Expanded NPPC Services! Introducing My Most Excellent Partner ~

This post is all about NPPC and how we are expanding services with the addition to the team of a top notch nonprofit executive with extensive experience in nonprofit management, leadership development, training, strategic planning, performance excellence and more (and your grant writing projects continue to be most welcome!). Please feel free to visit one of our websites for information about how to get in touch. www.npprosperity.net; www.socalawake.com. 

Introducing Brad Wiscons ~

I’m Brad Wiscons and I am very excited to become much more involved with Nonprofit Prosperity Consulting (NPPC), the business developed over the past five years by my partner, Brenda Balmer.  I have worked in nonprofit youth and community development since 1979!  So much has changed while so much has remained the same over these 39 years.  I would like to take a moment to share some skills that I am passionate to make available through nonprofit consulting and support.

I am driven to help nonprofits demonstrate performance excellence.  Most of us realize that doing good for others means that our business must do well.  Performance excellence provides a road map to organizational success.  Basic performance excellence techniques can help organizations grow, prosper, and help others.  I used to be an examiner for the California Awards for Performance Excellence (CAPE), in fact, I was a 2007 CAPE Examiner for the Year.  I learned much through that process that is powerful for improving the viability and continuing improvement of organizations.  I want to offer down-to-earth actionable tools that will impact employee engagement, leadership development, financial growth, and customer experience and satisfaction.

I love to provide staff education and development.  My degrees are in education, I was trained as a high school science teacher and my Master’s degree is in Counseling and Human Development.  Along the way I have taught, led, trained, engaged, and supervised many people.  I have learned that as teachers we have an equal responsibility with students to develop a creative, energetic, and fun learning environment that welcomes diversity of background, education, experience, and expectation.  I know how to make learning fun while measuring learning – not just measuring the ability to regurgitate facts. I can provide training on numerous topics for both staff and board members.  I can support strategic planning and board development, and I can help you to develop and implement an ongoing training plan for your organization.

I am a numbers geek that enjoys communicating with others!  I really enjoy creating systems to collect data and then turning simple data into valuable information.  I am good at listening and understanding what kind of information you need, and I can develop tools for you to collect data, analyze it, and turn it into actionable information to improve productivity and customer satisfaction.

I am a deeply spiritual and ethical person with a surprising sense of humor.  Most people who have worked with me know that I love to have fun.  But for me, the greatest fun is helping myself and others become better people.  What does this mean and how can it foster organizational development and improvement?  A better me is someone who not only accepts diversity but seeks it out and embraces it.  A better me is someone who takes responsibility for my growth and actions to benefit those around me.  A better me is someone who lives a compassionate life and understands that the best way to meet my own needs is to help meet the needs of others because we are all interconnected.  As an extension of my belief in ethical, nurturing and healthy organizational systems, I am devoting a significant part of my work to Mindful Leadership Development. I can customize an approach for your organization to help you to move from Competition to Communication to Coordination to Collaboration to Compassion.

Nonprofit Nonpartisanship Threatened

Re-posting! The Johnson Amendment is threatened in the current budget negotiations - see previous post re legislative update from CalNonprofits.  Just one more thing for nonprofits to pay attention to, I know.  If you weren't calling your senators and representatives before, call them now!

I’m going to really try to not make this dry and boring because I want you to all pay close attention.  Stealth efforts are underway to undermine nonprofit nonpartisanship protections. As you all know, the last clause in the section 501(c)(3) tax code prohibits nonprofit organizations, including faith based organizations, from participating in, or intervening in any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office.  While this may at times feel constricting, and forces working to undermine these protections do cite the limitations on free speech, the benefits are real and include: tax exemption, and eligibility to receive tax-deductible donations.  The conditions for receiving these benefits are: no private profit; lobbying limits (gray area); and nonpartisanship. This is a big deal. 

Why is this a big deal?

1. Nonprofit organizations have the trust of the communities we serve in large part because we are nonpartisan problem-solvers. A weakening of the prohibition on partisan political action risks an erosion of that trust. For example, why would people donate to a mission-driven organization if they don’t trust that their donation will be applied to mission rather than diverted to support a candidate for political office?  It also risks internal strife.  Consider what would happen if board members become distracted from mission and conflicted with each other over partisan disagreements (Send a donation to my candidate!  No! Send a donation to my candidate!).

2. Nonprofit organizations and faith communities alike would become vulnerable to manipulation by candidates and special interests.  Paid partisan advertisements in your weekly sermon anyone?? Special interests would start offering churches and nonprofit organizations money to meet their budgets for quid pro quo, eroding our power as moral and spiritual leaders.

3. Provides a new arena for dark money, or undisclosed political contributions, further weakening our fragile and stressed political system.

What is happening?

President Trump has issued an Executive Order that, while circuitous and confusing indicates that he is suspending enforcement of the Johnson Amendment (that last clause prohibiting nonprofit partisanship). We have yet to understand the impact but it is a signal of his support for eliminating the Johnson Amendment.  Legislative challenges include:

·         A move to repeal H.R. 172 (Johnson Amendment) and strike out all of that final provision.  This would take away all restrictions on using money for partisan, election-related activity.

