Voter Engagement Webinars & Mini-Grant Opportunity

Get Out the Vote for Midterm Elections!

In anticipation of the November 2nd midterm elections, LANO, in partnership with the Nonprofit Voter Engagement Network, will be hosting webinars October 6th at 10am and October 12th at 3pm to give you the tools you need to help get out the vote in your community. Registration is free.

If your organization serves an immigrant community in any capacity or is immigrant led, you are eligible to apply for a mini-grant of up to $1,000 for your voter engagement activities. Please join the webinar to find out how to apply!

Register for Wednesday October 6th, 10am - 11am

Register for Tuesday October 12th, 3pm - 4pm

For more information, please contact Ashley Herad at ashley@lano.org or by calling (225) 929-5266 ext. 222.

Help Our Crab Fishermen Out of a Pinch!

The Louisiana Serve Commission (Office of Lt. Governor) and the nonprofit organization Operation Blessing International invite everyone to participate in a charity Fun Run in downtown Baton Rouge on Sunday, October 3, 2010. 

[Click here to register.]

[Click here to download the hi-res flyer.]

The event benefits Louisiana's crab fisherman and their families by funding a unique program that supplies locally manufactured crab shedding systems. These systems, which cost approximately $2,000 each, allow fishermen to maintain hard-shell crabs until they shed, more than doubling their market price.  The added value of soft-shelled crabs can increase a family’s annual income by approximately $14,000.

All proceeds from this event will be donated to the program, which is operated by Operation Blessing International in partnership with the LSU AgCenter/Louisiana Sea Grant Program and the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board.

For more information, see: http://fisheriesfunrun.eventbrite.com/

Secretary Mabus Issues Oil Spill Disaster Restoration Plan

On Tuesday, September 28th Secretary Mabus released his comprehensive restoration plan in response to the Gulf Coast oil spill disaster.

A full copy of the report can be found at http://www.restorethegulf.gov/.

The report entitled, "America's Gulf Coast: A Long Term Recovery Plan after the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill", focuses on three central requirements for recovery including the environment, economy and health and human services.

The report includes a chapter entitled "Nonprofit Recovery" which outlines the state of nonprofits along the Gulf Coast, how the disaster has impacted the sector, how nonprofits are responding to local needs, and recommendations for actions and initiatives to help nonprofits recover.

The report outlines the creation of a Gulf Coast Recovery Council to lead the long‐term ecosystem, economic, and health recovery in the Gulf. The council would be made up of state and federal representatives, and federally-recognized Gulf tribal organizations.

The report also calls on Congress to dedicate a significant amount of any civil penalties obtained from parties responsible for the oil spill under the Clean Water Act to the recovery of the region that was damaged, and to those impacted by its effects. The Gulf Coast Recovery Council would oversee and implement these and other sources of funding Congress may appropriate with the goal of a coordinated federal, state, and local long-term recovery strategy.

In the report appendices, the federal government states that it will create a recovery toolkit to help stakeholders, including nonprofits, access federal programs and navigate the Gulf Coast Claims Facility process. The toolkit will identify federal programs that may be relevant to communities in different aspects of recovery. The information will be distributed in hard copy across the Gulf, integrated into the disasterrecovery.gov platform, and publicized through a series of technical assistance workshops and webinars. The report does not specify when the toolkit will be released.

Of note, here is a brief outline of the recovery strategy recommendations included in the “Nonprofit Recovery” section of the report:

Enhanced Coordination: Information on constituents’ needs and access to services is crucial. Therefore there should be data and information sharing across sector and state lines so that resources are directed to those most in need. Nonprofits need to work closely with state and local entities, and faith-based organizations, because all of these stakeholders play an important part in the recovery and have a deep understanding of the specific cultural and ethnic communities impacted by the spill.

Increase Public Awareness of Need: The nonprofit sector has experienced a huge financial gap since the disaster with increased demands, and stagnant or decreased funding. Public understanding of the region’s challenges and needs can help spur fundraising efforts. Therefore it is recommended that coordinating bodies and infrastructure organizations such as state nonprofit associations can proactively communicate nonprofit needs to the media and public, in a mindful way that does not diminish the role of the responsible party.

Leverage Volunteers and Community Assets: Utilize volunteers to fill in the resource gaps nonprofits are experiencing and to meet the increasing demands of clients. Neighboring models and skills‐based volunteering can amplify the human resource capacity of nonprofits.

Synthesize Additional Needs Assessment: Conduct comprehensive research about the impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on the region and the opportunities for nonprofits to lead in the recovery.

Enhance Fundraising Capacity: Nonprofits should utilize their state service commission, which has the potential to serve as an information hub and connector between nonprofits and funding sources. In addition, nonprofits should look into utilizing VISTA volunteers who can undertake projects that augment the nonprofit's fundraising capability and capacity.

For more information about the restoration plan please contact Elisabeth Gehl at elisabeth@lano.org.

Good Work Network Launches Franz Building Renovation

Last night WWL TV ran a story on LANO member Good Work Network's renovation of the historic Franz building in Central City New Orleans. The $2 million project is scheduled to be completed next summer.

