SLPL Grants & Foundation Center NEWS

Regional Nonprofit 2-29 Event

2012-01-26T18:18:00.000-06:00

In Nonprofits We Trust

ALL nonprofit staff and board members areinvited to attend a FREE paneldiscussion of local andregional nonprofit leaders who will explore ways nonprofits canenhance public trust and build a positiveimage in challenging times.
Featured Panelists
Robert Carlson– Assistant AttorneyGeneral at Missouri’s AttorneyGeneral’s Office
Paul Wagman– SeniorVice President andPartner at Fleishman–Hillard
Kathy Gardner– SeniorVice President at UnitedWay of Greater St. Louis

Networking and information sharing will follow.

Wednesday,February 29th at 4-6 PM
Schlafly Branchof St. Louis PublicLibrary
225 N. Euclid Ave.St. Louis, MO 63108
Pre-registration isrecommended; 314-539-0357 or e-mail kparks@slpl.org

Co-Sponsored by Library’s Grant s & Foundation Center, NonprofitMissouri ( a statewide associationof nonprofits), and the St. Louischapter of the Young NonprofitProfessional's Network.

2012 Winter Regional Events for Nonprofits

2012-01-19T18:49:00.000-06:00

1/23, 2/9, 3/8 - NSC webinar series The Roles and Responsibilities of a Board, $35 each, go to the website (right) or call Carmen, 314-436-9580 for more information.
2/1, 3/7, 4/4 -- What Works in St. Louis free brown bag speaker series sponsored by the UMSL Community Partnership Project, 2/1 topic "Rental Housing;" 3/7 "The Arts as a Revitalization Tool;" 4/4 "Youth & Summer Projects." Contact ce.umsl.edu/brownbag for more information.
2/2 -- Registration deadline for Funding Your Neighborhood Project 9am-1pm class on 2/4 offered by NPML, $40, more at ce.umsl.edu/npml.
2/7 -- Prospect Research Overview, GPA monthly lunchtime program at Central Reform Congregation, $15 for nonmembers, call 314-308-7823 for more information.
2/8 -- deadline for registering for 2012 Neighborhood Leadership Academy, 10 sessions of hands-on leadership training, $400 - scholarships available. Find out more at ce.umsl.edu/nla.

Intellectual Property Legal Issues for Nonprofits and Small Businesses

2011-12-22T15:25:00.000-06:00

Come to Schlafly Library Weds. Jan. 18, from noon - 1:30 to hear attorneys from the Community Economic Development Program of LSEM talk about basic intellectual property issues that can have a big impact on nonprofits and small businesses:

the differences between copyrights, trademarks, patents, and why it matters
how to avoid critical mistakes that could harm your organization
protecting your intellectual property from infringement
best practices for your programs, print or on-line operations.

Call or e-mail us to register. Bring your lunch, beverages provided.

"Book Talk" for Artists, Writers, Filmmakers, Musicians Jan. 12

2011-12-13T15:59:00.000-06:00

Working artists, is there one book that affirmed or inspired your desire to create? Or, is there another that gave you practical advice on how to earn money with your work?. Bring your lunch to Schlafly library from noon -1:30 on Thursday, Jan. 12 for our third annual information and networking session for individual artists who want to move their careers to the next level. Sue Greenberg, executive director of Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts in St. Louis and a professional dramatist and writer/editor herself, will share her list of most helpful reads. I'll point out some library resources for individual artists that you might not be aware of. Everyone is encouraged to bring a personal favorite book or website to add to the list. Hot beverages will be provided; just let us know if you plan to come, weather permitting.

G&FC Programs: Past and Future

2011-12-12T12:17:00.000-06:00

We're taking a break from offering G&FC programs here at the library this month. Thank you to all our 2011 program partner organizations --NPML, VLAA, ARCHS, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, AFP, BoardLinkStL, & NSC --as well as to The Foundation Center --for providing information and leadership to the more than 600 attendees (thanks also to each of you who came).
We're delighted to be working with these groups, as well as three new program partners, so far --Nonprofit Missouri, the St. Louis chapter of the Grant Professionals Assn., and the Young Nonprofit Professional's Network, as we put together our 2012 program schedule.
Feel free to contact me about any nonprofit and grants topics you'd like us to include.

Last Minute News: Senator to Host Free Grant Training Seminar at UMSL Monday

2011-12-09T14:29:00.000-06:00

9 federal agencies with competitive grant funds will talk about how nonprofits, small businesses , local governments and chambers of commerce can best position themselves to win federal dollars at a special free Economic Development and Grant Training Workshop Mon. morning, Dec. 12. Dr. Nancy Kinney from NPML will give an overview of grantwriting. Contact Sen. Clair McCaskill's website or call her st. Louis office, 314 367-1364 to register because seating is limited.

Background Reading -Tools for the New Year

2011-11-26T11:53:00.000-06:00

In October Angela Williams, from the national staff of Big Brothers Big Sisters, presented an excellent program here at Schlafly on Board Diversity in nonprofit organizations cosponsored by BoardLink Stl. She mentioned the usefulness of a community asset mapping process. One helpful guide to this process is UMSL's Community Partnership Project's "Community Tool Kit" available at www.umsl.edu/continuinged/cpp/toolkit/index.html. Also relevant is the article " Leveraging the Transformative Potential of Diversity" by Patricia Bradshaw and Christopher Fredette in the Spring 2011 issue of The Nonprofit Quaraterly, available here in the G&FC or at http://www.npqmag.org/
Collective Impact was the topic of another great program presented here by ARCHS leadership earlier this month and at the annual St. Louis Philanthropic Landscape presentation by the Rome Group last summer. Just a reminder: that we have a hard copy of the Stanford Social Innovation Review article on the topic here or you can find it at www.ssireview.org/site/printer/collective_impact/

PreWinter Events for St. Louis Nonprofits

2011-11-23T16:08:00.000-06:00

WEDS. NOV. 30 - YNPN's brown bag lunch series: Diversity in the Workplace, 11:30am -1pm, Webster University Old Post Office Campus, $5 for nonmembers. Go to the Young Nonprofit Professional's Network website, www.ynpnstl.org, to find out more.
SAT. DEC. 3 - NPML's Funding Your Neighborhood Project, 9am - 1pm, UMSL campus, $40. Go to ce.umsl.edu/npml to register. Offered in partnership with the Community Partnership Project's Neighborhood Leadership Academy.
THURS. DEC. 15 - AFP St. Louis Speed Roundtable Program: choose 4 of 11 table topics, 4-6 pm, Wash U, $40 for non members. Go to afpstlouis.afpnet.org for specifics.

2011 Fall St. Louis Nonprofit Events

2011-11-02T10:41:00.001-05:00

Art Holiday emcees Matching Dreams with Promise, AFP St. Louis' National Philanthropy Day luncheon honoring local philanthropists and fundraisers Nov. 15 at America's Center. Cost: $55 per person. Click on the AFP link at right or call 314/416-2238 for more information. Use the same site to ask about the AFP St. Louis Chapter Fellows Program. Through this program, the chapter offers fundraisers a complimentary 2-year AFP membership, a scholarship to one Fundraising Fundamentals Series per year, 10 complimentary chapter luncheon programs per year and the opportunity for a mentor. Apply before Nov. 9.
Arts nonprofits seeking help with the Missouri Arts Council application for funding for an upcoming arts event, might want to register for a free workshop Nov. 15, from 10-noon, at St. Louis County Library HQ. Go to http://jumstartstlouis2011.eventbrite.com
NPML is offering a noncredit class on Program Planning & Evaluation from 2-5 pm on Thursdays Dec. 1 & 15, at the UMSL campus for $40. go to http://www.umsl.edu/divisions/graduate/ppa/npml/noncredit.html to find out more.
If you missed earlier information sessions on the Missouri Common Grant Application, NSC is offering a free "How-to-Workshop" for nonprofits on Dec. 7, 9 -10:30 am at NSC headquarters. Register through the NSC website link at right.
All organizations interested in Neighborhood Development might watch to attend the Community Partnership Project free Brown Bag Series focusing on What's Working in St. Louis Neighborhoods. The Dec. 7 panel will focus on Retail development. For more about the series go to http://ce.umsl.edu/brownbag To view a new report on "Creating Whole Communities: Enhancing the Capacity of Coimmunity Development Nonprofits in the St. Louis Region," go to http://pprc.umsl.edu.
For anyone interested in the future of St. Louis education, the Gateway Center for Giving is partnering with the Teacher Salafy Project and Microsoft Partners in Learning to present a free screening of the documentary American Teacher at the Missouri History Museum Dec. 14 at 2:30 pm. A panel discussion will be held after the screening. Go to www.mohistory.org/node/6669 to register.

