2011-2012 Annual Report
IMPACT IMPACT IMPACT IMPACT IMPACT IMPACT Helping Nonprofits Help Arkansas
WELCOME
ABOUT ACE
Dear ACE Members and Friends,
For nearly a decade, the Arkansas Coalition for Excellence has impacted Arkansas’ nonprofits and the people they serve. Through our work, we have built a stronger, more energetic nonprofit sector by advocating for nonprofits around the state, serving as the leading resource for Arkansas’ network of nonprofit organizations, facilitating access to affordable resources, and sharing research and information.
The focus of the Arkansas Coalition for Excellence (ACE) Annual Report for 2011-2012 is IMPACT. And ACE did indeed make one this past year. However, it is our members and supporters that help us make a larger impact in our work to support nonprofits.
Stephanie F. Meincke
In a Stanford Social Innovation Review article, Collective Impact, by John Kania and Mark Kramer (Winter 2011), the authors identify five components that “produce true alignment and lead to powerful results: a common agenda, shared measurement systems, mutually reinforcing activities, continuous communication and backbone support organizations.” We believe that by producing strength, influence and power for the nonprofit collective we can create a better Arkansas. ACE strives to be the “backbone support organization” that helps nonprofits work toward a common agenda of nonprofit excellence. We do this by providing a shared measurement system, the Arkansas Diamond Standards (TM) and by coordinating mutually reinforcing activities through advocacy, networking, training, and leadership. With our continuous online communications, research and technical assistance, we aim to keep the nonprofit sector abreast of common issues facing our community.
Mission Strengthen Arkansas Nonprofits
By producing strength, influence and power for the nonprofit collective we can create a better Arkansas.
Diane LaFollette
Core Values
Vision
Best practices; Inclusive; Unity in Diversity; Connecting & Equipping; Statewide Vision and Regional Approach
A strong, vibrant, united and effective nonprofit sector that is well positioned to meet the diverse needs of all Arkansans
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Your membership, and more importantly, your engagement in working with ACE will be critical as we spend the next year expanding upon the gains we have made in the last ten years. We are looking to you to direct us in pursuing our mutual goals in the next decade, as we work together to refine a common agenda to ensure that Arkansas nonprofits remain strong and viable. Are you ready to “get collective” with us? We hope so, because we cannot do it without you!
WE ARE GRATEFUL Pierre Ferrari, President/CEO of Heifer International: Supporting a thriving, robust,
Thank you so much for your support over the past year and for your enthusiasm in looking ahead to what we can be together.
competent and successful civil society is of critical importance in creating an Arkansan culture
Sincerely,
of caring, inclusion and peace. ACE does this superbly, we are grateful for all the work they do.
Stephanie F. Meincke, MSW Executive Director
Diane LaFollette Board Chair Photo courtesy of Heifer International
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MEMBERSHIP & NETWORKING
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GREAT PARTNER Vicki Pillow, Director of Development, Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas:
ACE thrives on our relationship with our members. And without their support, ACE wouldn’t exist. Our diverse alliance of foundations, government agencies, businesses and individuals all share a common goal--a strong, united and effective nonprofit sector. It’s through the strength of our shared objective that we impact the organizations and communities we serve. In the course of our growth through the past year, ACE:
The Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas not only considers itself a member of the Arkansas Coalition for Excellence, we consider ACE our partner. We know we can count on ACE to provide information, advice, and support when we need it. ACE truly lives up to the
• Welcomed a new Membership
• Provided one-on-one technical
• Provided financial assistance
& Communications Coordinator
assistance on nonprofit
for five ACE member
through AmeriCorps*VISTA
management issues
organizations to receive
• Welcomed 75 new members
• Hosted 125 nonprofit leaders and
financial consulting through
supporters at Heifer International
Arkansas Nonprofit Services
into the coalition
• Added three new cost saving benefits including
for our largest Annual Meeting
• Facilitated monthly Network
discounts on background
Lunches highlighting board
checks, video promotion and
recruitment and engagement,
online board resources
visioning, PR and media relations
phrase--Helping Nonprofits Help Arkansas.
