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!

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.

Leveraging Good Will shows how nonprofit organizations can access the extraordinary resources of businesses, and how for-profits can benefit from partnering with nonprofits. Written by Alice Korngold—an expert in matching business professionals with nonprofit organizations—this important resource clearly demonstrates how nonprofits can gain valuable experience, expertise, relationships, and funding that will elevate and advance their organizations while businesses can build stronger relationships with the community and develop the next generation of leaders. Filled with illustrative examples and real-life success stories, Leveraging Good Will is an insider’s guide to what it takes for nonprofits to transform their organizations through partnerships with businesses. Step by step, the book outlines how to create a solid plan based on proven-in-practice techniques.

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

Well, I believe I found it! It is a combination of several techniques that take me back to my project planner days; so, I’ve made a list of the items you’ll need:

* a wall calendar you can write on
* color pens
* electronic calendar (I use Outlook)
* and, some time!

The object is to map out your month to month on the wall calendar (this the big picture scope), and then itemize the actions, activities, meetings, etc. on your electronic day to day calendar. The key is capture as much about a project, task, and/or deadline as possible. So, some people, like me, need to break it down into small everyday manageable pieces. I love looking on the wall and seeing at a glance what is coming up, but I need it practical steps within my daily list of tasks.

Now I use color pens to quickly identify things that I see at a glance. I’ve even gone one extra step and color coded all of my clients and my two businesses. So, when I see light blue pen on the board, I know this relates to Nonprofit Connectors. In order to keep that system going, I’ve color coded my files the same way. I even have colored line paper to match. This way, when I write a note and leave it on my desk, the color of the paper tells me what folder it belongs in. This may be too advanced for you now. So, we’ll revisit the color coded filing system.

The main point here is that time management is all about planning. So, be intentional, and try different techniques. When you find something that works, create a habit. For me, I have to repeat a thing daily for at least three weeks before it sticks.

Now, go pick up a wall calendar, some color pens, and get to creating your time management system. Please share your time management process; I love learning about new ones!

So, why did I start it? Ten years ago when I started my Virtual Assistant practice, I immediately knew I wanted to run a niché business. Having a defined specific target market would help me narrow in on marketing, and keep my costs to a minimum. So with the help of great business coach – Stacy Brice, I worked hard to identify my unique market through my current client base. As it turned out, one of my clients happened to be a volunteer board of directors group. They partnered with me because they could see the value in having a person be dedicated to the administrative needs of the chapter. Light bulbs went off for me, and a new passion was discovered.

Immediately, I started actively seeking similar clients. I grew my practice with clients that ranged from boards of directors of small, medium, and large chapter groups, to boards of directors of charter schools and wellness groups. As my responsibilities increased so did my knowledge of nonprofits. Then my interest in nonprofits grew exponentially.

I took a few nonprofit management classes, helped a few people get nonprofit questions answered, and then decided to launch a business helping individuals create legacy businesses through my consultant services at Nonprofit Connectors (NPC).

The concept behind NPC is to not only help individuals, and/or groups, start nonprofit organizations, but to also help them grow their nonprofit organizations with the assistance of other success nonprofit organizations. We feature nonprofit organizations on our website to encourage and foster cross promotion of nonprofit groups to each other. We are in the process of creating a community space for nonprofit groups to join and connect. These are just few ways for you to share the word about your nonprofit organizations.

If you are interested in learning more about our community space, or you want to share the word about your nonprofit organization on our website, just be in touch with us via email: connection at nonprofitconnectors.com or call: 301-645-6153.

Learn how to organize your home-based business and maximize productivity. Organization For Home-Based Business Professionals will teach you the correct way to set up your office space, how to create your filing system so that you can find anything in under 2 minutes, and how to master your schedule and time to get the most value from each and every day. Being organized and efficient literally saves you hundreds of hours making you more productive in your home-based business. A more productive person will earn more money, realize more dreams, and make a lasting impact not only on their families, but also on their communities. This book will transform any home-based business by inspiring you to take control of the chaos with simple and effective organization systems.

Virginia Sowers: ChildFund International (formerly Christian Children’s Fund) has been inspired and driven by the potential that is inherent in all children; the potential not only to survive but also to thrive, to become leaders who bring positive change for those around them.

Our distinctive approach focuses on working with children throughout their journey from birth to young adulthood, as well as with families, local organizations and communities globally to create environments children need to thrive.

NPC: Who does it serve?

Virginia Sowers: We help deprived, excluded and vulnerable children around the world and in the United States to build their capacity to improve their lives and have the opportunity to become young adults, parents and leaders who bring lasting and positive change to their communities.

NPC: How long have you been in operation?

Virginia Sowers: Founded in 1938 in Richmond, Va., as China’s Children Fund, ChildFund has evolved from a focus on orphans and orphanages to an international child development organization.

China’s Children Fund became Christian Children’s Fund in 1951.

On July 1, 2009, the organization changed its name to ChildFund International to reflect the true breadth and international scope of the organization’s work and to recognize its affiliation with the ChildFund Alliance.

ChildFund International is a founding member of ChildFund Alliance whose members partner to improve the lives of children and family members in 55 countries.

NPC:  How many people did you serve your first year? And, this year?

Virginia Sowers: In 1939, the board of China Children’s Fund sent its first donation of $2,000 “to the authorities of China” for the benefit of war orphans.

Today, ChildFund International assists approximately 15.2 million children and family members in 31 countries worldwide.

This includes more than 500,000 sponsored children who are supported through monthly contributions.

NPC: What is your most difficult challenge as a nonprofit?

Virginia Sowers: Meeting the tremendous needs of children living without basic life necessities, and getting to the roots of poverty.

NPC: What was your most difficult challenge starting out?

Virginia Sowers: Our organizational history reveals that our founder J. Calvitt Clarke was a veteran promoter of relief for peoples displaced by the ravages of WWI, and a gifted publicist and fundraiser. He had traveled quite a bit abroad and had witnessed the suffering of war and famine victims. What affected him most was the suffering of children, and he was able to effectively share his concerns with others and launch a nationwide appeal for funds on behalf of Chinese children orphaned by the second Sino-Japanese War.

NPC:  What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a nonprofit?

Virginia Sowers: Identify an unmet need and work steadfastly toward your goal. Others will be inspired by passion, action and accountability.

NPC: How can people get involved?

Virginia Sowers: ChildFund International invites others to learn more about our organization via our web site and blog and to engage with
us in conversation via our social media networks. A great way to become involved is to sponsor a child or to contribute to our Fund-a-Project program, which allows individuals to collectively accomplish a goal such as funding playgrounds for children in Afghanistan or donating supplies for a community garden in the U.S.

http://www.childfund.org

www.mychildfund.org/fundaproject

 http://www.childfund.org/make-a-donation.aspx

http://www.facebook.com/ChildFundinternational

http://www.childfundinternational.wordpress.com

http://www.twitter.com/childfund

http://www.youtube.com/childfundtube

http://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=2331305&trk=anet_ug_hm

NPC: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

Virginia Sowers: Our work would not be possible without the
generosity of our child sponsors and donors, and we are most grateful for their support. We invite others who are passionate about children to join us.

*Virginia Sowers is the Community Manager for ChildFund International. For more information, please visit the website at http://www.childfund.org.