Help Students Find Collge $$$

2011-10-19T14:10:00.000-05:00

If your nonprofit works with people who want to know how to find financial support for starting or re-entering college, we're especially inviting you and your mentoree to:

Finding College Funds

Sat. Oct. 29 10 am – 12

Schlafly auditorium

Come find out how to get the student financial aid you need to continue, or resume, your education after high school. This presentation by the St. Louis Public Library and the TRIO Educational Opportunity Centers can help you --

Prepare your best plan and profile for applying for funds
Learn about federal and state grants and loan programs
Understand the all-important FASFA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form
Find out what financial help is available to you from the school you've chosen
Search for additional national and local private grants and scholarships

This event is free but preregistration is required so we have enough materials ready. E-mail me, call 314-539-0357 or stop by the Schlafly branch to sign up.

Learn How to Prove Your Collective Impact

2011-10-10T10:04:00.001-05:00

In today's competitive nonprofit world, funders are demanding proof of measurable “Collective Impact” before they invest in an organization's efforts to improve the community. In this
• About Collective Impact initiatives taking place in the region.
• How to prove your organization’s value and impact through tracking, measuring, evaluating,
and reporting organizational outcomes.
• What approaches are working (or not working) in the St. Louis area.
During FY11 the human services nonprofit intermediary ARCHS had a combined regional economic impact of $47.4 million thanks to successful collaborations and an emphasis on outcome-driven results. Come, learn from their experience.
FREE workshop, representatives from ARCHS and its partners help you learn:Contact me to register or for more details.
Sponsored by the St. Louis Public Library’s Grants & Foundation Center and ARCHS (Area Resources for Human Services.

Answering the Call for Collective Impacts

November 9 - Schlafly Branch Library 3-4:30 p.m.

Learn How Diversity Builds Sustainability for Your Nonprofit Oct. 13

2011-09-26T11:23:00.000-05:00

Does your nonprofit's leadership need some fresh inspiration? Come to a free workshop: Diversity & Your Nonprofit Board: Who Is Responsible? here at Schlafly Thurs. Oct. 13, 3-4:30. Angela Williams will discuss and answer questions about

the difference between board "ownership" and "responsibility" for diversity;
how to make the business case for diversity with funders
how to use a variety of data resouces to recruit diverse, talented staff and board members.

Thanks to Boardlink StL for cosponsoring this presentation. Call or contact me with questions or to sign up.

NPML to Offer Daylong IRS Workshop for Small and Medium 501(C)3s

2011-09-13T14:51:00.006-05:00

Learn about important tax regulations from IRS representatives and Missouri Asst. Attorney General Bob Carlson on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at the J.C. Penney Conference Center at UMSL. If you sign up before Oct. 1, the whole day including lunch costs $40. For details and to register, visit ce.umsl.edu/npml.

Learn how Employment Law Affects Your Nonprofit

2011-09-06T13:36:00.003-05:00

Nonprofit staff and board members are invited to come hear and question experienced employment attorneys who will discuss important issues facing nonprofits August 15 3-4:30 pm here at Schlafly. The free session, cosponsored by Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, will cover such topics as

the differences between employees and independent contractors and why it matters;

preventing liability for hiring and termination decisions; and

best practices with volunteers to protect against liability

Just call or email to register so we can prepare enough materials.

Summer 2011 Odds 'N Ends

2011-09-03T11:47:00.005-05:00

Thanks to local fundraising author Carol Weismann who responded to our request for a copy of her hard-to-find Secrets of Successful Retreats by supplying us with additional copies of her Raising Charitable Children and Transforming Ordinary People into Fundraising Superheroes as well.

Check out this year's new educational and financial support and opportunities for nonprofits available from the Skandalaris Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at Wash U and Youthbridge Community Foundation at at www.ideabounce.com

Labor Day last-minute alert: The St. Louis chapter of the American Association of Grant Prfessionals Sept. 6 meeting on How to Make an Ask Compelling on Both Emotional and Rational Levels, led by Melinda McAliney of Lutheran Foundation and Maryanne Dersch of 501 Creative Sept. 6 carry-in lunch, $15 for nonmembers at Central Reform Congregation, Call 618-493-9423 to make a reservation

Missouri Funders Introduce Common Grant Application

2011-08-18T10:46:00.004-05:00

Thanks to the Gateway Center for Giving for coordinating local funder efforts to produce the long-awaited Missouri Common Grant Application. You can take a look at this streamlined application and the truly comprehensive User Guide at www.centerforgiving.org. That's also the site for nonprofits to sign up to attend the Sept. 27 Meet the Donor: Introducing the Missouri Common Grant Application (8-10 am, Cardinal Stadium $30) so you can learn more about the application and who's going to be accepting it and have other questions answered.

YNPN STL Blog-Out-Loud Opportunity

2011-08-08T10:54:00.004-05:00

Got ideas for improving St. Louis through the nonprofit sector? -- A design for an effective project or a better way of collaborating? an innovation to suggest? a dramatic case study to report?

If so, (and if you're willing to present your idea to your peers), apply to YNPN St. Louis by Aug. 26 for the chance to be one of eight speakers Oct. 20 at the Grandel Theatre. Go to www.ynpnstl.org/blogoutloud for details.

Learn from 2 Intermediaries Here in August

2011-07-26T15:42:00.017-05:00

This past April, Gateway Center for Giving published a study on The Role of Intermediaries in St. Louis. (see April 8 post below) They reported on 30 local organizations who 'provide essential services" -- ranging from funding, collaborative, training and/or advocacy assistance -- to the regional nonprofit sector. And now, our August schedule of free classes here at the G&FC gives you the opportunity to meet leaders from two of them and find out more about their services. ...

Aug. 18 --Linda Aitch from the Nonprofit Services Center will talk about Capacity Building for Highly Effective Nonprofits. Funders and donors are now requiring evidence of your organization's effectiveness and financial sustainability after the gift/grant has been used. Linda will describe how to develop your nonprofit's core skills in leadership, management, finance and fundraising, programming and evaluation to meet these requirements. 3-4:30 pm.

Aug. 24 -- Board Chair Matt Matthews and CEO Wendell Kimbrough will head a panel from ARCHS, Area Resources for Community and Human Services, sharing effective ways of Engaging Your Board. They will describe how to discern and use your board's collective experience, expertise and business/social connections to build your organization's effectiveness. ARCHS works in partnership with local organizations to pool time and talent and leverage funding to benefit the St. Louis region. 3-4:30 pm.

Just contact me with questions or to sign up.

St. Louis AFP Offers 3-Part Fundraising Series

2011-06-25T11:07:00.005-05:00

July 20 Working with a Development Committee

July 27 Nonprofit Storytelling

Aug. 3 Healthy Fundraising Habits

Time: 8:30 - 11:30 am. Location: 12120 Bridgeton Square. Cost to nonmembers: $55 per session, $140 for all 3 (scholarships available until July 13). Call 314-416-2238 for more information.

Also, as mentioned in an earlier post, AFP is offering an intensive CFRE Review Course
(for professional fundraisers at the 5-year level) Aug. 23-24 ( 8am- 5 pm) at St. John 's Mercy Medical Center. Cost to non-members is $490 and 2 partial scholarships are available.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Offers Grants to St. Louis Nonprofits

2011-06-25T10:51:00.006-05:00

July 13 and Sept. 14, 2011, are the deadlines for regional 501(C)3 nonprofits to submit grant proposals to RMHC for up to $10,000 to directly benefit area children. Only on-line applications will be accepted. Go to http://www.rmhcstl.com/ --> "What We Do" -->"grants" to find out more.

July 14 - Financial Basics for St. Louis area Nonprofit Boards and Staff

2011-06-17T10:26:00.004-05:00

Want a better understanding of financial statements, budgets, cash-flow practices? Mary Kay Lofgren and Debra Leible, managing CPAs in the Nonprofit Division at RubinBrown LLP, will once again explain the basics and answer your questions at our July 14 Financial Basics for Nonprofits Workshop here at Schlafly (3-5 pm). Contact me to preregister (so we'll have enough materials) or if you have questions. Thanks to NPML for co sponsoring this free presentation.

What to Do When You Get the Grant

2011-06-06T10:03:00.003-05:00

June 15 from 3-4:30 pm here at Schlafly, NPML's Dan Sise will go over Grant Management Basics --- common issues encountered by nonprofits once they receive a grant:

the grant agreement as contract

disbursement processes

reporting requirements

managing deadlines

Contact me to sign up for this free program cosponsored by the Nonprofit Management & Leadership Program.

Funders to Describe Benefits of Non-Arts/Arts Collaboration June 2

2011-05-27T16:26:00.010-05:00

Both non-arts and arts organizations are invited to come learn how arts collaborations can work between funders and nonprofits in this era when partnerships are vital to securing support for your mission. Meet the Donor: the "Art " of Collaboration, will be from 8-10 am at the Regional Arts Commission on the Delmar Loop. Panelists from the St. Louis Regional Arts Commission, the Arts & Education Council and the PNC Foundation will discuss the benefits arts/non-arts partnerships can bring to all parties and explain what funders look for when investing in an arts collaboration. Cost is $30--register at www.centerforgiving.org

Register This Week for NPML Fundraising Institute

2011-05-16T19:34:00.006-05:00

Register by May 23 to attend any or all of the seven sessions (plus happy hour) at this year's NpML Fundraising Institute June 6-10 at the UMSL campus. These continuing education classes cover finding the right grant, grant writing, planned giving, fundraising communications, approaching corporations, Fundraising 101 and Development Do's & Don'ts from the Funders Perspective. Go to ce.umsl.edu/npml or call (314)516-5948 to sign up.

