Moving the Needle

My wife has now proven to me and my friends that even a pretty old cat can learn new tricks.  Mudpuddle (this is my cat’s name…don’t ask) has recently learned “Stay!”, “Jump!” and other assorted tricks.  I’m sure with this experience of success, my wife now has some “training” plans in store for me.

Actually, more than 20 years ago, as a newly appointed Executive Director of a local community development corporation, I came to the realization that, if I truly wanted to succeed, I needed a place to sharpen my skills and gather with others striving to serve their communities.  That was when I was first introduced to the Support Center.

According to Stephen Covey, in his book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, “Sharpen the Saw” means “preserving and enhancing the greatest asset you have–you.  It means having a balanced program for self-renewal in the four areas of your life: physical, social/emotional, mental, and spiritual.”

Now, more than 20 years later, I have the privilege to invite you to “sharpen the saw” here at the Support Center.  As a hub for nonprofit leaders and managers, the Support Center offers the opportunity connect with like-minded people, refresh your confidence and motivation, and build your expertise through the more than 100 hands-on workshops and events each year designed with you in mind.  There is no other place like the Support Center where you can get away from the day-to-day grind to get some perspective on the important work you are doing and learn ways to succeed more effectively and efficiently.  The Support Center provides a unique opportunity to find and build a peer network that can help you create the energy you need to meet the challenges of the volatile environment within which we work.  Thousands gather here each year to network and learn with us and with each other.

Whether you are looking for in-depth instruction in a subject area such as fundraising, board governance, or nonprofit accounting – or you are hoping to hear about strategic changes from foundation or corporate grantmakers – we have the right experience for you. Choose from half or full day courses, certificate programs, customized training, or attend our forums and panels.  Each facilitator at the Support Center is chosen based on their experience in their field, commitment to creating an open learning environment, and dedication to sharing and passing along their knowledge.  Each forum or panel is created based on the suggestions and requests we receive from you!

Please take a few minutes out of your busy schedule to explore our course and service offerings, and please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about what might be right for you or your staff:

• Board Development
• Financial Management – coming in April 
• Fundraising
• Marketing & Communications
• Staff Development
• Certificate Programs in Fundraising, Management & Supervision, and Executive Leadership
• Meet the Grantmakers – New Strategies in Grantmaking  Series in New York and New Jersey
• Personalized services – development of leadership skills through personalized services such as one-on-one executive coaching, or the short- or longer-term use of a consultant to develop a specific professional capacity
• Custom Training  – designed to meet your organization’s individual needs taught at your site or ours

We look forward to working with you and your organization in 2012.  Please think of us as your hub, your resource for sharpening the saw.

Don Crocker

CEO

dcrocker@supportcenteronline.org

P.S. Beyond our workshops and forums, we offer a full spectrum of nonprofit change-oriented consulting and executive search and transition services.  Visit us now to learn more!

The economy remains volatile and government cuts are upon us.  The needs in our communities are growing and even the strongest nonprofit organizations are struggling to “steady the ship.”  Executive Director and CEO transitions, too, are disrupting the ability of nonprofit organizations to remain effective.

As nonprofit funding changes, community need increases, and executive directors transition, it makes sense that the most caring and connected foundations and corporations are looking for ways to ensure the health and stability of their own “mission-critical” grantees.  Karen Brown (Support Center Board Member and Fairfield County Community Foundation VP of Programs), in a recent interview in Philanthropy News Digest’s Philantopic said, “We’ve been urging grantees to continue to invest in staff and professional development and not to look at those kinds of investments as frills…funders need to consider supporting these programs in order to help organizations hold the line on their budgets without sacrificing effectiveness.”

Many private and corporate funders are investing in efforts to ensure the health and well-being of the nonprofit groups and communities they care about.  JPMorgan Chase Foundation, the Altman Foundation, and the Prudential Foundation are just three of the many foundations that are demonstrating a real commitment to nonprofit effectiveness and impact, and are partnering in the Support Center’s efforts to guide nonprofit change and transition.

While we know that some of our readers have worked directly with us and have experience with all of these services, we realize that many of you may not be as familiar with our full scope of offerings.  Here is a brief overview:

Executive Search and Transition Management (ESTM)

A change in leadership, whether from a founder, long-time executive director, or a mismatched hire, can be a pivotal time in the life of a nonprofit—presenting an opportunity to examine organizational challenges and make decisions for future directions. Here at the Support Center, we use the proven techniques of Executive Search and Transition Management  to address organizational needs and work to strengthen the whole organization, while also successfully managing the hiring of a new leader. Our three-phase process addresses a nonprofit’s needs through an organizational assessment, facilitates the hiring of the new executive, and guarantees a successful outcome with “on-boarding” consulting for the new leader. Throughout the process, our consultants work hand-in-hand with board members, staff, funders and other stakeholders in the community.

