The Obama Administration has launched a new website to inform the public and hear from stakeholders, including nonprofits, that wish to submit ideas about disaster recovery.
A posted web form includes 16 questions related to disaster preparation, assistance and recovery. One question addresses nonprofits in particular: "How can the nonprofit and private sectors be better integrated into recovery?"
LANO encourages nonprofit organizations to answer the questions that pertain to your work and expertise.
The submitted answers will help guide the newly formed Long Term Disaster Recovery Working Group. The Working Group includes more than 20 federal departments, agencies and offices, all focused on ensuring that individuals, communities and the nation’s economy can successfully recover from (and revitalize after) natural and man-made disasters over the long term.
The Long Term Disaster Recovery Working Group will be chaired by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan.
The Working Group will provide the President with recommendations and help develop a National Disaster Recovery Framework with detailed operational guidance to recovery organizations under existing authorities.
News and commentary from Louisiana's nonprofit sector
Friday, October 30, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Rapides Children`s Advocacy Center Receives $100,000 Humana Grant
From REUTERS.COM:
The Children's Advocacy Centers of Louisiana (CACLA), parent organization of the Rapides CAC, has been a LANO member since 2001. Humana of Louisiana (Metairie) has been a LANO corporate member since 2007.
"Humana, one of Louisiana`s leading health benefits companies, awarded a $100,000 grant in its 2009 Louisiana Benefits charitable giving program on Oct. 15 to Rapides Children`s Advocacy Center of Alexandria.
"Rapides, which provides a safe environment for children to retell their abuse stories, plans to use its ... grant to expand its services into Central Louisiana parishes by equipping a customized motor home.
"For the third consecutive year, Humana`s Louisiana Benefits awarded a one-time, $100,000 signature grant to a nonprofit organization based in Louisiana that is doing valuable work to benefit the people who live in the state. Louisiana Benefits supports charitable organizations that are focused on improving health experiences or building healthy communities in the areas of Mind, Body or Spirit..."
The Children's Advocacy Centers of Louisiana (CACLA), parent organization of the Rapides CAC, has been a LANO member since 2001. Humana of Louisiana (Metairie) has been a LANO corporate member since 2007.
LANO CEO to Address Poverty at Louisiana Governor's 1st Annual Safety & Health Conference
BATON ROUGE—Ann S. Williamson will speak today at the first annual Louisiana Governor's Safety & Health Conference (LGSHC), hosted by the Louisiana Capital Area Safety Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving safety in the workplace, community and the home.
Williamson's address, "The Cost of Poverty," will illuminate the scope, implications and possible solutions to poverty in Louisiana.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Louisiana has the second highest poverty rate in the nation and the highest in the South. More than a quarter of Louisiana's children live in poverty, a fact contributing to many risk factors for youth, affecting health, academic success and delinquency.
Williamson is slated to speak at 10:30am in the Galvez Room of the Baton Rouge River Center. Contact Melissa Matherne, toll free 1-877-345-2515, for more information.
Williamson's address, "The Cost of Poverty," will illuminate the scope, implications and possible solutions to poverty in Louisiana.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Louisiana has the second highest poverty rate in the nation and the highest in the South. More than a quarter of Louisiana's children live in poverty, a fact contributing to many risk factors for youth, affecting health, academic success and delinquency.
Williamson is slated to speak at 10:30am in the Galvez Room of the Baton Rouge River Center. Contact Melissa Matherne, toll free 1-877-345-2515, for more information.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Nominate "Do-Gooders" to Win a 5-Night Cruise
CommonKindness is promoting an innovative contest to encourage community service and volunteerism. There are only 5 days left to enter!!!
CommonKindness.com is accepting nominations from the general public to enter their favorite “do-gooders” in a contest to win a 5-night Caribbean Cruise, sponsored in conjunction with Cabot Creamery Cooperative and Celebrity Cruises. Nominations are being accepted through October 31st, 2009.
Seven winners making a profound difference in their communities and the world through their good deeds will be announced on Nov. 15th to win a cruise to the Caribbean for themselves and one guest, including airfare, in January 2010.
CommonKindness.com is accepting nominations from the general public to enter their favorite “do-gooders” in a contest to win a 5-night Caribbean Cruise, sponsored in conjunction with Cabot Creamery Cooperative and Celebrity Cruises. Nominations are being accepted through October 31st, 2009.
