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Common Ground
A Publication of the N.C. Center for Nonprofits
Volume XXI, Number 1
Winter 2012
What’s Inside
Page
Give retirement benefits to
your staff
2
Nonprofit Awareness Month
2
Are you micromanaged?
3
Three nonprofit stars
4-5
Find appropriate funders
6
A volunteer hero
6
Social media = accountability
7
Ratios: good, bad, and ugly
8
Fiscal sponsorship?
9
Legal & legislative
10
You can do voter guides
11
Communicate well when something goes wrong
12
Your answers, savings, voice
and network
13
Welcome, new Members
15
Join the Center
15
Policy advocacy made easy.
Join us May 29-30
16
Good Stuff Free
16
Of Special Interest
to Board Members
Affordable retirement plans
2
Strong board and executive
director relationships
3
2012 Public Policy Forum
16
Why and How to Hire an
Interim Executive Director
L
eadership change is often
marked with emotion, tension,
and stress. If the director’s departure
is forced, emotions may be particularly
high for staff and board members.
Externally, some funders, donors,
and volunteers may take a “wait and
see” approach, putting their support
on hold. This can put a strain on resources, further taxing your nonprofit.
Research suggests that a skilled
interim executive director (ED) helps
nonprofits to emerge stronger, more
fiscally sound, and with higher levels
of optimism. She takes the helm and
lays the groundwork for the next
leader’s success by:

Serving as a bridge, giving the board
time to conduct a thoughtful search
process.

Managing the day-to-day by examining the organization objectively, leading
anxious staff, reassuring wary funders,
and keeping finances
and revenue
generation on
track.

Helping the
board clarify
its vision
and future
leadership
needs.

Modeling
excellence in
management
and leadership.

Mentoring
the new
ED once
appointed.
mind. Your board should determine
what’s most critical to the nonprofit’s
success over the next few months.

Identify urgent issues or challenges
facing your organization.

Review the departing ED’s job description, determine priorities for the
transition, and draft an interim job
description.

Seek an interim ED with solid skills in
management and transitions. This is
more important than familiarity with
your nonprofit or its field of work.

Keep in mind that the assignment is
temporary (usually four to eight
months). The individual shouldn’t be a
candidate for the permanent position.