·         A move to weaken the Johnson Amendment via the Free Speech Fairness Act.  This would include provisions for permitting partisan activity if it is: 1) Made in the ordinary course of the organization’s regular and customary activities in carrying out its purpose.  The slippery slope here is definition.  Take for example, a religious broadcaster reaching a huge audience. An endorsement would take place during regular and customary activities, and have a huge impact that would change the complexion of the nonprofit or faith community mission.  And 2) If it results in the organization incurring de minimum incremental expenses.  Consider the case of a college president sending out an email to all alumni endorsing a candidate or requesting a candidate donation.  Minimal expense; huge impact; and diversion from mission.

The first hurdle is on July 13 where there will be a congressional vote on Financial Services Appropriations.  Section 116 sets up hurdles so that the IRS could never enforce the Johnson Amendment with houses of worship.  If you see this before then, ask your legislators to strip out Section 116.

Attempts to repeal or weaken the Johnson Amendment will probably never be introduced on their own, but rather attached to other legislation.  Our advocacy organizations (CalNonprofits) will be watching for it to be attached to tax reform or debt ceiling related legislation, and will let us know what to do.

What can you do now?  Yes, this is the ask!

If you are a California nonprofit, go to www.GiveVoice.org and sign the community Letter in Support of Nonpartisanship.  So far, 157 California organizations have signed – CalNonprofits is hoping to double that.  Nationally, more than 4,850 organizations have signed.  There is more information and there are more suggestions there.

·         Call your member of congress.

·         Set up in-district meetings.

·         Write local op-eds.

·         Lobby your own networks (yup, I’m lobbying you!).

·         Talk about this!  The Johnson Amendment is not well known or understood and we need to change that in order to be successful.

How Are You Doing?

How Are You Doing?

This may sound like a silly question, but I really want to know.  No matter what your personal, individual, political party affiliation, the approach of the new presidential administration to health, mental health, social services, the environment, and the arts has meant a brand-new status quo both in terms of the effect of new laws and policies on your nonprofit constituents, and in terms of your nonprofit funding environment.

CalNonprofits conducted a survey earlier this year – “Government in Transition; Nonprofits in Transition,” and released results in April.  Some of the most notable findings were reports of increased levels of staff anxiety, and numerous write in comments about the impact on immigrants.  Respondents reported that recipients were requesting to be removed from the CalFresh program, and a domestic violence shelter reported receiving fewer calls from Spanish speaking women.  Many reported that immigrant clients are fearful of using services because of fear of deportation.

Almost two-thirds of respondents receiving government funding report that they anticipate less funding in the next year.  While many indicated that they believe they will receive increased individual donations, others fear that larger organizations will benefit from these increases, and smaller, or less known causes will suffer. As a result, a high percentage indicated that they were increasing their policy advocacy or engaging in policy advocacy for the first time.

What am I seeing as a grant writer?  Honestly, I am seeing all of thesse things.  The immigrant services and advocacy organizations I write for are deluged, and are doing everything they can to amplify their messages and support their clients.  Some organizations keep working day by day, wondering when their government contracts will be pulled.  Personally, I have had far fewer government grants to write this year – it’s a lean year!

So, this is a real question: How are you doing?  And, in particular, I would be interested in hearing how your organization is strategizing for success and sustainability in this new socio-political environment. 

Here is a link to the CalNonprofits survey results if you are interested: http://calnonprofits.org/publications/article-archive/529-nonprofits-rethinking-their-future-under-trump-administration-new-survey-reports.  And let me put in a plug for this statewide nonprofit advocacy organization.  I have been super impressed with their work this year, and I would encourage you to support them.  They are working for you!

Your Mission Statement Matters!

Your Mission Statement Matters!

In the grant writing context, a mission statement is just about the most requested piece of information I see, aside from contact information.  I am sure you have heard all of this before, but your mission statement is like the face you present to the world.  It should be short and pithy.  It should be inspirational.  And here is the hard part – it should represent who you are more than what you do.  I have seen many mission statements that are comprised of a list of what an organization does, and while instructive, these are not memorable.  You want to be memorable.

So, how do you get there?  In my experience, getting to a great mission statement is not easy.  In fact, it can be a bit messy (sorry!).  It does not usually result from one person sitting down in front of a keyboard and working out a mission statement.  The best mission statements are hard won through a collaborative process of stakeholders – people who care deeply about what you do.  And while this collaborative process takes work and time and dedication, it is worth its weight in gold because, having helped to create it, your stakeholders are then invested in your mission, have your mission memorized, and are better ambassadors for your organization. 

Mission Statement Step by Step:

1. Do your research – read other mission statements, see what you like and don’t like.  Here is a place to start: https://topnonprofits.com/examples/nonprofit-mission-statements/.

2. Gather your stakeholders for a brainstorming meeting.  This meeting can include everyone from board members to clients and other interested parties.  If it is not appropriate to invite clients because of the sort of work that you do, consider holding a focus group especially for them – their input is important.  Come up with a list of questions that get them talking about what is special about the organization and what you do.  Ask them why they care.  You might want to consider having two note takers in place – one to capture big ideas on newsprint that everyone can see, and one typing verbatim notes on a laptop.

