Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Suggested New Year's Resolution-"I Will Not Start a Nonprofit"

According to a September study by Civic Ventures, a San Francisco-based think tank, more than 12 million Americans from 44 to 70 years old would like to start nonprofits or businesses that solve social problems. Among the most popular causes given were social services, economic development, and health care. Read More.

While I applaud our entrepreneurial spirit and am the first to acknowledge that innovation comes from all sources, the coordination of efforts among nonprofits is a significant issue and most new, small nonprofits are more likely to further splinter the community's efforts than to advance the work, in total.

For 2012, I would offer an alternative resolution - go get deeply involved with an existing nonprofit that works in the area that you are passionate about. You can find them by checking the 211 database at www.Connect2Help.org or at www.Guidestar.org or calling the Volunteer Center at United Way at 317-921-1271 or http://www.uwci.org/index.asp?p=55. There are organizations who need board members, marketing and fund raising volunteers, financial professionals and other key skill sets in addition to hands-on roles with youth, the elderly, and everyone in between. Even if you decide to start a nonprofit later you will be far better prepared.

In summary - If you want to work hands-on with a particular group of people, kids, the elderly, the homeless - join forces with an existing nonprofit as a volunteer or staff member. If you want to spend your time and energy on administration, meetings, and fund raising - start a nonprofit.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

William Aramony Ushered in a New, More Difficult Era

To the younger generation of nonprofit professionals, the name Aramony may have little meaning. To those of us with more history in the sector, William Aramony’s actions and the public response marked the beginning of the end of a long held public trust in the work and motives of nonprofit leaders. His passing last week provides an opportunity for reflection.

Mr. Aramony's twenty years of leadership had built one of the first national 'brand names' for a nonprofit. But his career ended in disgrace in 1992 and six years in prison when he and two of his executive team were convicted of fraud and other ethical breaches. He shattered the illusion of nonprofit leaders somehow being different from regular people and not subject to the same temptations and failings – a perception that all nonprofits are working under some sort of unwritten ‘vow of poverty’ and always able to place the needs of others before themselves.

His actions and trial either initiated or accelerated a collapse of trust in the nonprofit sector and forfeited the "benefit of the doubt". Within a short period of time, nonprofits were increasingly being asked to prove how funds from donors and finders were used and the media jumped on the headline potential of big nonprofit salaries and hints of scandal that continues to this day. The focus became “how are funds used?” – meaning, are you using funds to enrich organization insiders, rather than a more appropriate focus of "what impact are you having?"

Looking back, I am certain that increased expectations of accountability from nonprofits were already beginning to happen, but it is interesting to consider how it might have evolved differently without this particular incident.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Merger vs. Acquisition-What Does It Mean? (BKD Insights)

In these trying economic times, exempt organizations increasingly look for ways to expand, diversify and replace lost or decreased funding. When discussion occurs around the board table, two options that sometimes rise to the top of the list are to merge with or acquire another not-for-profit entity. For many organizations, this has proven to be a rewarding venture.

On the surface, mergers and acquisitions tend to be grouped together, but there are distinct differences between the two on all levels of the transaction. ASC 958-805, Not-for-Profit Entities: Business Combinations (formerly FASB Statement No. 164) establishes accounting treatment for each type of transaction.

Read the full article here.

FMI, contact Debi Ladyman, CPA or Joe VandeBosche, CPA at BKD
317-383-4000

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Graduate Certificate in Project Management

We are excited to have UIndy join our sponsor team, in Indy and Cincy, as they announce a new on-line certificate program targeted specifically toward human services professionals. This looks like a cost and time-efficient way to supplement your skills while working around your already busy schedule. This interesting series can make you more effective in your current role or prepare you for more responsible positions. We asked the UIndy team for a short overview of the program:

"Beginning in January 2012, the University of Indianapolis will offer a Graduate Certificate in Project Management for Human Services Professionals. This three-course certificate, offered in a completely online format, is designed for professionals from the human service sector who have a bachelor's degree or higher in any discipline. Content is focused on project management skills applicable for all disciplines and any human services environment. The certificate is offered through the university's Center for Aging & Community.

By completing this certificate, you will be equipped to effectively plan, monitor and execute projects. You will gain practical project management skills you can immediately put into practice in your everyday work. Earning this certificate will help you successfully manage complex projects while assessing the strengths of others, balancing needs of various stakeholders, and completing projects on time and on budget. These skills and experiences will help you deliver the best possible product and emphasize your versatility as an employee, project manager, and leader in your organization."

For more information and to enroll: http://cac.uindy.edu/project_management.php

Graduate Certificate in Project Management for Human Services Professionals All On-line from University of Indianapolis


We are excited to have UIndy join our sponsor team, in Indy and Cincy, as they announce a new on-line certificate program targeted specifically toward human services professionals. This looks like a cost and time-efficient way to supplement your skills while working around your already busy schedule. This interesting series can make you more effective in your current role or prepare you for more responsible positions. We asked the UIndy team for a short overview of the program:

"Beginning in January 2012, the University of Indianapolis will offer a Graduate Certificate in Project Management for Human Services Professionals. This three-course certificate, offered in a completely online format, is designed for professionals from the human service sector who have a bachelor's degree or higher in any discipline. Content is focused on project management skills applicable for all disciplines and any human services environment. The certificate is offered through the university's Center for Aging & Community.

By completing this certificate, you will be equipped to effectively plan, monitor and execute projects. You will gain practical project management skills you can immediately put into practice in your everyday work. Earning this certificate will help you successfully manage complex projects while assessing the strengths of others, balancing needs of various stakeholders, and completing projects on time and on budget. These skills and experiences will help you deliver the best possible product and emphasize your versatility as an employee, project manager, and leader in your organization."

For more information and to enroll:http://cac.uindy.edu/project_management.php

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Are You Managing or Leading Your Organization Through Tough Times?

Most organizations have managers that can maintain present operations and fix problems when they arise. Good managers excel in handling day to day operations efficiently and effectively. However, even when management is effective, there may be a void in leadership which prohibits an organization from truly thriving. Many make the common mistake of assuming that all individuals in positions of authority operate as leaders. This assumption can often lead to frustration for frontline workers, middle level management, and other stakeholders in the community.

Both the role of manager and leader are critical to the successful operation of an organization, yet their functions are quite different.  It is important for those in authority within an organization to understand the distinct differences between management and leadership. Managerial functions center on directing and controlling the work of a group of individuals. Managers ensure that a job gets done and done well. Leadership, on the other hand, has its emphasis on influence, vision, and change. Influence is the ability to affect someone else’s thinking or actions. Leaders in organizations exercise this influence in their ability to cast vision and create change. They are forward thinkers and are able to advance an organization by working with others to create a shared vision that organizational stakeholders can rally to support. Leadership in today’s not-for-profit organizations is critical for their continued growth, development and successful service.

Aaron Metzcar, Ed. D is Associate Director for Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership at Indiana Wesleyan University. IWU now offers a Master of Arts with a major in Organizational Leadership that can be completed in as little as 23 months. FMI  http://www.indwes.edu/Adult-Graduate/MA-Organizational-Leadership/