CFRE's Extraordinary

2011-05-16T19:12:00.002-05:00

Many thanks to Marcy Bursac and Diane Ludwig for presenting two thorough and helpful information sessions here about the Certified Fund Raising Executive process. Did you know the certification process began with AFP (Association of Fundraisning Professionals) but is now an independent international organization? Diane and Marcy announced the St. Louis Chapter of AFP will be offering a CFRE Exam Review Class in August. Watch the website for more information.

CANCELLED -- 'Nonprofit Sustainability' Author Visit

2011-05-11T09:55:00.009-05:00

Even though Steve Zimmerman will not be coming this time, the book is still available for check-out.

The book offers a practical framework for measuring current impact/financial performance of your nonprofit core programs and fundraising activities as well as for making business decisions on an as-needed basis. It also presents a guide to various income strategies to help you meet the demand for sustainability plans presently required by most funders. Find out more about this and other sustainability strategies at www.nonprofitservices.org.

CANCELLED : Aug. 17

2011-04-26T17:52:00.008-05:00

WATCH FOR THIS EVENT IN SPRING 2012

Four Missouri nonprofits are on the latest IRS list of organizations whose IRS tax-exempt status has been revoked. You can find out who they are on the www.irs.gov/charities/ website (plus get to a lot of great information and remarkably user-friendly instructions for nonprofits ). The list is updated monthly and serves as a reminder to every 501(c)3 to keep filing the appropriate 990 tax statement each year to avoid losing your hard-earned status. The IRS has been cracking down lately, part of increased overall expectations of nonprofit accountability by donors and the public.
Attorney Dan Sise from NPML will present a free overview of The 990: Its Versions & Your Nonprofit's Tax-Exempt Status -- with special emphasis on the 990-N return for small nonprofits --on Wednesday, May 4 from 3-4:30 pm here at Schlafly. He will also talk about what to do if your organization misses its filing deadline. Contact me to sign up so we can have enough materials and bring your questions for Dan.

St. Louis Nonprofit Intermediaries ID'd

2011-04-18T15:41:00.005-05:00

Gateway Center for Giving has just published a potentially very useful report "Understanding the Intermediary Infrastructure in St. Louis " which identifies 30 organizations currently providing assistance to nonprofits in a variety of ways. To find out who they are and what they do, go to www.centerforgiving.org.

Can you read the Fine Print of Nonprofit Contracts?

2011-04-07T17:27:00.006-05:00

A panel of ACC (Association of Corporate Counsel) attorneys will outline the basics of contract law in the nonprofit world on Thursday April 28 here at Schlafly from 3-4:30 pm. These legal experts will discuss what contracts are, what happens when contracting parties disagree, "boilerplate" contracts, and how to improve your contract negotiation strategies. The panel will focus on consulting agreements, and explain how the basic principles apply to other contracts common to nonprofit operations such as purchase orders, software license agreements and office leases. E-mail me with questions or to sign up.

Presenting Legal Basics for Nonprofit Boards and Staff

2011-04-02T14:43:00.005-05:00

Dan Sise will discuss basic legal principles and regulatory information affecting tax-exempt nonprofit corporations at a free workshop here at the Schlafly branch library April 6 from 3-4:30 pm. The event will cover topics including legal duties and liabilities of board members, risk management, insurance and protections available for volunteers. Cosponsored by UMSL's Nonprofit Management & Leadership Program but contact the G&FC to register or with questions.

Need Help with Social Media?

2011-03-29T12:56:00.003-05:00

This just in for St. Louis Area nonprofits from the Gateway Center for Giving ...A local community college professor is looking for nonprofits that would be interested in having his students do a class project to help your organization get started using social media or do a specific social media campaign. There are up to 4 more spots available for local nonprofits.If you are interested in learning more, please contact Ken Tucker by Thursday, 3/31 at ken@changescapeweb.com or (636) 947-6200.

Report on Recent GFC Classes...

2011-03-18T10:08:00.007-05:00

A couple of the new or additional books/websites recommended by VLAA's Sue Greenberg and the individual artists/writers/musicians/filmmakers who attended our Feb. 24 session on moving your career to the next level included The Creative Entrepreneur by Lisa Beam, Take Ten for Writers by Bonnie Newbauer, The Art of Nonconformity by Chris Guillebeau and www.kickstarter.com. Contact me if you would like the full list of resources discussed at this event. Also -- just a reminder that the VLAA website is full of help for individual artists as well as for arts organizations.
Dennis Kennedy outlined 6 keys to social network success and fellow ACC panelists JulieAnn Broyles, Elizabeth Cox, & Pete Salsich III discussed important disclaimers, good organizational policies and on-line practices at our March 10 Legal Aspects of Social Media for Nonprofits event. For more about information technology law and any additional presentations by the panel, follow http://denniskennedy.com/blog/. Our next ACC panel presentation here at the G&FC will be The Fine Print for Nonprofits: Contracts April 28.

AFP Spring Fundraising Seminar Series Open

2011-03-18T09:44:00.007-05:00

AFP St. Louis is offering an overview or refresher course on basic fundraising on Wednesday mornings March 30 -April 27 at Boys Hope Girls Hope National HQ in Bridgeton. Topics include tools and techniques to build successful fundraising programs, grant proposal basics, major gifts and special events. Cost to non-members is $199 for all five sessions. Call 314-416-2238 or link to the AFP website at right for more information.

March Miscellany ...

2011-03-02T16:42:00.006-06:00

Don't forget your chance to question St. Louis Area Information Technology attorneys about legal issues affecting nonprofit participation in social networks is coming to Schlafly library Thursday, March 10, at 3 pm. (See earlier posts and calendar at right.)
The Nonprofit Times annual salary and benefits study report is in the current issue, (available in print here at the G&FC.) Some 977 nonprofits responded to the survey this year.
March 1 problems with access by area cooperating collections to The Foundation Directory Online Professional seem to have cleared up--thanks, Foundation Center IT staff!-- and it is again available here whenever Schlafly is open.

Not-Exactly-Nonprofit Book Suggestions...

2011-02-16T11:10:00.006-06:00

Wanted to call your attention to two "regular" library (non-G&FC) books you might find helpful:

Everyone Helps, Everyone Wins, How Absolutely Anyone Can Pitch In, Help Out, Give Back and Make the World a Better Place by David T. Levinson -- readable and comprehensive, this book offers practical tips for would-be volunteers and for the agencies who need them. Any of you volunteer managers got a comment? (We've now got brochures about the Metropolitan Volunteer Management Association available or check out www.mvma-stl.org for more help in this area.)
Switch by Chip Heath and Dan Heath, comes highly recommended by G&FC patron Pamela Devine. "It's a fascinating book that analyzes the resistance we have to change and how to overcome it. Prior to reading it, I thought getting things done in slow-moving organizations depended on a never-ending supply of enthusiasm and a big budget. The stories in the book show how a specific strategy has the potential to make things happen before the enthusiasm has been depleted." Thanks, Pamela.

And don't forget, Sue Greenberg of VLAA and I will be hosting an informal "show and tell" session here 2/24 (3-4:30 pm) with books individual artists, writers, musicians and filmmakers can turn to for inspiration and/or practical business advice.

More February-March Events for Nonprofits

2011-02-11T15:24:00.007-06:00

AFP's Feb. 24 lunch meeting program will include a panel discussion on Advancing Your Fundraising Career (non-members - $35). Get details at www.afpstlouis.org. Speaking of fundraising careers, plan now to attend one of the free, informal discussions of What Exactly IS a CFRE? AFP will cosponsor here at the library April 14 or May 11
St. Louis Chapter of the Grant Professionals Assn. has rescheduled a wiped-out-by-weather session on the ABCs of MOUs for 11:30 - 1:30 March 1 at Central Reform Congregation. For more information, contact 314-308-7823.
Also on March 1, 9-3, NSC is offering Talent Management: Finding, Engaging and Retaining Great People, cost-$50. Get details at www.nonprofitservices.org on NSC's helpful and fairly comprehensive Upcoming Events Calendar. This includes both NSC and Community events--just be sure to check the location since entries may be from outstate.
Gateway Center for Giving's next Meet the Donor event -- Getting Noticed; How to Turn Effective Communication into Collaboration will be March 16 at Boeing. Cost $30. Details at www.centerforgiving.org. (IMHO, this site has a good new look and helpful reorganization.)

"Collaboration = Give and Take" Feb. 16 Session

2011-02-04T13:30:00.009-06:00

Funders and other stakeholders are expecting and requiring more collaboration among nonprofits, business and government entities. Nonprofit staff and board leaders are invited to come learn basics and best practices of successful collaborations from the staff of ARCHS and some of its 400 funding and service delivery partners here at Schlafly on Weds. Feb. 16 from 3-4:30. The panel will discuss ways of

giving a little to get a lot
thinking long term
setting egos aside for the greater good
and making the most of St. Louis resources

throughout the collaborative effort. E-mail me to register or for more details on this free program.