Seven winners making a profound difference in their communities and the world through their good deeds will be announced on Nov. 15th to win a cruise to the Caribbean for themselves and one guest, including airfare, in January 2010.
Members of Congress State Support for Nonprofits in Health Care Reform
Last week 44 Members of Congress in the House of Representatives signed a letter stating their support to make sure that nonprofits are included in the final health care reform bill. Included in the 44 supporters is Louisiana Representative Charlie Melancon (D-LA).
The letter sent to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer underscored the fact that the vast majority of nonprofits are small employers experiencing the same unsustainable increases in insurance premiums that small for-profit businesses experience.
The letter pointed out that “the current House bill does not extend reforms and benefits to the nonprofit sector. As written, the tax credit provisions included by the House to address the needs of small, for-profit business would not be available to small nonprofit employers.”
Therefore this letter is a viable way to make sure federal legislators are aware that the sector is watching the debate and needs equivalent support as small business.
If you would like a copy of the letter please contact Elisabeth Gehl at elisabeth@lano.org.
The letter sent to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer underscored the fact that the vast majority of nonprofits are small employers experiencing the same unsustainable increases in insurance premiums that small for-profit businesses experience.
The letter pointed out that “the current House bill does not extend reforms and benefits to the nonprofit sector. As written, the tax credit provisions included by the House to address the needs of small, for-profit business would not be available to small nonprofit employers.”
Therefore this letter is a viable way to make sure federal legislators are aware that the sector is watching the debate and needs equivalent support as small business.
If you would like a copy of the letter please contact Elisabeth Gehl at elisabeth@lano.org.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Advocate and Engster Show Cover LANO Annual Conference
Popular Baton Rouge radio journalist Jim Engster interviewed LANO VP of Public Policy, Dr. Alison Neustrom, on Monday, Oct. 19, prior to Tuesday's conference start. Neustrom spoke about the benefits of professional development and information sharing among nonprofits in tough financial times.
Click here to listen to the interview. [Neustrom was the second guest of the show.]
On Wednesday, Oct. 21, Baton Rouge newspaper The Advocate Capital News Bureau reporter Sarah Chacko attended several conference sessions and the keynote address by Geoffrey Canada, founder of the Harlem Children's Zone.
From Chacko's story:
More news and photos from the 2009 Annual Conference to be posted soon.
Click here to listen to the interview. [Neustrom was the second guest of the show.]
On Wednesday, Oct. 21, Baton Rouge newspaper The Advocate Capital News Bureau reporter Sarah Chacko attended several conference sessions and the keynote address by Geoffrey Canada, founder of the Harlem Children's Zone.
From Chacko's story:
"Nonprofit organizations in the state have to start taking action to help Louisiana’s children in the absence of government support, the leader of an organization that helped transform a New York City neighborhood said Wednesday.Read the full story here.
"Geoffrey Canada, president of the Harlem Children’s Zone, said he used to think there was a plan to save America’s children from poverty and poor education.
“'There is no plan,' he told more than 450 nonprofit leaders and employees. 'If Louisiana’s children are going to be saved, you are going to have to do it.'”
More news and photos from the 2009 Annual Conference to be posted soon.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Nov. 1st Deadline for State Funding Requests
If your organization plans to ask your Legislators for an appropriation in HB 1 (General Appropriations Bill) in the 2010 Legislative Session, you need to enter your request information on the Legislative website by November 1st.
This primarily refers to the appropriations which are included in the “State Aid to Local Government” section of HB 1, but it also applies to line item appropriations that might appear in various State Department sections of the Bill.
If you miss the November 1st deadline, there will still be an opportunity to submit your request information for approval, but the process will be more complicated.
Questions: Please email Senate Finance Committee at: ngodatabase@legis.state.la.us
Date Set for LANO Streamlining Testimony
BATON ROUGE—On Friday, October 23, at 2:00pm, LANO President and CEO Ann S. Williamson will testify before the Outsourcing, Privatization and Risk-Management Advisory Group of the State Commission on Streamlining Government.
The group will convene at the Lafayette Consolidated Government Building, 705 W. University Avenue, in the 2nd floor executive conference room.
The Advisory Group includes: Chairman Roy O. Martin, and members Brett F. Geymann, Bill Fenstermaker, David R. Perry, and Raymond A. Peters.
