ACE February Newsletter by Arkansas Coalition for Excellence

February 2012

Arkansas Coalition for Excellence: Helping Nonprofits Help Arkansas We are proud to work with you to achieve ACE’s mission and vision together: Mission: Strengthen Arkansas Nonprofits Vision: A strong, vibrant, united and effective nonprofit sector that is well positioned to meet the diverse needs of all Arkansans. Our Core Values: Best Practices; Inclusive; Unity in Diversity; Connecting & Equipping; Statewide Vision & Regional Approach

Congratulations to ACE Members JPMS Cox LLC, Helen R. Walton Children’s Enrichment Center and Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas for their nominations in the Arkansas Business of the Year Awards!

Cover Photo: White River, Batesville Arkansas

IN THIS EDITION 3

Greetings from ACE

4–5

Upcoming Trainings & Events

Member SpotlightArkansas County Partners in Health

Federal and State Policy Updates

8-10 Resources, Grants & Other Links 11

Benefit of the Month

GREETINGS FROM ACE Dear ACE Members and Friends, If you are reading this newsletter, then I am going to go out on a limb and say that you must have a personal interest in Arkansas’ nonprofit sector. Am I right? You may be a nonprofit leader, business person, consultant or even an individual donor or volunteer. But my guess is that YOU are passionate about serving the communities of Arkansas - and YOU are interested in making our nonprofit sector better and stronger. So, you’re interested, but are you INVESTED? As the state’s association of nonprofits, ACE is committed to serve all nonprofits across this great state. However, it is our members who reap the unbeatable benefits that only a membership with your state association can provide. This includes access to national resources for technical assistance and top notch training; cost saving benefits from office supplies to background checks; access to affordable health insurance for small and large organizations; advocacy on nonprofit issues at the state and national level; and so much more! Even our business members and consultants are given opportunities to promote their services while directly working with our nonprofit members. If you are not currently an ACE member, I strongly encourage you to join our growing coalition. You may visit our website to learn more about us at www.acenonprofit.org – or you can even Click Here and go straight to an application for membership. However, I would like to personally invite you to contact an ACE staff member and let us tell you about ACE before you join! Let us brag about the work we are doing and explain the real benefits of an ACE membership. We want you to fully understand what you are getting into because it’s FANTASTIC and we don’t want you to miss a thing! Please take a few minutes to learn more about ACE and how to become a member, or take the time to Renew Your Membership now. You can call me or Rebecca Zimmermann, Membership & Communications Coordinator, at 501.375.1223. We look forward to hearing from you very soon! Sincerely,

Emily Emily C. Ingram Interim Executive Director P.S. Be on the lookout for a new Arkansas Diamond Standards™ training series coming this spring – and the announcement of a Listserv exclusively for ACE Members!

UPCOMING TRAININGS, EVENTS & PROGRAMS Demystifying the Big “C” Word- Collaboration What we’re all told to do by Funders, but don’t quite know how to! Wednesday, March 14, 2012 Can nonprofits really work together to address community needs? If so, how is it even possible? Can it be successful? Would funders actually support it? The simple answer is YES, and the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona offers one such strategy on how it worked. In 2009, as the impact of the economic crisis spread, the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona re-designed its community investment grant process to respond to the critical situation that was unfolding in the nonprofit sector. In 2010, after gathering and analyzing feedback and information received directly from nonprofits on needs in the community, the foundation initiated a new grantmaking process that focused on a three-year cycle of funding broad-based community collaborations. This new grantmaking strategy of only granting to coalitions of nonprofits rather than individual nonprofits was explored by the foundation in order to maximize the effort and impact of various nonprofits. As nonprofits, we always hear of funders wanting us to collaborate more, yet we lack many substantive models of what this looks like and how it could potentially work. Hearing this presentation (from a funder) will hopefully help answer many of those who, what, when, where, why and how questions that linger when we talk about the big “C” word- Collaboration! In this session, we’ll hear from Evan Mendelson, Vice President, Donor Relations and Program Services at the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona, on how her foundation implemented this grantmaking strategy and the pros and the cons of the entire process. As Vice President, Donor Relations and Program Services at the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona, Evan is responsible for ensuring that donors receive excellent, quality service and for implementing community investment strategies that create positive impact in southern Arizona. Throughout her career in the not-for-profit sector, she has consulted, spoken and written in the areas of philanthropy, nonprofit management and public affairs. Time: 2:30 - 3:45pm Location: Arkansas Studies Institute 401 President Clinton Ave Little Rock, AR 72201 Next to the Main Library Cost to attend: FREE To register e-mail Rebecca at rzimmermann@acenonprofit.org

