nonprofit
2008-08-29
Web–based Non–profit Ratings: New Tools for Measuring Impact
Filed Under:
September 29, 2008, San Francisco, CA.
Northern California Grantmakers presents Web–based Non–profit Ratings: New Tools for Measuring Impact
September 29, 2008
9:30 am – 12:00 noon
(Registration & networking 9:30 am – 10:00 am, program begins at 10:00 am.)
SFSU Downtown Campus
835 Market Street, Room 610
San Francisco, CA 94103
What if there was a "Yelp"–like site that provided qualitative information on non–profits in the form of "reviews" by volunteers, community members, and other stakeholders?
Taking a page from social networking sites that provide reviews of local businesses and products, newly founded GreatNonprofits is building a free online database of "constituency reviews of non-profits," bringing to the non–profit sector the "consumer recommendations" solution popularized by such websites as Yelp, Epinions, and TripAdvisor. Partnering with GreatNonprofits on this endeavor is GuideStar, which relies heavily on data from 990s to provide information on the non–profit sector nationally.
The evaluation debate over whether using a systematic "metric" driven process can truly measure a non-profit's outputs is still inconclusive. In certain cases using a metrics approach can be very effective in evaluating a grantee's performance, but such an approach requires an investment in time and money. The focus on metrics as a framework for evaluation often puts non-profits under tremendous pressure to prove their effectiveness and efficiency. Additionally, donors, volunteers, and the public also demand greater accountability and transparency. As a result, there's been a strong drive within the sector to find simple, affordable means to measure non-profits' impact.
Staff from GreatNonprofits, GuideStar, and Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors will discuss how this new technology can be used to create a quality non–profit rating services which will enhance transparency; and will help donors and volunteers to differentiate among non-profits, find ones they trust, and be more confident in their giving and volunteering. This discussion will also explore how grantmakers and other constituents can make effective use of these tools—realizing their strengths and limitations.
Please join us to:
Learn new ways to attract support and volunteers for your grantees;
Learn how the local non-profit sector can be enhanced by better information about local non-profits; and
Have an engaged discussion on the strengths and challenges of these new tools and how they can enhance your current evaluation methods.
Panelists:
Doug Bauer is the Senior Vice President at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, an independent non-profit service that provides research and counsel on charitable giving, develops philanthropy programs, and offers complete program, administrative and management services for foundations and trusts.
Perla Ni is the Founder of the Stanford Social Innovation Review and CEO of GreatNonprofits. Ni was the co-founder of Grassroots Enterprise, a web tools company serving non-profits. She is a graduate of University of California, Berkeley and Harvard Law School. She still blogs for the Stanford Social Innovation Review and has spoken at the World Economic Forum, NetImpact, Milken Global Conference and Grantmakers For Effective Organizations. She sits on the boards of GoodWill Industries of San Francisco and VoterWatch.org and on the advisory board of Nonprofit Finance Fund.
Robert G. Ottenhoff, President and CEO of GuideStar, is responsible for the strategic execution of the GuideStar mission, fundraising to support this mission, and is the liaison with GuideStar's board of directors. Bob has 25 years of management experience in public broadcasting and high-tech companies, including 9 years as chief operating officer of the Public Broadcasting Service. He currently serves on the board of Vision TV, Grameen Foundation USA, AAFRC Trust for Philanthropy, and the e-Philanthropy Foundation. Bob holds a master's degree in planning from Rutgers University.
Target Audience:
This event is open to both funders and non–profit staff.
Cost:
This program is free of charge. Register now!
September 29, 2008
9:30 am – 12:00 noon
(Registration & networking 9:30 am – 10:00 am, program begins at 10:00 am.)
SFSU Downtown Campus
835 Market Street, Room 610
San Francisco, CA 94103
What if there was a "Yelp"–like site that provided qualitative information on non–profits in the form of "reviews" by volunteers, community members, and other stakeholders?
Taking a page from social networking sites that provide reviews of local businesses and products, newly founded GreatNonprofits is building a free online database of "constituency reviews of non-profits," bringing to the non–profit sector the "consumer recommendations" solution popularized by such websites as Yelp, Epinions, and TripAdvisor. Partnering with GreatNonprofits on this endeavor is GuideStar, which relies heavily on data from 990s to provide information on the non–profit sector nationally.
