started.
- How do I find a consultant for my nonprofit? from the Foundation Center's FAQs
- Consultant Connection(TM), from Nonprofit Services Consortium
- Getting and Working with Consultants, from the Free Management Library
Missouri Statewide Conference for Nonprofits: A Recap
Published: 11/15/2007
It was great to see some of you at the recent Missouri Statewide Conference for Nonprofit Organizations. This conference was held November 8-9 in Jefferson City. What an exciting time for nonprofits in the state of Missouri!
For those of you who were unable to attend, a few highlights:
- Out of the 50 states (and the District of Columbia), only 10 states are lacking a statewide nonprofit association. [Source: National Council of Nonprofit Associations (NCNA)]
- Missouri is one of those 10.
- This conference explored the idea of the formation of a statewide nonprofit association in our state. The response seemed favorable; to learn about the benefits of a statewide association visit the NCNA website.
- Sessions were split among 5 concurrent tracks: accountability, advocacy, economics, leadership, and public policy.
- I attended the economics track. Of note was the report on the economic impact of the nonprofit community – we represent nearly 10% of Missouri’s Gross Domestic Product!
And while the conference may be over, the conversation is just getting started. Make your thoughts known! We can get started on our nonprofit listserv, let me know if you would like to be added to the list. For even further information you may wish to visit the sponsoring organizations' websites:
Nonprofit Management & Leadership, University of Missouri--St. Louis [www.umsl.edu/divisions/graduate/ppa/npml]
Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership, University of Missouri--Kansas City [bsbpa.umkc.edu/mwcnl]
Statewide Conference for Nonprofit Organizations
Published: 10/29/2007
Do you have an interest in the future of nonprofits and philanthropic organizations in Missouri? I'm betting you do, and that's why this is an event you really won't want to miss.;
"Strengthening the Voice of the Nonprofit Sector in Missouri" is the first ever statewide conference for nonprofits.; Attendees will include staff and board members of nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, students and scholars of nonprofit and philanthropic studies, along with those who support nonprofits. All will have a vested interest in the state of nonprofit affairs in the state of Missouri. Featured speakers will be Diana Aviv, Dennis R. Young, Ph.D, Sam Singhand Robert Egger.
The goal of the conference is to:
- Bring Missouri nonprofits and philanthropic organizations together, building identity and strengthening their collective voice;
- Examine state-level public policy issues currently affecting the sector;
- Assist nonprofits in understanding and effectively engaging in the public policy arena, particularly at the state level;
- Explore the idea of establishing a Missouri association of nonprofit organizations.
Where: Capitol Plaza Hotel, Jefferson City
When:; Noon on Thursday, November 8, 2007, through 2:30 p.m. on Friday, November 9
Cost: $150 (before October 9), $200 (on and after October 10)
To register or for more information visit the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership or the University of Missouri--St. Louis' Nonprofit Management & Leadership Program.
Published: 10/15/2007
The aim of most nonprofits is to offer assistance when and where it is needed. But what if these needs aren't easily recognizable? This is where Community Focus comes in. In this report, which is compiled by individuals and committees in Greene County, we take an honest look at our community and evaluate what we're doing right (blue ribbons) and what still needs to be done (red flags).
The most recent report has been released, offering more insight into the state of our community. We're on the mark in many areas with strong collaboration between public and private organizations and a growing economy. Being aware of our success in these sectors will allow us to re-focus our efforts on other, "red flag," issues. Current areas of concern according to the latest Community Focus? Child abuse and poverty.
Community Focus 2007 is available online or can be picked up at any of the Springfield-Greene County Libraries.
Learn more about Community Focus 2007:
- Group cites positives, negatives for life in Greene County, by Chad Plein, KY3 News
- Abuse, poverty remain red flags, by John Taylor, Springfield News-Leader
- Community report indicates strong economy, lagging wages, by SBJ Staff, Springfield Business Journal
Published: 10/1/2007
Here's your quarterly reminder to use those Event Planning and Training calendars. These calendars are easy to find; available on both the Springfield-Greene County Library's Community Matters website as well as right here on the Nonprofit Prophet.
The Event Planning calendar is the spot to post any upcoming fundraising events as a means to publicize and coordinate events. Nonprofits can see when to plan fundraisers so they won't conflict with those of other agencies'. After all, we're all in this together!
The Training calendar is used to include sessions that would benefit the nonprofit community. I often post area grant writing workshops or other trainings of interest to this calendar, so be sure to check often.
If your organization does not have an account and would like one created, let me know by sending an email to the attention of Aleah Weltha at nonprof@mail.sgcl.org.
Published: 9/18/2007
We all know about dialing 9-1-1 during an emergency, but have you heard about 2-1-1 yet? Starting in November 2007, 2-1-1 will be the number to call to get connected with community resources -- such as a family in need of a food pantry, or a frightened spouse seeking a safe haven.
