Non-Profit Management
- Let Your Life Speak
- Share Your Passions and Experience
- Naming a Nonprofit
- Ranking Board Members
- Stop with the Free Address Labels
- Sponsorship versus advertising
- Learn by doing
- Teaching Children Charity
- Minnesota Non-Profit Jobs
- Colorado Non-Profit Jobs
Posted by
Estela Kennen
I recently came across a famous Quaker saying that took my breath away. “Let your life speak.” It seems an apt philosophy for people in the non-profit sector.
In one moment, I knew I had found the embodiment of something I've felt and tried to do for as long as I remember. Every choice we make, every action we take... or do not take... conveys a message. From the clothes we wear and cars we buy, to the food we eat and vacations we take, to our friendships and vocations, we are letting the world know what we think is worthwhile.
Many people go through life without consciously thinking about the message they are presenting the world about their values; this is perhaps not a bad way to live (it is certainly an earnest way), but it is not what I want to do. Other people know all to well the importance of conveying messages, so they communicate loudly, self-righteously their intentions. But their spoken messages and their behavior can be sadly misaligned. That, I do not want either.
I want my life to sing. I know I will not manage to do this every moment of every day... I know if I stopped to reflect on it, I would not care for what my life was saying much of the time. But I think that an awareness of the fact that my life is speaking gives me the opportunity to be a better person.
Though the thought is probably not framed quite that way, I think many people in the non-profit sector know that their life is speaking. Knowing that it is saying an important thing-- the right thing-- at least part of the time, is one of the reasons we do what we do. And we rarely have to stop to explain why, like I am doing now, because our actions are saying it for us.
Many people go through life without consciously thinking about the message they are presenting the world about their values; this is perhaps not a bad way to live (it is certainly an earnest way), but it is not what I want to do. Other people know all to well the importance of conveying messages, so they communicate loudly, self-righteously their intentions. But their spoken messages and their behavior can be sadly misaligned. That, I do not want either.
I want my life to sing. I know I will not manage to do this every moment of every day... I know if I stopped to reflect on it, I would not care for what my life was saying much of the time. But I think that an awareness of the fact that my life is speaking gives me the opportunity to be a better person.
Though the thought is probably not framed quite that way, I think many people in the non-profit sector know that their life is speaking. Knowing that it is saying an important thing-- the right thing-- at least part of the time, is one of the reasons we do what we do. And we rarely have to stop to explain why, like I am doing now, because our actions are saying it for us.
Share Your Passions and Experience
Posted by
Estela Kennen
This is an open call to all non-profit employees and volunteers! We want to learn from you.
Everyone has a story to tell… everyone has something to share that can help others make a wiser decision. If you are willing to share your story with the rest of the non-profit world, I want to hear from you.
Thanks, and hope to hear from you soon,
Estela
- Program ideas: The same needs and the same passions occur over and over throughout the world. If your group has created a great little program to address a common need, don’t make others reinvent the wheel. Share your success instead!
- Special event ideas: Creating a standout event can be hard. If your organization has successfully created a signature special event, or has failed miserably at every attempt, we want to hear from you!
- Fundraising ideas: Have you figured out a way to make donors open their pockets time and time again? We would love to hear from you.
- Career advice: The nonprofit world has a dizzying array of job possibilities. Let others in on your experiences, from landing that first job, to forging a unique and challenging career path.
- Management lessons: Have you successfully troubleshooted something you suspect might be a common problem in the non-profit arena? Let others know what worked… or what didn’t.
- Other: If something got you thinking, it will probably be of interest to others. Let me know about it.
Thanks, and hope to hear from you soon,
Estela
Posted by
Estela Kennen
When starting a new nonprofit (or any organization, for that matter), one of the first thing people must do is select a name.
This is both straight-forward (especially when compared to things like filing articles of incorporations, creating bylaws, and applying for tax-exempt status) and difficult (the name is something that the nonprofit will theoretically have for life, will be how people identify it, and will help determine how people relate to it.)
The name should be exclusive
You may have noticed there are no baby-business name books out there. This is actually a good thing. First, the organization must not have the name as any other organization incorporated in that state. Also, it is a good idea to avoid a name of an existing organization outside of the state, in order to:
Ideally, people should get a sense of what the non-profit is all about just by looking at the name. For instance, while The Helping Place might capture a virtue important to the nonprofit, it does not tell the public who or what the organization helps. Don’t be vague.
