A Time for Nonprofits to Champion a New Deal

You are cordially invited to attend A New Deal: Next Steps for Collaboration with Randy Howard, November 4, 2009 from 2pm - 5pm in the Hopewell Library ($20 fee). Join the discussion that is designed to build on the foundation laid at the Community Form on Collaboration for Long-term Sustainability.

A New Deal: Next Steps in Collaboration

The nonprofit sector is on the threshold of revolutionary change, triggered in part by the recent upheaval in our economic systems. To remain viable and effective in meeting community needs, individual organizations, leaders, staff members, volunteers and patrons of those organizations collectively, must become the leaders of change in thought, perspective and action about the work of nonprofits. Opportunity and innovation are born out of adversity, so there is no better time for the nonprofit sector to champion a "new deal" with their broader community. Building on the foundation laid at the Southside Community Partners' Community Forum on Collaboration for Long-term Sustainability, this course will: Frame the new issues and perspectives of the work of nonprofits; Promote proactive roles in developing solutions to sustainability; Design a baseline understanding about the dynamics of community and nonprofit alliances; and Explore the continuum of options and active strategies available for increasing impact and success.

REGISTER NOW: A New Deal: Next Steps for Collaboration

'Storm' is coming, so is deadline to register

Our workshop at the University of Richmond on September 23rd is approaching fast. Don't miss out. Scholarships may still be available, register by Friday, September 18th. See post below.

Breakfast Workshop - Surviving the Economic 'Perfect Storm'

Nonprofit managers, like all good cooks, are accustomed to making the soup go just little bit further - but the present economic conditions challenge the financial fiber of every nonprofit organization. Declining or disappearing revenues are colliding with exponential increases in demand for services to form a nonprofit "perfect storm." How should nonprofit leaders react? The answers to this question and many others are covered in this workshop.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009
University of Richmond Jepson Alumni Center

Registration & Continental Breakfast: 8.30 am
Speaker Randy Howard: 9 - Noon
Box Lunch: Noon-12.30
Panel Discussion: 12.30-1.30 pm
$50 (scholarships available)

Sponsored by First Market Bank

WHAT ATTENDEES NEED TO HEAR

• The "one big idea" about the reality of today's economic circumstances that will impact the viability of every nonprofit organization
• The principles that successful nonprofit leaders use to frame their response during prosperous or troubling times
• The practical action steps that create a sustainable plan for their organization to meet both short-term needs and long-term objectives

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

The material relates to all aspects of an organization's operations, from long-term mission to day-today activities, guiding board members, executives and staff toward an action plan ready for implementation. Organizations are encouraged to attend as a team, including

• finance, development, and program staff
• management
• governing boards

COMMENTS FROM PAST ATTENDEES

• "Every non-profit executive needs to hear this info. No one is exempt from getting hit by the storm - and being proactive is a must."
• "Shame on me. . . . I should have shared the meeting opportunity with others who definitely would benefit."

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Randy P. Howard is the President of 501 Advisors, Inc., and has over 30 years of business and nonprofit financial experience. He draws on his broad experience to offer realistic advice and multiple strategies for leading and managing nonprofit organizations through challenging economic times. He advises nonprofits and foundations throughout Metro Richmond on financial, governance, accounting and tax matters and provides professional instruction through area training venues.

HOW TO REGISTER

Visit http://activenet14.active.com/thinkagain/, select "View Courses," then search for "perfect storm."

QUESTIONS?

Contact Kathy Powers at (804) 287-1290.

Nonprofits Must Prepare for Impending "Perfect Storm"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Based on the current economic conditions and predictions for 2009, local nonprofit financial consultant Randy Howard, president of 501 Advisors, believes that nonprofit organizations are facing, yet are unprepared for, some of the most challenging financial conditions of recent years. “By a wide majority, nonprofits are failing to adequately prepare for their own perfect storm”, stated Howard. “Revenues, including support from government agencies, corporations, foundations and individuals, are declining or projected to decline in the coming months. Many organizations are already registering a dramatic increase in demand for their services, while foreseeing less ability to meet the demands of their communities as they have in the past.” says Howard. This creates what Howard describes as a 'perfect storm' for nonprofits: declining and in some cases disappearing revenues, colliding with an unprecedented increase in demand for services.

So, how are nonprofit leaders to react? Howard thinks they shouldn’t. React, that is. Instead, he says, “These times call for leaders who, as management guru Peter Drucker describes, will anticipate the impact of changing economic factors and implement the strategies that will maintain their organization’s viability.” “Every organization will face their own medley of factors that affect operations, so there is no single magic solution; the circumstances require a comprehensive approach.” said Howard.

Based on Howard’s vast experience working with nonprofit organizations, he certainly agrees with Drucker’s philosophy. In an effort to "sound the call," and assist nonprofit board members and senior management, Howard has developed a seminar addressing this very issue. The seminar, conducted by Howard and sponsored by his firm 501 Advisors, describes steps that nonprofits should be taking now to proactively best prepare their organizations for their own ‘perfect storm’. While the seminar is geared toward board members and senior management, entire organizations can benefit from the material and associated discussions. Howard also believes there are other professionals who can and should participate in a seminar of this type. “Active members of community, fraternal and civic groups are often the same folks that serve as board members or volunteers for one or more nonprofits.” he said.

And so it begins...

I bid you welcome and express my appreciation for your efforts to find our site. We trust that you will find at least one item of value that enhances your work for, or knowledge of, the community of nonprofit organizations.

I certainly hope that you will make yourself at home and join the conversation from time to time with questions or comments, but I do have a disclaimer: Although I have been in this line of work for over 30 years, I guarantee that one of you will ask a question that I simply cannot answer without putting my head in the books. But don't worry, that's good for me. It's the answers to those questions that I tend never to forget.