The evaluation debate over whether using a systematic "metric" driven process can truly measure a non-profit's outputs is still inconclusive. In certain cases using a metrics approach can be very effective in evaluating a grantee's performance, but such an approach requires an investment in time and money. The focus on metrics as a framework for evaluation often puts non-profits under tremendous pressure to prove their effectiveness and efficiency. Additionally, donors, volunteers, and the public also demand greater accountability and transparency. As a result, there's been a strong drive within the sector to find simple, affordable means to measure non-profits' impact.
Staff from GreatNonprofits, GuideStar, and Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors will discuss how this new technology can be used to create a quality non–profit rating services which will enhance transparency; and will help donors and volunteers to differentiate among non-profits, find ones they trust, and be more confident in their giving and volunteering. This discussion will also explore how grantmakers and other constituents can make effective use of these tools—realizing their strengths and limitations.
Please join us to:
Learn new ways to attract support and volunteers for your grantees;
Learn how the local non-profit sector can be enhanced by better information about local non-profits; and
Have an engaged discussion on the strengths and challenges of these new tools and how they can enhance your current evaluation methods.
Panelists:
Doug Bauer is the Senior Vice President at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, an independent non-profit service that provides research and counsel on charitable giving, develops philanthropy programs, and offers complete program, administrative and management services for foundations and trusts.
Perla Ni is the Founder of the Stanford Social Innovation Review and CEO of GreatNonprofits. Ni was the co-founder of Grassroots Enterprise, a web tools company serving non-profits. She is a graduate of University of California, Berkeley and Harvard Law School. She still blogs for the Stanford Social Innovation Review and has spoken at the World Economic Forum, NetImpact, Milken Global Conference and Grantmakers For Effective Organizations. She sits on the boards of GoodWill Industries of San Francisco and VoterWatch.org and on the advisory board of Nonprofit Finance Fund.
Robert G. Ottenhoff, President and CEO of GuideStar, is responsible for the strategic execution of the GuideStar mission, fundraising to support this mission, and is the liaison with GuideStar's board of directors. Bob has 25 years of management experience in public broadcasting and high-tech companies, including 9 years as chief operating officer of the Public Broadcasting Service. He currently serves on the board of Vision TV, Grameen Foundation USA, AAFRC Trust for Philanthropy, and the e-Philanthropy Foundation. Bob holds a master's degree in planning from Rutgers University.
Target Audience:
This event is open to both funders and non–profit staff.
Cost:
This program is free of charge. Register now!
2008-07-22
Public Allies seeks Program Associate/ 2nd Year Fellow (AmeriCorp)
The term of service is for 10 months after start date. Candidate must be available to start by September 15, 2008. Reply deadline: August 1, 2008.
Public Allies advances diverse young leaders to strengthen communities, non-profits and civic participation.
Program Associate/ 2nd Year Fellow (AmeriCorp)
***** The candidate must have successfully completed one year of AmeriCorps service. *****
Reply deadline: August 1, 2008
Overall activities: Recruitment of Alliance Members (Allies, Partner Organizations, Volunteers); Continue the development of Alumni Relations, Assist in facilitation of Ally/Member Training, and Team Service Project Process.
Areas of Responsibility:
· Participate in AmeriCorps sponsored trainings.
· Assist with facilitation of Ally training.
· Participate in quarterly Ally retreats and Public Allies local and national staff retreats.
· Conduct local Alumni meetings and events
· Assist staff with intra-community and external communication (Ally Skinnies, database management, website management)
· Other responsibilities assigned by supervisor
Personal Characteristics
The successful candidate should be the following: organized, punctual, team player, independent, creative, strategic; possess the ability to genuinely encourage and apply input; demonstrates ability to take ownership for personal learning and professional growth; able to interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and in a variety of environments; possess an appreciation for cultural and individual differences; able to interact with young adults in a non-traditional work environment; possess a sense of humor in order to maintain perspective and a sense of balance.
Experience: The candidate must have successfully completed one year of AmeriCorps service.
Education: The candidate should at least have a GED/HS Diploma.
Living Stipend: $16,000; $4,725 Education Award (upon successful completion of service term); health care, childcare (candidate must qualify)
Duration: The term of service is for 10 months after start date. Candidate must be available to start by September 15, 2008.
