TSNe-Bulletin November 2008

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

In This Issue

Fundraising in a Down Economy
Impact of the 2008 Election
Achieve Diversity, Step-by-Step
Year-end Donations Refresher
Be the Media Conference
Training: Strategic Thinking Workshop
ED Forum: Social Compact
Software Corner: Online Survey Tools
TSNE Website Survey
Nationwide Resources

Keeping Your Nonprofit Strong in a Down Economy

For most nonprofit organizations, the economic downturn has made it increasingly difficult to find the funds needed to sustain current staffing levels and operations.

But in the midst of a gloomy economic forecast, nonprofit organizations can weather the recession and even prosper by strengthening their brand and diversifying their fundraising.

We have also compiled some resources from around the Web to help your organization through these stormy times.

In addition, our articles archive includes Fundraising in Sun and Rain, Donor-Centric Fundraising, Nonprofit Budget Tips and Tips for Seeking Foundation Support. Or host a fundraising auction, where donors can find a bargain while still helping your organization thrive.

Community Organizing on a National Scale?

Among his many accomplishments, President-elect Barack Obama has significant experience as a community organizer. Many in the nonprofit community are excited by the idea that someone with a nonprofit background who understands and respects our sector will occupy the oval office.

We asked a number of community-based organizations with whom we work to comment on the impact they believe an Obama administration may have on their work. Read some of their responses.

Achieving Diversity in the Nonprofit Workplace

Are we willing to live with discomfort for a time in order to achieve healthy, whole communities - with parity for all?

In this guide for nonprofit organizations, Diversity Initiative Director Tyra Sidberry and writer Pat Dixon provide a step-by-step approach to achieving diversity and inclusiveness in the nonprofit workplace.

Donation Regulations

Frantically sending off your year-end appeal to the printer? Brush up on best practices for accepting charitable donations in this refresher.

Grassroots Media Conference

Challenges and Opportunities in the Age of New Media for Grassroots Organizations

The annual Be the Media Mini-Conference will again bring nonprofit professionals together to explore tools and techniques for reaching constituents through traditional and new media. Participants will examine the link between strategic communications and organizing strategies, while identifying the best and most impactful strategies to use for their grassroots organizing efforts.

The mini-conference is sponsored by Progressive Communicators Network -- Boston/New England and Third Sector New England.
Co-sponsors include Project Think Different, Boston Women’s Fund, Resist and Press Pass TV.

Enhance Your Strategic Planning With Feedback Models

November’s Capacity Building Training Series workshop, Strategic Thinking and Learning Loops, is right around the corner. Register now before it sells out! And be sure to register for your winter workshops soon - January’s Communications and Your Mission is rapidly filling up.

More about Strategic Thinking and Learning Loops: When partnered with more traditional strategic planning, strategic thinking creates a culture of critical thinking among board and staff alike. Join us to go deeper into this real-time planning discipline that enables continuous feedback on program and organizational effectiveness.

ED Forum

TSNE Executive Director Jonathan Spack ponders the effects of the current economic crisis on the American social compact, and what it could mean for the nonprofit sector.

Software Corner

Online surveys can be a huge help in understanding what your constituents think and how successful your programs are - without breaking your budget. Idealware spoke to a number of nonprofit staff to understand how the existing online survey tools compare. Visit Idealware to learn more.

Once you’ve selected your survey tool, learn more about designing the right survey for your organization.

Help Us Improve Our Website

How do you use our website? We are preparing for a revamp, and we’d like to ask you to take six to eight (6 - 8) minutes to fill out a quick survey to help us evaluate and improve the TSNE and NonProfit Center websites.

Happenings and Opportunities in the Nonprofit Sector

TSNE is pleased to announce upcoming activities and events from across the sector, as well as new resources available for nonprofit professionals.

This month we’ve included information on workshops and trainings, publications, employment opportunities and a social media survey.

Have a job opening, grant opportunity, publication or event to announce? Send us your sectorwide announcements to info@tsne.org, subject line News Submission.