Change Consulting and Turnaround Services

In addition to facing leadership changes, NYC nonprofits—like many others nationwide—have been hit by significant declines in funding in the wake of government shortfalls and the volatile economy. Nonprofits—from arts and culture groups to human service organizations—are undergoing painful reassessments and restructuring, including mergers, acquisitions, collaborations, cutbacks and closings. Adjusting to this new economy means increasing effectiveness and sustainability for many small to mid-sized neighborhood based nonprofit organizations. Increased funding from foundations this year allows us to reach out to more nonprofits and provide critical Change Consulting  services that can help them assess current programs, improve financial management, increase board engagement and fundraising effectiveness, while keeping our fees affordable to NYC-area small and mid-sized nonprofits.

Professional Development and Cohort Learning

Each year we strive to develop the best course offerings, listening to your requests and needs for professional development. As we plan for 2012, increased funding will allow us to expand the range of workshops, tailor them to your time-frames (half-day, full-day and evening offerings), and add more custom programming at affordable rates. In addition, we also will be developing new opportunities for cohort learning. The Trajectory Leadership Group we formed this year has confirmed our belief that cohort learning is an effective means for executive directors and other senior nonprofit professionals to learn new skills and learn from one another in a supportive atmosphere outside of their offices and daily activities.

Find out more about our work and partnerships by visiting us at www.supportcenteronline.org.

Our certificate programs are a great way to enhance your skills in the areas of Fundraising, Management & Supervision, and Executive Leadership. In a recent interview, one of our Fundraising Certificate Program Participants,Aimee Covo of the Council for Living Music, told us why she took the program, and how it has helped her professionally.

 1. Why did you decide to take our Fundraising Certificate Program?

After much research, I chose to attend the Fundraising Certificate program because it offers a diverse and well rounded series of studies/ workshops in the field of Fund Raising, including exposure to active professionals in the field with tremendous insight and expertise, and provides a certification upon completion.

2. Are there any specific goals you wish to achieve through taking the program?

My goal is to be successful through a complete understanding of the Fundraising process as it applies to today’s market and demands, as well as how to continue being successful in a competitive and turbulent economy.

3. Can you tell me any insights or lessons you have learned from the program so far?

The lessons I have learned include specific tools and tips for success that are both comprehensive and applicable in terms of proposal writing, program presentation & development, managing funds, and developing relationships with grant givers.

4. How do you think the program will be useful to your career and your organization?

The Support Center Online provides credibility (certifiable) and excellence in training recognized by the Philanthropic industry, as well as continuing support and services in development for a sustainable organization- this can only add to one’s position in this field of work and to the growing success of any organization.

Additionally, Aimee had this to say about our volunteer facilitators, “I have discovered the instructors are honest and direct in their approach to their workshops. There is reasonable level of expectations set without deterring from the excitement of possibility, and that is important to me. Plus, the instructors make the learning fun and proactive, engaging the participants to apply what is learned in a safe, professional atmosphere. What could be better than that“

Thank you Aimee!

Recently, two of our strongest ambassadors provided the opportunity for 250 nonprofit professionals to engage in dynamic conversations with funders about their priorities and goals.

“The panel assembled by the Support Center was truly top-notch, comprised of veterans in the field of corporate philanthropy and sponsorship, each of whom was eager and willing to share their expertise and advice on how to move our organization forward.”
Michael Gary, VP for Corporate & Foundation Relations,
New York Botanical Garden

Hi Pat (Volunteer Facilitator),

Thanks for putting on a great workshop (Writing Winning Grant Proposals). I learned a lot about writing grant proposals. I liked how you went into specific details and outlined different tips.

Because of the training, I am confident that if the situation arises, I will be able to put together a “winning” grant writing proposal. Thank you for your expertise.

–Everet

Everet Yi
Project PACT AmeriCorps VISTA Leader
Coalition for Asian American Children and Families

By Calvin Thomas
The Times of Trenton Op-Ed

Although the financial earthquake occurred in the fall of 2008, the aftershocks are still being felt by the nonprofit sector.

The Support Center for Nonprofit Management recently conducted a Meet the New Jersey Grantmakers forum July 14 at the PSEG Headquarters in Newark.  The forum was attended by more than 100 nonprofit leaders from all parts of the state who represented a diverse range of services and sizes.

Calvin Thomas Jr.

If I had to pick one clear and bold message from the comments made by the nonprofit leaders who attended, it would be this:

The financial “squeeze” is beginning to really take its toll on our ability to adequately provide services much needed in New Jersey.

The squeeze that is becoming more apparent to the sector is what was referred to as the “private-public” squeeze.