Supported by the United Ways of Missouri, along with a grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health, this service enables residents to have better access to needed health and human services. Staffed by trained professionals, the 2-1-1 call center will provide referrals to valuable health and human services in your area.
Are you a nonprofit that provides human services to your Missouri community? If so, check to see if your organization is listed in the 2-1-1 database. If you're not, go ahead and get added to the list.
Learn more about United Way 2-1-1 by visiting their website at 211missouri.org.
Published: 9/4/2007
In celebration of the new school year, here's a little pop quiz:
- Where can you search over 84,000 indexed profiles of active grantmakers?
- Where do you go to look through over 330,000 awarded grants from 1,400 of the largest foundations?
- Where can you find free one-on-one assistance with your grant search?
Give up? At the Library's Funding Information Center, of course! The FC Search database, available in the Funding Information Center at the Library Center, is a powerful addition to any smart grantseekers repertoire. With over 84,000 indexed profiles of active grantmakers, including foundations, corporate givers and public charities, you're bound to leave with at least a few good prospects.
Grantmaker profiles in FC Search feature the funder's purpose, geographic focus, application information, officers and recent financial data. Each profile also links to the grantmaker's most recent tax filing with the IRS (think 990-PF). Not to mention that there are 14 different categories that can be used to fine tune your results. You can get as detailed as you need; for example, try finding funders who share the same "field of interest" as your organization. Then limit your search even further by finding those funders that give in Missouri.
Sound interesting? All that is needed to use the FC Search database is a Springfield-Greene County library card or $1 for a computer day pass. FC Search is available any time that the Library is open, 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday - Saturday, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays. If you would like to schedule a one-on-one appointment, feel free to contact the Funding Information Center at nonprof@mail.sgcl.org. Group training sessions are also available for no charge.
Next time you find yourself seeking grants, come by and see us at the Funding Information Center. We're always happy to help!
More info:
Getting Started with FC Search [doc]: http://ccnet.fdncenter.org/trainingtools/sample4.doc
A guided tour of FC Search: http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/tutorials/fcsearch_tour/index.html
Missouri Statewide Conference for Nonprofit Organizations
Published: 8/21/2007
Do you have an interest in the future of nonprofits and philanthropic organizations in Missouri? I'm betting you do, and that's why this is an event you really won't want to miss.
"Strengthening the Voice of the Nonprofit Sector in Missouri" is the first ever statewide conference for nonprofits. Attendees will include staff and board members of nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, students and scholars of nonprofit and philanthropic studies, along with those who support nonprofits. All will have a vested interest in the state of nonprofit affairs in the state of Missouri. Featured speakers will be Diana Aviv, Dennis R. Young, Ph.D, Sam Singh and Robert Egger.
The goal of the conference is to:
- Bring Missouri nonprofits and philanthropic organizations together, building identity and strengthening their collective voice;
- Examine state-level public policy issues currently affecting the sector;
- Assist nonprofits in understanding and effectively engaging in the public policy arena, particularly at the state level;
- Explore the idea of establishing a Missouri association of nonprofit organizations.
Where: Capitol Plaza Hotel, Jefferson City
When: Noon on Thursday, November 8, 2007, through 2:30 p.m. on Friday, November 9
Cost: $150 (before October 9), $200 (on and after October 10)
To register or for more information visit the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership or the University of Missouri--St. Louis' Nonprofit Management & Leadership Program.
Published: 8/7/2007
A few weeks ago I pointed out some of the great info available on the form 990-PF. For those who may have missed that post, let's review. The 990-PF is a report that private foundations file every year with the IRS. In these reports you can find a plethora of data about that funder, particularly helpful is the grants list. This list gives us a complete list of grantees and the amounts that they received from said funder.
Ok, enough review. I brought up the 990-PF as a way to introduce its sister form, the 990. The Form 990 is also known as "Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax" and is the form that public charities over a certain minimum size have to file with Uncle Sam. 990s don't include as much information as the 990-PF, but in these forms you can find a nonprofit's mission statement, programs, and info on their finances. And while it's not a requirement to include a grants list on the 990 some organizations will still provide this information on their filing.
The 2008 tax year is bringing about some changes to the Form 990. The IRS has redesigned the form, which has been released for public comment. According to the IRS, the goal of this redesign is threefold: (1) to enhance transparency; (2) to promote tax compliance; and (3) to minimize the burden on the filing organization.
What is a 990 and where can I find them? http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/faqs/html/990.html
You can take a peek at the new form at the IRS web site: http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=171213,00.html
An article from the IRS discussing the redesign and how to comment: http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=171216,00.html
Published: 7/18/2007
So you've visited the Funding Information Center, researched funders and found some great matches for your organization. Where do you go from here?
This process of asking for the money, or proposal writing, seems to worry folks the most. However, if you've done your research well and found some great matches out there in the funding world, writing the proposal should be the least of your worries.
