This case focuses on the development of information systems for not-for-profit volunteer-based organizations. Specifically, we discuss an information system project for the Volunteer Center of Racine (VCR). This case targets the analysis and design phase of the project using the Unified Modeling Language (UML) methodology, database modeling, and aspects of project management including scope and risk management. Students must decide how to proceed, including recommending an IT solution, managing risk, managing scope, projecting a schedule, and managing personnel. The rewards and special issues involved with systems for not-for-profit organizations will be revealed. This case can be used in a variety of courses, including systems analysis and design, database management systems, and project management.

Here is a GREAT little book I read: Order From Chaos by Liz Davenport

Is your office a mess? Are your files totally disorganized? Perhaps you are setting up your office for the first time?

This book will definitely help you get organized! Keep it close so you can refer back to it often!

Since it was first published in 1988, Fundraising for Social Change has become one of the most widely used books on fundraising in the United States. Fundraising practitioners and activists rely on it for hands-on, specific, and accessible fundraising techniques, and it has become a required text in dozens of college courses around the country. This fifth edition offers the information that has made the book a classic: proven know-how on asking for money, planning and conducting major gifts campaigns, using direct mail effectively, and much more. The book has been significantly changed to include new technology—e-mail, online giving, and blogs—and contains expanded chapters on capital and endowment campaigns, how to feel comfortable asking for money, how to recruit a team of people to help with fundraising, and how to build meaningful relationships with donors. In addition, this essential resource contains new information on such timely topics as ethics, working across cultural lines, and how to create opportunities for fundraising more systematically and strategically

Fundraisers are often intimidated by the prospect of writing grant proposals. But missing a grant opportunity can mean losing important programs and essential services. For the fundraiser in need of practical skills and guidance, The Grantwriter’s Start-Up Kit shows how to prepare for the process of writing a successful grant proposal.

A virtual assistant can take on various tasks such as:
• Meeting logistics (event planning, registration, vendor coordination, etc.)
• Scheduling (appointments, meetings, interviews, and events)
• Website (maintain websites and/or build websites)
• Social networking (creating social media pages, adding business updates, and making business connections)
• Donor database (create, maintain, and update)
• Bookkeeping (sent out end of year donor letters, and maintain financial bookkeeping records)

These are just a sampling of tasks that a virtual assistant can help with. Together you can make your dream wish list of tasks, and your virtual assistant will make find solutions for you.

In my next post, we’ll talk about how a virtual assistant can assist with fundraising efforts.

AssistU - Looking for a trained Virtual Assistant (VA)? Look no further…

A professional VA is a micro business owner who provides administrative and personal support to clients in long-term and deeply collaborative relationships. A VA frees a client up to do more of what the client loves and does best.

Provided by: AssistU

Nonprofit organizations must employ effective, professional public relations techniques in order to get the recognition, support and dollars they need to fulfill their missions. The Public Relations Handbook for Nonprofits offers you the first comprehensive guide to all the practices organizations need to do well in their efforts to do good. This title examines all the elements, tools and processes involved in an effective nonprofit PR campaign.

Offering a combination of theory and practice, it shows you how to market to your key audiences, both inside and outside of your organization. In addition to helping you understand you target markets and shaping your message for your audience, Feinglass discusses all the key public relations vehicles, including:
news releases, press kits, brochures, newsletters, annual reports, direct mail, advertising, the internet, special events

A final chapter walks you step by step through the process of developing your own comprehensive public relations campaign.

How can carpal tunnel syndrome be prevented?

At the workplace, workers can do on-the-job conditioning, perform stretching exercises, take frequent rest breaks, wear splints to keep wrists straight, and use correct posture and wrist position. Wearing fingerless gloves can help keep hands warm and flexible. Workstations, tools and tool handles, and tasks can be redesigned to enable the worker’s wrist to maintain a natural position during work. Jobs can be rotated among workers. Employers can develop programs in ergonomics, the process of adapting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of workers. However, research has not conclusively shown that these workplace changes prevent the occurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Provided by: National Institutes of Health

With a brief shutdown, some of these functions might elicit ho-hum responses, but other shutdown dynamics might hit nonprofits where they are vulnerable:

In the 1995 and 1996 shutdowns, payments to federal contractors affecting approximately 20 percent of the dollar volume of contracts were “affected adversely by the funding lapse” according to the CRS. Nonprofits know what that means. Grant awards and contract reimbursements will be delayed – on top of those already delayed, as NPQ has reported.

And the pain will spread to the states. Many state and local program staff are partially paid for by federal dollars. As those payments slow and stop, state governments will either have to temporarily replace federal dollars with their own resources, in short supply, or simply lay people off and shutter programs. As a result, federal grant and contract payment delays will add to delays for nonprofits at the state and local levels.

Provided by: The Nonprofit Quarterly, Rick Cohen

Provided by: Entrepreneur