"Free Online Resources" Rescheduled

2011-02-04T13:14:00.004-06:00

More weather changes--Our Feb. 2 session demonstrating some quick how to's for finding free information on some 4 important Foundation Center websites (3 of them brand new) has been rescheduled for Thursday, Feb. 17, 1-2 pm. The focus will be on finding information about funders and RFPS, evaluation processes and collaborations. You're invited to come, learn and share any favorite websites of your own.

'Legal Aspects of Social Media' Rescheduled

2011-01-24T15:47:00.004-06:00

Yay, we had a Snow Day off when the library was closed Jan. 20th. Yay! Yay! the St. Louis Chapter Corporate Counsel Assn. panel of attorneys -- JulieAnn Broyles, Dennis Kennedy, Elizabeth Cox and Pete Salsich -- specializing in information technology can reschedule Online Communities for Your Nonprofit: Legal Aspects of Social Media for Thursday, March 10, 3-4:30 pm here at Schlafly. Come learn how to take advantage of social network opportunities and avoid unhappy surprises. Contact me for more information or to preregister.

Coming Events to Check Out...

2011-01-14T14:04:00.014-06:00

Jan. 27 --In addition to the AFP meeting with Katya Andressen and Dan Sise's Gambling & Fundraising class memtioned in earlier posts, you might want to stop in at the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network's celebration of its second birthday as an organization. Get details at the group's great new website: www.ynpnstl.org
Feb. 1 -- American Assn. of Grant Professionals St. Louis Chapter program The Art (and Practicalities) of Collaboration: Part 1: The ABCs of MOUs, 11:30 - 1:30 pm, Central Reform Congregation, $15 for nonmembers, brown-bag lunch, Karen Cassidy and Kent D. Hornberger, speakers. Call 314-308-7823 for more information.
Feb. 5 -- Finding Funding for Your Neighborhood Project, NPML & Neighborhood Leadership Academy, 9 am - 1 pm, $30, details at www.umsl.edu/npml.
Feb. 9 -- Deadline for enrolling in this year's St. Louis Neighborhood Leadership Academy. Go to ce.umsl.edu/nla to find out about this annual cross-sector training in community development.
Feb. 17 -- First 2011 St. Louis area orientation for nonprofits participating in the Gateway Center for Giving's Will To Give program for nonprofits. Details at www.centerforgiving.org.

SLPL Jan. 5 Grantseeking Basics Update

2011-01-10T10:32:00.005-06:00

To Anyone who attended the Jan. 5 session:
Thanks for your patience and concern when that event was cut short by my faint. I am well and grateful for the quick and excellent care I received. The G&FC here is fully operational again. The class will be repeated in its entirety on April 21. In the meantime, I invite you to come by Schlafly to talk one-on-one with me or other G&FC staff about how your organization can use our Foundation Center and other resources to advance your grantseeking efforts. (If possible, bring your handouts from the class.)

Stocking Stuffers? Free NPO Newsletters

2010-12-21T15:41:00.004-06:00

In this season of gifts, I offer these suggestions of free e-newsletter subscriptions that provide great monthly tips and how-to's on a variety of nonprofit/fundraiser topics.

{Centered} from the Grantsmanship Center - www.tgci.com/centered/
Fundraising Well & Nonprofit Fiscal Fitness - www.blackbaud.com (click on resources tab)
GuideStar monthly - www.guidestar.org
Arts Funding Watch, Education Funding Watch and Health Funding Watch - all at www.foundationcenter.org
Convio Connection at www.convio.com
Blue Avocado at www.blueavocado.org
Insights at www.theromegroup.com

Have personal favorites to add? Share them by e-mail or in a comment below.

More January Events for St. Louis Nonprofits

2010-12-20T12:21:00.006-06:00

Jan. 20, 3-4:30 pm, Online Communities for Your Nonprofit: Legal Aspects of Social Media, free, here at the Schlafly Branch, Information technology attorneys from the St. Louis Corporate Counsel Assn.’s pro bono committee will discuss ways to create creative online communities without unhappy surprises. Will post more details after the holidays.

Jan. 21 - Gateway Center for Giving Annual Meeting/40th Anniversary, Powell Hall, 11-1, Cost: $40, go to www.centerforgiving.org

Jan. 27 - AFP Extended Session with Katya Andresen, Social Networking and Behavioral Economics for Fundraisers, 8 - 1:30, $70 for nonmembers to attend both sessions, contact afp@qabs.com to register. Want to prepare? Ccheck out either of Andresen's books, Robin Hood Marketing or People to People Fundraising from the G&FC.

Jan. 27 - Gambling & Fundraising: What Nonprofits Need to Know, 3-5 pm, led by Dan Sise at UMSL, Fee: 20. Click on the NPML Link at right.

January Event for Nonprofit Board Members

2010-12-06T11:27:00.005-06:00

No Stupid Questions: Financial Oversight for Nonprofit Board Members
Thursday, Jan. 13, 3-4:30 pm Schlafly Branch Library
Overseeing financial matters may not be your main motivation for serving on a nonprofit board of directors but legally, this responsibility cannot be left to the executive director, the CFO, the board treasurer or the finance committee. This session will address questions board members may have about:

The role of the board treasurer
Bookkeeping systems
The difference between cash and accrual accounting
Budgeting and financial statements
Internal controls
Key policies
IRS accountability
Audits
Warning signs of financial stress.

This free event is cosponsored by the St. Louis Public Library’s Grants & Foundation Center and Volunteer Lawyers & Accountants for the Arts and will be led by VLAA Executive Director Sue Greenberg and UHY Advisors. Registration is required so enough class materials can be provided. E-mail me or call 314-539-0357.

Thanks, Gateway Center for Giving

2010-11-18T11:22:00.005-06:00

The following reports/guides on regional and national philanthropy are now available on our reference shelf at the G&FC, thanks to the Gateway Center for Giving.

Missouri Foundations: The Big Picture, 2010
Effective Public School Governance: Best Practices, Governance Structures and Characteristics of Effective School Board Members (white paper prepared by the Education Funders of St. Louis Affinity Group, ) 2007
Environmental Sustainability and the St. Louis Region (from the Environmental Funders of St. Louis Affinity Group) 2009
Private Dollars for Public Good: a Report on Giving in the St. Louis Region and Golden Age of Philanthropy: a report on Weath Transfer in the St. Louis Region, both 2004
A Plan {of one’s own} : A Woman’ Guide to Philanthropy (from the Regional Assn. of Grantmakers) 2001
Engaging Diverse Communities For/Through Philanthropy (from the Regional Assn. of Grantmakers) 2001
So You Want to Give? (a concise description of donor options/how-to’s from the Regional Assn. of Grantmakers) 1999

To get your own copies of any of these reports from the funders’ point-of-view, see about the Center’s Will to Give program for nonprofits or register to attend the Dec. 8 Meet the Donor: Capital and Endowment Campaign panel discussion, log on to www.centerforgiving.org.

Nonprofit Missouri Seeks Inaugural Members

2010-11-15T13:38:00.005-06:00

Nonprofit Missouri is a new statewide alliance to unite and promote nonprofit organizations of all types, sizes and geographic locations, and provide resources to help build and sustain quality nonprofits in Missouri. Formally established in February 2010, Nonprofit Missouri is led by six “volunteer staffed” committees. The group plans to have an enewsletter ready for distribution in the first quarter of 2011. We have printouts at the G&FC but to to to the source for details and to see about becoming an inagural member, visit the web site: www.nonprofitmissouri.org/join-nonprofit-missouri, e-mail npmissouri@gmail.com or call Richard M. Potter, interim ex. director, at 816-456-5312.

November St. Louis Nonprofit Events

2010-11-06T12:55:00.008-05:00

Did you know about?

11/9 St. Louis Regional Chapter of Grant Professionals Assn. Membership Meeting; Call 314-791-2831 for information about joining this group.
11/9 Community Service Public Relations Council lunch meeting & program on "Corporate Giving and Community Collaborations," $35; 314-416-2237 or info@csprc.org for details.
11/10 NSC workshop on Individual Donor Research, $40, go to www.nonprofitservices.org
11/10 3 pm G&FC/NPML program on "The 990" at Schlafly; e-mail me to register
11/12 Missouri Arts Council free workshop for arts npos seeking MAC 2011 funds, call 866-407-4752 for info.
11/16 "Climbing to the Top: Meet the Executive Director" Young Nonprofit Professional Network roundtable discussion, $5. Go to the great NEW WEBSITE: www.ynpnstl.org for details.
11/16 AFP National Philanthropy Day luncheon and awards, $50, www.afpstlouis.org
11/19 NSC morning workshop on Program Evaluation, $25, www.nonprofitservices.org

Collaboration/Evaluation Info Now Available Online Free

2010-10-28T14:45:00.005-05:00

As a Foundation Center Cooperating Collection, we are pleased to call your attention to 2 new online electronic resources on nonprofit topics available FREE from the Foundation Center:

Interested in collaboration? -- http://foundationcenter.org/gainknowledge/collaboration/ has multimedia resources including a database of descriptions of successful collaborations.