5 Trends in Technology that will Shape a new Reality for Nonprofits ACE/FireSpring Trainings Tuesday March 20th To some, the word “technology” is titillating – it conjures up excitement and pumps adrenaline to the brain. But to others, “technology” elicits an uneasy feeling in the gut that makes them want to curl up on the couch with a blanket and a book. Exposure to too much of the geeky stuff causes them to just shut down. In this session, Jay will take you by the hand – regardless of your current geek IQ – and help you understand how each of us can benefit from the trends in technology. In just over an hour you’ll: · Learn about eCommunities · Discover how to use technology to get things done in your nonprofit for less money · Learn how your cell phone will change your life (if it hasn’t already) · Understand how our children are being pre-programmed for the workplace of the future This fascinating information is presented in a down to earth style by one of America’s top-rated speakers. If you haven’t caught Jay on CNN, MSNBC or at one of his keynotes at a national conference, you’ll want to be sure not to miss this engaging, informative session that will help you understand, in real terms, our “new reality.” Time: 9:30-11:00a.m. Location: Webinar accessible online and by phone Cost: FREE

The Summit: Where Volunteer, Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leaders Meet Thursday, April 26th and Friday, April 27th Hosted by. the Arkansas Department of Human ServicesDivision of Community and Nonprofit Support In partnership with the Arkansas Coalition for Excellence and the Arkansas Community Foundation For more information click here

Coming soon: Arkansas Diamond Standards™ Trainings! Learn more about the Arkansas Diamond Standards ™ best practices that guide nonprofits to excellence in four areas: Mission, Money, Management, and Governance.

MEMBERSHIP Thank you to all of our new and renewing members! ACCESS, Inc – Pine Bluff St. Joseph’s Center of ArkansasLittle Rock NEW Dianne Williams- Greenbrier Healing Farms Retreat and Integrated Recovery Services Inc.Little Rock Vera Lloyd Presbyterian Home and Family Services Inc.- Little Rock The 20th Century Club of Little Rock, Inc.- Little Rock Generations of Faith, Inc.- El Dorado Van Buren County Literacy Council- Clinton Hunter Goodman- North Little Rock Helen R. Walton’s Children’s Enrichment Center- Bentonville Museum of Discovery- Little Rock Arkansas Interfaith ConferenceLittle Rock NEW Hannah K. Vogler- Little Rock Arkansas STEM Coalition- Little Rock NEW Zion Climbing Center- Searcy The Arkansas 4H FoundationLittle Rock Argenta Community Development Corporation- North Little Rock Precious Hearts Student CenterPine Bluff Arkansas Head Start Association- Little Rock Youth Bridge, Inc.- Fayetteville ACHANGE- Little Rock Hispanic Community Services, Inc.- Jonesboro Reptile Rescue Center- Little Rock NEW The EAST Initiative- Little Rock Patrice Brown- Little Rock Garland County CASA- Hot Springs Arkansas Insurance Department SHIIP, Little Rock NEW Arkansas United Community Coalition- Fayetteville NEW Project 3:27, Inc.– Conway NEW James E. Harris, P.A.– Little Rock

ACE MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Partners in Health of Arkansas County Arkansas County Partners In Health (ACPIH) is a grassroots initiative that seeks to identify and address health issues in the community through health promotion and disease prevention programs. The network was created in January 2002, after the need for such an organization was identified through public meetings hosted by the local health unit in Arkansas County. The network originally began with three partnering organizations as a Hometown Health Initiative. Today, the community-based non-profit is comprised of individuals from twenty-eight organizations in three counties including educational institutions, healthcare providers, health organizations, community service groups, consumers, government agencies, faith-based organizations and the business community. ACPIH focuses on collaborating, coalition building, assessing community health and prioritizing local health issues. The network develops and implements health strategies that are designed for and supported by the local community through data driven programs with sustainability in mind. ACPIH programs reach individuals of all ages in Arkansas, Lonoke and Jefferson counties.