To Apply: By August 1, 2008, e-mail resume, cover letter, a 2 page essay describing; “Who you were before your Americorps service, what you learned from your 10 month experience and how you will implement those lessons learned in the Second Year Ally Position”, two writing samples (either from school or work) and two references (PROFESSIONAL ONLY, NO FRIENDS, NO RELATIVES, NO FAMILY FRIENDS) to:
ebonys@publicallies.org
ALSO please mail OFFICIAL High School or College Transcripts to
Ebony N. Scott
Director of Community Relations
Public Allies Chicago
200 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60601
Program Associate/ 2nd Year Fellow (AmeriCorp)
***** The candidate must have successfully completed one year of AmeriCorps service. *****
Reply deadline: August 1, 2008
Overall activities: Recruitment of Alliance Members (Allies, Partner Organizations, Volunteers); Continue the development of Alumni Relations, Assist in facilitation of Ally/Member Training, and Team Service Project Process.
Areas of Responsibility:
- Work with Director of Ally Recruitment to develop an institutionalized ongoing recruitment strategy and engage Allies and Alumni in recruiting efforts.
- Conduct at least three outreach recruitment sessions per month.
- Work with Director of Community Relations to develop and implement an strategic recruitment Campaign of potential Partner Organizations.
- Write a monthly recruitment report on both Ally applicants and Partner Organizations.
- Coordinate and lead Public Allies Participation in three service days in collaboration with local nonprofits, neighborhood associations and other AmeriCorps programs
- Coordinate Americorps Opening Day with AmeriCorps in Illinois
· Participate in AmeriCorps sponsored trainings.
· Assist with facilitation of Ally training.
· Participate in quarterly Ally retreats and Public Allies local and national staff retreats.
· Conduct local Alumni meetings and events
· Assist staff with intra-community and external communication (Ally Skinnies, database management, website management)
· Other responsibilities assigned by supervisor
Personal Characteristics
The successful candidate should be the following: organized, punctual, team player, independent, creative, strategic; possess the ability to genuinely encourage and apply input; demonstrates ability to take ownership for personal learning and professional growth; able to interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and in a variety of environments; possess an appreciation for cultural and individual differences; able to interact with young adults in a non-traditional work environment; possess a sense of humor in order to maintain perspective and a sense of balance.
Experience: The candidate must have successfully completed one year of AmeriCorps service.
Education: The candidate should at least have a GED/HS Diploma.
Living Stipend: $16,000; $4,725 Education Award (upon successful completion of service term); health care, childcare (candidate must qualify)
Duration: The term of service is for 10 months after start date. Candidate must be available to start by September 15, 2008.
To Apply: By August 1, 2008, e-mail resume, cover letter, a 2 page essay describing; “Who you were before your Americorps service, what you learned from your 10 month experience and how you will implement those lessons learned in the Second Year Ally Position”, two writing samples (either from school or work) and two references (PROFESSIONAL ONLY, NO FRIENDS, NO RELATIVES, NO FAMILY FRIENDS) to:
ebonys@publicallies.org
ALSO please mail OFFICIAL High School or College Transcripts to
Ebony N. Scott
Director of Community Relations
Public Allies Chicago
200 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60601
2008-07-15
Craigslist Foundation's 3rd annual NYC Nonprofit Boot Camp
Filed Under:
August 16, 2008, NYU, New York, NY.
San Francisco based Craigslist Foundation, along with more than 1,000 nonprofit leaders and social entrepreneurs, is scheduled to commandeer the NYU campus on August 16, 2008 for Craigslist Foundation's 3rd annual NYC Nonprofit Boot Camp.
Craigslist Foundation, a nonprofit organization formed by the creators of Craigslist.org, provides free and low cost programs for nonprofit professionals and social entrepreneurs. The organization brought the first annual Nonprofit Boot Camp to New York City in 2006. Over 700 attendees from New York area nonprofits enjoyed hands-on educational training, as well as the opportunity to network with each other and area companies that provide services geared towards helping nonprofits. Last year, the program grew to over 1,000 attendees and garnered a 98% approval rating.