Realize that, due to the unique demands
of the role, interim EDs are usually paid
higher on an hourly basis than permanent EDs. But, they may be part-time or
receive reduced benefits because of their
temporary status.
INTERIM CONTINUED ON P. 12
Some tips
for hiring an
Jeanie Duncan (left) shares a moment with Ashley Brooks, executive director
interim ED are: of the Women’s Resource Center of Greensboro, at the N.C. Center’s confer
Begin with
the end in
ence. Don’t miss your Public Policy Forum for Nonprofits on May 29 and
NC Nonprofits Day at the legislature on May 30! Photo: JLS Photography
Linking North Carolina’s Nonprofit Sector
N.C. Center for Nonprofits
Support your staff
C
ommon Ground is published quarterly
by the N.C. Center for Nonprofits. Our
mission is to enrich North Carolina’s communities
and economy through a strong nonprofit sector
and nonprofit voice. We serve as a statewide network
for nonprofit board and staff members, an information
center on effective practices, and an advocate for the
nonprofit sector as a whole.
Please send comments or items to:
N.C. Center for Nonprofits, 1110 Navaho Drive,
Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27609-7322, 919-790-1555,
Fax 919-790-5307, [email protected],
www.ncnonprofits.org.
Copyright 2012, North Carolina Center for
Nonprofit Organizations, Inc. All rights reserved.
Approval is required for reprints.
The Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
and a member of the National Council of Nonprofits.
Contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Editor: Sarah Weissberg
Graphic Designer: Caroline McDowell
Contributors: Rachel Aiken, Greg Borom, Rusty
Bramlage, Damon Circosta, Jeanie Duncan, Caroline
McDowell, David Heinen, Melanie Herman, Jane
Kendall, Jan Masaoka, Kivi Leroux Miller, Melissa
Le Roy, Mig Murphy Sistrom, Dennis Walsh, Sarah
Weissberg
Board of Directors
Chair: Tog Newman, N.C. Arts Council and South Arts
Vice Chair: Jane Preyer, Environmental Defense Fund,
N.C. Office
Treasurer: Walker Sanders, Community Foundation
of Greater Greensboro
Secretary: Jane Kendall, N.C. Center for Nonprofits
Juan Austin, Wells Fargo
Allan Burrows, Capital Development Services
Walter Davenport, CPA, and United Way of the
Greater Triangle
Joni Davis, Duke Energy
Loleta Wood Foster, Assessment, Counseling &
Consulting
Althea Gonzalez, Hispanics in Philanthropy
Melissa Le Roy, U.S. Green Building Council,
SC Chapter
Michael Murchison, Murchison, Taylor & Gibson PLLC
Kelly Williamson, APCO Worldwide
Emily Zimmern, Levine Museum of the New South
Staff
Rachel Aiken, Communications Assistant
Charletta Briscoe, Administrative Secretary
Tracy Careyette, Director of Finance
Shameka Harrington, Program Assistant
David Heinen, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy
Ordelia High, Administrative Secretary
Joye Hodges, Conference and Events Coordinator
Paula Jones, Director of Technology and Administration
Jane Kendall, President
Trisha Lester, Vice President
Sarah Mann Willcox, Marketing Manager
Caroline McDowell, Administrative Assistant
Sandy Pickett, Executive Assistant
Allie Thomson, Development Assistant
Sarah Weissberg, Director of Member Relations
Geia Williams, Member Services Associate
Page 2
Save More for Retirement
H
elp your staff save, too! Your
staff are a valuable resource
for your organization. Help them plan
for their future and provide a great
employee benefit at the same time
with a solid retirement program.
And now, you can have a retirement plan that is affordable! The N.C.
Center for Nonprofits offers a highlyrated 403(b) plan sponsored by The
Hartford Retirement Plan Services.
This is for nonprofits that have a
retirement plan (compare yours to this)
and for those that do not yet offer this
important benefit.
It’s hard to beat the affordable
group pricing that we’ve negotiated
for you. Some of the benefits:

Your nonprofit will have its own plan
and set its own contribution level and
any match requirement.

You start with a big benefit: The
Hartford writes your full retirement
plan free of charge! This usually costs
$5,000 to $10,000.

Your nonprofit pays no administrative
fees.

Participants enjoy low fees. As more
Member nonprofits participate, fees will
continue to drop until they are $0!

You make easy online contributions
from payroll. Everyone receives
quarterly statements.

You’ll receive signature-ready 5500
forms at the end of the plan year.

Investments are protected by Fiduciary
Assure.