One thing nonprofit founders sometimes do is name the organization after someone. This can be appropriate for private foundations, but for regular non-profits, it is often just confusing. For instance, what is Annie’s Home? If honoring Annie is truly important, something like Annie’s Dog Haven or Annie’s Women’s Shelter or Annie’s Senior Living Home would be more appropriate.
The naming process
The name should be exclusive
You may have noticed there are no baby-business name books out there. This is actually a good thing. First, the organization must not have the name as any other organization incorporated in that state. Also, it is a good idea to avoid a name of an existing organization outside of the state, in order to:
- avoid confusion
- avoid potential legal complications from trademark infringement
- make domain registration easier when you get a website for your nonprofit
Ideally, people should get a sense of what the non-profit is all about just by looking at the name. For instance, while The Helping Place might capture a virtue important to the nonprofit, it does not tell the public who or what the organization helps. Don’t be vague.
One thing nonprofit founders sometimes do is name the organization after someone. This can be appropriate for private foundations, but for regular non-profits, it is often just confusing. For instance, what is Annie’s Home? If honoring Annie is truly important, something like Annie’s Dog Haven or Annie’s Women’s Shelter or Annie’s Senior Living Home would be more appropriate.
The naming process
- Make a list of potential names.
- Determine whether any business in your state has that name.
- Check to see if the names are available on the web.
- Show the board of directors (or any advisors, if the board is not yet in place) the vetted options.
- Pick a name and use it in filing all official paperwork.
Posted by
Estela Kennen
Question: Can you tell me what is the correct ranking format for creating the board? What I mean is does president, VP goes first or is it CEO, president, VP goes next?
The head of the staff (CEO, Executive Director, etc.) of an organization has to answer to the Board of Directors. An organizational chart, for instance, would have a “Board of Directors” box over the top staff position. That person would then be over the department heads, and so on.
When listing Board members individually – for instance, in a newsletter masthead or an annual report -- it is customary to list the board officers (ie, President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary) first, then list the remaining board members in alphabetical order. Staff would be listed separately. If a person is both a Board member and staff person, as an Executive Director often is, several things could be done. Some organizations list this person at the end of the Board, others right below the Board officers, and still others just list them on staff (particularly if the Executive Director is a non-voting member of the board.)
Boards, however, do not have the same kind of “ranking” that staff do. An executive director can tell the rest of the staff what to do, within legal limits. The president of a board usually has certain administrative duties and powers over the rest of the board (the ability to call and adjourn meetings, for instance). However, board members real power rests in their vote, and no board member has more of a vote than another. In this sense, no board member is above the other. The exception to this is that in certain organizations, the president or chair of the board holds the tie-breaking vote. (In other cases, the executive director who usually does not vote would have this power). Of course, this flat hierarchy does not apply to an organization where voting power is based on the number of shares each individual has.
Stop with the Free Address Labels
Posted by
Estela Kennen
Like most people, I love getting free stuff. But there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Case in point: personalized address labels.
One of the reasons I don’t appreciate the free charity labels is purely pragmatic. As far as I can tell, there are two types of people: those who get 0-1 free address labels per decade and those who seem to average about one a month. I fall firmly in the latter category.
When I move to a new place, I appreciate the first sheet of free address labels I get. Heck, I’m even grateful for the holiday-themed sheet. But after the fourth or fifth set of address labels, I just start throwing them away. With email and automatic bill pay, I send just a few letters each month. In any case, I know that if I should somehow run low, some well-meaning but misguided charity, to which I have no intention of donating money – will send me personalized address labels before long.
Which brings me to the second reason why I disdain charity labels – why do I have to get so many? Why am I constantly solicited by non-profits I have never heard of and have no intention of donating to? (Yes, getting something for nothing from a charity does make me feel guilty… and I don’t appreciate that aspect of it, either.)
Every time I get another unsolicited solicitation, with an unwanted freebie thrown in, I have to wonder whether the organization has nothing better to do with money than buy mailing lists…
To charities that recognized themselves in my words: be more selective in your marketing campaigns, and more creative with your choice of incentives. I assure you, I won’t be the only person thanking you.
When I move to a new place, I appreciate the first sheet of free address labels I get. Heck, I’m even grateful for the holiday-themed sheet. But after the fourth or fifth set of address labels, I just start throwing them away. With email and automatic bill pay, I send just a few letters each month. In any case, I know that if I should somehow run low, some well-meaning but misguided charity, to which I have no intention of donating money – will send me personalized address labels before long.
