Links to Nonprofit Management Resources
The Democracy Campaign is working for a real democracy that allows the common good to prevail over narrow interests. We specialize in tracking the money in state politics and work for campaign finance reform and other democracy reforms.
Nonprofit Management Subjects
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Nonprofit Sector Information (External links)
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ABC's for Tax-Exempt Organizations For managers of new and small tax-exempt organizations from the IRS
Arts Wisconsin A checklist. Every nonprofit organization must have a carefully developed structure and operating procedures in order to be effective at fulfilling its purpose. Good governance starts with helping the organization begin on a sound legal and financial footing in compliance with the numerous federal, state, and local requirements affecting nonprofits.
CauseCast.org How to Start a Nonprofit - short, inspirational, practical advice-filled article and additional resources. Three main points: Don't do it by yourself, Have a plan and commit to sustainability, Love it.
Foundation Group Blog Info and tips for nonprofit formation and compliance.
Free Management Library provides comprehensive advice and materials for anyone considering starting a nonprofit organization.
National Council of Nonprofits
Nolo.com How to Form a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Corporation and receive a tax exemption.
Nonprofit Organizational Assessment Tool From the UW Extension Nonprofit Management Education Center, this 9-part Assessment is for existing organizations, but start-ups can use it as a window for future planning. The Assessment can help guide a group discussion about an organization's operations. This group discussion ideally should include board members, staff, volunteers, and service recipients, but could be used as a self-assessment tool by anyone associated with a nonprofit organization.
SCORE's Business for Non-profit guide (PDF), 2006. To perform effectively, nonprofits must be free to take risks, try new approaches and invest in solutions as they see it. This means developing the strategies and skills to build the capacities to serve their communities, to become self-sufficient, and to compete for resources needed to achieve their missions.
Step-by-Step Tutorials from Enterprise for community development and affordable housing programs
UW Extenstion Nonprofit Management Education Center The Learner Resource Center provides you with a number of resources on the web that could provide you with assistance in a variety of nonprofit management and leadership issues. In the "nonprofit web sites" section you will find a number of useful annotated resources organized by topic.....everything from How to start a nonprofit organization to volunteer management.
How to Dissolve a Nonprofit
The Right Way to Go Out of Business Still relevant July 2000 article that gives a nice overview of some steps,
Termination of an Exempt Organization (IRS)
How To Dissolve/Change a Nonprofit Organization (UW Extension Nonprofit Management Education Center)
Free Management Library provides comprehensive advice and materials for nonprofit organizations.
Find your legislators:
Advocacy Handbook (May 2008) from the Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest and the W.K Kellogg Foundation. This publication is designed to prepare nonprofits for engagement at the state and local levels - where most nonprofits are likely to have the capacity to engage, and the potential to see quicker results - as well as for opportunities at the federal level.
Alliance for Justice Advocacy and Lobbying how-to's for Nonprofits. Note: Most 501(c)(3) public charities will benefit from “electing” the IRS 501(h) lobbying expenditure test. The rules that govern lobbying under 501(h) are clearer than those that apply under the “insubstantial” standard.
IRS rules on lobbying and the 501 (h) election as an alternative method for measuring lobbying activity.
IRS web training Political Campaigns and Charities - Explains the ban on intervening in political campaign activities by tax-exempt and charitable organizations.
League of Women Voters Wisconsin Education Fund is a nonpartisan political organization which encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. (Wisconsin Nonprofits member)
The Wheeler Report provides website information, daily emails, state budget tracking, and detailed information on Wisconsin politics. (2/23/11)
Wisconsin Democracy Campaign is working for a real democracy that allows the common good to prevail over narrow interests. We specialize in tracking the money in state politics and work for campaign finance reform and other democracy reforms.(Wisconsin Nonprofits member)
WisconsinVote.org Wisconsin Public TV & Radio's Election Coverage and Educational Resources
BoardSource An organization dedicated to increasing the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations by strengthening their boards of directors.