With the current economic climate, Darian Rodriguez Heyman, Craigslist Foundation's Executive Director, sees this year's event as an opportunity for not only those currently in the nonprofit sector, but for those that are looking to transition from private sector due to layoffs or buyouts. 'The nonprofit sector is seeing tremendous growth and change. Our annual Boot Camps connect the next generation of leadership with access to the resources they need to build a better world.'
This year's Boot Camp offers seven educational tracks, including Lobbying and Advocacy for the first time in light of the election year. Other tracks include Nonprofit Basics, Fundraising,
Technology, and Social Entrepreneurship, and the program also offers attendees One-on-One coaching from industry consultants and career counselors. In addition to the educational tracks, this year's keynote speaker, Majora Carter, Founder of Sustainable South Bronx, will discuss the blurring of lines between environmental sustainability, social justice, and other fields.
The 2008 New York Tri-State Area Nonprofit Boot Camp will take place on Saturday, August 16th at New York University's Kimmel Center from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The cost for attendees is only $75 with snacks provided. Boot Camp sponsors include Acteva, Convio, CommonGood
Careers, Dboost, Make Change! Trust,New York University's Wagner School of Public Service and New York University's Heyman Center, and major media sponsors include Google, Divine Caroline, Nonprofit Quarterly, Nonprofit Times and Chronicle of Philanthropy.
For more information or to register, visit:
www.craigslistfoundation.org/ny.
Craigslist Foundation, a nonprofit organization formed by the creators of Craigslist.org, provides free and low cost programs for nonprofit professionals and social entrepreneurs. The organization brought the first annual Nonprofit Boot Camp to New York City in 2006. Over 700 attendees from New York area nonprofits enjoyed hands-on educational training, as well as the opportunity to network with each other and area companies that provide services geared towards helping nonprofits. Last year, the program grew to over 1,000 attendees and garnered a 98% approval rating.
With the current economic climate, Darian Rodriguez Heyman, Craigslist Foundation's Executive Director, sees this year's event as an opportunity for not only those currently in the nonprofit sector, but for those that are looking to transition from private sector due to layoffs or buyouts. 'The nonprofit sector is seeing tremendous growth and change. Our annual Boot Camps connect the next generation of leadership with access to the resources they need to build a better world.'
This year's Boot Camp offers seven educational tracks, including Lobbying and Advocacy for the first time in light of the election year. Other tracks include Nonprofit Basics, Fundraising,
Technology, and Social Entrepreneurship, and the program also offers attendees One-on-One coaching from industry consultants and career counselors. In addition to the educational tracks, this year's keynote speaker, Majora Carter, Founder of Sustainable South Bronx, will discuss the blurring of lines between environmental sustainability, social justice, and other fields.
The 2008 New York Tri-State Area Nonprofit Boot Camp will take place on Saturday, August 16th at New York University's Kimmel Center from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The cost for attendees is only $75 with snacks provided. Boot Camp sponsors include Acteva, Convio, CommonGood
Careers, Dboost, Make Change! Trust,New York University's Wagner School of Public Service and New York University's Heyman Center, and major media sponsors include Google, Divine Caroline, Nonprofit Quarterly, Nonprofit Times and Chronicle of Philanthropy.
For more information or to register, visit:
www.craigslistfoundation.org/ny.
2008-06-08
Idealist job listings free for the month of June
Trial month for Nonprofits to try Idealist at no cost.
Posting a job on Idealist usually costs $60 (we are a nonprofit ourselves, and this small fee keeps us afloat) but through the end of June, all job postings on Idealist are free for any nonprofit organization.
We are doing this so that any organization can try us at no cost, and our ultimate goal is to bring you every nonprofit job that's open around the country (as well as internships and volunteer opportunities, which are always free).
And here is where we need your help. If you know anyone who works at a nonprofit organization, please share this message with them. And if you have a way to get the word out to friends and colleagues across the sector - through a mailing list, a blog, or any other way - please tell them that Idealist is free for the whole month of June.
Lastly, here is a video we produced for this month, that describes why Idealist is the best place to post a nonprofit job:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-BQYIPILUU
We are doing this so that any organization can try us at no cost, and our ultimate goal is to bring you every nonprofit job that's open around the country (as well as internships and volunteer opportunities, which are always free).
And here is where we need your help. If you know anyone who works at a nonprofit organization, please share this message with them. And if you have a way to get the word out to friends and colleagues across the sector - through a mailing list, a blog, or any other way - please tell them that Idealist is free for the whole month of June.