The plan’s financial advisor provides
support and education about retirement
investing to your staff, so you can focus
on your vital mission.
Learn more at www.ncnonprofits.
org/benefits/retirement.asp or contact
Kimberlee Sipe at Capital Investment
Group, [email protected]. 
A Home Run in November
Nonprofit Awareness Month
N
ovember was Nonprofit
Awareness Month. You made
it happen with leadership like this:
National Recognition
The National Council of Nonprofits featured North Carolina as the first state to
create a Nonprofit Awareness Month. Other
states now use our toolkit and strategies.
Official Proclamations
Governor Bev Perdue issued a proclamation
naming November as Nonprofit Awareness
Month (NAM) in North Carolina.
County officials across the state also issued
proclamations. What about your county?
Media and Websites
Our hashtag #npaware trended on Twitter!
Our 476 messages inspired North Carolinians on widespread social networks.
The N.C. Association of Free Clinics and the
National Alliance on Mental Illness highlighted NAM on their websites and shared
ways to get involved.
The N.C. Community Foundation’s Affiliates wrote letters to their local news editors
commending nonprofits’ untiring work and
the commitment of the community foundations that help support them.
An NCGives news release recognized the
vital role of philanthropy and nonprofits.
Nonprofit Gatherings
HandsOn Northwest North Carolina hosted
its annual November Best Practice Breakfast
to celebrate Nonprofit Awareness Month.
The Institute for Nonprofits at N.C. State
University hosted a panel discussion on
starting a nonprofit.
The Neuse River Community Development
Corporation hosted a Nonprofit Fair at New
Bern Mall in partnership with the New Bern
Chamber Nonprofit Council just as Belk’s
Charity Event featured 20 area nonprofits.
Nonprofit Awareness Month will
come again next November, but our
voices continue all year. Visit www.
ncnonprofits.org/nam.asp for tips and
tools. And, as always, keep us posted
on your achievements! 
– Caroline McDowell
Caroline McDowell is administrative
assistant at the N.C. Center for Nonprofits and graphic designer of Common
Ground.
Winter 2012, Vol XXI, No. 1
N.C. Center for Nonprofits
Clearing the Air
Boards, Executive Directors, and Micromanaging
W
ords from an executive
ED. So if the board
director: “The board is
packet is sloppily
micromanaging. They’re driving me
put together or the
crazy!”
budget wasn’t conFrom a board member: “Every time trolled last year,
we make a suggestion, the executive
board members
director flies off the handle and
step in closer.
accuses us of micromanaging! Aren’t
Frequently,
we supposed to be guiding and
individual board
leading?”
members are all
Wryly, we might say that “microover the map in
management” is whatever the board
terms of what
does that the executive director (ED)
kind of oversight
doesn’t like.
they think is apSay the board is reviewing a budget propriate. And
that includes $10,000 for lighting
sometimes there’s
fixtures. Some board members don’t
a board member
see the need for new fixtures at all, but who, out of sync
the ED believes it’s important to
with the rest of the
provide a positive environment for
board, wants to
visitors and better lighting for staff.
take every decision
She thinks that equipment purchases
up to the board level.
are staff
What to do if you’re on
decisions, and
the board? Essential tips:

Board chairs must make that the board is “When we have
sure the ED isn’t beset with
confidence
in
someone,
micromanaging.
conflicting orders from the
Who is right? we step back and let
board. A simple, temporary
If only we had a
them do their job.
solution is for the chair to
measuring stick
be the gatekeeper, deciding
that could make When we lack
what should go to the board
confidence, we step in
scientific
and what shouldn’t.
distinctions.
closer. And closer. ”

But remember, the chair
The hidden
isn’t the ED’s individual
reason for micromanagement is often
supervisor. The board as a whole
a lack of confidence in the ED. Imagine
oversees the ED. So, they should review
the gatekeeper’s decisions as a group.
you’re supervising two grantwriters.

This will help bring the board into
One gives you a great first draft, and
alignment about its level of confidence
you say, “Make these two changes
in the ED. The whole board, not any one
and send it off.” The other gives you a
board member, “draws the line.”
terrible draft, so you say: “Make these
What if you’re the executive
changes and let me see the next draft.”
director?
These are tricky waters.
She protests: “Why do you want two
Consider
these tips if you think you’re
drafts from me but only one from the
being
micromanaged:
other grantwriter? You’re microman
Ask yourself and the board chair, “Why
aging me!”
does the board wonder about my ability
When we have confidence in
to lead this organization?”
someone, we step back and let them

Tackle the real issue – such as budget
do their job. When we lack confidence,
control – rather than argue over
we step in closer. And closer.
whether purchasing light fixtures is a
Board members typically don’t get
board or a staff decision. Pick your
much direct evidence on whether they
battles and choose ones that are
should gain or lose confidence in the
meaningful, not just symptomatic.
Winter 2012, Vol XXI, No. 1
Photo: www.flickr.com/photos/lazurite/3486691753, Creative Commons