Need help with evaluation? -- http://trasi.foundationcenter.org/ a social impact assessment page where you can read the latest news, connect with peers and explore the database of tools and resources.

Take some time to see if they're useful to you. We'll be showing you through those and some other new free online resources at FOR4NPOs session here on Feb. 2, 2011. Watch for details.

Need Basic Help Filling Out Your 990?

2010-10-21T10:41:00.005-05:00

Here's the last of the summer series of G&FC book reviews by VLAA interns:

Revised Form 990: A Line-by-Line Preparation Guide by Jody Blazek and Amanda Adams

Nonprofit organizations that fall under Section 501(c) of the Internal
Revenue Code are required to file a 990 form annually. In December
2008, the form was revised. This book explains the changes made to
the form as well as uncovers the potential new challenges involved in
filing the form.
Blazek and Adams also spell out clearly who is and
who is not required to file a 990. Not only do these authors do a
great job of walking the reader through the steps of the new form, but
they also provide tips on how to stay organized and keep good records.
The book truly does go through the form line by line and is easily
comprehensible for a person without a background in accounting.
-- by Whitney Digilio, Washington University Law School, VLAA summer intern 2010
For more information on the 990 and it's importance to your organization, come to our Nov. 10 session descibed below.

Learn about "The 990: Its Versions & Your Nonprofit's Tax Exempt Status" Here

2010-10-16T12:55:00.006-05:00

Nov. 10, 3-4:30 pm here at Schlafly Library Dan Sise, attorney and NPML's community engagement specialist, will give discuss the various forms of the IRS 990 annual return, especially the new 990-N for small nonprofits. He'll also talk about what to do if you miss the 990 filing deadline and your status is threatened. Stop by the G&FC, call or e-mail me for details or to sign up.

Guide to Sarbanes-Oxley Highly Recommended

2010-10-06T10:56:00.006-05:00

To help you select your nonprofit/fundraising reading , we asked VLAA interns to describe and comment on some of the books available in our G&FC collection (and elsewhere.) Here's another review for use in this political season:

Sarbanes-Oxley for Nonprofits by Peggy Jackson and Toni Fogarty

This is one of the best, if not the best, guide that I have reviewed thus far. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act was passed in 2002 and completely changed the playing field for nonprofit organizations. This guide is a must-read for any new or established 501(c)(3) organization that has not implemented policies and procedures specifically designed to insure compliance with the Act. Unfamiliarity with the ramifications of the Act does not bar nonprofits from liability, so it is essential that the governing members of all nonprofits have a clear understanding of their legal obligations. The Act centers on transparency and accountability, and the author is thorough and effective in attempting to provide organizations with all of the information and tools necessary to strengthen their infrastructures accordingly.

More specifically, the author delves deep into topics such as finance, document retention, governance, and whistleblower protection policies. For those organizations who do not appreciate the importance of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the author has included a section titled, “Five Myths That Hold Small Nonprofits Back” at the end of the guide. Compliance with the Act depends heavily upon organizations’ policies and procedures, samples of which can be found in the appendices.

-- Shannon Martínez, VLAA Intern, Law Student at Saint Louis University School of Law

More Fall St.Louis Nonprofit CE Coming

2010-09-25T10:00:00.005-05:00

Community Service Public Relations Council meeting -- Empowering Your Board Members to Advocate & Communicate --Oct. 12, 11:30-1:15, Sheraton Clayton Plaza Hotel, $35 for nonmembers, call 314-415-2237 no later than noon Oct. 8.
AFP St. Louis Fall Fundraising Seminars-- Oct. 13, 20 and 27--8:30 - 11:30, St. Patrick Center, $49 - session, $135 - series, go to AFP link at right or call 314/416-2238.
NPML's Developing an Effective Communication Plan for Your Nonprofit, Oct. 20. 3-5pm, UMSL campus, $30 go to NPML link at right or call 314/516-5948
Young Nonprofit Professional Network's 2nd annual Yearn2Learn Education Fair Meets Happy Hour, Oct. 20, 5-8pm, Llywelyn's in Webster Groves, $5 for nonmembers, , e-mail ynpnstl@gmail.com

Get Nonprofit Social Networking Tips

2010-09-13T17:14:00.008-05:00

The G&FC invites area nonprofit staff and volunteers to come get tips from St. Louis ARCHS on how to maximize the power of social networking (Facebook, YouTube, Twitter) to advance your nonprofit's socal mission and business strategies.

This free 90-minute session will begin at 3 pm Sept. 22 in the auditorium here. It is cosponsored by ARCHS (Area Resources for Community & Human Services) the nonprofit overseeing lifelong learning programs in partnerships with government, nonprofits and businesses. E-mail us with any questions and your daytime phone if you want to sign up.

More St. Louis Area Nonprofit Cont. Ed.

2010-09-04T11:15:00.008-05:00

Sept. 15 -- new Nonprofit Webinar Series being offered by NSC $35 (see partner link at right)
Sept. 16 -- Youthbridge Social Enterprise & Innovation Competition kick-off and free 4-session Skandalaris Seminar Series for Nonprofits at Wash. U. contact www.ideabounce.com for more info or to enroll.
Sept. 22 - Legal Issues for Nonprofit Board Members, 3-5 pm, $20 at NPML (see partner link at right)
Oct. 5 - U.S. Census & American Sommunity Survey Overview, 11:30-1:30, American Association of Grant Professionals, $15, contact 314-608-1816 for more information

As Political Season Heats Up, What about Advocacy for Your Nonprofit?

2010-08-26T11:40:00.005-05:00

To help you select your nonprofit/fundraising reading , we've asked VLAA summer interns to describe and comment on some of the books available in our G&FC collection (and elsewhere.) Here's another review:

The Lobbying and Advocacy Handbook for Nonprofit Organizations by Marcia Avner

This guide was written for 501(c)3 charities. Other types of nonprofits are governed by different rules and should seek out other materials. The author herself, however, seems to suggest that this guide is one of several that organizations should read before launching a lobbying campaign. The handbook was creatively written. Besides the basics of lobbying, it discusses such topics as deciding whether to become part of a coalition, rehearsing meetings with the legislature, activities lobbyists should avoid, and how to handle failure. The author also describes organizing group treasure hunts and field trips to familiarize nonprofit members with the places and people involved in the lobbying process and with the lobbying process itself. In addition, the guide’s sample checklists and worksheets will facilitate compliance and good record-keeping, alerting readers to the fact that nonprofits are limited by laws governing reporting and expenditures. Lastly, the guide contains sample lobbying materials used by a nonprofit organization in Minnesota, including a proposal, campaign summary sheet, and a lobby-day agenda. While the author does provide some information about the differences between direct and grassroots lobbying, the distinctions are limited in scope.

-- Shannon Martínez, Law Student at Saint Louis University School of Law

Want a Short, Yet Detailed, Overview of Grants Process?

2010-08-11T12:59:00.007-05:00

To help you select your nonprofit/fundraising reading this summer, we've asked VLAA summer interns to describe and comment on some of the books available in our G&FC collection (and elsewhere)

The Art and Science of Grantsmanship
by John Tesoriero
Less than 200 pages long, this guide quickly takes the reader through the grant application process and still manages to give enough detailed instructions so that even veterans could learn a thing or two. The amount of detail may slightly overwhelm readers new to the grant application process, but the guide serves well as an introductory overview of the process. Suggestions on how and where to locate grant opportunities both within the local community and on the internet are included. Chapters about post-award administration and closing the grant project and information about what to do if an organization does not use all of its grant funds will be helpful for those who have already applied for and received grants. The author has been active in the field of grants for almost 30 years and his knowledge is apparent.
-- Shannon Martínez, VLAA Intern
Law Student at Saint Louis University School of Law

Come Focus on Program Development, Evaluation Aug. 24

2010-08-03T17:48:00.009-05:00

Tues. Aug. 24, 3-5 pm, Program Development with the End in Mind: Claire Hundelt from the Nonprofit Services Center will present a different approach to project development that first focuses on the overall program goals and then builds the program toward meeting the end objectives. Participants will learn more about;

the relationship between strong programming and evaluation,

use of tools like the Logic Model and

how to align program development with proposal development
The program here at Schlafly is free but preregistration is requested; call 314-539-0357 or e-mail me

Failed to File a 990? IRS Revocation Relief Possible

2010-07-28T10:16:00.007-05:00

From NPML's Dan Sise --The Internal Revenue Service announced July 27 that small nonprofit organizations at risk of losing their tax-exempt status because they failed to file required returns for 2007, 2008, and 2009 can preserve their exempt status by filing returns by October 15, 2010. Two types of relief are available for small exempt organizations -a filing extension for the smallest organizations required to file Form 990-N, Electronic Notice (e-Postcard), and a voluntary compliance program (VCP) for small organizations eligible to file Form 990-EZ, Short Form Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. Find more information about the filing relief program on IRS.gov.
Also on this topic, Guidestar has updated a report --Automatic Revocation of Nonprofits' Tax-Exempt Status: What Nonprofits, Grantmakers, and Donors Need to Know available free at http://www.guidestar.org/ or in a print copy here at the GFC.
Dan will present a program on "The 990, Its Versions and Your Nonprofit;s Tax Exempt Status" here Nov. 10th.