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• Coordinated statewide training and networking opportunities for nonprofit peers
Service Company Health Insurance
BRAVO
Career Center JobTarget
Members By Mission Art & Humanities
6%
Education 7% Environment & Animals
1%
Foundations 15% Health 4% Human Services
34%
Business, Community & Economic Development
15%
Other 18%
It’s through the strength of our shared objective that we impact the organizations and communities we serve.
Audio & Web Conferencing
ReadyTalk
Donor Software Giftworks Online Grant Database
GrantStation
In-Kind Donation Good360
members put more money $
BoardSource
Nonprofit Publication
Nonprofit World
Technology Educational Resources
Idealware
Website Development
FireSpring
towards what
Background Screening
Coeus Global
matters - the
Video Solutions
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Benefits help our
Board Knowledge Center
Risk Management Resources Nonprofit Risk Management Center
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ACE’s Cost Saving
Dharma Eye Media
causes they serve 5
RESEARCH & COMMUNICATIONS
ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Through our research and communications efforts, ACE seeks to impact the public understanding and awareness of Arkansas’ nonprofit sector. ACE provides research, resources and information that is timely and relevant to the sector. And, most importantly, we continually tell the story of ACE and our members through various media outlets, online communication and social media. Over the past year, ACE:
Through best practices, technical assistance, training and education, ACE uses its statewide organizational development program to increase the impact of Arkansas’ nonprofits. This past year, ACE:
Impacting the public’s knowledge and reception of Arkansas’ nonprofit landscape
• Focused on the topic of Social Enterprise at the Annual Meeting with guest speakers Jeremy Thornton, Samford University and Dr. Fitz Hill, Arkansas Baptist College
• Launched a new Arkansas Diamond Standards™ workshop
• Launched the new online format of ACE monthly e-newsletter
• Hosted two Communications Interns to oversee website and social media
• Began to “tweet” on Twitter
• Teamed with GrantStation to send weekly grant alerts
2012 Nonprofit Salary Survey
and Columbia Books Capacity Needs Survey in
provide bi-monthly e-newsletter,
partnership with the Arkansas
“Nonprofit Advocacy Matters”
Philanthropy Roundtable and
• Partnered with the American Red Cross of Greater Arkansas to present a disaster
ACE’s Online Resource Guide gathers professional development info and helpful tools in one convenient place
included Quickbooks for Nonprofits, Cloud Computing and Online Communications Strategies
• Completed statewide training to 100 nonprofits (20 per region) and technical assistance to 30 nonprofits (6 per region) through a Strengthening Communities Fund Nonprofit Capacity Building Program grant
• Presented monthly webinars on fundraising topics in partnership with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) – Arkansas Chapter
follow us acenonprofit
the Arkansas DHS Community Service and Nonprofit Support
LIFELINE FOR ORGANIZATION Linda L. Ragsdale, LMSW, Executive Director, Ouachita Children’s Center, Hot Springs: ACE has been a tremendous benefit and lifeline for our organization over the past few years! We see them as the “go-to” for organizational development issues, board member training, staff management guidance and even grant/funding opportunities. Nonprofits are a special species of business, so it’s very helpful to have a resource organization that understands our unique needs and concerns. Thanks ACE for all you do making Arkansas an even more excellent place to work and live!
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preparation and legal compliance
preparedness workshop series
• Conducted 2012 Nonprofit
Council of Nonprofits to
“
arkansascoalitionforexcellence
in partnership with the
social media impact
matters facing nonprofits
Like us
• Participated in a national
National Council of Nonprofits
• Sent policy alerts on urgent
evaluation, board governance, audit
to ACE members
and increased ACE overall
• Partnered with the National
series that focused on program
FAST FACT
• Hosted a Summer Tech Series that
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COMMON GOALS Debra Banks, Program Manager, ACHANGE, North Little Rock: Despite the diversity of missions, organizations that are involved with ACE have one important commonality. We are nonprofits, and as such, will be affected by the same basic laws and regulations. ACE helps ACHANGE to remain aware of any changes, and in turn, share those changes with nonprofit affordable housing organizations throughout the state.
