Join us for these upcoming programs that focus on the principles of strength at the heart of effective nonprofits: Responsible board governance, Accountability, Evaluation, Advocacy, and Active networks in the community. Current and aspiring nonprofit leaders are invited. Join us!   Free. We meet in the Main Library auditorium. To register email me or call (937) 463-2665 x6501.

Nonprofit Boards: Minding the Business While Changing the World

Presented by Beth Short, Ohio Attorney General Charitable Law Section

Wed., Jan. 11, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

The volunteers for charitable groups are passionate about the cause. Sometimes there is less enthusiasm for paying attention to board governance, legal fiduciary obligations and reporting requirements. But charities ignore these important responsibilities at their own peril. This presentation will give you easy-to-follow tips for board members and help you understand the requirements.

Integrity: Like Money in the Bank

Presented by Christy Mauch, Better Business Bureau Center for Business and Consumer Ethics

Wed., Feb. 8, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

There is no denying that grantmakers and individual donors are more selective than ever in choosing where to give. Their trust in your nonprofit organization is the cornerstone of these relationships. At this program you will discover and even fine-tune how your nonprofit demonstrates a commitment to integrity by meeting strong standards of charity accountability. Your Better Business Bureau will touch on the critical issues of governance and oversight, measurable effectiveness, finances and fundraising.

Advocacy: How to Make Your Nonprofit's Voice Heard

Presented by the Ohio Association of Nonprofit Organizations

Wed., March 14, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Your nonprofit is on the ground carrying out missions that help our community thrive. The Ohio Association of Nonprofit Organizations (OANO) is at the forefront representing the nonprofit sector at the State Capitol. Join OANO to learn how you can be a voice for your constituents and help shape the government decisions that ultimately affect your mission. You will learn about OANO's work and how your nonprofit can be strategic about advocacy.

Data and Evaluation: How to PROVE You Are Worth Funding

Presented by Andrea Hoff, Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services

Wed., April 11, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Network Building: Essential Nonprofit Resources

Wed., May 9, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

About the photo: This portrait comes from the Promises of Homefull exhibit by Homefull, an organization that works to end homelessness by providing housing, services, advocacy and education. View the exhibit and find out how you can help at www.homefull.org.

"Only by making the riches of others our own do we bring anything great into being."

-Goethe

Why not get yourself a special gift this holiday? Something so humble, it doesn't have to cost a dime. Something so great, it can fill a lifetime with ideas and inspiration! Yes, I am talking about books.

The nonprofit blog Getting Attention has collected 129 recommendations from nonprofit leaders who share the books that improved their work and changed their lives. You can get the full list of recommendations here. 

Here is a selection you can get from the Dayton Metro Library...  Please comment to share your own recommendation.

If "fundraising is the gentle art of teaching the joy of giving" (Henry Rosso), thanking should be the first thing every nonprofit worker learns to do! Because giving and gratitude are like yin and yang.

A genuine act of gratitude reciprocates the generosity of the giver. It shows that you care about their caring. Here's how:

The thank you is personal. “Dear friend” is forbidden! As Dale Carnegie says, “Remember that a person's name is, to that person, the sweetest and most important sound in any language.”

The thank you reinforces the bond between the donor and the cause. “Donors don’t give to organizations but through organizations.” This quote comes from a great new report, Growing Philanthropy in the United States.

The thank you is much more than a piece of paper. Achieving Excellence in Fundraising calls stewardship “a sacred trust.” The responsibility of stewardship permeates your nonprofit’s entire operation.

We reap what we sow. For example, a simple phone call saying thanks (even a voice message) could result in a gift that is 40% more generous next year.

Remember that the greatest gifts are not always money. As nonprofit workers ourselves, let’s remember to thank the people who work alongside us. Let's remember to preserve and renew our own bond to the cause. To quote an inspirational post from Katya's Nonprofit Marketing Blog: "Let’s be grateful we are lucky enough to be in jobs that allow us to make tracks."

More tips on expressing gratitude here.

Thank you for image: Harvest Face on Flickr

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.   - Helen Keller

In Dayton, one of the most uplifting days of the year is National Philathropy Day, organized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Dayton Region Chapter.  Visit their site to register for the lunchtime celebration and read about this year's honorees:

Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser – James E. Ghory, Jr.

Outstanding Fundraising Executive – Marsha Froelich, Clothes That Work

Outstanding Foundation – The Physicians' Charitable Foundation of the Miami Valley

Outstanding Large Corporation – Premier Health Partners

Outstanding Small Corporation – Square One Salon & Spa

Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy (18-23) – Rachel Gearhardt

Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy (5-17) – Henry Mayeux