Williamson’s testimony will include an overview of the nonprofit sector’s role in providing efficient, effective human services to Louisiana citizens, and how the Commission’s recommendations might impact nonprofits’ continued viability.
Click here for more on LANO's planned speaking points.
RELATED: The Commission on Streamlining Government, through its chairman, Senator Jack Donahue, is seeking input in ways to decrease expenditures in Louisiana state government. They request your assistance by offering suggestions through this online form. Prompt action is urged as the Commission must determine, compile, and submit its report by December 15th.
The group will convene at the Lafayette Consolidated Government Building, 705 W. University Avenue, in the 2nd floor executive conference room.
The Advisory Group includes: Chairman Roy O. Martin, and members Brett F. Geymann, Bill Fenstermaker, David R. Perry, and Raymond A. Peters.
Williamson’s testimony will include an overview of the nonprofit sector’s role in providing efficient, effective human services to Louisiana citizens, and how the Commission’s recommendations might impact nonprofits’ continued viability.
Click here for more on LANO's planned speaking points.
RELATED: The Commission on Streamlining Government, through its chairman, Senator Jack Donahue, is seeking input in ways to decrease expenditures in Louisiana state government. They request your assistance by offering suggestions through this online form. Prompt action is urged as the Commission must determine, compile, and submit its report by December 15th.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Conference Features an Outstanding Public Policy Track
In Louisiana, perhaps more than any other state, nonprofits are a major component in the network of services our citizens rely on. Close coordination between nonprofit organizations and the state is critically important.
The 2009 Louisiana Nonprofit Conference connects you with the policy and advocacy knowledge and resources you need for success. This year, we've got an outstanding slate of sessions on policy and advocacy:
Save up to $195: register by Friday, 10/16!
The 2009 Louisiana Nonprofit Conference connects you with the policy and advocacy knowledge and resources you need for success. This year, we've got an outstanding slate of sessions on policy and advocacy:
- From Concept to Statute: the Ins and Outs of Creating Legislation
- Advocacy 101
- Leading Poverty Reduction Strategies
- Nonprofits Count! 2010 Census Campaign
- Taking Your Advocacy Online
- State Budget Policy and Outreach
- Serve America Act: Expanding Opportunities for Nonprofits
- Partnering with Public Officials to Get Your Organization/Industry What It Needs
- Barry Erwin (CABL)
- Sen. Lydia Jackson (District 39)
- Monique Marino (CAUW)
- Stephen Waquespack, Office of Governor Jindal
Save up to $195: register by Friday, 10/16!
Edward Ashworth to Lead Louisiana Budget Project
BATON ROUGE—The Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations (LANO) announces the appointment of Edward Ashworth as Director of the Louisiana Budget Project, a LANO initiative that monitors and reports on state government spending.
Ashworth, former Undersecretary of the Department of Social Services, past Executive Director of the Southern Poverty Law Center and original CEO of the Louisiana Technology Park, has substantial experience in public policy, public/private partnerships, and administration. He will begin as Louisiana Budget Project Director on November 3, 2009.
According to LANO President and CEO Ann S. Williamson, Ashworth’s knowledge and experience in state government and private enterprise will be invaluable to the mission of the Louisiana Budget Project and to the nonprofit sector at large. Said Williamson, “The Louisiana Budget Project’s focus on state spending and its impact on low-income families complements Eddie’s long commitment to public service and social justice.”
Ashworth was the President and CEO of the Research Park Corporation, a public nonprofit corporation established by the state of Louisiana to promote the development of high technology industries and successful public/private partnerships. Under his leadership, the Research Park Corporation developed the Louisiana Technology Park and lead the redevelopment of former Bon Marché Mall into the Bon Carré Business Center.
Prior to leading the Technology Park, Ashworth served eight years with the Southern Poverty Law Center, including four years as Executive Director. The nonprofit Southern Poverty Law Center is dedicated to defending the civil rights of racial and ethnic minorities in the United States.
Ashworth left the Technology Park to serve as Undersecretary of the Louisiana Department of Social Services in 2008. Most recently, Ashworth was President of Strategic Planning for Sides & Associates of Lafayette, LA, serving a variety of government and private interests.
Ashworth holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Alabama and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Birmingham-Southern College.
The Louisiana Budget Project (LBP) has been in operation since 2006. LBP monitors and reports on state government spending and how it affects Louisiana’s low-to-moderate-income families.