Training resources for beefing up those grant writing skills are abundant. If you're curious about what's currently available in the area, take a peek at the training calendar. Or, for your convenience, I've compiled a few of them below. You can also come back to see me at The Library Center and I'll be happy to show you the many proposal writing resources we have available right here!
- Proposal Writing Short Course [Online Training] *FREE* -- Foundation Center
- Proposal Writing: The Comprehensive Course [Online Training] *FEE APPLIES* -- Foundation Center
- Grant Writing [Online Training] *FEE APPLIES* -- Drury University's College of Graduate & Continuing Studies, (417) 873-7727 or online@drury.edu
- A to Z Grantwriting [Online Training] *FEE APPLIES* -- OTC's Online Instruction Center
- Get Grants! [Online Training] *FEE APPLIES* -- OTC's Online Instruction Center
- Writing Effective Grant Proposals [Online Training] *FEE APPLIES* -- OTC's Online Instruction Center
- Advanced Grant Proposal Writing [Online Training] *FEE APPLIES* -- OTC's Online Instruction Center
Published: 7/4/2007
The Springfield-Greene County Library offers quarterly orientations to the grant seeking process and to the materials available to nonprofit groups in Greene County. The next session will be July 20, 2007 in the Harrison Room at the Library Center, located at 4653 S. Campbell. The session starts at 9am and usually runs for an hour and a half, covering such topics as how to start the grant seeking process and how to use the FC search database that includes grant opportunities for over 80,000 foundations across the United States. No registration is required, so just come and join us for an informative session!
Published: 6/20/2007
What is a 990 PF and what does it have to do with grant seeking? Quite a bit, actually. A 990 PF is the annual tax return that a U.S. Foundation files with the IRS, and it is chock full of useful information:
- Financial data
- Application guidelines
- Names of the foundation's board/officers/trustees
- Complete list of grants awarded
By looking at a foundation's 990 PF, specifically at the complete list of grants awarded, you can determine if this particular funder has a history of giving to organizations such as yours. And because you can also see the amount of the grants that have been given, it's possible to see if the foundation is likely to give an amount that will be applicable to the needs of your organization.
You can locate the 990 PF for foundations in several locations online:
- The Foundation Center's 990 Finder
- GuideStar
- GrantSmart
For more information on the 990 PF take a look at our FAQ on the subject, or visit the free tutorial, Demystifying the 990 PF, available on the Foundation Center's website.
Can I Find Grant Money to Start a Business?
Published: 6/5/2007
This is a question I get quite a bit in the Funding Information Center. This often ill-fated hope is perpetuated by rumors and television ads promoting free money for this and that. The reality is that there just aren't a lot of grant dollars out there for starting a business. Most "grants" in the area of small business are actually loans, which are required to be paid back. It is true that there are federal government grant programs available, but they are mainly for research and development needs to meet a specific program result in a particular agency (i.e. SBIR grants). As a rule, there are no grants to start up a new business unless you fall into the SBIR (Small Business Innovation and Research) category. Additionally, 99% of grant funds go to other nonprofit agencies.
The same is true for Private Foundations, which generally don't give money to for-profit businesses. The reason for this is fairly straight-forward, they would have no way to track the funds. This is contrary to nonprofit organizations, which are required to file with the government and state what they have spent their money on that year. Also, Private Foundations are set up to aid the public good. This goal would be hard to meet if they gave money to for-profit businesses that are concerned with personal as opposed to public profit.
Don't let this stop you from pursuing your business dreams. Just be aware that any support you collect for your entrepreneurial endeavors will more than likely need to be paid back. For more information on getting funding for starting a small business, contact the Small Business Administration.
Don't Forget About the Calendars!
Published: 5/22/2007
We are still at the beginning of a new fundraising and training planning year, so don't forget about the Nonprofit Fundraising and Nonprofit Training calendars available on the Springfield-Greene County Library's Community Matters website. The Fundraising calendar is primarily used to help the local nonprofit agencies plan their upcoming fundraising events so they do not conflict with other agencies' events. The Training calendar can be used to include sessions that agencies are offering that would benefit the nonprofit community. If your organization does not have an account and would like one created let me know by sending an email to the attention of Aleah Weltha at nonprof@mail.sgcl.org. For those of you who need a refresher, contact me and the previous address and I'll be happy to forward the information to you.
Published: 5/8/2007
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is known and respected as an authority on business accountability. But did you know that the BBB is keeping an eye on more than just businesses? It's true! The BBB Wise Giving Alliance, established in 2001, concerns itself with offering guidance to donors who are considering giving to nationally soliciting charitable organizations. Located online at Give.org, the BBB Wise Giving Alliance accomplishes this goal through Charity Reports that rate charities based on how well they meet the 20 standards outlined in their Standards for Charity Accountability. Give.org also offers a quarterly BBB Wise Giving Guide to further assist donors in making informed giving decisions. If you find yourself considering sending a check to nationally soliciting charity, take a moment to stop here first.