BoardStar Free podcasts for board members and those who love them - smart enough and short enough for every board meeting. Also provides for-fee services to increase the involvement in and to strengthen the capability of nonprofit Boards.
Governance Issues Free e-newsletter from Candela Solutions LLC, a CPA firm targeting governance.
Top 10 Nonprofit Governance Mistakes (from a Lawyer's Perspective)
Policy Templates and Samples
Multiple Policies and Policy Creation Guidance
Wegner LLP CPAs & Consultants - Nonprofits: Sample Forms and Policies
Carter McNamara's Free Management Library
Panel on the Nonprofit Sector Principles for Good Governance and Ethical Practice
Panel on the Nonprofit Sector Supplemental Report
Urban Institute Nonprofit Governance with the United States
Board Governance
Conflict of Interests Policies
Financial Responsibilities Policies
Business Etiquette by BusinessWeek. Latest trends and info in articles, blog posts, authoritative reference materials.
Etiquette in Minutes with Syndi Seid Business etiquette tips.
Capacity Building Toolkit A 4-step process to begin and maintain critical continous capacity building.
Nonprofit Collaboration Database This unique database provides models and best practices of exceptional nonprofit collaboration efforts. Explore different collaboration models, learn about strategies for overcoming challenges to working together, find metrics for measuring outcomes, and more.
Collaboration and Community, Scott London, Nov 1995. Civic collaboration is a process of shared decision-making in which all the parties with a stake in a problem constructively explore their differences and develop a joint strategy for action. The ethic of collaboration is premised on the belief that politics does not have to be a zero-sum game where one party wins and one party loses, or where both sides settle for a compromise. Read full article.
Blogs
5 Tips For How to Start and Grow a Successful Blog
Nonprofit Email Marketing Guide From Network for Good. Strategy, nitty-gritty tips and templates to create welcome email campaigns and individual messages.
Your Best Email Campaign Ever: 4 Steps to a Winning Strategy This Fall
Facebook
5 Easy Steps to Stay Safe (and Private!) on Facebook
125 Ways to Save on Meetings from Meetingsnet.com
Form 990 Instructions and Background Documents Overview of and links to relevant IRS pages.
Form 990 News and Background From National Council of Nonprofits. Includes overview of and links to relevant IRS pages, among other resources.
StayExempt.org Web-based mini-courses on tax basics for Tax Exempt Organizations from, yup, the IRS.
Financing Not Fundraising blog series A discussion of replacing a traditional fundraising strategy with a financing strategy, which broadens the approach to creating social change
The Agitator for direct marketing fundraisers, non-profit execs, boards: donor trend data; papers, case studies on philanthropy, direct mail, marketing, fundraising
GrantStation Tracks Depot Articles on philanthropy, fundraising, and nonprofit management for visitors and Members.
Guidestar This unrivaled database includes 1.5 million nonprofits. Find out who else cares about your issues and how you can support them.
Network for Good -- The leading online donations site, Network for Good also provides affordable services to nonrprofits in their fundraising efforts.
Nonprofit.About.com -- a comprehensive resource with links, foundation information, and proposal writing assistance
Philanthropy News Network -- provides information for the nonprofit sector, including free e-mail alerts twice weekly
Corporate Sponsorships
Being Sponsorship Ready: April 2009 article discussing how businesses should evaluate nonprofits when considering sponsorships.
Grants
Council on Foundations -- provides links to grantmakers' websites
Foundation Center Free and for-fee resources: directory of foundations; Philanthropy News Digest, a free newsletter listing funding opportunities; job postings; instruction on funding research, help with proposal writing, tools for locating prospective funders, news and research on the field, or a library or training class near you.
Grants Information Collection A collection of print and electronic materials - free and open to the public at UW-Madison in the Memorial Library. Collection users do their own research.
