State Association Blogs
Nonprofit Congress - aggregated feeds in category State Association Blogs
Updated: 46 min 5 sec ago
Michigan Nonprofit Association: Does Volunteering Impact Your Happiness?
Considering the economic climate and need for service in Michigan and around the country, I can’t help but share Nancy Gibb’s question, from her recent TIME Magazine article, “Is it a coincidence that eight of the 10 happiest states in the country also rank in the top 10 for volunteering?” This Saturday, November 21, [...]
Louisiana Nonprofits Blog: A New Shape and Direction for LANO
As an organization committed to strengthening nonprofits and increasing the impact of our sector's work, LANO is expected to do more than merely advise others. We are striving to practice the same critical evaluation of our mission and operations that we encourage in our member organizations.
Our goal is to focus on outcomes and prove the worth of our supporters’ investments, knowing that LANO’s investors include not only donors and agency partners but also our membership. Our responsibility to provide tangible benefits extends to all.
LANO is now changing to meet this challenge. After receiving intense review and direction from our stakeholder community, and with much internal deliberation, LANO has revised its strategic mission and business plan to improve its service to Louisiana's nonprofit sector and membership.
As a champion of the nonprofit model, we pledge to provide the following benefits:
a) A Unifying Voice, relying on data to improve our understanding of the sector and to better advocate on its behalf
b) Accountability through an expansion of Standards certification, continual use of evidence-based practices and instruction; and by becoming a model of accountability to all observers
Our goal is to focus on outcomes and prove the worth of our supporters’ investments, knowing that LANO’s investors include not only donors and agency partners but also our membership. Our responsibility to provide tangible benefits extends to all.
LANO is now changing to meet this challenge. After receiving intense review and direction from our stakeholder community, and with much internal deliberation, LANO has revised its strategic mission and business plan to improve its service to Louisiana's nonprofit sector and membership.
As a champion of the nonprofit model, we pledge to provide the following benefits:
a) A Unifying Voice, relying on data to improve our understanding of the sector and to better advocate on its behalf
b) Accountability through an expansion of Standards certification, continual use of evidence-based practices and instruction; and by becoming a model of accountability to all observers
Michigan Nonprofit Association: How diverse and inclusive are Michigan’s nonprofits?
How diverse and inclusive are Michigan’s nonprofits? Unfortunately, not much data has been collected over the years to help us know the answer for our state. Who makes up the majority of nonprofit boards and staff?
Michigan Nonprofit Association and the Johnson Center at Grand Valley State University have developed a new [...]
Louisiana Nonprofits Blog: Congressman Cao Introduces Bill to Help Solve Louisiana’s Looming Medicaid Funding Crisis
On November 6, 2009, Congressman Anh “Joseph” Cao, joined by Louisiana Congressmen Steve Scalise, Rodney Alexander, Bill Cassidy, and Charles Boustany introduced House Bill 4047 calling for the use of historical average per capita income to calculate the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for the Medicaid program in states affected by federally declared disasters.
The purpose of the bill is to mitigate the effects of the inflow of federal disaster recovery money on the calculation of per capita income used to determine the level of federal Medicaid matching funds.
Absent relief on this issue, Louisiana and other states hit by large disasters face the loss of hundreds of millions of dollars of federal Medicaid matching funds, resulting in the loss or reduction of critical healthcare programs for low- to moderate-income families.
Below is the language of House Bill 4047:
SECTION 1. FMAP CALCULATION FOR DISASTER-AFFECTED STATES.
The purpose of the bill is to mitigate the effects of the inflow of federal disaster recovery money on the calculation of per capita income used to determine the level of federal Medicaid matching funds.
Absent relief on this issue, Louisiana and other states hit by large disasters face the loss of hundreds of millions of dollars of federal Medicaid matching funds, resulting in the loss or reduction of critical healthcare programs for low- to moderate-income families.