Read more about informed giving:
- Funders Guide to Ranking Systems, by Jessica Stannard-Friel
- 10 Tips on Giving Wisely
- GuideStar for Donors
Missouri Statewide Conference for Nonprofits
Published: 4/25/2007
Do you have an interest in the future of nonprofits and philanthropic organizations in Missouri? I'm betting you do, and that's why this is an event you really won't want to miss.
"Strengthening the Voice of the Nonprofit Sector in Missouri" is the first ever statewide conference for nonprofits. Attendees will include staff and board members of nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, students and scholars of nonprofit and philanthropic studies, along with those who support nonprofits. All will have a vested interest in the state of nonprofit affairs in the state of Missouri. Featured speakers will be Diana Aviv and Dennis R. Young, Ph.D.
The goal of the conference is to:
- Bring Missouri nonprofits and philanthropic organizations together, building identity and strengthening their collective voice;
- Examine state-level public policy issues currently affecting the sector;
- Assist nonprofits in understanding and effectively engaging in the public policy arena, particularly at the state level;
- Explore the idea of establishing a Missouri association of nonprofit organizations.
Capitol Plaza Hotel, Jefferson City
Noon on Thursday, November 8, 2007, through 2:30 p.m. on Friday, November 9
Registration $150 (before October 9), $200 (October 10+)
To register or for more information visit www.mcnl.org or www.umsl.edu/npml
Published: 4/13/2007
How are your charitable funds invested? Learn more on April 24 when the Community Foundation of the Ozarks finishes up their Essential Questions Series. Ron Neville, Chairman of the CFO Investment Advisory Board, and Suzy Gray, CFO Senior Finance Officer, will be presenting. The Essential Questions Series consists of seven web-based teleconferences that are focused on promoting professional development in the nonprofit community. The session will run from 10 to 10:45 a.m. and include a 20 to 30 minute presentation and a follow-up question and answer segment. For more information contact Bridget Dierks at (417) 864-6199 or visit the Essential Questions Series website. Presentations are archived on the CFO website for future reference.
All the Resources You Need in One Place
Published: 3/27/2007
Doing research for funding sources can be a monumental task and many times it's difficult even to know where to begin. Make life a little bit easier for yourself by attending one of the Library's "Funding Information Center Orientations," and learn what resources can help you navigate the multitude of print and electronic sources available. The next orientation session will be on April 13 at 9:00 a.m. in the Library Center's Harrison Room. Keep in mind that the mechanics of grant writing will not be addressed.
Community Foundation Scholarships
Published: 3/24/2007
What are the advantages of having scholarships with the Community Foundation? Find out on March 27 when the Community Foundation of the Ozarks continues their Essential Questions Series. Gay Lynn Russell, CFO Scholarship Coordinator, and Julie Leeth, CFO Vice President, will be presenting. The Essential Questions Series consists of seven web-based teleconferences that are focused on promoting professional development in the nonprofit community. The session will run from 10 to 10:45 a.m. and include a 20 to 30 minute presentation and a follow-up question and answer segment. For more information contact Bridget Dierks at (417) 864-6199 or visit the Essential Questions Series website. Presentations are archived on the CFO website for future reference.
Legal & Financial Literacy for Nonprofits
Published: 3/10/2007
Have you heard about GO LEAD yet? GO LEAD, a management program for nonprofit leaders, comes to us from Missouri State University and is dedicated to improving the effectiveness of nonprofits in the Ozarks area. The newest offering from this program is the Legal & Financial Literacy for Nonprofits workshop to be held on Friday, March 23, at 8 a.m. in the Crystal Room at Kentwood Hall on the MSU campus.
This workshop is a joint project of MSU's Leadership Project and the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association. Topics that will be addressed include governance requirements, financial and tax issues, and employment law. If you happen to be a nonprofit professional, an attorney who advises nonprofits, a financial advisor for a nonprofit or a nonprofit board member then this workshop is for you. Visit the GO LEAD website for more information.
IRS Launches On-Line Workshop for Exempt Organizations
Published: 2/28/2007
Has your nonprofit organization found itself without a tax expert on staff? Or do you have limited contact with outside advisors on tax compliance issues? The IRS has recently launched a free online version of its popular Exempt Organizations Workshop called Stay Exempt. This training covers tax compliance issues faced by small and mid-sized tax-exempt organizations, including charities and churches. Stay Exempt will help your organization answer questions about how to keep your 501(c)(3) exempt, how to treat your workers for tax purposes, or even how to file an error-free return. For further information, visit the IRS website at http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=166625,00.html.