GrantProposal.com -- provides advice and tips on the aesthetics and technicalities of proposal writing
The Grantsmanship Center -- provides links to U.S. and international funding sources
(thanks to the Case Foundation for their site's resource compilation)
Background Checks Facts and Statistics: 5 great reasons to do a pre-employment background check
Drug Screening Facts and Statistics: 5 great reasons to implement a drug screening program
Executive Compensation: Top 10 Best Practices
Unemployment Insurance: Absenteeism and Tardiness Are Not Always Misconduct, June 2010 (PDF). This brief guide helps employers establish a basic structure to ensure that an employee discharge for absenteeism or tardiness can be classified as misconduct, which impacts the employee's unemployment insurance claim. Provided by UST - Unemployment Services Trust, a Wisconsin Nonprofits Preferred Vendor.
[article] Nonprofit Directors and Officers Insurance: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (2004)
CharityLawyer Blog General observations and commentary derived from the author's practice representing nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations, plus news, events, and ideas related to the philanthropic sector.
Milwaukee Legal Initiative for Nonprofit Corporations (M-LINC), a pro bono service for qualifying nonprofits from Marquette University.
Nonprofit Issues Info-rich site on Nonprofit Law.
Alliance for Nonprofit Management
The nation's largest, most experienced network of providers of management support services for nonprofit organizations.
Get Me Jamie Notter Jamie Notter's current thinking about organizations, leadership, and human dynamics.
Transitionguides.com Articles on nonprofit Executive Transitions and Succession Planning
Project Management
How to Teach Yourself About Project Management
Links to Project Management & Other Resources
Wideman Comparative Glossary of Project Management Terms
The Getting Attention Blog Ideas, tactics, and tips for effective nonprofit communications
2009 Getting Attention Tagline Report (pdf) A comprehensive guide to learn: Why a Nonprofit’s Name Isn’t Enough; The 10 Have-Tos for Successful Taglines; The 7 Deadly Sins, 9 Snores and 5 Best Ways to Antagonize Your Audience – What not to do; and Over 2,500 Nonprofit Tagline Examples to put to work for message brainstorming.
News & Information about the Nonprofit Sector
Alltop Headlines and links to "all the top nonprofit news"
BizTimes Nonprofit Weekly News and operational insight for nonprofit execs throughout SE Wisconsin, plus info about the region's philanthropy scene.
Blue Avocado A nonprofit online zine for and from the people in community-based nonprofits
The Board Cafe Ideas, opinion, news, resources for board members and those who support them. Archives only: allied with others and formed Blue Avocado.
Charity Channel A resource place for nonprofit professionals worldwide to connect and discuss pertinent issues.
Johns Hopkins Listening Post Project Monitoring in a systematic and timely way what is happening to nonprofit organizations in the U.S.
Free Risk Management Publications (PDF list download) from First Nonprofit Insurance Company, a WNA Preferred Vendor. For your free copy of any publication, contact Katie Badeusz at KBadeusz@Firstnonprofit.com or 312-715-3049
Capacity Building Toolkit A 4-step process to begin and maintain critical continous capacity building.
Strategically Speaking Blog on strategic thinking and planning in the nonprofit sector from Wisconsin's Frank Martinelli (WNA Member)
General News and Information
NPTech.Info Pulls popular info and general news on nonprofits and technology from around the web
NTEN: The Nonprofit Technology Network The NTEN community transforms technology into social change. A membership organization with many free resources. Benefits: a supportive, smart, dedicated community behind you and access to valuable resources--benchmarking studies, webinars on dozens of tech-related nonprofit topics, regional and national networking opportunities, and more.
Social Networking
Beth's Blog "Digital immigrant" coach and professional blogger writes about using social media tools in the nonprofit sector for social change.
Social Media 4 Nonprofits A place to exchange ideas on how social networking tools can help nonprofit organizations increase advocacy & fundraising.
Software
Idealware a 501(c)3 nonprofit, provides candid Consumer-Reports-style reviews and articles about software of interest to nonprofits. Through product comparisons, recommendations, case studies, and software news, Idealware allows nonprofits to make the software decisions that will help them be more effective. (WNA Preferred Vendor)
Idealware Online Seminars Growing list of low-cost, on-demand (recorded) seminars on technology for nonprofits. Idealware is a WNA Preferred Vendor. (WNA Preferred Vendor)
Tools
Video Screen Capture When you want to create little movie of what is happening on your computer screen to show someone else.