Give the board direct feedback too, by
saying, “I appreciate your confidence
in me as demonstrated by your agreeing
that this was a staff decision,” or
“Are you giving input to help me make
a decision or are you saying this is a
board decision?” or “Since you’re
questioning what I think is a staff
decision, should we look at the
board’s assessment of my
performance?” 
– Jan Masaoka
Jan Masaoka is editor of Blue
Avocado. This article is adapted and
reprinted with permission from Blue
Avocado, a practical and readable online
magazine for nonprofits. Subscribe free at
www.blueavocado.org.
Many Thanks!
T
o Sanctuary House for sharing
the time and talent of their
staff, Jodi Lorenzo-Schibley (JLS
Photography) and Morgan Graham
(Bella Grace Photography). Jodi and
Morgan served as pro bono photographers at our 2011 Conference. 
Page 3
N.C. Center for Nonprofits
The Winners’ Circle
serve on its
ter, United Family Services, Davidson
board of direcCollege, United Way, the YMCA,
tors, and he
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, area
accepted. “I’m
churches, state government agencies,
glad to give
and local services for seniors.
back to the
Marcia Webster; Board Chair
organization.
Margo Williams; Board Treasurer
There’s no place Ralph Quackenbush; Founding Board
like home here
Member Guydell Connor; and staff
in Davidson!”
members Gail Brooks-Lemkin,
DHC was
Homebuyer Education & Financial
founded in
Literacy Counselor; Nancy Waldrop,
1996. In 2008,
HAMMERS Supervisor & Property
its board and
Manager; and Emily Lytle, Managestaff decided to
ment and Development Fellow,
turn
their
focus
accepted the Award.
The Davidson Housing Coalition works with individuals and families to
on
collaborating
“Disability Rights North Carolina
create and maintain affordable housing in their community.
with other
(DRNC) won for its successful use
organizations in northern Mecklenof a dozen different tools to improve
ollaboration, advocacy, and
burg County. They believed this
public policies and services for people
social entrepreneurship are
with disabilities,” said Jane.
just some of the traits of the winners of would help the entire community use
In 2007, the Governor designated
the 2011 Nonprofit Sector Stewardship existing resources.
And, they were right. The economic DRNC (formerly Carolina Legal AsAwards.
crisis struck later that year. Families in sistance) to ensure the rights of all
The N.C. Center recognized three
need swarmed to nonprofits. As our
state citizens with disabilities through
nonprofits as exemplary stewards of
readers know firsthand, everyone at
advocacy and system change. Its advothe public’s trust and resources in
the local level had to work together
cacy ranges from providing assistance
front of more than 700 nonprofit and
to meet the skyrocketing demand for
to individuals to taking legal action on
community leaders at our annual
services.
their behalf.
conference, “The Power of NonprofDHC took the time and the risk to
If it receives several complaints
its.” We thank Prudential Financial for
step forward and connect with many
about the same problem, it conducts
stepping forward to sponsor the 2011
other organizaAwards. Why did these nonprofits
tions. “This
win?
“The Davidson Housing Coalition has helped us
make more of
(DHC) does a great job of providing
affordable housing,” said Jane Kendall, a difference in
people’s lives,”
Center president, “But, it’s also a force
said Marcia
for much broader change. The CoaliWebster, execution motivates its whole community
tive director.
to help their neighbors become finanDHC partcially self-sufficient, not just have a
nered with
roof over their heads.”
the CharlotteSammy Sherrill is one such townsMecklenburg
person. When rent in Davidson was
Workforce
rising fast, DHC helped him and his
Development
mother find a home. Years later,
Board and the
Sammy took DHC’s financial manageDisability Rights North Carolina uses comprehensive advocacy to protect
JobLink Career the legal rights of people with disabilities.
ment class and qualified for a brand
Center to create
new, two-bedroom duplex. Sammy,
a local job search assistance program.
an in-depth investigation. It dissemiwho’s worked for 10 years in shipping
It joined forces with the N.C.
nates the findings to the public, profesand receiving at Ingersoll Rand, says
Housing Finance Agency to create
sionals in the field, government offithe reduced rent has helped him and
apartments for disabled adults. Other
cials, and individuals with disabilities.
his two sons “keep our heads above
partners include the Ada Jenkins Cen2011 AWARDS CONTINUED ON P. 5
water.” Later, DHC asked Sammy to
C
Page 4
Winter 2012, Vol XXI, No. 1
N.C. Center for Nonprofits
different
community
Then, it makes sure that the needed
investments.
changes are actually implemented.
For example, it received claims that
“PFC is a
thousands of adults with mental illmodel for
ness were being warehoused in Adult
how nonprofCare Homes without treatment.
its can adapt
Working with UNC law students,
and thrive in
DRNC identified 15 homes across the
challenging
state suspected of such warehousing.
times. It
Its staff observed the conditions of
combines the
each facility and spoke to residents,
administration,
