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Newsletter - July 2006 UPDATE

Things continue to move forward on the project to form a state association of Wisconsin’s nonprofits.

FUNDING PARTNERS
Thank you to those who have joined us so far as investors in the formation of a state association of Wisconsin’s nonprofit organizations. We are grateful for your continued interest and support.

  • Helen Bader Foundation
  • Nonprofit Management Fund
  • Northwestern Mutual Foundation
  • Duluth-Superior Area Community Foundation
  • Nonprofit Management Fund of Waukesha.



FEASIBILITY STUDY
As you may recall in 2005 a statewide Steering Committee composed of 22 nonprofit leaders from around the state worked to complete a Feasibility Study. We heard from over 1,000 nonprofit leaders through a variety of means including personal interviews, 11 focus groups held around the state, and a statewide survey. In addition an economic impact scan was conducted. Those who participated represent nonprofits statewide from small cities to rural and urban locations, small and large organizations, and each nonprofit sub sector. They told of their needs and challenges as well as their interest in a state association of nonprofits. To our knowledge it is the first such study of Wisconsin’s nonprofit sector to be completed. Nationally we are told by the National Council of Nonprofit Associations (NCNA) that it is one of the most comprehensive state association feasibility studies to be conducted. This research creates a clear, data-driven understanding of the needs and challenges faced by Wisconsin’s nonprofit organizations as well as their interest in and reasons to join a state association. This study provides us with a solid baseline of information that indicated a strong interest in a state association as we move forward in the planning phase. It is very useful as we develop a business plan, create an infrastructure and design some of the initial services requested by nonprofit leaders. Just a reminder—the Feasibility Study Report is online for your review. The report also includes the Wisconsin Nonprofit Sector Report outlining the economic impact of Wisconsin’s nonprofit sector. Please feel free to share this with others. http://www.nonprofitmilwaukee.org/research/feasibility.php

THE PLANNING PHASE OF CREATING A STATE ASSOCIATION began in earnest earlier this year. A small core working group made-up of members from the feasibility study steering committee was established to continue with this project. We are grateful to these men and women who have made a volunteer commitment to work together spending the time and energy needed to accomplish the many tasks needed to launch the association. They have connected with several other people willing to help move this project forward. If you’re interested in being involved contact project leader JoAnn Stormer, joann@wisconsinnonprofits.org . In between monthly gatherings the work continues. So far, some of the work has included:

  • Being one of three emerging state associations to be awarded a two-day on-site technical assistance session by the National Council Of Nonprofit Associations, (NCNA);
  • Developing some initial connections and partnerships with individuals, organizations & businesses;
  • Applying for and securing initial funding for this planning phase;
  • Early work on the configuration of a business plan that continues to build;
  • Membership for Wisconsin in the National Council of Nonprofit Associations (NCNA) as an “Emerging” state association;
  • Draft work on a Name, Mission, Vision and Values statements;
  • Preparation of an initial version of the Governance structure for a founding board as well as the “regular” board that will emerge later;
  • A database of interested persons continues to expand as word of this effort grows;
  • Work on a website has begun.

The completed draft of the mission, vision, values and governance structure for the association will prepare us to select a founding Board of Directors. The Board will then provide governance for the next steps in the formation of the state association. We are seeking nominations for the “Founding” Board of Directors. Your help with this is very important as this project moves forward. Please consider either nominating yourself or another interested Wisconsin nonprofit leader. For more information contact Anne Katz, akatz@artswisconsin.org or JoAnn Stormer, joann@wisconsinnonprofits.org .

MOVING FORWARD... Things are moving along very well and the excitement around this project continues to grow. Weekly people are contacting us wanting to learn more. Some are already inquiring about potential services and many have offered to support the effort. We continue to be passionate about this work to develop a state association that will represents all nonprofits, focus attention on the sector and its contributions – an association that will collectively strengthen Wisconsin’s nonprofit sector and in turn help individual nonprofits to reach their fullest capacity and better serve their constituency. We believe that this is our opening to take proactive steps to make the most of our sector, build on our capacity, our people, resources and opportunities.

We appreciate your interest in, involvement with and continued support of this project. If you have any questions or ideas to share please feel free to contact JoAnn Stormer, Project Leader, joann@wisconsinnonprofits.org . She will be more than happy to listen to your thoughts and insights.