Can NPO Law Be Made "Easy"?

2010-07-24T15:46:00.005-05:00

To help you select your nonprofit/fundraising reading this summer, we've asked VLAA summer interns to highlight and comment on some of the books available in our G&FC collection (and elsewhere)

Nonprofit Law Made Easy by Bruce H. Hopkins

This book guides the reader through the legal obligations a nonprofit organization must fulfill. Hopkins stresses the importance of understanding what a nonprofit is and of filing government forms properly. He uses simple language to explain the law and each chapter is broken down into the most prevalent legal issues nonprofits face. Chapters contain multiple short summaries of the legal terms and requirements associated with each of these issues. The volume helps the reader become aware of the legal matters he/she must think about before forming a nonprofit. It is recommended as a first step rather than a guide for those looking for a brief and simple introduction to nonprofit law. Nonprofit Law Made Easy will open the reader's eyes to the legal complexities of a nonprofit, but should not replace consultation with a real live legal expert.
--reviewed by Whitney Digilio, VLAA intern,

Washington University School of Law student

Coming Events for St. Louis Fundraisers

2010-07-21T10:53:00.005-05:00

July 28 ("Major Gifts)" & Aug. 4 - ("Healthy Habits in Fundraising) sessions of AFP St. Louis Summer Morning Fundraising Seminar Series--nonmember cost - $49 per session--call 314.416-2238 or go the the AFP website link on this blog for details.
Aug. 10 - CSPRC (Community Service Public Relations Council) lunch meeting with nonprofit Print Media panel, nonmember cost-$35, call 314.416-2237 by noon Aug. 6th to find out more.
Aug. 12, 8:30 - 10 am, Gateway Center for Giving's Meet the Donor: Sports Philanthropy at Busch Stadium Champion's Club, cost-$30; contact www.centerforgiving.org or call 314.621-6220 to sign up.
Seats are still available for participation in the Gateway Center for Giving's Will to Give program for nonprofits interested in starting a planned giving program. Contact the Center if you are interested.

Get Collaboration Basic Info Here July 21

2010-07-09T14:06:00.007-05:00

NPO staff and board members:
If you're wondering if merging, consolidating or collaborating should be an important part of your organization's plans to thrive, consider attending this free session from 3-5 pm at the Schlafly Branch library. Attorney Dan Sise will discuss important considerations -- information, laws, regulations, etc. -- nonprofit leaders need to know about before they begin planning how best to work with another nonprofit or business. Pre-registration is required--just e-mail me. The session is cosponsored by NPML.

Learn NPO Financial Basics Here July 15

2010-07-07T13:50:00.009-05:00

Nonprofit staff, board members and volunteers who want to understand

how to read financial statements
best budgeting & cash management practices
trends in required financial accountability

are invited to a presentation by Mary Kay Lofgren and Debra Leible, CPAs and managers in the Nonprofit Division of RubinBrown LLP, at the Schalafly Branch Library Thursday July 15 from 3-5pm. There is no charge for this presentation, co-sponsored by NPML, but preregistration is required. E-mail me with your name, a daytime phone number and any questions.

Need Help Filing for your 501(C)3?

2010-07-07T13:37:00.005-05:00

To help you select your nonprofit/fundraising reading this summer, we've asked VLAA summer interns to highlight and comment on some of the books available in our G&FC collection (and elsewhere)

IRS Form 1023 Tax Preparation Guide by Jody Blazek, CPA

Despite the fact that this book was written in 2004, it remains an excellent resource to use while filling out IRS Form 1023. (FYI: Sept. 2009 Form 1023 Revision changes are summarized at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1023.pdf ) The guide is easy to understand and takes the reader from the application process through the approval process. Line-by-line instructions for filling out Form 1023 and explanations of each of the form’s special schedules are presented in great detail. The author also explains what things the IRS is looking for when examining an application and warns the reader of organizational characteristics that may prevent an application from being approved. Appendices in the back show the reader what a complete Form 1023 and its attachments might look like for both a public charity and a private operating foundation. The appendices also include IRS correspondence samples, such as the acknowledgement of the applicant’s request and determination letters recognizing exemption. This book answers many questions a reader may have about filling out Form 1023.

--reviewed by Shannon Martínez, VLAA Intern
Law Student at Saint Louis University School of Law

We've Moved in at SCHLAFLY Branch Library!

2010-06-29T13:57:00.005-05:00

G&FC books and resource recommendations are here to browse through, refer to or check out,
G&FC staff is here (9am -9 pm M-Th, 9 am-6 pm F & Sat.),
Foundation Directory Online Professional and Grants to Individuals Online databases are installed and available for searching on a total of 8 computers,
My email's still the same, and the 314.539-0357 direct phone line should be transferred soon. (In the meantime, phone Schlafly at 314.367.4120 and ask for the G&FC.)

So please come on by 225 N. Euclid, St. Louis, 63108, to say hello, help us settle in and get details about our July and August programs.

Useful Reading on Fundraising Diversity?

2010-06-18T10:16:00.011-05:00

To help you select your professional reading, we've asked VLAA summer interns to highlight and comment on some of the books available in our collection (and elsewhere).

Cultivating Diversity in Fundraising by Janice Gow Pettey

This book gives tips on how to be successful in soliciting contributions from four major ethnic groups: African American, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, and Native American. It offers interesting historical and cultural perspectives, but may have limited applicability for St. Louis area non-profit fundraisers. The organization of the book could be improved upon and the text is a bit repetitive at times, but its overall usefulness makes it a worthwhile fundraising tool.

The author provides an outstanding historical account of the immigration of the four groups into the United States and applies the groups’ immigration history and cultural characteristics to their charitable giving patterns. I recommend using the comprehensive index to zoom into ethnic groups and topics that are of interest to the reader. To a certain extent, the book stereotypes the different ethnic groups, but author does supply data and examples to support her conclusions. The second half of the book contains interviews and case studies that the reader probably will not find to be very helpful.

Reviewed by Shannon Martínez, VLAA Intern, Law Student at Saint Louis University School of Law

June 24 Events for fundraisers, nonprofit professionals

2010-06-03T13:04:00.003-05:00

AFP St. Louis meeting "STAND Up for Fundraising" 10:45 -1:30, Norwood Hills Country Club, $35 for nonmembers, click on our AFP partner link to find out more and rsvp.
YNPN (Young Nonprofit Professionals Network) program "Not Fair Dealing with Tough Situations at Work" panel discussion, 5:30-7:30pm, Buder library, $10 for nonmembers; rsvp or send your question to the panel at ynpnstl@gmail.com

G&FC to Move in June

2010-05-27T09:29:00.008-05:00

As some of you may have heard, Central Library is closing for two years of renewal and restoration construction at 5 p.m. Saturday, June 12. All Grants & Foundation Center books, databases, magazines/journals and staff will be moving to the Schlafly Branch of SLPL, on the corner of Lindell and Euclid, soon thereafter. We may be out of contact for a couple of weeks as books, computer accounts, the database terminals, phones, etc. get switched but you should be able to request and check out our regular books from any branch during that interval with just a slight delay. We'll post the G&FC reopening date and any changes in contact information here as soon as it's available.

Fundraising Institute Coming Up

2010-05-24T15:06:00.006-05:00

The 10th annual NPML Fundraising Institute will offer succinct training in several aspects of nonprofit fund development--overall planning, grants, prospecting, marketing with technology, software, etc.-- all taught by St. Louis area professionals, June 7th-11th at UMSL. This year offers more choices and shorter classes to fit tight budgets and busy schedules. For details or to register, go to ce.umsl.edu/npml.

Meet the Donor May 28

2010-05-19T14:36:00.007-05:00

A panel of St. Louis area grantmakers will talk about how you can demonstrate the impact of your nonprofit programs at this session on Evaluation & Accountability, 8:30 -10am, at Wells Fargo Advisors. Cost is $30. Gateway Center for Giving is sponsor-- for more information and to register, go asap to www.centerforgiving.org

Then, if you'd like to learn more about evaluation, especially how to use the logic model, later in the summer Claire Hundelt from the Nonprofit Services Center, will discuss "Program Development with the End in Mind" at Schlafly library. Put it on your calendar (Aug. 24) now and watch for details on this blog.

Free Program about the "L3C" and PRIs May 20

2010-05-10T11:39:00.006-05:00

L3C = Low-Profit, Limited-Liability Company, a form of incorporating as a business being considered by the Missouri Legislature;
PRI = Program Related Investment -- unlike a grant, this offers some low-interest return to a charitable foundation or others investing in the nonprofit;
The L3C business form + PRIs = potential big impact on nonprofit funding and on advancing business interests that serve a social mission. Learn more at a panel discussion May 20th at 3 pm at UMSL.
Go to ce.umsl.edu/npml or the NPML link on this blog for details and to register for this program.