Which brings me to the second reason why I disdain charity labels – why do I have to get so many? Why am I constantly solicited by non-profits I have never heard of and have no intention of donating to? (Yes, getting something for nothing from a charity does make me feel guilty… and I don’t appreciate that aspect of it, either.)
Every time I get another unsolicited solicitation, with an unwanted freebie thrown in, I have to wonder whether the organization has nothing better to do with money than buy mailing lists…
To charities that recognized themselves in my words: be more selective in your marketing campaigns, and more creative with your choice of incentives. I assure you, I won’t be the only person thanking you.
Sponsorship versus advertising
Posted by
Estela Kennen
Nonprofit organizations love sponsors who support their programs and special events. However, nonprofits need to understand the difference between sponsorship and adverti
In normal circumstances, a non-profit undoubtedly benefits from a relationship with a person or organization that underwrites part or all of a program or event. The IRS, however, is much more interested in whether that organization benefits from their relationship with the non-profit.
Defining Sponsorships
When an organization provides money and receives an “insubstantial” amount of benefit for it, that is considered a sponsorship. An insubstantial benefit would be something along the lines of “Made possible in part by [Sponsor Name]” or a small logo.
Defining Advertising
If the organization providing money receives a “substantial” benefit from their relationship with the nonprofit, then this is considered advertising. Some advertising is obvious – paid ads in the back of a nonprofit’s newsletter, for instance, or a big banner at a special event. Basically, any time an organization buys and controls a certain amount of space or time, that is advertising.
Other forms of advertising, however, can be more subtle. Endorsing a funder, no matter how well deserved, is quite beneficial to that organization, and thus considered advertising. (For instance, “Made possible in part by [brand name], the brand we use and trust.” Allowing a funder to put brochures into grab bags would also be considered a form of advertising.
Why It Matters
A sponsorship is considered something akin to a donation. It has no tax repercussions for 501(C)3 non-profits and should be tax-deductible for the donor. However, advertising is considered Unrelated Business Income (UBI) and will be subject to UBI tax if it is not a one-time occurrence. This is not to say that non-profits should not accept advertisements. Some do, all the time, with great success. But non-profits do need to be aware of the accounting and tax implications of doing so.
Defining Sponsorships
When an organization provides money and receives an “insubstantial” amount of benefit for it, that is considered a sponsorship. An insubstantial benefit would be something along the lines of “Made possible in part by [Sponsor Name]” or a small logo.
Defining Advertising
If the organization providing money receives a “substantial” benefit from their relationship with the nonprofit, then this is considered advertising. Some advertising is obvious – paid ads in the back of a nonprofit’s newsletter, for instance, or a big banner at a special event. Basically, any time an organization buys and controls a certain amount of space or time, that is advertising.
Other forms of advertising, however, can be more subtle. Endorsing a funder, no matter how well deserved, is quite beneficial to that organization, and thus considered advertising. (For instance, “Made possible in part by [brand name], the brand we use and trust.” Allowing a funder to put brochures into grab bags would also be considered a form of advertising.
Why It Matters
A sponsorship is considered something akin to a donation. It has no tax repercussions for 501(C)3 non-profits and should be tax-deductible for the donor. However, advertising is considered Unrelated Business Income (UBI) and will be subject to UBI tax if it is not a one-time occurrence. This is not to say that non-profits should not accept advertisements. Some do, all the time, with great success. But non-profits do need to be aware of the accounting and tax implications of doing so.
Posted by
Estela Kennen
Theory and classes are great, but they are only part of the story. Learn new skills and processes and become better at your job by actually doing things.
In the past decade, more and more attention has been paid to professionalism in the non-profit sector. We have moved beyond a feel-good sector, to one that values evaluation to show true impact. We have ideas about best practices, which are continuously being strengthened. And there are a myriad of ways that individual non-profit managers can learn about these things: trade journals, conferences, symposiums, websites, non-credit classes, for-credit certificates and degrees, etc.
These formats are important – particularly for learning about the theory behind things and the possibilities that exist. But as learning mechanisms, they all pale in comparison to actually going out and doing things. Learning by doing is one of the way humans learn best, from infancy to adulthood. Don’t ever be afraid to take something on just because you have never done it before.