Attention: Early Childhood Professionals
Published: 2/17/2007
Does your nonprofit organization work with children? Now's your chance to gain insight into recognizing developmental steps and emotional competence. Dr. Berry Brazelton and Dr. Joshua Sparrow, nationally recognized child development experts, will present a free professional development conference at Missouri State University on February 28, 2007. This conference will cover how child development and parent expectations interact so that families might better cope. To register or for more information, visit their website at http://morriscenter.missouristate.edu/brazelton/ or call (417) 836-4127.
Published: 2/6/2007
What are family and community funds? Find out on February 27 when the Community Foundation of the Ozarks continues their Essential Questions Series. Julie Leeth, CFO Vice President, and Betty Ann Rogers, Nixa Community Foundation board member and donor advisor, will be presenting. The Essential Questions Series consists of seven web-based teleconferences that are focused on promoting professional development in the nonprofit community. The session will run from 10 to 10:45 a.m. and include a 20 to 30 minute presentation and a follow-up question and answer segment. For more information contact Bridget Dierks at (417) 864-6199 or visit the Essential Questions Series website. Presentations are archived on the CFO website for future reference.
Published: 1/24/2007
Well, its tax season once again, and nonprofit organizations registered as 501(c)(3)’s should look at filing their annual 990 forms. Some organizations are exempt from filing requirements, mainly churches, although there are others. If you normally do not exceed $25,000 in gross receipts, you also may be exempt from filing. Your IRS determination letter should tell you if you must file a 990. If you are not sure, always assume that you DO have to file a 990 until you determine if you have a definite exemption from filing. Be certain to file state tax returns as well. Information on filing in the state of Missouri can be found at The Missouri Secretary of State’s website at http://www.sos.mo.gov/business/default.asp.
Published: 1/10/2007
How do we strengthen donor relationships? Find out on January 23 when the Community Foundation of the Ozarks continues their Essential Questions Series. Carol Silvey, CFO Senior Associate for Development, will be presenting. The Essential Questions Series consists of seven web-based teleconferences that are focused on promoting professional development in the nonprofit community. The session will run from 10 to 10:45 a.m. and include a 20 to 30 minute presentation and a follow-up question and answer segment. For more information contact Bridget Dierks at (417) 864-6199 or visit the Essential Questions Series website. Presentations are archived on the CFO website for future reference.
Published: 1/4/2007
How does your nonprofit get the money it needs? Come by the Library Center on January 9th for a session with Mr. Wayne Groner, a retired CRFE, as he offers his time to assist local nonprofit agencies with fundraising and any other nonprofit management issues that may arise. His class is held on the second Tuesday of the month in the Library Center’s Harrison Room starting at 10am. No registration is required unless you wish to schedule an individual consultation with him following the session. He has a wealth of information that can help you make the difference in your fundraising efforts, so please join him for a session!
Foundation Giving Trends Preview
Published: 12/27/2006
Does your nonprofit need funding? Foundations are a good place to begin your search and understanding a foundation's pattern of giving is important to fundraising success. Education and health remain top priorities of private and community foundations, according to a report preview recently released by the Foundation Center. International affairs and the environment are also seeing increased support. Download the Foundation Giving Trends Preview at the Foundation Center's website. The findings in this report are based on all grants of $10,000 or more awarded by 1,154 of the largest foundations. The full report will be out February 2007.
Published: 12/18/2006
The Foundation Center, the nation’s leading authority on philanthropy, has a wealth of information on their website that can help even the smallest nonprofit agency. They include links to classes that you can take online in the areas of nonprofit management and proposal writing, in addition to a wonderful list of links to web-based information on fundraising, technology, and public policy. The Foundation Center works very hard to provide easily accessible information to the nonprofit community. They understand that your time is limited and in most cases, so are your funds. They are there to help!
The Foundation Center is 50 Years Old!
Published: 11/27/2006
The Foundation Center, the nation’s leading authority on philanthropy, celebrates their 50th anniversary this year. Their five regional offices located in Atlanta, Cleveland, Washington DC, New York, and San Francisco will be holding special programs and classes throughout the year. It is incredible to see how the field of philanthropy has changed in 50 years, so check out their interactive journey and read some of their most memorable interviews with some of the big names in philanthropy.
Foundation Grants to Individuals Online
Published: 11/6/2006
The Library has recently added a subscription to the Foundation Grants to Individuals online database, which is now available in the Funding Information Center at the Library Center. This database includes more than 6,000 foundation and public charity programs that fund students, artists, researchers and other individual grantseekers. While the vast majority of foundations only offer grants to other nonprofit agencies, there are thousands of foundations that offer grants, scholarships, fellowships and research opportunities to individuals to help meet the foundation’s organizational mission. Come down to the Library Center and we would be happy to show you how to search this valuable resource!