Good Work Network, founded in 2001 by Phyllis Cassidy, builds minority and women owned businesses. It educates, coaches and supports these smaller businesses to help them improve their skills, realize their full potential and become active participants in the local economy.

In addition to housing the Good Work Network, the Franz building will have retail space. Adrian's Bakery, a well-known New Orleans chain, is the first announced tenant. The building will also serve as a small business incubator to grow other minority owned businesses.

The new project is part of the ongoing revitalization of the O.C. Haley Boulevard corridor. LANO members the O.C. Haley Merchants and Business Association and the Central City Renaissance Alliance have played a critical role in shaping that vision.

View the full story here.

Child Abuse and Neglect Training at the Together We Can Conference

The Together We Can Conference is an independent, multi-disciplinary event featuring child abuse and neglect training for CASA, CAC, Judges, parents' attorneys, children's attorneys, social workers, Indigent Defenders, OCS workers, education professionals, mental health professionals, and more. The conference will offer several days of training and networking for a multitude of child welfare professionals.  Continuing Education Credits will be offered for both social work and legal fields (CLE and CEU) and other applications for continuing education have been applied for.

This year's conference will be in Lafayette, October 5-7.  Visit the Together We Can conference website for more information and registration.

Nonprofits Need Volunteers, Sound Business Practices

Ann Silverberg Williamson, president and CEO of the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations, said nonprofits, like most segments of society, face tough times, but can ultimately emerge from the recession stronger.

"Times like these challenge us and try us," Williamson told the Alexandria Rotary Club on Tuesday, September 21. "But they also reveal the nonprofits that are flexible, innovative and responsive."

Williamson stressed the importance of giving and volunteerism to nonprofit efforts, and urged those in attendance to put as much energy as they can into the nonprofits with which they're involved. She also stressed the need for nonprofits to follow sound business practices and exhibit financial responsibility.

(reported by Jeff Matthews, Alexandria Town Talk)

Google 101--Promoting Your Nonprofit

Over 30 Google volunteers will be in New Orleans in October to partner with non-profits. One of the events will be a Google 101 presentation on how to use Google's freely available tools to promote your non-profit organization or small business on the Web. This will be held on Friday, October 15 at the Idea Village, 515 Girod Street, from 9:00am-12:00pm. The event will open with an overview by the St. Bernard Project on how they have combined these tools with an online marketing plan to create an effective online presence.

Google suggests inviting any web savvy persons, bloggers or website administrators. They would be able to observe, advise and assist you in any plans or ideas that may germinate at the presentation. There is no need to know programming.

Register quickly. Space will be in short supply.

Free Posters and Webinar Opportunity Help You "Get Out the Vote"

Help remind your staff and clientele that important elections are right around the corner!

"Vote November 2nd" posters are available at LANO offices in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport, free of charge.

We encourage you to hang one in your lobby or other high traffic area as a reminder that the election is November 2nd, and every vote counts!

Please let us know when you're stopping by so someone can be available to assist you. To arrange a visit, please contact:

Baton Rouge:

Kelley Cox (225) 929- 5266 ext. 204 or Ashley Herad (225) 929-5266 ext. 222

New Orleans:
Cory Sparks (504) 309-2081 ext. 315; Elisabeth Gehl (504) 309-2081 ext. 317

Shreveport:
Patrina Johnson (318) 865-5510 ext. 17

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Webinar Opportunity:

The final month before an election is a good time to focus on educating your constituents about the what, when, where and how of voting. The webinar, produced by the Nonprofit Voter Engagement Network (NVEN) will review best practices for conducting voter education at your organization or in your community.

Register Today for September 23rd!

LANO is partnering with NVEN to educate nonprofits on how to easily integrate voter engagement into the work they already do. For more information, please contact Ashley Herad at ashley@lano.org or (225) 929-5266 ext 222.

White House Conference Call for Nonprofits about New Health Care Benefits

LANO is sharing the following invitation we received from the National Council of Nonprofits regarding a White House conference call to inform nonprofits about new benefits in health care reform.

Call Title: Linking Community and Faith Leaders to Information about New Benefits

Date: Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Time: 3 pm Central

To join by phone: 1-888-455-6860 or 1-866-844-9416

You are invited to join President Obama for a conference call to discuss key new benefits under the Affordable Care Act. We want to ensure that community leaders like you have the most up-to-date information and resources about these new benefits to share with your communities and congregations.

On September 23rd, the six month anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, several new health care benefits begin to apply: eligible young people up to age 26 can stay on their parents’ health plan, key prevention benefits are covered without co-pays or deductibles in new plans, and insurance companies may no longer deny coverage to kids because of pre-existing conditions or drop someone from coverage because of a paperwork mistake.

President Obama will speak about how consumers and communities are already benefiting from the new law. HHS officials will provide an update on how the Affordable Care Act is being implemented, highlight new outreach resources, and answer questions from community and faith leaders. Community and faith leaders will also share their efforts to bring the benefits of health care reform home to communities.

Hosted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.