These formats are important – particularly for learning about the theory behind things and the possibilities that exist. But as learning mechanisms, they all pale in comparison to actually going out and doing things. Learning by doing is one of the way humans learn best, from infancy to adulthood. Don’t ever be afraid to take something on just because you have never done it before.
- Look for opportunities to collaborate with others who are doing things outside your area of expertise (for example, help do research or proofread a grant, even if someone else is taking the lead).
- If you are taking on a new project without any model at your organization, give yourself extra time to figure things out and to consult outside help.
- Do let your superiors know that while you are ready and eager to take some new project on, you have never done this particular task before. This information will help them give you the support you need, while not leaving them blindsided if the results are not as polished as they might have otherwise expected.
Posted by
Estela Kennen
There are many important reasons why children should be taught to be charitable from an early age, and many ways to do it.
Children should learn the importance of giving of their time and money to others early on. There are several intertwined messages in charitable action:
1. Help your child decide what organizations to give the donations to. Local non-profits addressing children’s issues or organizations addressing topics of interest to your child (such as animal sanctuaries) are all good candidates for giving.
2. Encourage the child to regularly set aside part of the money they get or earn for charity. Popular possibilities include allotting:
4. Have your child donate gently used cloths, books, and toys to a local charity.
5. When there is a drive for canned goods, new school supplies, new toys, etc. have your child pick out what to purchase and donate. Make sure the child understands the item(s) are not for him/her to keep.
6. Encourage your child to volunteer in meaningful and interesting ways. As your child gets older the volunteer opportunities will only increase; most volunteer opportunities have relatively high age minimums. However, even young children can take part in certain volunteer jobs:
- We live in an interconnected world
- Some people (and animals and places) face less fortunate circumstances than others
- We can – and should—do something about it.
- Helps teach empathy
- Shows children that their actions can have a positive impact
- Helps connect children to their (local, national, or international) community
- Helps children better understand and cope with unpleasant events
1. Help your child decide what organizations to give the donations to. Local non-profits addressing children’s issues or organizations addressing topics of interest to your child (such as animal sanctuaries) are all good candidates for giving.
2. Encourage the child to regularly set aside part of the money they get or earn for charity. Popular possibilities include allotting:
- 1/3 for spending, 1/3 for saving, and 1/3 for giving, or
- ½ for spending, ¼ for saving, and ¼ for giving, or
- tithing 10-15%
4. Have your child donate gently used cloths, books, and toys to a local charity.
5. When there is a drive for canned goods, new school supplies, new toys, etc. have your child pick out what to purchase and donate. Make sure the child understands the item(s) are not for him/her to keep.
6. Encourage your child to volunteer in meaningful and interesting ways. As your child gets older the volunteer opportunities will only increase; most volunteer opportunities have relatively high age minimums. However, even young children can take part in certain volunteer jobs:
- Cleaning up a park of roadside
- Passing water out to participants at a fund-raising run
- Visiting, reading to, and playing games with residents at a nursing home
- Writing get-well cards to hospital patients or thank you cards to military service members
- Helping prepare mass mailings (ie, stuffing envelopes)
Posted by
Estela Kennen
Looking for a non-profit job in the Twin Cities or other parts of Minnesota? Start your job search by checking out these free Minnesota non-profit job boards.
While competition for good non-profit jobs in Minnesota can be stiff, the good news is that plenty of job opportunities exist in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and beyond. Start your job search now:
MCN Job Board
This non-profit job board maintained by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits is updated almost daily. Job opportunities are concentrated around the Twin Cities, but listings for all parts of the state (and beyond!) exist. Viewing listings, which range from part-time entry level job offers to postings for highly experienced executives, is free. To post, a non-profit must either be a member of MCN or pay a $49 fee.
Minneapolis Craigslist Non-Proft Classifieds
It’s free to post and view these online ads from Craigslist. New job listings appear daily Many are campaign jobs (mostly canvassing) for different issues, but many other non-profit job opportunities exist. Prospective job applicants might also want to look at the education, government, and other classifications. The non-profit job board for Duluth/Superior is also fairly active.
HigherEdJobs
This website posts jobs from the University of Minnesota, Minnesota State, St. Cloud State, Gustavus Adolphus, Augsburg, Bemidji, and other colleges and universities in Minnesota. Many are job postings are faculty listings, and many others are research positions requiring a background in nursing or the hard sciences. However, other job listings are for people interested in coordinating outreach efforts and the like. Viewing listings is free.
Jobs listings for major Twin City non-profits:
Happy job hunting!