After nearly a decade of existence, programs continue to center around health promotion and disease prevention. Programs in the service area include community health education and outreach, StrongWomen, Organ Wise Guys, prescription assistance and child seat safety. This past year, ACPIH launched a worksite wellness program for area businesses and was instrumental in bringing Diabetes Self-Management Education to Arkansas County. ACPIH often connects area residents to health care resources. ACPIH co-sponsors the annual Grand Prairie Health and Wellness Expo, where many times it is the only opportunity for individuals to receive health screenings for free or a minimal fee. ACPIH AmeriCorps Volunteers ensure low-income, uninsured and under insured residents receive prescription medications at no or low cost and connect individuals who have or at risk of developing chronic health issues to other health resources in the community and around the state. Anyone who is interested in improving the health of the community and works or lives full-time in Arkansas, Lonoke or Jefferson County can be a part of the organization. There are opportunities to volunteer and serve on the Board of Directors. ACPIH board meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month and are open to the public.

PUBLIC POLICY AND ADVOCACY Payroll Tax Cut, Benefits Extension Enacted Congress and the President reached agreement on extending tax and benefits provisions that were scheduled to expire. The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, approved by Congress and signed into law by President Obama earlier this month, includes continuation of a two-percent individual payroll tax cut, reauthorization of the TANF program through December (a three-month extension), extension of unemployment benefits for up to 73 weeks in some states, and a two-year delay on the 27.4 percent Medicare reimbursement cut to physicians (known as the Doc Fix). The law does not renew any of the expired tax provisions, such as the IRA rollover or other incentives for food, book, or computer donations to charity.

Elections and Non-Charitable Nonprofits As the election season heats up, policymakers are increasing efforts to curb what they consider to be abuses by misuse of certain types of nonprofit organizations. But this year, it appears they finally recognize the legal distinctions between the different categories of nonprofit organizations, in that 501(c)(3) nonprofits – unlike other nonprofit organizations – already are prohibited from engaging in partisan election activities. A bill in the House to require greater disclosure of the names of donors expressly excludes charitable nonprofits. Likewise, when a group of Democratic Senators sent a letter to the IRS regarding potential abuses of tax law regarding electioneering, they expressly limited their inquiry to 501(c) (4) “social welfare” nonprofit groups. Despite these positive signs, charitable nonprofits should be on alert to correct and clarify news reports and statements of policymakers that fail to distinguish 501(c)(3) organizations from other nonprofits; otherwise public perceptions of the charitable sector and unwarranted regulations may arise.

RESOURCES AND OTHER LINKS NONPROFIT RISK MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE MONTH Happy at Work By Melanie Lockwood Herman Productive and engaged are words that come to mind when I picture a high-performing employee in a nonprofit. The literature on performance management is packed with advice about inspiring great performance among the members of a staff team. Some of the techniques I often cite in workshops include the generous sharing of information, eliminating “class” distinctions between employees who deliver services and those who provide internal support (finance, administration, risk management, etc.), and helping employees understand how their work advances a nonprofit’s mission. Recently I’ve become intrigued by the link between happiness and productivity. Are happy employees more productive? What should leaders do to inspire happiness at work? New research identifies factors that contribute to or detract from being happy and also highlights the link between happiness and productivity in the workplace. In an interview featured in the January-February 2012 edition of the Harvard Business Review, Harvard psychology professor Daniel Gilbert explains that “We know that people are happiest when they’re appropriately challenged—when they’re trying to achieve goals that are difficult but not out of reach,” and that “People blossom when challenged and wither when threatened.” In a companion article titled “The Future Of Happiness Research,” doctoral student Matthew Killingsworth writes that “…no matter what people are doing, they are much less happy when their minds are wandering than when their minds are focused.” Killingsworth explains that the research refutes the belief held by some managers that “a certain amount of daydreaming is a good thing” with regard to overall employee productivity. A challenged and focused workforce sounds productive, but is there an even more compelling determinant of happiness? Daniel Gilbert cites our social nature as the most significant predictor of personal happiness. According to Gilbert, a deep sense of connection to others—friends, co-workers, family—is the most important predictor of personal happiness. As you reflect on the human “face” of risk in your nonprofit and the relationship between happy workers and mission fulfillment, ask:

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 Do managers offer employees truly challenging assignments or frequently set impossible or unrealistic deadlines, requirements or expectations? Do supervisors help employees stay focused on mission-critical tasks and priorities, or send mixed signals about what’s important by loading everyone on the team with time-wasting projects due yesterday? And, most importantly, do leaders from the board room to the front lines encourage and model kindness and appropriate social behavior to nurture trust, respect and even friendships among co-workers? Risk management isn’t limited to keeping clients and caregivers safe from harm. The risk of an exodus of top performing staff will increase as the economy continues to improve and your competitors start hiring. Instead of waiting to discover that you’re understaffed, look for ways to make your agency an employer of choice. If you want to reap the benefits of a happy workforce, collaborate to set challenging but achievable goals, help your team focus on top priorities, and remember that socializing shouldn’t be restricted to sanctioned office holiday parties.