Describing the work of the LBP, LANO Vice President for Public Policy, Dr. Alison Neustrom said, “The lives of Louisianans can be improved through a deeper understanding of the state budget and by looking at the big picture of how government spending impacts citizens.”
The LBP encourages citizens to be vocal about budget issues that are important to them. It is committed to providing insight and leadership that inform the policy debate.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
President Obama's Visit to New Orleans
Today President Obama will visit New Orleans to assess the ongoing recovery efforts from the 2005 hurricanes. His trip will include a town hall meeting at the University of New Orleans and a visit to the Martin Luther King Jr. Charter School in the Lower 9th Ward.
LANO applauds the President’s visit and expects his administration will gain a better understanding of what has been completed, and what challenges still face the city and its citizens. We hope the President sees firsthand what needs to be done in New Orleans and moves accordingly so that the city will have a full and just recovery.
During his trip, the President will be exposed to the momentous work accomplished by nonprofits over the past four years. The role of our sector has been vital to helping individuals and families restore their lives. Nonprofits have been a bright spot of the recovery by taking on a host of challenges, including rebuilding affordable housing, addressing the mental health of citizens, improving the environment and attending to the welfare of our children. And yet nonprofits cannot do this work alone. It must be in partnership with the federal government.
LANO plans to continue working with the Administration and Congress to make sure that the federal government’s commitment to the region is followed through and policies are made that will help all citizens rebuild.
Welcome to New Orleans, Mr. President!
LANO applauds the President’s visit and expects his administration will gain a better understanding of what has been completed, and what challenges still face the city and its citizens. We hope the President sees firsthand what needs to be done in New Orleans and moves accordingly so that the city will have a full and just recovery.
During his trip, the President will be exposed to the momentous work accomplished by nonprofits over the past four years. The role of our sector has been vital to helping individuals and families restore their lives. Nonprofits have been a bright spot of the recovery by taking on a host of challenges, including rebuilding affordable housing, addressing the mental health of citizens, improving the environment and attending to the welfare of our children. And yet nonprofits cannot do this work alone. It must be in partnership with the federal government.
LANO plans to continue working with the Administration and Congress to make sure that the federal government’s commitment to the region is followed through and policies are made that will help all citizens rebuild.
Welcome to New Orleans, Mr. President!
One-Stop-Shop for Fund Development Success
LANO has teamed up with the Association of Fundraising Professional (AFP) to bring you an amazing one-stop-shop for fund development success. The 2009 Louisiana Nonprofit Conference connects you with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed in these difficult times.
Save up to $195: register by Friday, 10/16!
- Fundraising 101
- Mission-Driven Planning for Resource Development
- From Mission to Money: Developing Winning Grants for Faith-Based and Community-Based Organizations
- How to Ask for a Major Gift
- Prospect Research: No Time and No Money
- Funding Challenges for Small - Midsize Organizations
- Establishing an Annual Giving Program with a Vision for Long-Term Stability
Save up to $195: register by Friday, 10/16!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Senate Finance Committee Passes Health Care Reform Bill
Today the Senate Finance Committee passed its health care reform bill out of committee. The approved legislation includes an important amendment for nonprofits.
The amendment would extend the small business tax credit provision to include 501c3 tax exempt nonprofit organizations. Specifically, the tax credit would allow charitable organizations with 25 or fewer employees to be eligible to apply the tax credit against the organization's payroll taxes withheld from its employees. Nonprofits would be eligible for a 25% credit from 2011-2013 and a 35% credit in 2013 to help them provide quality, affordable health insurance to their workers.
This amendment is a viable way for Congress to support nonprofit employers and their ability to afford health care. It is promising that this amendment has passed the Senate Finance Committee however it is only included in this particular bill.
Therefore further advocacy is needed so that similar language is incorporated in the final Senate and House bills. Please stay tuned on ways you can take action to make your voice heard on the issue of health care reform.
To learn more about how nonprofits fit into health care reform please visit LANO's policy brief on our website.
The amendment would extend the small business tax credit provision to include 501c3 tax exempt nonprofit organizations. Specifically, the tax credit would allow charitable organizations with 25 or fewer employees to be eligible to apply the tax credit against the organization's payroll taxes withheld from its employees. Nonprofits would be eligible for a 25% credit from 2011-2013 and a 35% credit in 2013 to help them provide quality, affordable health insurance to their workers.