MCN Job Board
This non-profit job board maintained by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits is updated almost daily. Job opportunities are concentrated around the Twin Cities, but listings for all parts of the state (and beyond!) exist. Viewing listings, which range from part-time entry level job offers to postings for highly experienced executives, is free. To post, a non-profit must either be a member of MCN or pay a $49 fee.
Minneapolis Craigslist Non-Proft Classifieds
It’s free to post and view these online ads from Craigslist. New job listings appear daily Many are campaign jobs (mostly canvassing) for different issues, but many other non-profit job opportunities exist. Prospective job applicants might also want to look at the education, government, and other classifications. The non-profit job board for Duluth/Superior is also fairly active.
HigherEdJobs
This website posts jobs from the University of Minnesota, Minnesota State, St. Cloud State, Gustavus Adolphus, Augsburg, Bemidji, and other colleges and universities in Minnesota. Many are job postings are faculty listings, and many others are research positions requiring a background in nursing or the hard sciences. However, other job listings are for people interested in coordinating outreach efforts and the like. Viewing listings is free.
Jobs listings for major Twin City non-profits:
- Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota
- Greater Twin Cities United Way
- Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota
- Minnesota Public Radio
- Science Museum of Minnesota
- Second Harvest
- Volunteers of America Minnesota
- Walker Art Center
- YMCA Twin Cities
Happy job hunting!
Posted by
Estela Kennen
Looking for a non-profit job in Denver or other parts of Colorado? Start your job search by checking out these free Colorado non-profit job boards.
There is something about Colorado that draws people who are interested in the non-profit sector. While competition for good non-profit jobs can be stiff, the good news is that plenty of non-profit job opportunities exist in Colorado. Start your job search now:
Colorado Nonnrofit Job Board
This non-profit job board maintained by the Colorado Nonprofit Association is updated almost daily. Job opportunities are concentrated around the Denver metro area, but listings for all parts of the state exist. Viewing listings, which range from part-time entry level job offers to postings for highly experienced executives, is free. To post, a non-profit must either be a member of CNA or pay a $35 fee.
Denver Craigslist Non-Proft Classifieds
It’s free to post and view these online ads from Craigslist. New job listings appear daily Many are campaign jobs (mostly canvassing) for different issues, but many other job opportunities exist. Prospective job applicants might also want to look at the education, government, and other classifications. For job opportunities beyond the Denver metro area, check out:
HigherEdJobs
This website posts jobs from the University of Colorado System, Colorado State University system, University of Northern Colorado and other colleges and universities in Colorado. Many are job postings are faculty listings, and many others are research positions requiring a background in nursing or the hard sciences. However, other job listings are for people interested in coordinating outreach efforts and the like. Viewing listings is free.
Jobs Listings for Major Denver/Colorado non-profits:
More options for non-profit jobs seekers:
Colorado Nonnrofit Job Board
This non-profit job board maintained by the Colorado Nonprofit Association is updated almost daily. Job opportunities are concentrated around the Denver metro area, but listings for all parts of the state exist. Viewing listings, which range from part-time entry level job offers to postings for highly experienced executives, is free. To post, a non-profit must either be a member of CNA or pay a $35 fee.
Denver Craigslist Non-Proft Classifieds
It’s free to post and view these online ads from Craigslist. New job listings appear daily Many are campaign jobs (mostly canvassing) for different issues, but many other job opportunities exist. Prospective job applicants might also want to look at the education, government, and other classifications. For job opportunities beyond the Denver metro area, check out:
HigherEdJobs
This website posts jobs from the University of Colorado System, Colorado State University system, University of Northern Colorado and other colleges and universities in Colorado. Many are job postings are faculty listings, and many others are research positions requiring a background in nursing or the hard sciences. However, other job listings are for people interested in coordinating outreach efforts and the like. Viewing listings is free.
Jobs Listings for Major Denver/Colorado non-profits:
- American Red Cross - Mile High Chapter
- Boys & Girls Club of Metro Denver
- Children’s Hospital
- Denver Art Museum
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Denver Children’s Home
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
- Denver Zoo
- Food Bank of the Rockies
- Girl Scouts – Mile High Council
- Opera Colorado
- Volunteers of America – Colorado Branch
More options for non-profit jobs seekers:
- Colorado Newspapers
- Colorado County Governments(search for government jobs by county)
- Colorado Library Jobline
- Colorado State Jobs
- Denver Government Jobs