9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance Official Site. Service project Ideas and resources; ways to share ideas; events; cause spotlight, history, and more.
Background Checks Facts and Statistics: 5 great reasons to do background checks
Corporation for National and Community Service Through this Web site, you will be able to access volunteering trends, statistics, tools, resources, and information for the nation, U.S. regions, states, and major cities. You will also be able to see how states and cities rank on different factors related to volunteering.
Energize Inc. Resource library, referral network, collective wisdom especially for leaders of volunteers.
OurSharedResources.org Free, interactive site for those in and interested in volunteer management to find and add useful resources.
Serve.artsusa.org New web portal promoting community service opportunities for arts groups, arts volunteers, and artists nationwide.
Volunteer Center Association of Wisconsin is a professional network of volunteer center staff which provides support for program development, educational opportunities, mentoring for new volunteer centers and their staff, and shared promotional efforts of effective volunteer centers in order to have a greater impact on volunteerism statewide. Includes listing and links of Volunteer Centers throughout Wisconsin.
Volunteer Job Description Primer • Samples • Online Creator from the Community Services Council of Newfoundland and Labrador.
VolunteeringInAmerica.gov volunteering trends, statistics, tools, resources, and information for the nation, U.S. regions, states, and major cities; plus state and city rankings on volunteering
Volunteer Management Resource Center from idealist.org Resources, tools, and networking opportunities for volunteer management professionals.
VolunteerToday.com The Electronic Gazette for Volunteerism
Volunteer Value Calculator from the Points of Light Foundation estimates the appropriate wage rate for volunteer time in a wide variety of volunteer jobs based on what the person does and the value of specific tasks according to market conditions as reported by the US Department of Labor.
Wisconsin Volunteer Coordinators Association The statewide professional association for managers of volunteers. Founded in 1973, WVCA promotes volunteerism, leadership, and volunteer management, and holds an annual conference. Find regional groups.
Degree, Certification, and Other Educational Programs: Nonprofit Focus
Helen Bader Institute for Nonprofit Management at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers a Masters of Science in Nonprofit Management and Leadership, Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management, and a Professional Certificate in Nonprofit Management. First Nonprofit Graduate Programs in Wisconsin, High Quality Faculty, All Courses Designed Specifically for Nonprofit Leaders and Managers, Evening Classes, Personalized Attention, Nationally Recognized Programs in Field of Nonprofit and Philanthropic Studies.
Marquette University College of Professional Studies graduate degree programs in Public Service or Leadership Studies with Nonprofit specialization, including administrative and leadership prep. Flexible Scheduling; Values-based education; Personalized attention; Quality faculty.
The Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Series at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire includes 6 courses that address the core areas of nonprofit management: Fundamentals of Nonprofit Management, Strategic Planning, Financial Management & Reporting, Board Development & Management, and Fundraising and Marketing & Communications. Courses are developed and taught by highly qualified professionals with a vested interest in the nonprofit sector. Follow us on Facebook by searching Nonprofit Leadership, UW-Eau Claire or Twitter @uwecnonprofit.
Northwoods Nonprofits Helping nonprofits in Northern Minnesota and Northern Wisconsin work together to build capacity through education, networking, mentoring, collaboration, and resource sharing.
Common Ground eNews Quick Picks
Fieldstone Alliance FREE Tools Resources both proven and easy to use. Subscribe to their eNews! WNA Preferred Vendor.
GuideStar Searchable database on US nonprofits; tools to use it.
The Hourglass Blog Exploring generations and leadership in associations and in society.
Idealist An interactive site where people and organizations can exchange resources and ideas, locate opportunities and supporters, and take steps toward building a world where all people can lead free and dignified lives. An Action Without Borders project founded in 1995.
IRS EO Update E-news, events, for Tax-Exempt Orgs and tax practitioners.
Katya's Nonprofit Marketing Blog On "Robin Hood Marketing" — the concept of stealing corporate savvy to sell just causes.