Below is the language of House Bill 4047:
SECTION 1. FMAP CALCULATION FOR DISASTER-AFFECTED STATES.
Louisiana Nonprofits Blog: Perfect Storm Awaits Louisiana Medicaid Funding
State Nonprofit Association and Budget Watchdog Warn Congress of Pending Healthcare Crisis
BATON ROUGE—In a letter to Louisiana’s nine-member Congressional delegation, the Louisiana Budget Project (LBP) and its parent organization, the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations (LANO), warn a combination of economic and legislative conditions is set to decimate the safety net for Louisiana’s most vulnerable populations.
The state’s Medicaid program, a key provider of healthcare to Louisiana’s poor, elderly and other disadvantaged citizens, is supported by federal funding at a rate pegged to per capita income. Louisiana’s current match rate is 80%, meaning the federal government pays 80% of the cost for services provided under Medicaid. Unless changes are made, this support will soon be drastically reduced.
BATON ROUGE—In a letter to Louisiana’s nine-member Congressional delegation, the Louisiana Budget Project (LBP) and its parent organization, the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations (LANO), warn a combination of economic and legislative conditions is set to decimate the safety net for Louisiana’s most vulnerable populations.
The state’s Medicaid program, a key provider of healthcare to Louisiana’s poor, elderly and other disadvantaged citizens, is supported by federal funding at a rate pegged to per capita income. Louisiana’s current match rate is 80%, meaning the federal government pays 80% of the cost for services provided under Medicaid. Unless changes are made, this support will soon be drastically reduced.
Michigan Nonprofit Association: Nonprofits Partner for 2010 Census
A couple months ago, Michigan Nonprofit Association announced their 2010 Census initiative and brought me on board to help lead it. In a blog on September 2, I shared why it’s important for nonprofits be involved in the 2010 Census. (Read the 2010 Census blog here)
Nonprofits Count! is a campaign to mobilize nonprofits to [...]
Louisiana Nonprofits Blog: DHH Issues Request For Applications for LaCHIP Outreach
The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) is seeking applications from community-based nonprofit organizations to perform targeted outreach and enrollment assistance to children eligible but not enrolled in Medicaid or LaCHIP.
Complete applications must be submitted by December 11th, 4:00 PM .
Questions must be submitted to Katie Baudouin at Katie.baudouin@la.gov by November 13th , 4:00 PM .
Questions and answers will be posted at the DHH web site by November 20th.
Complete applications must be submitted by December 11th, 4:00 PM .
Questions must be submitted to Katie Baudouin at Katie.baudouin@la.gov by November 13th , 4:00 PM .
Questions and answers will be posted at the DHH web site by November 20th.
Louisiana Nonprofits Blog: Filing Late Nonprofit Funding Requests with the State
There is still an opportunity to submit a nonprofit (NGO) funding request to the state if you missed the November 1st deadline - however your late request must now be approved by a legislative committee.
If your organization plans to ask your legislators for an appropriation in HB 1 (General Appropriations Bill), in the Capital Outlay Bill, or if you plan to be included in a state agency's budget proposal in the 2010 Legislative Session, you need to enter a NGO funding request on the state's website. This information must be filed annually, so even if you filed last year with the same information, you must file again.
If you are planning on being included in the Capital Outlay Bill, there additional steps that you need to take in order to be eligible for funding and more stringent criteria for late submissions.
Michigan Nonprofit Association: Utilizing Evaluation to Demonstrate Impact
As a former educator; I am long familiar with the pressure to and necessity of measures of performance and program outcomes. I’ve written many objectives, identified measurements, and collected and reported data designed to measure the success of educational programs. Now, as a VISTA Leader, I’m involved in evaluation from a different [...]
Louisiana Nonprofits Blog: Nov. 1st Deadline for State Funding Requests
If your organization plans to ask your Legislators for an appropriation in HB 1 (General Appropriations Bill) in the 2010 Legislative Session, you need to enter your request information on the Legislative website by November 1st.