administrators, and staff. It published
facilities, and
a powerful Special Report that raised
evaluation of
public awareness of the problem.
The Parntership for Children of Cumberland County creates opportunities many organizaBut DRNC did not stop there. It
tions so that
for children to be successful in school and beyond.
also filed a complaint with the U.S.
all of them
Department of Justice against the
can make more of a difference,” said
Barnes, Chief Financial Officer; Janice
State of North Carolina on behalf of
Willmott, Chief Administrative Officer; N.C. Center board member Dr. Loleta
all persons with mental illness. U.S.
Wood Foster.
and Elaine Whitford, Director of
District Court Judge Terrence Boyle
PFC is also a model for financial
Development.
recently found that the State’s policy
sustainability. A few years ago, it
“The Partnership for Children of
on personal care services violates the
anticipated state budget cuts and
Cumberland County (PFC) acts as a
Medicaid Act.
social entrepreneur. It combines the
began diversifying its funding
“He confirmed our position that
passion of a social mission with
sources. Its budget now comes from
the State’s policy pushed people toaccountability, innovation, and disci18 different sources, including
ward institutional settings,” says Vicki plined management practices,” said
private contributions from the
Smith, executive director. “It is our
Jane. “It experiments, measures, and
community.
hope that this decision will encourage
shares what it learns across the
Accepting the Award for PFC
the State to develop policies that arcommunity.”
were Eva Hansen; Board Chair
ticulate a clear priority to keep people
Incorporated in 1993, PFC builds
Jeff Hylland; Past Chairs Karen
in their homes and community.
partnerships with families and within
McDonald and Charles Morris; and
“Feeling safe is a fundamental
the community to provide all children
staff members Marie Clark, Chief
need. Our advocacy work ensures that with an opportunity to succeed. The
Financial Officer; and Lynn Vick,
people with disabilities can live free
Partnership runs NC Smart Start and
Director of Child Care Resource
from harm in the communities of their More-at-Four programs in the Fayette- and Referral. 
choice,” said Vicki.
ville area.
DRNC forms coalitions with other
President Eva Hansen explains,
nonprofits and works hand-in-hand
“Early childhood programs are the
with the agencies responsible for the
most cost-effective way to ensure
problem.
the healthy development of children
The N.C. Center also honored
whose families live in poverty. They
DRNC for its governance practices
offer the greatest returns to society.”
and for reaching out to anyone and
The PFC Resource Center brings
everyone interested in its mission.
together under one roof
DRNC Board Chair Beth Garris
16 different organizations dedicated
Hardy says, “Every year, we evaluate
to helping families and children. It
our own performance as a board, as
values collaboration and accountwell as our executive director’s. We
ability.
read our conflict-of-interest policy at
For instance, when two other
the start of every board meeting, and
Partnerships for Children were in
we disclose any potential conflicts at
jeopardy of closing, PFC agreed to
Dr. Loleta Wood Foster of the N.C. Center’s
that time. We also make sure our
handle their management.
Board of Directors presents the Nonprofit Sector
Finance Committee is diligent.”
PFC also pioneered a Grant
Stewardship Awards. Does your nonprofit belong
Vicki Smith and Beth Garris Hardy Evaluation Management Solution
in the winners’ circle? Nominate your organizaaccepted the Award along with Rusty
(GEMS) that uses a central data bank tion or another that you believe is exemplary by
Bradstock, Board Member; Charlie
to measure the effectiveness of
March 5, 2012.
2011 AWARDS CONTINUED FROM P. 4
Winter 2012, Vol XXI, No. 1
Page 5
N.C. Center for Nonprofits
The Search is On! Finding Funders
1
Know your search criteria.
Define your cause, the type
of support you need (such as capital,
project, or general operating support), and factors that fit your grant
interests. Then, come up with key
words. For example, a Humane
Society could use: animal shelter building grant; animal southeastern operating
grant; animal national unrestricted
grant.
Seek likely matches. Now,
search for grantmakers. Local
or regional funders should be at the
top of your list. You can also search
for funders with wider scopes –
N.C., southeast, nationwide, etc.
Several public libraries provide the
Foundation Directory Online, where
you can search for information on
foundations, corporations, and recent
grants. See https://foundation
center.org/collections/ccnc.html.
Do your homework. Before
introducing yourself to a
grantmaker, make sure you’re a good
2
3
fit. For clues,
look at their
past grant
recipients,
amounts
awarded,
current
trustees or
board
members,
current staff,
past Forms
Melissa Le Roy
990s or
990-PFs (http://foundationcenter.org),
and annual reports.
One complaint I often hear from
foundations is, “I wish nonprofits
would take the time to look at our
website.” Many questions can be
answered there – what types of programs/nonprofits a foundation will
fund, the application process, etc.