Anti-Litter Educational Grant Opportunity

Keep Louisiana Beautiful announced a statewide educational grant program that provides up to $5,000 for student-led, litter-reduction projects. The KLB Leadership in Education Grant program helps develop youth leadership skills by building partnerships and creating opportunities for students to keep Louisiana beautiful.

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations can apply for the program, which promotes KLB’s mission of personal and community responsibility for a clean and beautiful Louisiana.  Applications must be submitted electronically by Oct. 6.

Application documents and more information are available at http://www.keeplouisianabeautiful.org.

2010 Youth Change Maker Awards

The Gulfsouth Youth Action Fund, a youth philanthropy initiative that engages youth as leaders and empowers them with the resources to make strategic investments in their peers and their communities, is seeking nominations for the 2010 Youth Change Maker Awards.

These prestigious awards honor outstanding young people, ages 7 through 25, who have shown exemplary leadership in recovery, education, entrepreneurship and community service initiatives in the Gulfsouth region.

If you are or know of a young person who fits this criteria, please fill out and return the nomination form. Self-nominations are accepted.
Nominations are being accepted for six categories:

• The Going Green Change Maker Award (ages 7-18) will honor a young person leading the way in environmental activism.
• The Creative Arts/Communications Change Maker Award (ages 7-18) will honor an outstanding young person leading the way in the field of media, the arts or communications.
• The Service Leader Change Maker Award (ages 7-18) will honor an outstanding young person engaged in advancing social causes through entrepreneurial innovations.
• The Rising Change Maker Award will honor a young person in grade 2-5 for outstanding community leadership.
• The Collaborative Change Maker Award (ages 7-18) will honor a group or organization comprised entirely of youth 18 years old and under for outstanding work in their community.
• The Youth Ally/Advisor Change Maker Award (age 18-25) will honor a college student or young adult leading the way in youth service efforts in his or her community.

Finalists will be recognized and winners announced during the
Youth Change Maker Awards Dinner on October 16, 2010 at Tulane University, Lavin-Bernick Center, 2nd floor. Each Youth Change Maker Award recipient will be honored with a $500 donation to a non-profit organization or project of his or her choice.

The deadline for nominations is September 17, 2010 at 5:00 p.m.

Nomination forms should be typed or printed. Only completed forms will be reviewed.
The nomination review process is highly competitive and is undertaken by a panel of youth and adult judges.

Nomination forms can be downloaded here.

Please send completed nomination forms to:
The Gulfsouth Youth Action Fund 2010
"Change Maker" Awards
1700 Josephine Street
New Orleans, LA 70113

Nominations may also be received electronically at changemaker@thegyac.org.

If you should have any questions or need assistance completing the nomination form, please feel free to contact Angela Anthony at (504) 529-1922 ext.114 or ataanthony@operationreach.org.

Operation REACH, Inc.2115 Carondelet Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
504-529-1922 ext. 106

IRS Releases Guidance for Nonprofits on the Health Care Tax Credit

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced how eligible tax-exempt nonprofit organizations will claim their small business health care credit during the 2011 filing season.

Nonprofits will claim the health care tax credit on a revised Form 990-T. The Form 990-T is currently used by tax-exempt organizations to report and pay the tax on unrelated business income.

Form 990-T will be revised for the 2011 filing season to enable eligible tax-exempt organizations –– even those that owe no tax on unrelated business income –– also to claim the health care tax credit.

To help nonprofits calculate their health care tax credit the IRS has drafted Form 8941, which is a worksheet. The IRS has posted a draft of Form 8941 on IRS.gov. The final version of Form 8941 and its instructions will be available later this year.

For more information about the healthcare tax credit please visit LANO’s website and the IRS website.

Conference Photos and Recovery Tour Videos

The 2010 LANO Conference closed with a revealing tour of the New Orleans Recovery, hosted by the New Orleans Recovery Authority.  This guided look at New Orleans's neighborhoods explored the recovery in progress and celebrated the city's improvements since Hurricane Katrina.

Tana Stevenson, a conference volunteer, recorded several sections of the tour and posted them on YouTube for all to enjoy:











Also, don't miss the gallery of over 100 photos of conference speakers, sessions, exhibitors and attendees:


Thanks to all who attended - we look forward to seeing you next year!

Voter Engagement Webinar Opportunities

Join the Nonprofit Voter Engagement Network (NVEN) for a special web training event:

"Voter Registration and Education for Nonprofits"
Thursday, September 9th
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Central

The two months before the election are a good time to focus on both voter registration and voter education. This webinar will review best practices for conducting voter registration and education activities at your agency or in your community. It will help you decide where and when to conduct these activities and where to find additional resources. There will be opportunities for question and answers throughout the training.

Register Today for September 9th!

Or register now for our September 23rd webinar:

"Voter Education for Nonprofits"
Thursday, September 23rd
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Central

The final month before an election is a good time to focus on educating your constituents about the what, when, where and how of voting. The webinar will review best practices for conducting voter education at your organization or in your community.

Register Today for September 23rd!

LANO is partnering with NVEN to educate nonprofits on how to easily integrate voter engagement into the work they already do. For more information, please contact Ashley Herad at ashley@lano.org or (225) 929-5266 ext 222.