This primarily refers to the appropriations which are included in the “State Aid to Local Government” section of HB 1, but it also applies to line item appropriations that might appear in various State Department sections of the Bill.
If you miss the November 1st deadline, there will still be an opportunity to submit your request information for approval, but the process will be more complicated.
Questions: Please email Senate Finance Committee at: ngodatabase@legis.state.la.us
Louisiana's nonprofits - a powerful force for good! www.LANO.orgLouisiana Nonprofits Blog: Streamlining Commission Adopts Amended Nonprofit Recommendation
LANO Cited as Improving State Nonprofits' Accountability
BATON ROUGE—Members of the State Commission on Streamlining Government voted Tuesday to amend recommendation AGEB#6, a proposal that in original form called for elimination of line-item state appropriations, or earmarks, for nonprofit organizations.
New language introduced by Rep. Brett Geymann of Lake Charles, recommends nonprofits receiving line-item support meet codified standards of accountability, to include existing transparency measures established in Act 842 of the 2008 Regular Session and by executive order, new oversight by the Legislative Auditor and Inspector General, and a nationally-recognized accreditation.
BATON ROUGE—Members of the State Commission on Streamlining Government voted Tuesday to amend recommendation AGEB#6, a proposal that in original form called for elimination of line-item state appropriations, or earmarks, for nonprofit organizations.
New language introduced by Rep. Brett Geymann of Lake Charles, recommends nonprofits receiving line-item support meet codified standards of accountability, to include existing transparency measures established in Act 842 of the 2008 Regular Session and by executive order, new oversight by the Legislative Auditor and Inspector General, and a nationally-recognized accreditation.
Louisiana Nonprofits Blog: LANO Chief Ann S. Williamson to Address Streamlining Commission
BATON ROUGE — LANO President and CEO Ann S. Williamson will address the State Commission on Streamlining Government in an upcoming October meeting.
Williamson will testify before the Commission’s Outsourcing, Privatization and Risk-Management Advisory Group, chaired by Alexandria business executive Roy O. Martin III.
Williamson’s testimony will include an overview of the nonprofit sector’s role in providing efficient, effective human services to Louisiana citizens, and how the Commission’s recommendations might impact nonprofits’ continued viability.
Specifically, she will:
Williamson will testify before the Commission’s Outsourcing, Privatization and Risk-Management Advisory Group, chaired by Alexandria business executive Roy O. Martin III.
Williamson’s testimony will include an overview of the nonprofit sector’s role in providing efficient, effective human services to Louisiana citizens, and how the Commission’s recommendations might impact nonprofits’ continued viability.
Specifically, she will:
- Describe ongoing successful partnerships between state government and Louisiana nonprofit organizations
- Explain unique sector efficiencies, values and infrastructure that allow nonprofits to conduct important services at low cost
- Detail LANO’s role in administering the Standards for Excellence certification and how this nationwide program promotes sector accountability
- Relate how other states achieve maximum return on investment by partnering with the nonprofit sector
Louisiana Nonprofits Blog: New Federal Disaster Recovery Working Group Website Asks for Nonprofit Input
The Obama Administration has launched a new website to inform the public and hear from stakeholders, including nonprofits, that wish to submit ideas about disaster recovery.
A posted web form includes 16 questions related to disaster preparation, assistance and recovery. One question addresses nonprofits in particular: "How can the nonprofit and private sectors be better integrated into recovery?"
LANO encourages nonprofit organizations to answer the questions that pertain to your work and expertise.
The submitted answers will help guide the newly formed Long Term Disaster Recovery Working Group. The Working Group includes more than 20 federal departments, agencies and offices, all focused on ensuring that individuals, communities and the nation’s economy can successfully recover from (and revitalize after) natural and man-made disasters over the long term.
The Long Term Disaster Recovery Working Group will be chaired by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan.