Don't forget AFP Biennial Conference May 20

2010-05-10T11:28:00.003-05:00

Speakers will include philanthropic expert and author (Check out his books from the G&FC!) Kent Dove, Paulette Maehara, CEO of AFP International, and 20 breakout sessions for fundraisers. Nonmember rate for the conference, which will be at the Sheraton Clayton Plaza, is $159. Go to the AFP website on this blog for more information or to register.

"Grassroots" Article Helps Not-So-Techies Get Perspective

2010-05-10T11:15:00.004-05:00

The May-June 2010 Issue of the Grassroots Fundraising Journal focuses on "Piecing Together the Technology Puzzle." Come look at the G&FC copy or find out more at www.grassrootsfundraising.org

Participate in Capital Campaign Report

2010-05-05T10:39:00.003-05:00

Gateway Center for Giving publishes a full scale capital and endowment campaign report ("Dollars & Sense: A Report on Major Funding Campaign in the St. Louis Region") annually to inform grantmakers, nonprofits and others about restricted funding allocations in the St. Louis region. Nonprofits now involved in, or planning, a campaign are asked to complete a short survey at www.centerforgiving.org by June 11. Benefits include a complementary "scrubbed" copy of the report. Contact Beth@centerforgiving.org or call 314.621-6220

Child Development Partnership Panelists Speak

2010-05-05T10:22:00.003-05:00

Two daycare providers and three nonprofits offering afterschool programs described how partnering with St. Louis ARCHS helped them deal with issues of access, quality control and sustainability of services at last week's G&FC event on nonprofit child development partnerships in the St. Louis region. Special thanks to ARCHS' Kristy Kight and Amber Stevenson who guided the discussion.

Basic Legal Issues for Nonprofits May 13

2010-04-27T13:37:00.005-05:00

St. Louis attorney Dan Sise will discuss basic legal principles and regulatory information affecting tax-exempt nonprofit corporations at a free workshop here at Central Library May 13 from 3-5 pm. The event will cover topics including legal duties and liabilities of board members, risk management, insurance and protections available for volunteers. Cosponsored by UMSL's Nonprofit Management & Leadership Program but contact the G&FC to register or with questions.

Do You Agree These are "Just" Awards?

2010-04-20T09:38:00.006-05:00

Check out the "Poking Pointed Fun at Foundations and Media..." story in the current Blue Avocado Nonprofit Magazine (www.blueavocado.org).to see who "won" the first Just Awards for Narcissism in Philanthropy and Abominable Press Coverage of the Nonprofit Sector.

Thanks for Sharing This Fundraising Resource!

2010-04-14T11:03:00.005-05:00

AFP St. Louis has donated a copy of Development Office Management: Forms, Checklists & Guidelines, Second Edition, by Jeff Stratton to our reference section at the G&FC. That means you can come in, look it over and update your stock of relevant information in the topic areas of development office structure, prospect research/donor relationships, fundraising & the IRS, the Board & fundraising, fundraising online, events, campaigns & funding strategies. The gift was made to commemorate the chapter's 35th anniversary and is dedicated to the St. Louis Regional Chapter's 1974 founding board.

Come Partner for Child Development Services April 29

2010-04-12T10:25:00.004-05:00

As part of our continuting series on partnerships and collaborations among St. Louis area nonprofits, ARCHS St. Louis will discuss opportunities for, and how-to's of, viable, effective partnerships for providing early childhood and K-12 services April 29 here at Central, from 3-5 pm in mtg. rm. 1. If your organization serves children, come see how a partnership might help. The meeting's free but please call or e-mail the G&FC to sign up or get more information.

April 22 Events of Interest?

2010-04-02T11:10:00.007-05:00

Operational Technology Issues for NPOs, 2-5 pm, $30, continuing ed from UMSL's Nonprofit Management & Leadership Program, visit "ce.umsl.edu/npml" or call 314 516-5948 for more info or to register.*
Managing the Upturn is the topic for the St. Louis Young Nonprofit Professional Network meeting, from 5-7 pm at the Scholarship Foundation. Cost is $5 for members & $10 for nonmembers.

* Peripheral news: Fundraising with The Raiser's Edge, a Non-technical Guide by Bill Connors is now available for check-out from the G&FC.

April Early-Birds Get In Cheep

2010-04-02T10:15:00.009-05:00

April 15 - Signing up by this date for AFP's May 20 Biennial Conference "Building a Solid Foundation of Philanthropy: Moving Beyond the Basics" -- with keynoter Kent Dove-- saves you $30. (See AFP link below)
Register by April 19 for CSPRC's (Community Service Public Relations Council) May 11 Spectrum Conference (www.csprc.org) to save$15.
April 30 is the deadline for submitting nominations for the first Board of Directors for YNPN St. Louis. Get more information about theYoung Nonprofit Professional Network at ynpnstl@gmail.com

Learn Grant Management Basics Here April 15

2010-03-27T15:03:00.006-05:00

Presumably you've finished -- and sent in -- your personal income tax forms, so you're ready to come to Central Library April 15 from 3-5 pm in Meeting Rm. 1 to learn about the forms, contracts, issues and reporting requirements to be attended to once your organization has secured a grant. Dan Sise, an attorney and NPML community angagement associate, will update the overview of this topic, with recommended resources, he led here last fall. The program is free, but please register with us so we can prepare enough materials. Cosponsored by NPML

More Books for Income-Seeking Artists

2010-03-19T13:46:00.005-05:00

At yesterday's session here for individual artists, writers, musicians and filmmakers, Sue Greenberg from VLAA described books every artist should read to help advance their careers in the profession. These included legal and business guides for specific artistic genres and some more general advice and inspiration like Robert Fisher's Getting to Yes, Richard Shell's Bargaining for Advantage, Heather Bhandari's Art/Work, and Moss Hart's Act I. Yesterday's p(art)icipants also recommended Paul Virilio's Art and Fear and J. Jason Horeijs' "Starving " to Successful. (Most of these are, or will soon be, part of SLPL's collection.) If any of you have additional recommendations, feel free to post a comment here.
BTW, VLAA has several wonderful, free publications or downloadable guides on various aspects of the arts "business." Look under "Get Smart" on the VLAA website below.

NSC's Helpful Consultant Directory Back in Action

2010-03-16T10:28:00.005-05:00

Not only has the Nonprofit Services Center moved to a new office, 326 South 21st Street, Suite 301, St. Louis, MO 63103 (Phone, fax and emails remain the same)' their online Consultant Connection™ is again searchable by area of expertise as well as name. If you need a "grant writer", for example, check that box on the search form and take a look at the list your search brings up.

March St. Louis Nonprofit/Fundraiser Opportunities...

2010-03-05T15:42:00.007-06:00

This last (we hope) month of wintry weather in St. Louis is blowing in several opportunities to find answers to your nonprofit's questions. Our G&FC partner organizations are offering:

AFP St. Louis' Spring Fundraising Fundamentals series (scholarships available) begins March 24. Get details and sign-up for individual sessions or all six by calling 314-416-2232.

The Nonprofit Services Center will be conducting seminars on Advanced Fundraising Strategies and Strategic Communications in St. Louis. Find out more and enroll at the NSC website in the partner links column of this blog.

Anyone interested in the launch summit meeting for STAR (St. Louis Alliance for Reentry) must register by March 9. Go to the ARCHS website, also linked on this blog, scroll down and click on STAR for details; or phone 314-289-5625.

Books Every Working Artist-Writer-Musician-Filmmaker Should Read

2010-03-02T10:53:00.005-06:00

March 18, 3-5pm Central Library Mtg. Rm. 1. Sue Greenberg from VLAA St. Louis will share her "Top 12" list of information about the best ways to handle the legal, financial and marketing issues creative artists must confront in order to succeed in their chosen careers. Call or e-mail the G&FC to sign up so there'll be enough helpful hand-outs available at this session.

More Info on Women's Philanthropy

2010-02-12T10:31:00.003-06:00

If you were unable to attend Thursday's Hear Me Roar session here, try these web resources recommended at the session:

www.fontbonne.edu/fcc about the Giving Circle there
www.givingforum.org seach for "giving circles knowledge center"
www.wwomensfundingnetwork.org
www.soswomensfund.org Spirit of St. Louis Women's Fund
www.sfstl.org Women's Foundation of Greater St. Louis

or look for these books: Giving Circles by Angela Eikenberry (2009), Accelerating Change for Women & Girls from the Foundation Center, and Inspired Philanthropy by by Tracy Gary, Kim Klein, Suze Orman, and Nancy Adess, 2007.

Does Your Human Services Agency "Start Here"?

2010-02-03T13:54:00.008-06:00

If your nonprofit provides food, shelter, clothing, treatment, counseling, employment or legal services to those in need in the St. Louis area, is your contact information available in the Start Here St. Louis Area Resource Directory -- either in the new print version or online??