Melanie Lockwood Herman is Executive Director of the Nonprofit Risk Management Center. She welcomes your ideas about any risk management topic, feedback on this article and questions about the Center’s resources at Melanie@nonprofitrisk.org or (202) 785-3891. The Center provides risk management tools and resources atwww.nonprofitrisk.org and offers consulting assistance to organizations unwilling to leave their missions to chance. 8

TAX UPDATES Tax season is here! Make sure you stay informed of all tax laws, and other IRS news. Check out these recent updates EO Releases FY 2011 Annual Report and FY 2012 Work Plan Guidance on Requirements for Tax-Exempt 501(c)(29) Qualified Non-Profit Health Insurers  EO’s 2012 Graduate Student Summer Internship Applications Due March 2  EO Seeks Academic Hosts for Workshops for Small and Medium-Sized 501(c)(3) Organizations  

Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation Grants Each year the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation sponsors a special grant program in partnership with Arkansas Community Foundation to support programs that serve African-Americans and other minority communities in Arkansas. Projects must focus on  Education  Health and wellness  Youth development  Small business development/economic development Who Can Apply? 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, hospitals, schools, government agencies and other organizations with a clear charitable purpose are eligible to apply. All geographic areas of the state are eligible. Where Can I Get More Info? Check out the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation Grants page on our website for details about this program. You'll be able to download and complete our PDF

TK Foundation Fund Youth Development Program Application available; click here for RFP. The TK Foundation, a donor-advised fund of the Orange County Community Foundation, envisions a world where all youth have access to opportunities that lead to employment that allows them freedom, equity, security, and human dignity. The TK Foundation is interested in supporting youth development programs that are meeting the needs of motivated disadvantaged youth ages 15-21 through innovative and effective programs that help prepare the program's young beneficiaries for employment and careers that will allow them to become self sufficient in adulthood. Grant requests may range from $50,000 - $500,000. Multiyear grant requests that fall within a grant period of up to three years will be considered. Please note that this program is seeking proposals for programs throughout the United States. For questions or additional information, please contact Patricia Benevenia, Program Officer, by emailing pbenevenia@oc-cf.org

NEED AN INTERN? Are you in need of an extra set of hands or a new burst of creativity? Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia is interested in connecting some of our outstanding students with your nonprofit as summer and fall interns. Positions might include finance and accounting, education, marketing and public relations and grant writing. Please contact Lauren Land, Ouachita’s Director of Career Services, at landl@obu.edu or at (870) 245-5283 to discuss this opportunity. Learn more about Ouachita Baptist University at www.obu.edu.

IDEALWARE TIP OF THE MONTH Finding Fans on Social Media You need an audience for any social media strategy to work. The good news is, because of the “network effect,” attracting a few followers can often increase your potential audience exponentially—the very nature of social media makes it easy for your friends to spread the word to their own networks of friends, and so on. So how do you attract people to “like” your Facebook page, follow your Twitter feed or subscribe to your blog? It should go without saying that if you want people to pay attention, post something they’ll find useful and relevant. For more information click here.

JOBS CENTER Traveling Sales and Maintenance Technician, Museum of Discovery Executive Director, Arkansas Coalition for Excellence Field Director, Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance Program Administrator, Single Parent Scholarship Fund (Last Day to Apply 2/29)

Sign-Into your ACE member account to post jobs openings at your organization. For a complete list of jobs click here.

Thank you for reading this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edition of our newsletter. Questions or Comments? Contact us.

Emily Ingram, Interim Director eingram@acenonprofit.org Rebecca Zimmermann Membership & Communications Coordinator, AmeriCorps VISTA rzimmermann@acenonprofit.org

Located within the Charles A. Frueauff Foundation Offices 200 River Market Avenue, Suite 100 Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 375-1223 www.acenonprofit.org