Processes and deadlines change, so
refer back to their websites often.
Look at the whole picture.
Combine all the information
4
into a spreadsheet with categories
for grantmaker’s funding interests
(broken down into several
subcategories); your programs that
align with each funder; your proposed request amounts (make sure
it’s reasonable for each funder);
deadlines; and other relevant
information. Ask your staff, board,
and volunteers if anyone has a
personal connection or more information that can perfect your proposal
or relationship with a funder.
Craft unique proposals for
each funder. It’s not uncommon for nonprofits to use the same
proposal for different funders. Please
don’t make this mistake! Write the perfect proposal each time. 
– Melissa Le Roy
5
Melissa Le Roy lives in Saluda, NC.
She serves as executive director of the
U.S. Green Building Council, S.C.
Chapter, and on the Board of Directors of
the N.C. Center for Nonprofits.
Free HR Consultations for Members
Meet a Volunteer Superhero
R
usty Bramlage
is one of our
amazing One-Hour
Pro Bono volunteers.
He donates hours of
his time sharing his
human resources (HR)
expertise with Members of the N.C. Center.
We want to give Rusty
a big “Thank You!”
His comments are
Rusty Bramlage
inspiring.
What’s the most rewarding part
of your volunteer work? “Helping
nonprofits solve problems and identify
practical solutions for the issues they
face. I firmly believe every organization deserves competent, timely
HR and risk management practices.
Volunteering is especially important
Page 6
during lean economic times
when nonprofits have to manage diminishing resources,
achieve results, and maintain
high levels of compassion.”
If you could run any
nonprofit anywhere in the
world, where would you go
and what would you do? “I’m
influenced by ‘Think Globally,
Act Locally.’ There are great
causes around the world,
but my wife and I are most
active in our own community. Two
important causes for us are the adoption of children and animal rescue. We
believe in speaking on behalf of the
voiceless, improving families’ lives,
and preserving species.”
What’s one big, juicy tip you’d
like to share with nonprofits? “Con-
sider an ‘Open Book’ approach to
running your organization. Inform
employees about your organization’s
critical numbers and share how they
can make a difference – both individually and as part of a team. Tie employees’ goals and accountability directly
to the nonprofit’s success. This encourages employees to think, act, and feel
like leaders.”
Need a pro bono expert? The N.C.
Center can refer you as often needed
to attorneys, accountants, marketing
experts, and HR professionals for free
one-hour consultations. Contact 919790-1555, ext. 220, or www.ncnon
profits.org/askthecenter.asp. 
Rusty Bramlage, SPHR, CCP, CBP,
GRP is vice president of HR consulting
and compliance services at Progressive
Benefit Solutions.
Winter 2012, Vol XXI, No. 1
N.C. Center for Nonprofits
Seven Ways Social Media
Why Does
Improves Your Accountability This Matter?
M
B
5
ost nonprofits know that
with “slice of life” stories from your
eing accountable and open –
social media helps you condaily work.
or “transparent” – to your
nect with supporters, advocates, and
Ask questions and seek
community
is part of good stewardclients. But blogs, Facebook, Twitter,
feedback. Float ideas, gather
ship
by
your
nonprofit. Want to
and YouTube can also increase your
opinions, and let folks weigh in. It’s an
know
more
about
what this means?
organization’s accountability and
easy way to show that you’re listening.
According
to
the
N.C. Center’s
transparency. Here are natural ways
Want a great theme for your next
Principles
and
Practices
for Nonprofit
to do this:
event? Put options on Facebook for a
Excellence:
Communicate in real time.
vote. Then share the results!
“Nonprofits have an ethical
People turn to social media for
Invite participation. Get people
obligation
to conduct their acbreaking news of all kinds, and they
engaged by encouraging them
tivities
in
a
way that is accountexpect you to use the
to share photos, videos,
able
and
transparent
to staketools in the same way.
or write a guest blog
holders.
Nonprofits
should
Say a road has closed
post. Can you use
engage in ongoing efforts to
unexpectedly, making it
social media to open
openly convey information to
difficult to attend your
up your programs for
the public about their missions,
fundraiser. Twitter and
those who can’t easily
activities, accomplishments,
Facebook are perfect
participate face-to-face?
and decision-making processways to tell attendees
Think creatively about
es. This information should be
about an alternate
how people can engage
easily accessible to the public
route.
during off-hours.
and should create external vis Speak in
Keep talking
ibility, public understanding,
personal voices.
between meetKivi Leroux Miller
and trust in the organization.”
Social media is, well,
ings. Consider adding
social, which means it works best
smaller, more controlled groups, like
Members can download Principles
when used by real people speaking
a private Facebook for your board.
and
Practices free at www.ncnonprofits.
in conversational, natural voices,
This helps them connect, converse, and
org/principles.asp.