A posted web form includes 16 questions related to disaster preparation, assistance and recovery. One question addresses nonprofits in particular: "How can the nonprofit and private sectors be better integrated into recovery?"
LANO encourages nonprofit organizations to answer the questions that pertain to your work and expertise.
The submitted answers will help guide the newly formed Long Term Disaster Recovery Working Group. The Working Group includes more than 20 federal departments, agencies and offices, all focused on ensuring that individuals, communities and the nation’s economy can successfully recover from (and revitalize after) natural and man-made disasters over the long term.
The Long Term Disaster Recovery Working Group will be chaired by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan.
Louisiana Nonprofits Blog: Gulfsouth Youth Action Fund RFP
The Gulfsouth Youth Action Fund (GYAF), a program of Operation REACH, Inc., is now accepting grant proposals for its 2010 grant making year.
The Gulfsouth Youth Action Fund is a youth-led philanthropy initiative that provides competitive grant awards to progressive youth-serving organizations. The GYAF was founded in 2007 to "engage, empower and inspire youth with the resources to make strategic investments in their community."
Since inception, GYAF has awarded more than $20,000 to initiatives that empower and train a young generation of community leaders. Past grant awards have ranged from $500 to $5,000.
Applicants should submit Letters of Intent by Friday, November 20, 2009, and the complete proposal is due Friday, December 11, 2009.
Individuals and organizations who submit a Letter of Intent will be invited to a Technical Assistance Workshop hosted by the Gulfsouth Youth Action Fund Youth Advisory Board on Wednesday, December 2, at 6 p.m. at 2115 Carondelet St., New Orleans, LA 70130.
The Gulfsouth Youth Action Fund is a youth-led philanthropy initiative that provides competitive grant awards to progressive youth-serving organizations. The GYAF was founded in 2007 to "engage, empower and inspire youth with the resources to make strategic investments in their community."
Since inception, GYAF has awarded more than $20,000 to initiatives that empower and train a young generation of community leaders. Past grant awards have ranged from $500 to $5,000.
Applicants should submit Letters of Intent by Friday, November 20, 2009, and the complete proposal is due Friday, December 11, 2009.
Individuals and organizations who submit a Letter of Intent will be invited to a Technical Assistance Workshop hosted by the Gulfsouth Youth Action Fund Youth Advisory Board on Wednesday, December 2, at 6 p.m. at 2115 Carondelet St., New Orleans, LA 70130.
Michigan Nonprofit Association: Why Detroit?
Where will you be this week? Many nonprofits will be attending the Council of Michigan Foundations and Independent Sector Annual Conferences in Detroit.
Why Detroit? Some say because it’s ground zero for the economic stress of the nation with the Auto Manufacturers in crisis, the nation’s highest unemployment rate and a state government that [...]
Louisiana Nonprofits Blog: Key Streamlining Proposal Vote Tuesday, Nov. 3
BATON ROUGE—The State Commission on Streamlining Government will vote tomorrow, November 3, to adopt, amend or reject the proposed recommendation AGEB#6, to "prohibit all state appropriations to nongovernmental entities."
The proposed recommendation is non-binding. But if accepted and passed into law, it would eliminate line-item state funding of nonprofit organizations.
Nonprofits would still be able to receive public support through competitive departmental grants and bid processes.
Consideration of AGEB#6 is scheduled for tomorrow's meeting, which begins at 9:00am in Senate Committee Room A-B of the Louisiana State Capitol. The vote is listed as item 7 on the meeting agenda, following an opportunity for public comment.
The proposed recommendation is non-binding. But if accepted and passed into law, it would eliminate line-item state funding of nonprofit organizations.
Nonprofits would still be able to receive public support through competitive departmental grants and bid processes.
Consideration of AGEB#6 is scheduled for tomorrow's meeting, which begins at 9:00am in Senate Committee Room A-B of the Louisiana State Capitol. The vote is listed as item 7 on the meeting agenda, following an opportunity for public comment.
