Posted in NewsNotes Archive
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Starting Social Enterprise Initiatives for Community Nonprofits The November 28, 2011 issue of Crain’s Detroit Business listed their picks for “Best Managed Nonprofits” in the region. In glancing over the winners, I couldn’t help notice a common thread—each had its own for-profit venture. These weren’t new nonprofits, but established ones like Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit, Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, Mariners Inn, and Warm Training Center. And what was Crain’s focus in selecting best managed? They all had “successful revenue strategies for nonprofits that were not fundraising.” One was a remake of an old, abandoned strategy; some were new; and some were quite profitable. NEW’s Get Connected Program on Thursday, January 26 in Detroit features a panel of three who will offer advice on how a nonprofit might start a for-profit venture. A number of different things need to fall into place: readying the board for such an adventure, finding the for-profit venture that supports the mission and the client base, identifying the right people to make the venture work (staff and new “employees”), and lining up financing. The underlying issue to address, however, is none of the above—it’s Risk. Nonprofits aren’t in the business of taking risks. Sure they face risks all the time, but seldom do they choose risk. Typically, they’re in the mode of “business as usual,” endeavoring to be ever more efficient and effective in their work and finding funding to support it. Starting a for-profit venture takes determination, courage, and the commitment to step into the unknown. It requires being willing to let the market decide if the for-profit enterprise will succeed or fail. At the opening of his monograph, “Good to Great and the Social Sectors,” author and researcher Jim Collins states, “We must reject the idea—well-intentioned but dead wrong—that the primary path to greatness in the social sectors is to become ‘more like a business.’” So what is the place for business in the social sector? Collins’ statement leaves room for the formation of a for-profit within a nonprofit—as long as it aligns with its mission. That’s essential because one of the most important ways for a nonprofit to measure its success is how it performs against its mission. To learn more about nonprofit for-profit ventures, join me January 26 and meet two people who’ve taken business risks. Lisa Johanon, Executive Director of Central Detroit Christian Community Development Corporation in the North End of Detroit, and Delphia Simmons, Project Manager/Program Director for the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program at the Coalition for Temporary Shelter (COTS), Lisa has started a community of businesses, the best known of which is Peaches & Greens, a fresh produce truck and store. Delphia learned that other cities had newspapers sold by the homeless as a way to earn income and started one in Detroit as one of the first projects funded by Kiva Detroit. Learn more about the session and presenters from NEW's blog post. Join us Thursday, January 26, 1pm for "Starting Social Enterprise Initiatives for Community Nonprofits." Register now. |
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Spring into Service - NEW's Board Matching Event NEW will once again host our popular matching event for boards of directors Thursday, April 19, at the United Way of Washtenaw County in Ann Arbor. Spring into Service is a chance for your nonprofit to market your mission to the attending group of individuals seeking board service. Fall into Service in Detroit last October helped match multiple people with organizations delighted to have their new energy and skills. Dan Robin, Program Associate with NEW (313-887-7788 x 300, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ), wants to hear from Washtenaw and Livingston County nonprofits that would like to be one of the fifteen organizations to host a table. Attendees will be from the Ann Arbor area.
Please share the link to the survey with other nonprofits—the more survey respondents, the more representative and accurate the findings will be. NFF will analyze the results and provide them to all of us—nonprofits, government, foundations, lending institutions, media, and umbrella organizations—in late March. Also, all survey respondents who choose to give their contact information will receive the results directly.
Governor Rick Snyder hosted by the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce This is a Chamber member only event. Learn more and register now. Not a member? Learn more about the benefits of Chamber membership.
Voter Engagement
Fundraising Essentials, Featuring Doug Stewart
This workshop addresses the roles and responsibilities of a board member, including board operations, strategic planning, resource development, oversight and ambassadorship. You'll also learn about BoardConnect's matching services and boardnetUSA, a national online database that connects candidates and nonprofits. Registration. What is your plan to make 2012 a much more successful fundraising year? More information.
Get Connected: Starting Social Enterprise Initiatives for Community Nonprofits See lead story above for details on the presentation. Learn how you might bring more money into your organization via a for-profit enterprise. Registration.
Presenters: Lisa Johanon, Executive Director, Central Detroit Christian Community Development Corporation; Delphia Simmons, Project Manager/Program Director for the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program at the Coalition on Temporary Shelter (COTS); and Stephen Y. Nose, Principal, S|Y|N Associates LLC Charities that seek contributions nationally must typically register in 39 states and the District of Columbia before starting to solicit. For-profit fundraisers are also required to register and file their contracts and other documentation with many states. Since enforcement efforts are increasing, it's important that charities and fundraisers abide by these statutes—especially since noncompliance can result in the imposition of significant fines and penalties. More information and registration.
Trends for Nonprofit Boards Today
Board Member Training: Serving on a Nonprofit Board
More information and registration.
See other trainings and events on the Michigan Nonprofit Association website. Michigan Chamber of Commerce Classes You may want to bookmark the Michigan Chamber of Commerce upcoming seminars page and check back regularly to stay informed about upcoming trainings for employers. In January they are offering Overtime and Wage Compensation in both Lansing and Novi as well as a two-day Supervisor & Manager Training Course in Novi in February. The Michigan Chamber also offers the popular Ed2Go classes that are also available from most community colleges. Choose from a wide array of 6-week classes that can build your nonprofit skills, including fundraising, grantwriting, and nonprofit marketing. More information.
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