January News

2010 Governor’s Awards for Non Profit Excellence

*The Maine Association of Nonprofits (MANP) selects 6 organizations
every year that “best demonstrate tested and exemplary management practices
which contribute to organizational success and mission achievement.” The 3
awards categories are based on the budget size of the organizations. The first
place winners in each category win a prize of $2,000 and the second place
winners are awarded $1,000. Who is eligible? It is free to enter, but you must be
a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is based in Maine. The deadline to apply
is February 5th. For more information and to download an application, visit:
http://www.nonprofitmaine.org/nonprofit_excellence.asp

Nonprofit Marketing Power: How to Gain Essential Response,

Resources, and Support
*New social media techniques and proven marketing disciplines are a
powerful combination for nonprofit leaders seeking to sustain programs and
services, meet growing needs and seize new opportunities. Come to this full-day
interactive SkillBuilder for a mix of discussion and audio-visual presentations.
You will leave with a new understanding of marketing and new tools for success.
Attendees will receive complimentary excerpts from the forthcoming 3rd Edition
of Marketing Workbook for Nonprofit Organizations, a Fieldstone Alliance
publication by Gary Stern and Elana Centor. Lunch will be provided. Visit
www.nonprofitmaine.org to register.

Date: Tuesday, February 9, 9:00 am -3:00 pm Fee: Member: $80, NonMember:

$160 Location: Saco City Hall, Saco

Grant Writing 101: Basic Methods and Strategies

*Would you like to acquire basic tools for researching and writing grants?
This full-day, introductory SkillBuilder, brought to you through a collaboration
between the Maine Philanthropy Center and MANP, will guide participants
through the most common components of a formal grant proposal and is
recommended for individuals with little or no grant writing experience. In addition
to the curriculum, a small panel of foundation representatives will talk about their
funding interests and what "makes or breaks" proposals in their experience.
Lunch will be provided. Visit www.nonprofitmaine.org to register.

Date: Tuesday, February 2, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Fee: Member: $80, NonMember:

$160 Location: Belfast Free Library, Belfast
Fundraising Fundamentals
*For both the beginner and someone with years of experience in the field,
fundraising is a curious mix of art and science. In this course, the fundamental
characteristics of successful fundraising programs will be explored, beginning
with a discussion of the unique phenomenon of U.S. philanthropy, the philosophy
of development, and the ethics of fundraising. Building on this strong foundation,
the workshop will continue to explore the themes of relationship-building through
the following components:

o developing and managing a fundraising plan

o the prospect mix: government sources, individuals, foundations, and
corporations
o prospect identification, research, and information management
o structuring a successful solicitation
o planned giving
o roles of board members, volunteers, and staff
o special events - friend and fund raisers
o marketing and communications to enhance fundraising success

The course is the first offered in the certificate program in fundraising, but you
don’t need to be enrolled in any other courses to take it.

Date: Wednesday, February 3, and Thursday, February 4, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Cost: $285 (12 contact hours/ 1.2 CEUs) Location: Abromson Center, 88
Bedford Street, USM Portland campus

Random Acts of Kindness Week

What have you really done for others around you lately? February 15-21 is
Random Acts of Kindness Week, which is dedicated to “celebrating the little
things we do for others.” It really can be as simple as saying “Good Morning” to
your co-workers or leaving someone a supportive note on their desk. For ideas
visit: http://www.kindacts.net/ideas_resources/kindact_ideas.shtml#oneself