On one side, the private foundations and corporations in New Jersey have significantly reduced their grant dollars to the nonprofit sector due to the negative effect of the financial meltdown on their financial portfolios and income statements.

And on the other side, the state legislators have just passed a FY2011 budget that significantly reduces spending for social services that they relied on from the nonprofit sector through state grants and contracted services.

The question echoed by the nonprofit leaders was:

“Where do we go for financial support to service a rapidly growing population of citizens in dire need of help?   Funds are being significantly reduced or completely cut from both sides.   We are stuck in the middle.”

What makes this “private-public” squeeze a tumultuous time for the nonprofit sector is that the state of New Jersey — that is, the public sector — is depending on the foundations and corporations — that is, the private sector — to assume more of the financial responsibility to support the nonprofits.

However, in this very weak economy, the private sector has yet to recover from the recent economic meltdown.

Foundations are trying to rebuild their portfolios while corporations are trying to protect their bottom lines.

The latest prediction from the federal government is that the recession could last another five or six years before any indication of normal growth to the economy is seen.

I believe that having these Meet the New Jersey Grantmakers forums throughout the state is critical for creating a roadmap to navigate through the present financially challenging times.  It allows for creative and meaningful dialogue between the leaders of both the nonprofit organizations and private grantmakers.

Grace Egan, Executive Director of New Jersey Foundation for Aging (NJFA) and a panelist at the forum, stated that NJFA granting policy prohibits it from granting private funds to nonprofit applicants that are looking to replace public funds that were cut or reduced.

After hearing the concerns of the audience and the impact that this “private-public” squeeze is having on their ability to operate, Egan plans to raise this issue with her foundation’s board to consider changing its policy.

I am certain that there are a number of New Jersey private foundations that operate with that policy.  In these challenging times, I implore any private foundation in New Jersey with such a policy to reconsider its position. It is one step in the right direction that will make a big difference.

The nonprofit sector may not have been responsible for the 2008 financial earthquake.

However, leaders of the sector are responsible for their survival and long-term sustainability.  The leaders must take the opportunity during these trying times to re-examine their organizations’ mission, infrastructure and capacity.

Now is the time for organizations to engage in an independent and thorough:

• Organizational
• Financial assessment
• Board development
• Staff development and
• The development of a strategic and fund-raising plan to take them into the future.

The next financial aftershock or earthquake may be just around the corner.

Nonprofit leaders must build their organizations to adapt and endure.

With the current state spending reductions, they may be the only service providers in their communities.  They owe it to their customers.

Calvin B. Thomas Jr. senior associate consultant for the Support Center for Nonprofit Management.

The Support Center recently provided a series of seven Management and Supervision workshops for Regional Economic Community Action Program (RECAP) employees.

Janet Waterston facilitated the sessions which covered:

• Building Supervisory Relationships
• Personality, Styles and Differences in the Workplace
• Conflict Management
• Dealing with the Difficult Employee
• Delegation
• Did You Hear What I Meant to Say?
• Performance Reviews

Sample of participant feedback:

Janet Waterston

“Excellent presenter, wonderful topics, great learning tools”

“Many of the topics discussed throughout the series will continue to be used throughout my career”

“This information can be utilized to enhance the skills of all employees to better serve our community”

“Providing leadership training offers a stronger foundation for supervising staff”

For information on bringing a customized workshop to your organization, contact Steve Damiano, 917-522-8302
sdamiano@supportcenteronline.org.

>>> Customized Training

Written by Steve Damiano, Director of Professional Development, Support Center

The Support Center is excited to announce a new partnership with the Center for Collaborative Change and the Newark Bears to provide a series of capacity building workshop at the Bears Riverfront Stadium in Newark, NJ.

The first two workshops will take place in June.

The fee for these workshops is only $45.

Proposal Writing Overview
Thursday, June 17 * 9:30-12:30

In this workshop, we will discuss what makes a project compelling to a funder, and how you can get the right information, in the right order, to paint a vibrant picture through the limited format of a typical proposal.

TOPICS WILL INCLUDE:
·    The language of proposal writing
·    Choosing the best type of objectives
·    Writing the needs statement
·    Designing program goals and objectives toward evaluation & assessment
·    Constructing realistic budgets and timetables
·    The pros and cons of seeking out and receiving grants

How to Find and Ask for Money
Wednesday, June 23 * 9:30-12:30

This “basic” fundraising workshop will introduce you to strategies for implementing effective prospect research techniques in your own organization.

TOPICS WILL INCLUDE:
·    Techniques for asking for gifts in smarter, more efficient ways
·    How to identify new prospects for your organization
·    How to efficiently mine existing relationships
·    The infrastructure necessary for success including, money, materials, staff, board, technology, etc.
·    The components of a successful ask

SUMMER 2010 Workshops

http://supportcenteronline.org/event-calendar.php