Welcome to the TSNe-Bulletin, providing nonprofit professionals and capacity builders with tips, ideas and information on issues affecting our sector.

WINTER 2008 ISSUE

• Tips for Foundation Funding
• ED Forum: Nonprofit Sector in Japan
• Nonprofit Workforce Survey
• Consulting Grant Deadline Extended
• Farewell to McFarlane
• Tenant Spotlight: Easter Seals
• TSNE Awarded Out of the Blue Grant
• Leadership Development: DVD & Interviews
• View from the Center: New Year, New Office
• Previously On... 
• News of the Sector                                                                                   

Approaching a Foundation

We recently asked the Foundation Center to shed some light on the sometimes frustrating, almost always nerve-racking, process of seeking foundation support. Charlotte Dion, the director of the Foundation Center’s library, shares some advice on approaching a foundation and tips on writing a winning proposal. Read more.

Nonprofit Workforce Survey

As baby boomers approach retirement, the nonprofit sector is accelerating the pace of preparing the next generation of nonprofit leaders. Tell us your stories by participating in our Nonprofit Workforce Survey and help us understand important aspects of the nonprofit work experience. The more we know, the better we will be able to build organizational capacity to attract, retain and develop the sector’s most valuable resource - its people.

TSNE's Consulting Program: Grassroots Initiative Deadline Extension

The deadline for a unique opportunity for four nonprofit organizations in Boston to be a part of a capacity building initiative has been extended to February 15.
                                                       
TSNE’s Consulting Program is undertaking this work as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting small social change organizations. Services will include an organizational assessment, 32.5 hours of direct technical assistance, trainings and peer learning sessions. Learn more.

Fiscal Sponsorship Director Takes New Position

Bonnie McFarlane resigned her position as fiscal sponsorship director in December to take a position with the Massachusetts Children’s Trust Fund. The fund leads statewide efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect by supporting parents and strengthening families. Learn more.

We will miss Bonnie (and her paella) and wish her the best of luck.

Tenant Spotlight: Easter Seals Massachusetts

Looking for office help? Easter Seals trains clients on various software applications and prepares them for the workforce. But it’s difficult to land that first job without hands-on experience on the resume. Work with Easter Seals to take on a candidate as an intern to garner that important resume experience, and help your organization at the same time. Learn more.

TSNE Awarded Out of the Blue Grant

TSNE was excited to learn that it is the recipient of an Out of the Blue grant from the Boston Foundation. Each quarter, the foundation makes the unsolicited and unrestricted Out of the Blue grant to an area nonprofit in recognition of its “exceptional leadership” in the region. Learn more.

Leadership Plenary Now Available on DVD

In addition to podcasts of the different panelists, you can now purchase the full Nonprofit Workout luncheon plenary DVD, A Constellation of Stars, for $7 (includes tax and S&H). Send your check, made out to Third Sector New England, to:
TSNE
ATTN: Conference DVD
89 South Street
Boston, MA 02111

Transcripts of the podcasts, featuring Elena Letona, Chrystal Kornegay and Pat Brandes, are also posted on the TSNE website.

ED Forum

TSNE Executive Director Jonathan Spack recently visited Japan with colleagues from the NonprofitCenters Network. While the nonprofit sector there is only 10 years old, it has built a solid foundation and is ready for the next step. How can our models help them, and how can we learn from their different cultural approach? Read more.

A View from the Center

As South Africa Partners moves into a larger space, Michelle Sedaca reflects on the new year and new space as an opportunity for change. Read more.

Make Your Voice Heard

Massachusetts is part of Super Tuesday this year. As the presidential primary season heats up, be sure to make the nonprofit voices (and those we serve) heard. Don't forget to vote!

Previously On...

Last February the NonProfit Center hosted Green and Black’s Organic for a discussion about fair trade and eco-friendly chocolate. Learn more about fair trade goods for your Valentine's Day.

News of the Sector

TSNE is pleased to announce upcoming activities and events from across the nonprofit sector, as well as new resources
available for nonprofit professionals.
                                                       
Send us your sectorwide announcements to info@tsne.org, subject line "News Submission."
                                                       
This month we’ve included information on workshops, grant opportunities and job openings. Read more.