Lastly, here is a video we produced for this month, that describes why Idealist is the best place to post a nonprofit job:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-BQYIPILUU
2008-04-09
Google for Non-profits
Filed Under:
One-stop shop for free Google resources for non-profits: website launched.
You are changing the world. We want to help.
Visit Google for Non-profits to learn how to use free Google tools to promote your work, raise money, and operate more efficiently.
Includes information on:
Gmail
Save time and resources with free Google-hosted email, customized for your domain
Checkout
Collect donations online and process them for free, with no monthly, setup, or gateway fees
Docs
Create and edit documents online and collaborate in real time with staff and volunteers
Calendar
Organize schedules and publicize events with shared calendars
Analytics
Understand how people find and interact with information on your website
Google Grants
Reach and engage your supporters through free online advertising
YouTube
Broadcast your cause to the world's largest online video community
Blogger
Publish instantly and keep your supporters informed and engaged
Maps & Earth
Give life to your cause by illustrating its global context
Gadgets
Drive traffic to your website and interact with your supporters more often
Groups
Communicate easily to staff or volunteers and encourage discussions among supporters
Visit Google for Non-profits to learn how to use free Google tools to promote your work, raise money, and operate more efficiently.
Includes information on:
Gmail
Save time and resources with free Google-hosted email, customized for your domain
Checkout
Collect donations online and process them for free, with no monthly, setup, or gateway fees
Docs
Create and edit documents online and collaborate in real time with staff and volunteers
Calendar
Organize schedules and publicize events with shared calendars
Analytics
Understand how people find and interact with information on your website
Google Grants
Reach and engage your supporters through free online advertising
YouTube
Broadcast your cause to the world's largest online video community
Blogger
Publish instantly and keep your supporters informed and engaged
Maps & Earth
Give life to your cause by illustrating its global context
Gadgets
Drive traffic to your website and interact with your supporters more often
Groups
Communicate easily to staff or volunteers and encourage discussions among supporters
2008-01-11
American Express Building Leadership Award
Filed Under:
Nominate An Outstanding Organization by February 18, 2008
Independent Sector is seeking nominations for the 2008 American Express Building Leadership Award, which recognizes the importance of investing in the people of the nonprofit community by celebrating an organization that embodies this principle in spirit and practice.
Anyone may nominate an organization for the American Express Building Leadership Award, which will be presented at the 2008 Independent Sector Annual Conference in Philadelphia, November 9-11, 2008.
More information about the award is available on the IS website.
Nominations are due by February 18, 2008.
Anyone may nominate an organization for the American Express Building Leadership Award, which will be presented at the 2008 Independent Sector Annual Conference in Philadelphia, November 9-11, 2008.
More information about the award is available on the IS website.
Nominations are due by February 18, 2008.
2007-12-26
Call for Nominations for the 2008 John W. Gardner Leadership Award
Filed Under:
The deadline for nominations is January 31, 2008.
Independent Sector (IS) invites nominations for the 2008 John W. Gardner Leadership Award. The award recognizes a living American whose leadership in or with the nonprofit community has been transformative and who has mobilized and unified people, institutions, or causes that improve lives.
The recipient will be presented with the award at the 2008 Independent Sector Annual Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which will take place from November 9 – 11, 2008. Independent Sector established the award in 1985 to honor outstanding Americans who exemplify the leadership and the ideals of John W. Gardner, founding chair of IS.
IS honored Susan V. Berresford, president of the Ford Foundation, with the 2007 award recognizing her work worldwide to build leadership in marginalized communities and to strengthen institutions that advance social justice. Learn more about Susan Berresford, as well as the nomination and selection process, on the IS website.
The recipient will be presented with the award at the 2008 Independent Sector Annual Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which will take place from November 9 – 11, 2008. Independent Sector established the award in 1985 to honor outstanding Americans who exemplify the leadership and the ideals of John W. Gardner, founding chair of IS.
IS honored Susan V. Berresford, president of the Ford Foundation, with the 2007 award recognizing her work worldwide to build leadership in marginalized communities and to strengthen institutions that advance social justice. Learn more about Susan Berresford, as well as the nomination and selection process, on the IS website.