3. Have your board, staff and any other decision-makers spend some quality time with the information gathered in your brainstorming meeting(s) before they come back together.

4. Get the decision-makers together to craft the mission statement.  You can start by creating a list of inspiring words that you might want to include – these should be drawn from your brainstorming meetings. This session starts as another brainstorming session and ends as a word smithing session – you’ll be capturing mission statement ideas on newsprint, and getting a sense of what resonates.  Some ideas will emerge as favorites and you will word smith them until you are happy with the result.  Resist the temptation to add a long string of things together.  Find a way to say it succinctly.  For example, if you find yourselves with a list of ideas or concepts, is there something that ties them together?  Is there a theme?  That tie or theme might be your mission statement!

5. Once you’ve got it, announce it to the world!  Use the development of your mission statement or new mission statement to publicize your organization, to get your name and face in front of your potential clients and supporters. 

So, get out your brainstorming newsprint, and gather your stakeholders to create the best mission statement ever!

Are You Ready for a Grant Writer?

No matter your size, there are some institutional things you need to have in place in order to successfully apply for grant funding.  The concrete requirements are these.  First, you need to either be a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization; or have a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization as your fiscal sponsor.  The 501(c)(3) designation is a federal tax status conferred as a result of an application process that confirms that your work meets federal guidelines for tax-exempt, charitable work.  A fiscal sponsor is a nonprofit that agrees to fiscally manage grant funding on your behalf for a nominal fee.  Most (but not all) funders limit their giving to designated nonprofit organizations.  Second, you need to be able to demonstrate that you are fiscally sound and responsible, with reasonable and balanced organizational and project budgets in place.  At a certain point, you will be required to file tax returns (990s), and once you reach a certain size, you will need to have an annual or semi-annual audit performed by an external accountant.  You are frequently required to provide these documents to potential funders to document your financial stability.  Third, many funders require a list of your board of directors.  They want to know who is affiliated with your organization, and they want evidence of clear board oversight.

In addition to these concrete requirements, you need to be ready to work with me.  I know that you are busy running your organization and your programs, and you can certainly leave the writing to me.  However, in order for our grant writing to be truly representative of your organization, I need your input.  I need information that only you have.  I need to hear you speak with passion about your work.  I need you to review and edit my writing so that it represents you.  It is also very important that any contacts with funders are YOUR contacts, so that they become a part of your institutional capacity.  Finally, if we are working on a large project together, we will need to collaborate closely on budgets and scopes of work in order to ensure that you feel confident that you can complete the work with the budget we submit.  So, are you ready?

What Is Grant Writing?

In my world, grant writing is a highly collaborative process.  At its best, the development of grant proposals is an opportunity for me to help you say what you want to say, and to clarify and articulate your organizational mission and programs in an engaging and impactful way.  It can be a great venue for program development, particularly when responding to governmental requests for proposal.  Typically, we only think of grant writing as a way to obtain funding for organizations, and this is clearly central to its purpose, but excellent grant writing accomplishes much more than this.  In the early stages, grant writing is a means for organizations to introduce themselves to funders, whether they be charitable foundations, corporate philanthropies or governmental entities.  And, whether relationships are new or established, grant writing is always a venue for educating funders about the cutting edge issues in your area of service and expertise.  Funders should learn something new about you and your work each time you connect with them.  Finally, the most successful grant writing is accompanied by ongoing, reliable connections with your organization.  These can take the form of follow-up phone calls requesting feedback, reports and updates, invitations to events, visits or tours of your organization, or thank you notes.  Think of grant development as relationship building!

Introducing Your Grant Writer

My name is Brenda Balmer, and I have been a successful, professional Grant Writer for more than 15 years.  I came to this work as a social service administrator (Program Manager/Director) who wanted to be at home with her kids.  I have written for all sorts of organizations and about all sorts of topics, including health and mental health, worker and immigrant justice, healthy hunger relief, Veteran’s services, criminal justice, addiction and more.  This wide variety is actually something that I love about my job.  And I love helping organizations to do their good work.  It makes me feel like I am doing good work, which I think I am!  I have had success with foundation, corporate and government grants.  In my eleven year tenure with Vista Community Clinic, I obtained more than $40 million in grant support for the organization.  I have experience responding to County of San Diego, State of California and federal requests for proposal including those from HRSA, SAMHSA, OJJDP, OMH, CDC and more,

Personally, I am passionate about the environment and I do my best to reduce my carbon footprint.  I have solar panels, drive a hybrid, hang my clothes on a clothesline whenever possible, work from home, never buy water bottles, and eat a plant based diet.  I am a musician. I sing and play a few stringed instruments, mostly at church and for my own enjoyment.  My kids are young adults, starting to make their way in the world.  I am ridiculously proud of them.  I have a handsome and super supportive partner who also works in social services administration, and who is a soulful, Buddhist practitioner, always soul searching, finding new ways to be kind and compassionate.

So, enough about me.  Let’s talk about Grant Writing!