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

In This Issue:

• Video as Development Tool
• Green Computing Tips
• Primer on RSS Feeds
• Workshops to Survive the Economic Crisis
• CBF Grantees Announced
• Training: Communications and Your Mission
• Welcome, Elena Letona
• Holiday Giving
• Software Corner: Association Management Systems
• Nationwide Resources

Use Video to Enhance Your Development Efforts

Nonprofits have successfully used film to fundraise, inspire stakeholders, recruit staff and educate the public about their work. Videographer George Araneo shares advice for ways to produce videos on a budget during these lean times.

Decrease Your E-waste

How much of an impact does your computer have on the environment, and how can you reduce it? Susan Labandibar, founder and CEO of Tech Networks of Boston, lists eight new rules for sustainable computing in the spirit of good old Yankee frugality.

Putting the Simple Back in “Really Simple Syndication”

Stumped by RSS? Does the “really simple” seem anything but? Semantic Web expert Dean Allemang demystifies newsfeed technologies in Part I of an article detailing the unique value RSS provides in the information landscape of the Web.

Bottom Line: Four Workshops That Will Help Your Nonprofit Survive the Economic Crisis

We are living through what is for most of us an unprecedented economic downturn. To help nonprofit managers navigate the choppy waters ahead, TSNE is offering a series of free workshops focused on quick, easy-to-absorb - but essential - information that can help your organization sustain itself through the crisis.

We are putting the finishing touches on the series and will send an email notification as soon as registration opens. To receive details and registration information, sign up for the TSNe-Training Announcements list.

Capacity Building Fund Grantees Announced

The TSNE Capacity Building Fund has awarded Planning Grants to 16 networks for the 2008-2009 grant cycle. Projects will help the participating organizations and the network as a whole more effectively achieve a shared goal: collaborating to face a community challenge -- while together learning new program management and administrative strategies.

Congratulations to the new grantees!

Focus on Communications

The key to success for nearly every nonprofit is the ability to communicate with donors, with allies, with the people we serve and with people whose minds we hope to change.

Register for January’s Communications and Your Mission workshop before it sells out. There are only six more workshops in the Capacity Building Training Series, and the bulk discount only applies if you register for five or more workshops. Time is running out!

TSNE Welcomes Elena Letona

Third Sector New England is excited to announce that Elena Letona, formerly executive director of Centro Presente, has joined our management team in the newly created position of director of organizational learning and research.

Holiday Giving

With the economy in so much turmoil, holiday shopping can feel even more daunting this year. The NonProfit Center’s Jackie Cefola shares what she has learned about choosing holiday gifts that have the potential to help our community and environment, without breaking your budget.

Software Corner

Association management systems help track your members, special gifts, invitations to events and workshops, discounts and more. Idealware asked five different nonprofit experts about the systems that have worked for them. Visit Idealware to learn more.

Vlog Update

Several new video FAQs, on topics ranging from green practices to financial statements, have been edited and are now being reviewed. To learn more about the process of developing this vlog project, read Cyber Yenta Deborah Finn’s blog about her experiences.

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 employment opportunities, and workshops and trainings.

Look for information on the program "Funder-Grantee Discussion on the Economic Situation and Moving Forward," sponsored by Associated Grantmakers and a number of cosponsors, including TSNE. The program includes a joint funder-grantee conversation about the action steps our organizations need to take, individually and jointly, to survive the current economic crisis and best meet the needs of our respective constituents.

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