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COLLABORATION
GREAT INVESTMENT Ed Seay, Executive Director, Help Network, Inc., Russellville: We love being members of ACE for the benefits that we receive. As a small nonprofit with limited resources, we could
One of the strengths of nonprofits is their diverse missions—dynamic, varied, and as rich in character as the communities they serve. ACE aims to convene nonprofits, government agencies and business entities; we know that working together maximizes our impact. ACE has worked with the following groups over the past year:
never afford benefits like Grantstation, which we use on a regular basis. We also would not have the training through webinars and in-person that ACE provides, often at no cost to members. Our membership with ACE has been a great investment.
Alliance for Justice
Clinton School of Public Service
American Red Cross of Greater Arkansas
Corporation for National and Community Service
FAST FACT
Arkansas Community Foundation Arkansas’ Congressional Delegation and Office Staff
Information Sharing ACE provides our members with the latest information and trends in the nonprofit sector.
Firespring Friday, Eldredge & Clark, LLP
ACE helps
Arkansas DHS Division of Community Service and Nonprofit Support
GrantStation
Ken Hubbell & Associates
Members Thank you to our current members for their support of Arkansas nonprofits. Not a
Morris Foundation
member yet? Here’s how to join.
Idealware
Arkansas nonprofits
Arkansas Economic Development Commission
navigate the legal
Arkansas Nonprofit Services Arkansas Philanthropy Roundtable
landscape with the
Association of Fundraising Professionals, Arkansas Chapter
Arkansas Nonprofit
Carl B. and Florence E. King Foundation
Legal Guide
Charles A. Frueauff Foundation
JPMS Cox, PLLC
Moving the Needle National Council of Nonprofits Southern Bancorp Financial Partners Windgate Charitable Foundation WinRock International Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation Young Nonprofit Professionals Network
Circle Communications Network, LLC
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out now more than ever about the invaluable impact we have on our communities. We’ve dedicated a section of our website to finding funding resources.
and infrastructure checklist will help assess your organization’s immediate needs.
ACE IS THE VOICE
The Arkansas DHS Division of Community Service and Nonprofit Support nonprofits. Our partnership is a model of best practices with government and private collaboration. ACE is the voice for the sector in many ways – and by working with DCSNS, we are able to better serve the nonprofit sector together through quality training and technical assistance.
Collaboration Supporting and nurturing the network of Arkansas nonprofits to ensure they continue their work.
(DCSNS) is pleased to partner with ACE to strengthen capacity of Arkansas
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Public Policy With growing deficits and extreme budget cuts, Arkansas nonprofits will need to speak Arkansas Diamond Standards is a best practice assessment for nonprofits of all sizes. A workbook, self-assessment tool
Sherry Middleton, DHS Division of Community Service and Nonprofit Support:
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Training & Technical Support is provided by ACE staff on a daily basis. It’s part of what we do, and exemplifies our commitment to ACE member organizations. 9
PUBLIC POLICY
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State and federal policies play a critical role in the day-to-day operations of our nonprofits. Therefore, it is essential that Arkansas’ nonprofits have a voice in legislative and public policy forums. From decisions on key funding to tax-exempt status, ACE works diligently to make sure that our sector’s voice is strong and united, and that the impact we have on Arkansas’ communities is clear to policy-makers.
COMMON GOALS Tim Delaney, President & CEO, National Council of Nonprofits: The National Council of Nonprofits is proud to have the Arkansas Coalition for Excellence (ACE) in our nationwide network of nonprofits, the largest in the country. ACE links
• ACE and the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation hosted a joint training on “How to Advocate as a Nonprofit” led by Alliance for Justice.
• ACE worked in partnership with the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, the Arkansas DHS Division of Community Service and Nonprofit Support, Southern BanCorp Financial Partners, and WinRock International to develop a pilot training and capacity building project for nonprofits in the Arkansas Delta.