rather than stilted official-speak.
keep your organization top of mind. 
You’ll explain news more clearly
– Kivi Leroux Miller
and appear personally responsible
fundraising. She is the author of The
Kivi Leroux Miller is president of
for your postings. It’s appropriate to
Nonprofit Marketing Guide: HighNonprofitMarketingGuide.com, where
have “official” Twitter and Facebook
Impact, Low-Cost Ways to Build
you’ll find her blog and weekly webinars
accounts, but it’s also good practice
Support for Your Good Cause.
on marketing, communications, and
to let supporters know which human
beings actually update those accounts.
Respond to negativity. Any one can say anything about
your organization in social media.
Many for-profits are relearning the
value of customer service the hard
way when customers broadcast their
displeasure via social media. The
majority of what’s said about
nonprofits is positive or neutral. But
when negative comments appear,
respond directly, calmly, and
thoughtfully. This goes a long way.
Social media can connect your nonprofit with organizations in other countries that share your
Show behind-the-scenes.
goals. Here, N.C. Center staff members Shameka Harrington (left) and Sarah Weissberg (second
Take people behind the scenes from right) connect with non-governmental organization leaders from Lebanon. These women
and share what really goes on in your visited several U.S. sites through the International Affairs Council and the Institute for Nonprofits
programs. In-depth descriptions aren’t at N.C. State University.
Photo courtesy of the Institute for Nonprofits
necessary. Simply give us a little peek
1
2
6
7
3
4
Winter 2012, Vol XXI, No. 1
Page 7
N.C. Center for Nonprofits
How are you judged?
Coping With Ugly Ratios
(ASC) 958605-25-16,
and you
can never
include
them as
revenue
and
related
program
Dennis Walsh (left) presents “Legal Update: Keeping on the Right Path” with
expenses
David Heinen and Dianne Chipps Bailey. Your 2012 Legal Update will be on
on your
September 14. Watch for details. Photo: JLS Photography Form 990.
Unfortun this era of belt-tightening,
nately,
these
omissions
tend
to
don’t be surprised that donors,
understate
your
PER
because
of a
lawmakers, and other stakeholders are
lower
numerator
for
your
program
looking at your nonprofit’s “program
cost.
efficiency ratio”(PER) as an indicator
I
of good stewardship. This is calculated
by dividing your total program
expense by total expenses. A higher
PER indicates that you’re devoting
a greater share of your available
resources to program activities.
People also may look at what percentages of your expenditures are
applied to management and fundraising to determine how you use
resources.
Unfortunately, ratios don’t tell the
whole story. Without explaining
where the numbers come from, ratios
can unfairly cast nonprofits in a
negative light.
For example, if you’re a small organization that must incur substantial
fixed management costs, like an audit,
your management expense ratio will
seem much higher than a larger organization’s with a similar mission.
Or, if you hire a development
consultant, you may have a high
fundraising expense ratio until her
work begins to pay off and your
reports start reflecting new program
expenditures from new grants and
contributions.
The problem is compounded if you
get a lot of support from volunteers.
You typically cannot include donated
services in financial statements under
Accounting Standards Codification
Page 8
How To Keep from
Being Judged Unfairly
Remember that Form 990 is key.
When researching your nonprofit,