A participant in our session on Prisoner Reentry Nonprofit Partnerships (click on the January Newsletter on the ARCHs link at right.) sent me a copy of this helpful directory. You can access it at www.startherestl.org or call 314-726-2092 to add your agency's services and contact information. (Also to learn more about what other nonprofits serve your area of mission)

More about a new nonprofit-government-business St. Louis Alliance for Reentry soon.

Love These Feb. Events for Nonprofits/Fundraisers!

2010-01-30T10:52:00.005-06:00

Feb. 11th

Women & Philanthropy - Giving Circles (see Jan. 12 post below for details) Free. E-mail me to register.
Deadline for enrolling in the 10-session Feb. 16-May 11 Neighborhood Leadership Academy. part of UMSL's Community Partnership Project. Get a brochure/registration form at the G&FC or go to ce.umsl.edu/nla for full information about this annual hands-on opportunity.

Feb. 18th -- Status Update: Social Media in Context, YNPN & Social Media Club of St. Louis meeting 6-8pm, BigBrother, Big Sister, 501 N. Grand, $5 for nonmembers. For more information or to register, e-mail ynpnstl@gmail.com or find "ynpmstl" on Facebook.

Feb. 24th --Employee Benefits Design and Compliance for NPOs, 3:30-5pm, J.C. Penney Conference Center at UMSL, $20, sponsored by NPML, register at 314.516.6713 or www.umsl.edu/npml

FC to Offer "Earned Income" Class at SLPL

2010-01-22T12:27:00.006-06:00

The Foundation Center will offer a one-day class on Earned Income: Assessing Your Nonprofit's Revenue Options for executive directors and board members at Central Library on Monday, Feb. 22, from 9-4 pm. Instructor will be Richard Brewster, executive director of the National Center on Nonprofit Enterprise. Cost is $195 per person, with some 1/2 scholarships available. For more information or to register go to www.foundationcenter.org/training or call (800)424-9838.

More January Events for St. Louis Nonprofits

2010-01-16T10:56:00.005-06:00

AFP St. Louis Jan. 28 Meeting Mentoring for Fundraising Professionals: Strategies for Building Effective Mentoring Partnerships with speaker Rik Nemanick 11:30 - 1:30 at Norwood Hills country Club, $25 members$35 non-members and $20 for YNPN members (YNPN is sponsor of the meeting). Click on the AFP link at right to register. BTW, the book Creating a Mentoring Culture an organization's guide by Lois Zachary is available for check-out from the G&FC.
Nonprofits are invited to come network and honor local donors at the Gateway Center for Giving Annual Meeting Jan. 29 11:30 - 1:30 at Build-A-Bear Workshop, $45. Find out more and register at www.centerforgiving.org.

Learn to Court Women Donors Feb. 11

2010-01-12T15:03:00.006-06:00

Male and female nonprofit fundraisers are invited come on the Thursday before Valentine's Day to learn how to attract and motivate women benefactors of your organization when the G&FC and AFP St. Louis present Hear Me Roar: Women & Their Philanthropy. Marilyn Sheperd of Fontebonne University will talk about differences in the giving patterns of men and women, why and how women give and the Giving Circle phenomenon. The session is free, from 3-5 pm in Central Library's meeting room 1, but registration is required. Call the G&FC or e-mail me to register.

Prisoner Reentry Partners Event Jan. 27

2010-01-02T13:33:00.004-06:00

In the Rome Group's 2009 survey of St. Louis area donors, 50% of funders surveyed said developing more partnerships with other nonprofits is the best way for a nonprofit to promote its need for funding.
If your group provides services for ex-offenders and/or their families, you are invited to come, learn more about the possibilities for creative partnerships to enable you to effectively provide help in this field. The free presentation on Weds., Jan 27, 3-5pm here at Central is cosponsored by the G&FC and ARCHS St. Louis. ARCHS works with the federal and state government and area nonprofits who provide reentry services and was the only organization in Missouri to receive Second Chance Act reentry funding.
Preregistration is required. Contact us with questions.

Nonprofit Events Coming in January

2009-12-28T11:05:00.012-06:00

From our St. Louis area partners:

NSC will offer a 2-hr. workshop (the first of it's "Top Ten Things You Need to Know About..." ) on Capacity Building Friday, Jan. 15. For more information or to register, click on the NSC link at right.
RubinBrown accounting firm's free Not-for-Profit Update presentation on Technical Topics & Best Practices for Today's Challenging Economy will be Jan. 28 - 7:30 - 10am. For details or to register, go to www.rubinbrown.com before Jan. 21st. (Thanks to our NPML co-sponsor, Mary Kay Lofgren and Debra Leible from RubinBrown will again be presenting Financial Basics for Nonprofits here at the library in July, so alert new board or staff members.)
Librarians love book groups. The St. Louis area's Young Nonprofit Professional Network book club will discuss Three Cups of Tea, Greg Mortenson's account of setting up schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Jan. 28th at 6 pm at Left Bank Books in the Central West End.

Free Information Stocking Stuffers

2009-12-19T15:01:00.007-06:00

Want to know what funders are thinking? Take a look at www.grantcraft.org and register to download free reports, guides and updates. The website is funded by the Ford Foundation.
Also a neighborly tip from CC Coordinator Pamela Salela at the Univeristy of Illinois- Springfield: check the general articles and ideas at www.goodworksconnect.org. This is a great example of a nonprofit networking site. It's been developed for east central Illinois, supported by the Lumpkin Family Foundation.

Meet the St. Louis Donors in December

2009-12-02T14:46:00.004-06:00

Two special sessions this month from the Gateway Center for Giving:

Keeping the Arts Alive in Tough Times, Friday, Dec. 18, 8:30- 10am, Regional Arts Commission
What Donors Want When Dollars are Down- Part II, Monday, Dec. 21, 8:30-10am, The Boeing Co.

Cost $30 each; contact www.centerforgiving.org for more information or to register.

Coming Here in 2010

2009-11-21T11:32:00.007-06:00

The G&FC special events focus for the first part of 2010 is on helping nonprofits learn more about working together to adapt to the changing world of philanthropic economics. For details about all the events listed on our blog calendar (scroll down, right), call or e-mail us.

Thanks also to the specific speakers who have agreed to present: These include Les Johnson and Gail Dickson from ARCHS; Marilyn Sheperd, Fontbonne VP of Institutional Advancement, for AFP; Sue Greenberg from VLAA, and Dan Sise from NPML.

Many thanks to the partner organizations for making these substantive sessions available to you at no charge. For more information about these acronymed organizations, click on their website links at right.

Grantsmanship Training Available Jan. 4-8

2009-11-21T11:19:00.003-06:00

The Salvation Army in St. Louis will once again be the site for The Grantsmanship Center's week-long course in the complete grant development process - tuition$895. (We hosted this excellent program at the library in 2004.) For more information or to register, go to www.tgci.com or call 1-800-421-9512.

Fall Learning Opportunities Coming SOON

2009-11-13T14:26:00.000-06:00

Business Edge Workshop for Individual Artists: "Octopus Online Marketing," Nov. 16, 7-9:30 pm $10 in advance, $15 at the door, from Volunteer Lawyers & Accountants for the Arts, call 314.863-6930 to register.

How Nonprofit Arts Can Survive in Tough Economic Times, Nov. 17, Sheldon Concert Hall, Michael M. Kaiser speaker, free, Missouri Arts Council event, Register in advance: www.artsincrisis.eventbrite.com

Meet the Donor Afterschool Programs, Nov. 19, , 8:30 - 10, $30, contact www.centerforgiving.org for more information or to register.

Improving an Organization's Bench Strength: Creating a Culture of Leadership Enhancement, Dec. 2, 3-6 pm, NPML at UMSL, instructor: Richard I. Goldbaum, call 314-516-6713 to enroll or for more information.

Build a Balanced Nonprofit Board Workshop Nov. 12

2009-10-30T14:24:00.007-05:00

The best boards are composed of people who bring a variety of skills, perspectives, backgrounds and resources to address the challenges confronting nonprofit organizations. Amy Ondr, BoardLinkStL exec. director, will show how to take a closer look at the composition of your board and define what diversity means for your organization on Thurs. Nov. 12 here at Central Library from 4-5:30 pm. She'll identify many underused and promising board candidate pools and give tips for improving your recruitment strategies. The event is free, but registration is required; e-mail me or call 314.539-0357 to sign up.

Useful Free E-Newsletters

2009-10-30T12:19:00.013-05:00

I've subscribed to a few regular free e-newsletters which provide helpful background and/or updated information whether or not you purchase the company business products or services. They include:

Board Cafe for nonprofit board members comes from CompassPoint Nonprofit Services; sign up at http://www.blueavocado.org/.
Fundraising Well and Nonprofit Fiscal Fitness from http://www.blackbaud.com/ --scroll down to resources-newsletters to sign up.
Convio Connection at www.convio.com/our-research/newsletter/.
By the Cup info and comments about nonprofit technology comes weekly from www. TechSoup.org

Got any comments or other titles to recommend?

And e-mail me if you'd like to receive the G&FC News e-mail listing our new resources and upcoming workshops.