FAST FACT ACE Nonprofit Capacity Needs Report impacts nonprofit strategies throughout Arkansas
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information on a timely basis. Whether distributing to Arkansas
Robert Velasco of the Corporation
nonprofits important information that we gather in Washington,
for National and Community
D.C., and other states, or swiftly gathering insights from
Service requesting a grant waiver
Arkansas nonprofits that is needed here on Capitol Hill to lift
that would allow more nonprofits
the voices of Arkansas nonprofits, ACE has proven itself to be
to apply for federal funding
an invaluable asset for all nonprofits to deliver on their missions
recognizing the challenges of
to serve individuals in local communities. Thank you, ACE!
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high matching requirements in a largely rural state.
• ACE’s public policy efforts increased membership participation among nonprofits
• ACE hosted a webinar for
• ACE participated in a nonprofit
interested in public policy issues—
nonprofits featuring David
roundtable discussion hosted
especially federal funding—
Thompson, Vice-President of
by Representative Tim Griffin
affecting their organizations.
Public Policy for the National
(R) to discuss the needs of
Council of Nonprofits. The
Arkansas nonprofits.
ACE works constantly to make sure nonprofits have a voice in legislative and public policy forums that is united and clearly heard.
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Arkansas nonprofits to a continuous exchange of vital
• ACE sent a letter to Interim CEO
webinar offered participants a
• ACE participated in Lobby Day
chance to ask questions about
in Washington, DC through the
the federal budget and its impact
National Council of Nonprofits.
on nonprofits in Arkansas.
ACE spoke to Arkansas’
• ACE provided regular monthly
congressional members about
updates to ACE members through
protecting the charitable giving
e-news about public policy efforts
tax incentive and protecting
both locally and nationwide
the nonprofit sector from
impacting nonprofit operations.
across-the-board cuts.
MEMBERS BY REGION Central 47% Northeast 13% Northwest 18% Southeast 8% Southwest 12% Out of State
2%
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Board
FINANCIAL INFORMATION The generous support of ACE’s funders, members, state leaders, and board leadership has made our growth possible.
Diane LaFollette, Chair Daniel L. Herrington, Vice Chair Barbara Akins, Secretary W. Taylor Marshall, Treasurer
Lisa Bondurant, APR Barry J. Colley, PhD Maxie Carpenter Debbie Watts
Staff
Thank you for your support and enthusiasm
Income
Membership & Programs
21%
With Special Thanks to: State & Federal
39%
Arkansas Community Foundation Arkansas’ Congressional Delegation and Office Staff Arkansas Economic Development Commission and State General Improvement Funds
Foundation
38%
Contributions
2%
Charles A. Frueauff Foundation
Stephanie F. Meincke, MSW
Emily C. Ingram
Rebecca Zimmermann
Corporation for National and Community Service
Executive Director
Associate Director
AmeriCorps*VISTA for Membership & Communications
Dolores F. and Thomas A. Bruce Endowment DHS Strengthening Communities Fund, made possible by the Arkansas Governor’s Office and supporting state agencies Friday, Eldredge & Clark, LLC
Expenses Resource Development
JPMS Cox, PLLC Morris Foundation Senator David Johnson
8%
Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation Windgate Charitable Foundation
Administration
20%
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QUALITY OFFERINGS Jim Caldwell, Executive Director, United Way of Southeast Arkansas: Two of the most difficult issues which all nonprofits, especially new and
Membership & Programs
72%
developing organizations, face is getting answers to hard questions along with counsel on thorny issues. In Arkansas, ACE is the “go to” place for such times. ACE is to be commended for both the quality and quantity of its offerings!
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Proud Member of the
Helping Nonprofits Help Arkansas
Located in the Charles A. Frueauff Foundation offices 200 River Market Avenue, Suite 100 | Little Rock, AR 72201 | (501) 375.1223 acenonprofit.org | Facebook.com/arkansascoalitionforexcellence | Twitter.com/acenonprofit