This amendment is a viable way for Congress to support nonprofit employers and their ability to afford health care. It is promising that this amendment has passed the Senate Finance Committee however it is only included in this particular bill.
Therefore further advocacy is needed so that similar language is incorporated in the final Senate and House bills. Please stay tuned on ways you can take action to make your voice heard on the issue of health care reform.
To learn more about how nonprofits fit into health care reform please visit LANO's policy brief on our website.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Conference Early-Bird Registration Extended; Save up to $195
Today’s economy makes the tough job of leading a nonprofit organization even more of a challenge.
We've heard your concerns and want to make it as easy as possible for you to join us at this year's conference. We're extending early-bird registration through this Friday, October 16th!
By keeping our registration fee low, we're helping Louisiana's nonprofits access the knowledge and resources they need to succeed in these difficult times.
Mission: Possible, will help nonprofits of every size and mission turn efficiency into effectiveness, with new knowledge, skills and networking opportunities.
LANO's Annual Conference is the largest gathering of nonprofit leaders, staff, funders and experts in Louisiana. Take advantage of this phenomenal resource to gain the knowledge, skills and connections your organization needs to thrive.
Save up to $195 vs. on-site: Register by Friday!
Don't miss the nonprofit event of the year!
We've heard your concerns and want to make it as easy as possible for you to join us at this year's conference. We're extending early-bird registration through this Friday, October 16th!
By keeping our registration fee low, we're helping Louisiana's nonprofits access the knowledge and resources they need to succeed in these difficult times.
Mission: Possible, will help nonprofits of every size and mission turn efficiency into effectiveness, with new knowledge, skills and networking opportunities.
LANO's Annual Conference is the largest gathering of nonprofit leaders, staff, funders and experts in Louisiana. Take advantage of this phenomenal resource to gain the knowledge, skills and connections your organization needs to thrive.
Save up to $195 vs. on-site: Register by Friday!
Don't miss the nonprofit event of the year!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
White House Briefings for Nonprofits Regarding H1N1 Virus
To give you the most up to date information about the H1N1 virus as it pertains to different populations, the White House Office of Public Engagement has extended an invitation for you to participate in informational conference calls on Thursday October 8 and Friday October 9.
Please feel free to join any of the calls. Topics will include prevention, the importance of vaccination, vaccine safety and availability. The calls will include presentations by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Also, the National Council of Nonprofits has developed a Flu Toolkit for nonprofits. This free resource for nonprofits was developed largely from materials prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The following are the dates and times for the various calls:
THURSDAY, October 8
11:00a Eastern Time H1N1, Pregnant Women and Maternal Health
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 553-0327
Title: Maternal Health H1N1 Call *Provide in lieu of passcode*
1:00p Eastern Time General H1N1 Outreach Call with Organizations of Any Background
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 230-1085
Title: H1N1 Briefing *Provide in lieu of passcode*
1:45p Eastern Time H1N1 and Children Under 5 and Children with High-Risk Conditions
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 288-8961
Title: Children H1N1 *Provide in lieu of passcode*
2:00p Eastern Time H1N1 and Persons with Cancer and non-HIV Immunosuppressive Conditions
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 230-1096
Title: Cancer H1N1 Call *Provide in lieu of passcode*
2:00p Eastern Time H1N1 and African Americans
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 288-8960
Title: African American H1N1 Call *Provide in lieu of passcode*
7:00p Eastern Time H1N1 and Pacific Islanders
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 230-1059
Title: Pacific Islanders H1N1 Call *Provide in lieu of passcode*
FRIDAY, October 9
11:00a Eastern Time H1N1 and Persons with HIV/AIDS
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 288-8961
Title: HIV\AIDS H1N1 Call *Provide in lieu of passcode*
12:00p Eastern Time H1N1 and Persons with Cardiovascular Disease
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 230-1951
Title: Cardiovascular H1N1 Call*Provide in lieu of passcode*
1:00p Eastern Time H1N1 and Persons with Diabetes
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 230-1085
Title: Diabetes H1N1 *Provide in lieu of passcode*
1:00p Eastern Time H1N1 and Persons with Asthma
