Nonprofit Collaboration, Mergers and Saving the Safety Net
Written by Rosetta Thurman, on July 30, 2009
It's been a tough year for nonprofits in Greater Washington. Here at the Roundtable, we've been moving fast to adapt and provide relevant support to help nonprofits lead effectively through the economic change that is sweeping our region. Although the outlook is still unclear for the future of our local organizations, we believe that there are several ways for us to move forward as a nonprofit community, including
Explore new ways of working together, including collaborations and mergers
Partner with local government
Advocate to preserve existing funding and save the safety net for nonprofit services
Explore New Ways of Working Together
Nonprofit Collaboration and Mergers
This week, the Roundtable convened over 50 nonprofit leaders at an event on nonprofit mergers and collaboration with Dan McCormick, beginning the second phase of our New Ways of Working Together series. (The Powerpoint presentation of the Nonprofit Collaboration and Mergers event can be accessed here. You can also watch a two-minute video online.)
During the seminar, Dan stressed the importance of:
conducting initial discussions of mergers and collaborations in a safe and neutral environment
focusing on the implementation of mergers
keeping the focus on capacity building to deliver mission
Let us know if you are interested in exploring this topic or if you would like to share your ideas on how to engage collectively in this discussion.
Partner With Local Government
Northern Virginia Nonprofits Nonprofit NoVA hosted a meeting this week with several policy makers including Barbara Favola (Arlington County), Wally Covington (Prince William County), Rob Krupicka (City of Alexandria) and Verdia Haywood (Fairfax County). Some panelists' suggestions to nonprofit leaders:
When you approach a local government, emphasize collaboration, efficiencies, outcomes, and accountability.
Let your local government know how nonprofits can save them money.
Use coalitions/groups to present ideas to Department heads and to create a forum for ideas about how best to change the system - not just to ask for funds
Click here to read more about what our panelists had to say.
Montgomery County Nonprofits Are you looking for funding? Come to the 4th Annual Nonprofit Funding EXPO on August 18, 2009 from 7pm - 9pm at the Long Branch Community Center in Silver Spring, MD. RSVP to Ann Tran
Meet representatives from County agencies and learn about county funding opportunities.
Get tips on grant writing from local experts
Hear from foundation leaders about what they look for in a proposal
Learn how to advocate for your projects and programs.
Advocate to Save the Safety Net
DC Nonprofits
This Friday, the DC Council votes on budget cuts. The Mayor has proposed more than $52 million cuts to social services. Over half of the overall cuts fall on human services (a disproportionate share, as those services represent less than 1/3 of the total budget). Cuts include $6.2 million in funding for TANF and $1.8 million for legal services. The Save our Safety Net campaign hosted a rally at noon today (July 30) at the Wilson Building (1350 Pennsylvania Ave, NW) to urge the DC City Council to invest in the safety net. If you weren't able to attend, call your DC Councilmember (or Chairman Vince Grey, or an At-Large Councilmember) and urge them to adopt a course of responsibly balanced budget cuts and sufficient revenue enhancement.
Cultural Alliance, Sitar Arts Center and other Roundtable Members are also engaging the DC Council through DC Advocates for the Arts; send an email to learn more.
Nonprofits and the Impact of the 2010 Census
Did you know if just 100 people in your community fail to respond to the 2010 Census, your community could lose approximately 1 million dollars in federal funding over a ten year period?
SEPT 16: The Roundtable hosts a webinar on NONPROFITS & THE 2010 CENSUS conducted by Nonprofits Count. This webinar is open to any Roundtable Member staff. 12Noon-1:00pm; RSVP to Nana. Find out more about what is at stake and what nonprofits can do to ensure a complete count in 2010.
How is the 2010 Census is important to your mission?
Why do nonprofits play such an important role in ensuring a complete and accurate count?
What can your nonprofit can do right now to get involved?
Where is the Census Bureau is right now in its preparations for the 2010 count?
funding opportunities.