Access to Corporate Giving Database Free until End of 2006
Published: 10/23/2006
The Foundation Center has recently started offering access to the Corporate Giving Online database free for the balance of 2006. Corporate Giving Online is an online database of corporate donors that support nonprofit organizations and programs through grants as well as in-kind donations of equipment, products, professional services, and volunteers. To access this free trial, click on the above link to the database and login with the username “CCtrial” and the password “corporate”. The Foundation Center, based in New York, is the nation’s leading authority on philanthropy, and is the biggest aggregator of foundation grant information in the country.
Thinking of starting up a Nonprofit?
Published: 10/10/2006
Do you have a great idea for a nonprofit agency that can meet the needs of an under-supported population? There are many steps to creating a nonprofit organization, including applying for tax-exempt status, writing your by-laws, and creating a board. There are many sources for this information both on the web and within the Springfield-Greene County Library’s Funding Information Center. For a good overview of the process, the Foundation Center, based in New York, has put together an online tutorial. Also check out the links on the Nonprofit Prophet website that can be found here.
Its Time for Your Nonprofit to Blog
Published: 9/25/2006
Does your Nonprofit have a blog? No? Why not? Blogs are the wave of the future, and the best way for nonprofit organizations to better tell their story. In this new world of ‘social networking’, nonprofits can take advantage of this format to target their message to a distinct group. Gone are the days of mass press releases and emails sent to ‘interested’ parties. With a blog, your audience subscribes to YOUR message – no more ‘hit and miss’ tactics. Once you have a basic blog established, then its time to add more new technology – why not a few podcasts discussing your latest fundraising event? Why not create a page on Flickr where participants of your events can post pictures? All of these can create a community where your message and support is accepted and appreciated. Have a look at some of these nonprofit blogs to get your creative juices flowing: Betsy’s Blog, Don’t Tell the Donor, and Crooked Number. For a great list of reasons why your nonprofit should blog, see this post from the Nonprofit Blog Exchange.
Watch out for Free Money Scams
Published: 9/11/2006
There has been a recent rash of emails scams going around the internet that purport to offer ‘Free Money’ from foundations. They say there are MILLIONS of dollars out there just for the asking – you only have to apply. For your fee that can range from $34.95 up to $200+ you get a list of foundations. Unfortunately, foundations do not primarily give to individuals, and if they do, they are usually for scholarships, fellowships, or research grants. They require a full proposal to be submitted, not just a simple letter asking for money, like the scams suggest. What the public needs to know is that grant information can be obtained free from your local Public Library, and with the help of a Librarian, they can figure out what they do and do not qualify for. Here are a few websites that talk about the recent glut of grant scams on the net: ConsumerAffairs.com, Philanthropy News Digest, and a good treatise on the Matthew Lesko phenomena from The Consumer Protection Board of New York.
Published: 8/28/2006
Did you know that over 90% of foundation grants go to established nonprofit agencies? If you are a new nonprofit or considering forming a nonprofit, obtaining a fiscal sponsor can greatly increase your chances of obtaining funding more efficiently and effectively. The Foundation Center has a free online tutorial called "Guide to Fiscal Sponsorship” that offers a detailed look at the possibilities for individual grantseekers to affiliate with an organization or obtain a fiscal sponsor. The Foundation Center, based in New York, is the nation’s leading authority on philanthropy, and is the biggest aggregator of foundation grant information in the country.
The Foundation Centers Proposal Writing Short Course
Published: 8/14/2006
The Foundation Center offers a lot of great resources on their website for free, and their Proposal Writing Short Course is one of their best. This free online course describes how to prepare a funding proposal, including the planning, research, and cultivation of foundation and corporate donors - it is a great starting point when you are not sure where to start. The Foundation Center, based in New York, is the nation’s leading authority on philanthropy, and is the biggest aggregator of foundation grant information in the country.
Foundation Support for your education
Published: 7/31/2006
When you are considering college, there are a few sources available to help you locate support for your education. The Foundation Center offers a free online course called “Finding Foundation Support for Your Education”. This course guides students through the process of seeking financial support from foundations to pursue their studies. The course is designed to help you learn about foundation support, articulate your plan of study, create your unique profile and help you determine your affiliations, identify potential funders and match their giving interests with your profile, and understand the application process. All you need to do is create a free account with the Foundation Center. The Foundation Center, based in New York, is the nation’s leading authority on philanthropy, and is the biggest aggregator of foundation grant information in the country.
Free Access to Online Directory of Corporate Giving
Published: 7/17/2006
The Foundation Center has recently started offering access to the Corporate Giving Online database free for the balance of 2006. Corporate Giving Online is an online database of corporate donors that support nonprofit organizations and programs through grants as well as in-kind donations of equipment, products, professional services, and volunteers. To access this free trial, click on the above link to the database and login with the username “CCtrial” and the password “corporate”. The Foundation Center, based in New York, is the nation’s leading authority on philanthropy, and is the biggest aggregator of foundation grant information in the country.