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 230-1074
Title: Asthma H1N1 Call *Provide in lieu of passcode*
2:00p Eastern Time H1N1 and Persons with Disabilities
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 230-1951
Title: Disabilities H1N1 Call *Provide in lieu of passcode*
2:00p Eastern Time H1N1 and Immigrants and non-English speakers (and including Latino and Asian organizations)
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 230-1096
Title: Immigrants\Non English Speaking H1N1 *Provide in lieu of passcode*
Please feel free to join any of the calls. Topics will include prevention, the importance of vaccination, vaccine safety and availability. The calls will include presentations by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Also, the National Council of Nonprofits has developed a Flu Toolkit for nonprofits. This free resource for nonprofits was developed largely from materials prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The following are the dates and times for the various calls:
THURSDAY, October 8
11:00a Eastern Time H1N1, Pregnant Women and Maternal Health
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 553-0327
Title: Maternal Health H1N1 Call *Provide in lieu of passcode*
1:00p Eastern Time General H1N1 Outreach Call with Organizations of Any Background
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 230-1085
Title: H1N1 Briefing *Provide in lieu of passcode*
1:45p Eastern Time H1N1 and Children Under 5 and Children with High-Risk Conditions
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 288-8961
Title: Children H1N1 *Provide in lieu of passcode*
2:00p Eastern Time H1N1 and Persons with Cancer and non-HIV Immunosuppressive Conditions
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 230-1096
Title: Cancer H1N1 Call *Provide in lieu of passcode*
2:00p Eastern Time H1N1 and African Americans
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 288-8960
Title: African American H1N1 Call *Provide in lieu of passcode*
7:00p Eastern Time H1N1 and Pacific Islanders
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 230-1059
Title: Pacific Islanders H1N1 Call *Provide in lieu of passcode*
FRIDAY, October 9
11:00a Eastern Time H1N1 and Persons with HIV/AIDS
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 288-8961
Title: HIV\AIDS H1N1 Call *Provide in lieu of passcode*
12:00p Eastern Time H1N1 and Persons with Cardiovascular Disease
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 230-1951
Title: Cardiovascular H1N1 Call*Provide in lieu of passcode*
1:00p Eastern Time H1N1 and Persons with Diabetes
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 230-1085
Title: Diabetes H1N1 *Provide in lieu of passcode*
1:00p Eastern Time H1N1 and Persons with Asthma
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 230-1074
Title: Asthma H1N1 Call *Provide in lieu of passcode*
2:00p Eastern Time H1N1 and Persons with Disabilities
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 230-1951
Title: Disabilities H1N1 Call *Provide in lieu of passcode*
2:00p Eastern Time H1N1 and Immigrants and non-English speakers (and including Latino and Asian organizations)
Participant Call-in Number: (800) 230-1096
Title: Immigrants\Non English Speaking H1N1 *Provide in lieu of passcode*
Monday, October 5, 2009
LANO Statewide Tour Enters Second Week with Momentum
Collaboration, Accountability, and Results Stressed for Nonprofit Sector at Baton Rouge and Lafayette Meetings
BATON ROUGE—The Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations (LANO) kicked off two weeks of statewide member meetings on September 29 and 30 at the Louisiana Housing Finance Agency in Baton Rouge and at the Woman’s Foundation in Lafayette. Four more meetings will take place this week in New Orleans, Shreveport, Monroe and Alexandria.*
[See initial release: LANO Fall Membership Meetings]
The meetings are designed to present and discuss results of a 2009 survey of 312 state nonprofits, conducted by LANO with support from Capital One Bank. The survey report (available for download at www.LANO.org/downturn) offers a snapshot of the nonprofit sector’s current fiscal health in a tight economy and predicts sector trends for 2010.
Panels of local funding agency representatives and state elected officials were on hand in Baton Rouge and Lafayette to provide a funders’ perspective on the needs of the Louisiana nonprofit sector. Similar expert panels will be convened at each of the tour’s remaining meetings.
Following introductions to the Nonprofit Fiscal Health Survey by Capital One Vice Presidents Cheri Ausberry and Mike Wack, LANO Vice President of Programs Kellie Chavez Greene walked audiences through a slide presentation using report data to highlight state nonprofits’ scope, funding sources and fiscal trends.
According to Greene, Louisiana’s nonprofits pursue an array of missions representing at least 26 distinct categories, of which more than half include important human services like employment and housing assistance, and broad social benefits such as environmental protection and community improvement.