Louisiana Nonprofits Blog: LANO CEO to Address Poverty at Louisiana Governor's 1st Annual Safety & Health Conference
BATON ROUGE—Ann S. Williamson will speak today at the first annual Louisiana Governor's Safety & Health Conference (LGSHC), hosted by the Louisiana Capital Area Safety Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving safety in the workplace, community and the home.
Williamson's address, "The Cost of Poverty," will illuminate the scope, implications and possible solutions to poverty in Louisiana.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Louisiana has the second highest poverty rate in the nation and the highest in the South. More than a quarter of Louisiana's children live in poverty, a fact contributing to many risk factors for youth, affecting health, academic success and delinquency.
Williamson is slated to speak at 10:30am in the Galvez Room of the Baton Rouge River Center. Contact Melissa Matherne, toll free 1-877-345-2515, for more information.Louisiana's nonprofits - a powerful force for good! www.LANO.org
Williamson's address, "The Cost of Poverty," will illuminate the scope, implications and possible solutions to poverty in Louisiana.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Louisiana has the second highest poverty rate in the nation and the highest in the South. More than a quarter of Louisiana's children live in poverty, a fact contributing to many risk factors for youth, affecting health, academic success and delinquency.
Williamson is slated to speak at 10:30am in the Galvez Room of the Baton Rouge River Center. Contact Melissa Matherne, toll free 1-877-345-2515, for more information.Louisiana's nonprofits - a powerful force for good! www.LANO.org
Louisiana Nonprofits Blog: Date Set for LANO Streamlining Testimony
BATON ROUGE—On Friday, October 23, at 2:00pm, LANO President and CEO Ann S. Williamson will testify before the Outsourcing, Privatization and Risk-Management Advisory Group of the State Commission on Streamlining Government.
The group will convene at the Lafayette Consolidated Government Building, 705 W. University Avenue, in the 2nd floor executive conference room.
The Advisory Group includes: Chairman Roy O. Martin, and members Brett F. Geymann, Bill Fenstermaker, David R. Perry, and Raymond A. Peters.
Williamson’s testimony will include an overview of the nonprofit sector’s role in providing efficient, effective human services to Louisiana citizens, and how the Commission’s recommendations might impact nonprofits’ continued viability.
Click here for more on LANO's planned speaking points.
The group will convene at the Lafayette Consolidated Government Building, 705 W. University Avenue, in the 2nd floor executive conference room.
The Advisory Group includes: Chairman Roy O. Martin, and members Brett F. Geymann, Bill Fenstermaker, David R. Perry, and Raymond A. Peters.
Williamson’s testimony will include an overview of the nonprofit sector’s role in providing efficient, effective human services to Louisiana citizens, and how the Commission’s recommendations might impact nonprofits’ continued viability.
Click here for more on LANO's planned speaking points.
Louisiana Nonprofits Blog: Rapides Children`s Advocacy Center Receives $100,000 Humana Grant
From REUTERS.COM:
"Humana, one of Louisiana`s leading health benefits companies, awarded a $100,000 grant in its 2009 Louisiana Benefits charitable giving program on Oct. 15 to Rapides Children`s Advocacy Center of Alexandria.
"Rapides, which provides a safe environment for children to retell their abuse stories, plans to use its ... grant to expand its services into Central Louisiana parishes by equipping a customized motor home.
"For the third consecutive year, Humana`s Louisiana Benefits awarded a one-time, $100,000 signature grant to a nonprofit organization based in Louisiana that is doing valuable work to benefit the people who live in the state. Louisiana Benefits supports charitable organizations that are focused on improving health experiences or building healthy communities in the areas of Mind, Body or Spirit..."
Michigan Nonprofit Association: Tuesday is Election Day!
While this is not what many consider to be a “major” election year, important local elections are taking place across the state Tuesday, November 3, and there is also a special election for a state senate seat. Use the links below to find out which elections are taking place in your county on Tuesday, then [...]
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