Access Philanthropy News and Grant Announcements Online
Published: 7/3/2006
The Foundation Center offers access to a number of newsletters and bulletins on the website, but the two that are the most popular are the Philanthropy News Digest and the RFP Bulletin. Philanthropy News Digest, a weekly news service, is a compendium in digest form, of philanthropy-related articles and features culled from print and electronic media outlets nationwide. The RFP (Request for Proposal) Bulletin, published every Friday afternoon, provides a brief overview of a current funding opportunity offered by a foundation or other grantmaking organization - a great source to keep current on what grants are being offered. The Foundation Center, based in New York, is the nation's leading authority on philanthropy, and is the biggest aggregator of foundation grant information in the country.
The New Foundation Center Website
Published: 6/19/2006
Recently, the Foundation Center underwent a reorganization and re-branding effort of it's website, and it has proven to be a successful endeavor. The website is now easier to peruse and locate the pertinent information that nonprofits need - such as the Foundation Finder (a free database of Foundation information and access to IRS 990-PF filings), links to information on proposal writing and access to the terrific topical resource lists. Check out the new site at http://www.fdncenter.org. The Foundation Center, based in New York, is the nation's leading authority on philanthropy, and is the biggest aggregator of foundation grant information in the country.
Published: 6/5/2006
On June 9, 2006. Achala Wali from the Foundation Center in Cleveland will present a free seminar on proposal writing basics. This 90 minute session will start at 1pm in the auditorium of the Library Center. Topics such as what are the key components of a proposal to a foundation or corporation, who should sign a grant request and how should the proposal be packaged will be addressed. To register for this session, contact Shelley White, the Funding Information Center Coordinator at 874-8112 ext. 136 or by email at nonprof@mail.sgcl.org.
Published: 5/22/2006
We are still at the beginning of a new fundraising and training planning year, so don't forget about the Nonprofit Fundraising and Nonprofit Training calendars available on the Springfield-Greene County Library's Community Matters website. The Fundraising calendar is primarily used to help the local nonprofit agencies plan their upcoming fundraising events so they do not conflict with other agencies' events. The Training calendar can be used to include sessions that agencies are offering that would benefit the nonprofit community. If your organization does not have an account and would like one created, contact Shelley White, the Funding Information Center Coordinator by email at nonprof@mail.sgcl.org. For those of you who need a refresher, contact Shelley and she would be happy to forward the information to you.
Published: 5/8/2006
Working for a nonprofit agency can be a very rewarding experience. More and more professionals are taking the leap from for-profit companies to the not-for-profit world. There are many online resources that can help you locate employment in the nonprofit sector. We have a nonprofit jobs section on the Nonprofit Prophet website that lists a variety of online sites that specialize in listing and locating employment in not-for-profit agencies.
Why pay if you can get it for free?
Published: 4/24/2006
The website Guidestar.org previously offered a free service where you could look up IRS filings from nonprofit groups and Foundations. A few months back, they started charging for their service. The Foundation Center offers their ‘Foundation Finder’ service on their website where you can locate 990’s and 990-PF’s for over 73,000 private and community foundations across the country – and its free! Utilizing the 990-PF is a great tool for a nonprofit when they are locating grant information. It is the one source that will tell you who the foundation gave monies to that year and what amount – this helps you establish a better match between your needs and the giving patterns of the foundation.
Need some help in the grantseeking process?
Published: 4/10/2006
The Springfield-Greene County Library offers quarterly orientations to the grant seeking process and to the materials available to nonprofit groups in Greene County. The next session will be July 14, 2006 in the Harrison Room at the Library Center, located at 4653 S. Campbell. The session starts at 9am and usually runs for an hour and a half, covering such topics as how to start the grant seeking process and how to use the FC search database that includes grant opportunities for over 80,000 foundations across the United States. No registration is required, so just come and join us for an informative session!
Published: 3/27/2006
Whether you are trying to raise funds for a particular project or funds to operate your nonprofit, the Springfield-Greene County Library has the resources to help! The Funding Information Center, located at the Library Center, has a large collection of fundraising books to help you in your efforts, albeit planned giving or event planning. Additionally, there is a fundraising section on the Nonprofit Prophet website with more ideas and information available on the web.
Published: 3/13/2006
Did you know that most government grants are offered between the months of January and June? Now is the time to start scoping out your grant opportunities on the federal grant website Grants.gov. A few years ago, the federal government mandated that the Department of Health & Human Services create a website that contains all the grants that are offered from all 26 agencies, including online applications, with their goal being to simplify the entire grant seeking process. On this website, you can search by keyword, by agency, or by area of interest. The other nice thing is you can sign up for their email service where they notify you when new grants are offered that fit your criteria that you stipulated when you signed up.