While the state nonprofit sector maintains a diverse funding portfolio, it has suffered an average 11.5% decline in revenue from all sources in 2009. Statewide, only about a third of nonprofit revenue is self-generated, leaving organizations’ effectiveness vulnerable to shrinking pools of grant and donor funds.
In remarks on the presented data, panel participants agreed that state and private funds are at critical lows and will not likely increase before 2012. Panelists stressed that nonprofit viability depends on organizations' willingness to collaborate in meaningful ways and provide investors with tangible, documented results.
State Representative Patricia Haynes Smith (District 67), speaking at the Baton Rouge meeting, noted that the current state budget is supported by federal stimulus dollars set to expire in two years. As these funds are exhausted, state grants, contracts and line-item support for nonprofits will further constrict and, she warned, some smaller nonprofits may have “no chance” at state dollars.
Smith urged compatible nonprofits to better their chances now and in the future by forming effective collaborations and keeping reliable data sets to demonstrate their progress and results.
Speaking at the Lafayette meeting, State Senator Michael J. “Mike” Michot (District 23), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance and a member of the State Commission on Streamlining Government, reported that a recommendation presented to the streamlining commission would limit line-item support for nonprofits if adopted. Michot stressed that whatever steps are finally implemented, state funds will continue to be tight for the foreseeable future. He echoed Rep. Smith’s call for greater cooperation and accountability for the nonprofit sector.
[See related story: LANO Chief Ann S. Williamson to Address Streamlining Commission]
Michelle Robinson of Capital Area United Way and Sarah Berthelot of United Way of Acadiana represented the prominent national charity at last weeks’ two meetings. Both advised nonprofits to sharpen their focus and to measure and demonstrate their impacts on communities they serve. Now more than ever, said Robinson, it is important that “nonprofits know what business they’re in,” and that they treat their services as valuable products.
Speaking on behalf of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation (BRAF), Director of Partnership Relations Gerri Hobdy praised LANO as “a wonderful partner and representative” of Louisiana’s nonprofit sector, citing its ability to connect organizations and facilitate joint projects.
Hobdy suggested that nonprofits seeking support from foundations like BRAF “establish collaborations first” to provide a “uniform front” to granting agencies. She implored the sector to move beyond territorial tendencies that only diminish its effectiveness and investor interest.
In concluding remarks, LANO President and CEO Ann Silverberg Williamson described the nonprofit sector as unique among societal institutions in its pursuit of “good for its own sake.” She spoke of charity as nonprofits’ defining virtue and as the “essential profit motive for an industry whose product is the greater good.”
Williamson listed among LANO’s chief contributions to the state nonprofit sector its ability to build members’ capacity through a valuable training curriculum, its administering of the Standards for Excellence certification program, and its timely tracking and analysis of policy changes that affect the entire sector.
This series of statewide LANO meetings is free and open to the public.
*REMAINING SCHEDULE OF LANO MEMBER MEETINGS
New Orleans: Tuesday, October 6: 9 am – 12 pm at the Ashe Cultural Arts Center, 1712 Oretha C Haley Blvd
Shreveport: Wednesday, October 7: 1 pm – 4 pm at LANO North, 2924 Knight Street, Suite 406
Monroe: Thursday, October 8: 1 pm – 4 pm at the Children’s Coalition of Northeast Louisiana, 1363 Louisville Avenue
Alexandria: Friday, October 9: 9 am – 12 pm at the Arts Council of Central Louisiana, 1101 4th Street, Classroom D
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Census Workshop in Baton Rouge and Mini Grant Opportunity
The Southern Coalition for Social Justice will hold a workshop on how nonprofits can help the U.S. Census Bureau achieve an accurate count in the 2010 Census, and mini-grant opportunities to help them do so.
Why We Count: 2010 Census Outreach
Wednesday, October 7, 2009, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Baton Rouge Area Foundation, 402 N 4th St, Baton Rouge, LA
The Coaliton is offering mini grants of up to $3000 to organizations in Louisiana who:
Wednesday, October 7, 2009, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Baton Rouge Area Foundation, 402 N 4th St, Baton Rouge, LA
The Coaliton is offering mini grants of up to $3000 to organizations in Louisiana who:
- work with low-income people
- people of color
- tenants
- migrant workers
- homeless
- others at risk of undercount
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