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

In addition to the new website, NPC now has it long awaited for Forum. It is a space where newly established nonprofit executives can meet other nonprofit executives, and share struggles, roadblocks, and most importantly solutions. This Forum is not only for new executives, but established one as well. If you are inclined to help a neighbor get a much needed community project started, then I would encourage you to sign up for NPC’s Forum.

It has been my vision for years to bring to the newly formed nonprofit community a way to connect, and support other nonprofit organizations in their growth. Especially during this time of economic distress, we must find more ways to work together to share resources; thus causing growth for all involved.

Nonprofit Connectors would like to take this opportunity to invite you to visit our website, and take advantage of our FREE Forum by signing up today

I have several irons in the fire. Let me unveil a few of
them for you now:

Free Office Hours: 
I started off this new year with offering free 15-minute individual
sessions. I call them Free Office Hours. All you have to do is set an appointment
with me for a 15-minute slot between 10am – 11:30am Eastern Time. I will answer
your burning question about getting your nonprofit started. So, what question
do you have about getting started? I am sure I can find you the answer.

Free Resource:  I
have created a free resource for anyone looking to start a nonprofit. This
resource is a collection of my most popular articles all related to the startup
of a nonprofit. You just need to complete the “Sign Up” for this blog and the
articles will be emailed to you.

NPC Resource Guide: For a few years I’ve been compiling
resources for starting a nonprofit organization. This resource guide contains
over 200 resources categorized for novice nonprofit executives, and grouped by medium
type. Each resource contains bibliographical information which makes it that
much easier to do additional research. This resource guide will be available
for sale in a few short weeks.

There are more things coming to answer the needs of those
wanting to start a nonprofit. So, sign up today to receive this blog in your
email, check out the website, and ask questions. I want to help you make your
nonprofit dream a reality!

This is just proof that it is going to be tough for our favorite charities. So, make sure to add them to your end of year giving list, but you don’t have to wait until the end of the year.