Published: 2/27/2006
Sometimes it can be difficult to find the right volunteers for your organization, but they are out there! Many volunteer matching services have sprung up on the net during the last few years which may help you locate the perfect volunteer for your agency. Many of them require your agency to sign up as a volunteer opportunity, or others allow you to search a list of people who have registered on the site who want to be volunteers within specific areas of interest, and all you have to do is browse. A few suggested sites to search for volunteers include the Corporation for National & Community Service ( www.nationalservice.org), Network For Good (www.networkforgood.org/volunteer/index.html), and Volunteer Match (http://www.volunteermatch.org/).
Where Can I Get Some New Technology?
Published: 2/13/2006
Did you know that as a nonprofit agency, you can obtain brand name software, such as database and network applications, for little or no money? TechSoup.org offers nonprofits a one-stop resource for technology needs by providing free information, resources, and support. In addition to online information and resources, they offer a product philanthropy service called TechSoup Stock, where nonprofits can access donated and discounted technology products, generously provided by corporate and nonprofit technology partners. Their aim is to circumvent the time it takes nonprofits to garner corporate sponsorship to obtain needed technology by partnering with major companies to offer a one-stop-shopping source. You can check them out at www.techsoup.org.
Published: 1/30/2006
If you are thinking of creating a new nonprofit agency, you should know that IRS Form 1023 has recently changed. This is the form where your organization can apply for tax-exempt status. The form was revised in October 2004, but the changes did not come into effect until May 1, 2005. Some of the major changes include the need for your organization to already have an Employer Identification Number (EIN), where previously you did not need it at the time of filing. Additionally, limited liability companies can apply for tax-exempt status as long as they are treated like a corporation. For further information about these changes and to download a form, visit the IRS website at http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=130145,00.html .
Published: 12/26/2005
Networking with other non-profit agencies can be beneficial to your operation. Participating in local events and groups can help you reach your goals together – there is power in numbers.
Nonprofit listserv: To inquire about joining the list, send an email to nonprof@mail.sgcl.org. The purpose of this list is to share information and experiences with other local nonprofit agencies.
Meetings: Join local and/or national organizations that have regular meetings and seminars, for example the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce (http://www.springfieldchamber.com), the Association of Fundraising Professionals (http://www.afpozarks.org), the Alliance for Nonprofit Management (http://www.allianceonline.org), or the Community Partnership of the Ozarks (http://www.commpartnership.org).
Look through The Directory (available at any Springfield-Greene County Library branch, or online at http://thelibrary.springfield.missouri.org/directory/directory.cfm), and locate other nonprofit groups with similar interests, and contact them to discuss and exchange ideas.
Published: 12/12/2005
A partnership between your Board and staff is essential to the successful fundraising capabilities of your organization. It is vital to write a fundraising plan that outlines the responsibilities of both the staff and the Board. The Funding Information Center has recently obtained a series of publications from BoardSource, the premier resource for practical information, tools and best practices, training, and leadership development for board members of nonprofit organizations worldwide. Some recent titles include 'Nonprofit Board’s Guide to Bylaws’, ‘BoardSteps : The Framework for Effective Nonprofit Governance’, and ‘The Policy Sampler’.
Look No Further for Federal Grants
Published: 11/28/2005
Did you know there is one convenient web site which organizations can use to search and apply for federal grants? Grants.gov is a cross-government federal initiative serving 26 federal grant-making agencies. More than 1,000 grant programs are listed on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-managed site. Through the site you can download and submit application packages, sign up for newsletters and alerts on new grant opportunities and keep up on what's new in the field of federal grants.
Free Advice for Fundraisers and Nonprofits
Published: 11/18/2005
Have you made it by the Library Center to speak with Wayne Groner yet? If not, mark your calendar now to attend one of the next three sessions of "Nonprofit Fundraising: How to Get the Money You Need," December 13, January 10 and February 14. During the program, Wayne, a retired fundraising and alumni officer for several colleges and universities, gives advice to nonprofits on more effective ways to help constituents. A seminar open to all participants begins at 10 a.m., followed by individual consultations starting at noon. No appointment is necessary, but be ready to discuss your nonprofit's vision and mission, more efficient delivery of services and increased accountability to constituents.
Published: 10/31/2005
The Association of Fundraising Professionals, Ozarks Region, will be holding their annual National Philanthropy Day luncheon on Friday, November 18th, 2005 at the Highland Springs Country Club.; During the luncheon, they will be honoring various philanthropic organizations and individuals who have contributed to the giving efforts in our region.; For more information on the luncheon, contact the AFP office at 417-820-2905.
Published: 10/26/2005
Southwest Missouri RC&D will be holding a board training workshop November 8-9, 2005 at the Library Center, located at 4653 S Campbell.; Dr. Don Udell will be covering in the two-day workshop such topics as understanding your organizational structure, long range planning, and board vision and purpose.; The fee for this course is $200, and you can register by contacting the Southwest Missouri RC&D office at 417-732-6485.
Published: 9/16/2005
Make sure your organization has a clear-cut statement of need. Tell others how their support will help meet this identified need. Simply saying w