MadGive.org Association of Fundraising Professionals Madison chapter celebrates philanthropy with news, events, inspiring stories.
MeetingsNet The meeting industry's portal for information and resources related to planning meetings and events.
M-LINC facilitates pro bono legal services for eligible nonprofits, hosts educational programs in Milwaukee area.
[video] Movie Mondays Free weekly fundraising and awareness videos for nonprofits.
The National Center for Charitable Statistics The national clearinghouse of data on the US nonprofit sector.
New York Times Giving Site News and resources from around the country.
Nonprofit 911 - Network for Good Learning Center Free articles and training on nonprofit marketing, fundraising, and social networking.
Nonprofit Economic Vitality Center Info and strategies to navigate today's economy. From National Council of Nonprofits.
Nonprofit Portal of Greater Milwaukee Online info resources, training and learning events, news, and local orgs focusing on nonprofit management.
Nonprofit Times magazine Free subscription.
Nonprofit World magazine Free nonprofit management articles from WNA Preferred Vendor Society for Nonprofit Organizations
NTEN The membership organization of nonprofit professionals who put technology to use for their causes.
The Pro Bono Resource Bank Professional resources, including legal assistance, for nonprofits struggling in the economic downturn.
SBTV.com (Small Business Television) 1st TV network on the web devoted to the small business market - from business start-ups to established enterprise=
[podcast]Social Good Monthly podcasts about online Tools for Fundraising and Advocacy
Step By Step Fundraising Practical articles, samples, and strategy ideas on fundraising and nonprofit management.
Nonprofit Portal of Milwaukee Connects you to online information resources, training and learning events, news, and local organizations with a focus on nonprofit management.
Internal Revenue Service
For copies of Forms 1023 and 990 –needed to register for nonprofit status with the government.
The Nonprofit Gateway
A network of links to Federal Government information and services for nonprofits.
Internet Nonprofit Center
Practical information for and about nonprofits.
Independent Sector
Strengthens and advances the nonprofit and philanthropic community to foster private initiative for the public good.
Risk Management Resource Center
Information and resources for nonprofits to effectively manage your risk. Includes links to on-line learning and free publications for nonprofit organizations.
Nonprofit Risk Management Center
Help for nonprofit staff and volunteers to control risks so they can focus on their missions.
Nonprofit Economic Vitality Center
A resource of the National Council of Nonprofits for nonprofits coping with the economy
National Center for Charitable Statistics
The best source of information and data on nonprofits throughout the United States.
Society for Nonprofit Organizations
This organization has on-line learning opportunities, a bi-monthly magazine, and other resources for nonprofit organizations.
Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest
A resource for nonprofit lobbying and advocacy.
Audit Committee Requirements
This resource from NCNA has some great information on how to create an effective Audit Committee for your organization. There is also a template Conflicts of Interest policy that can be adapted to your organization as well.
Electronic Filing of 990 Reports
This is the final report of EDIN (Electronic Data Initiative for Nonprofits) that discusses how nonprofit organizations can easily file their annual 990 reports electronically to the IRS.
The Foundation Center
National information on grants and grantmakers for your organization.
Council on Foundations
An association of foundations and corporations, serves the public good by promoting and enhancing responsible and effective philanthropy.
Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers
Strengthening the Nation's Philanthropy--the national association for RAGs.
National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy This independent nonprofit works to improve and strengthen the nonprofit sector by promoting greater philanthropic openness and accountability
Grantmakers for Effective Organizations
Promoting learning and encouraging dialogue among funders committed to the field of organizational effectiveness.
Nonprofit Resource Library
Hurwit & Associates -- Annual filing information for Wisconsin Nonprofits
Upcoming Events
- 02/21/2012Governance and Board of DirectorsWebinar - Online workshop or forum.
- 05/23/2012Strategic PlanningWebinar - Online workshop or forum.
- 10/10/2012Leadership DevelopmentWebinar - Online workshop or forum.
- 02/25/2012Governance and Board of DirectorsWorkshop - Interactive, practical contentCambridge
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