more people will turn to your IRS
Form 990 data, available free at Guide
Star.org, than to your other financial
statements. So, be sure that your 990 is
complete and that your Program
Service Accomplishments reflect your
group’s actual results toward your
mission.
Learn how to allocate your
expenses correctly. Most organizations define three functional expense
categories: Program, Management
and General, and Fundraising. “Management and General” serves as the
catch-all for costs that aren’t directly
or indirectly related to programs or
fundraising (e.g., your board meeting
expenses).
Some costs belong solely to one of
these three areas. Others fit more than
one area, and you should allocate (i.e.,
share) them accordingly, if you can.
Periodically look at your natural
expense categories (e.g. human
resource costs, facilities, supplies,
transportation, etc.) to see if they have
shared costs that you should allocate
to more than one category. There are
many ways to allocate costs, also
referred to as “cost drivers.” What’s
important is that your method is
reasonable and used consistently.
For example, you might use the
square footage of part of a building to
calculate the facilities costs that you
allocate to program services. You
might use mileage to allocate vehicle
costs. And you can use staff time spent
on specific duties (based on time logs)
to allocate costs between Program,
Management, and Fundraising
activities.
For fundraising expenses that
include other activities, you must
meet very stringent requirements
before you can allocate any portion of
these “joint costs” to Program or
Management.
Special rules come into play, for
example, if you have a program activity that includes even an incidental
appeal for funding. If you don’t satisfy
the technical requirements of ASC
958-720-45-29 (formerly SOP 98-2),
you must treat the entire expense as
Fundraising, even if it has significant
Program or Management elements.
See https://asc.fasb.org.
For more on allocating your
expenses, see the Common Ground
article, “Cost Allocation Eases Your
Finances” (www.ncnonprofits.org/faq/
cgxv3pg6.pdf).
Understand how special events
can be different. You may subtract
certain direct costs of special fundraising events – such as the value of
meals, entertainment, and facility
rental – from the event’s revenue on
your statement of activities. This is
because you don’t have to include
direct benefits to donors in the
fundraising expense category. This
helps lower your fundraising expenses
ratio. Any indirect costs, such as staff’s
time preparing for the event, should
be included in fundraising expenses.
Know where to include donated
services. You can show the value of
your volunteers in your financial
UGLY RATIOS CONTINUED ON P. 9
Winter 2012, Vol XXI, No. 1
N.C. Center for Nonprofits
Fiscal Sponsorship: Right for Your Nonprofit?
A
s we grapple with the current economy, we’re all
looking for ways to increase revenue
and minimize expenses. Fiscal sponsorships can provide opportunities
for both. This article – the first in a
series – offers guidance and explains
the possible advantages.
What is fiscal sponsorship? In
order to accept foundation grants or
tax-deductible gifts, programs must
be recognized as tax-exempt by the
IRS under Section 501(c)(3) of the
Internal Revenue Code. But what if
you want to begin operations before
you have 501(c)(3) status? Or, what if
you’ve lost it your status? Or maybe,
your program will only operate for a
few months.
Fiscal sponsorship provides a way
for a program to operate without
having its own 501(c)(3) status. In
this arrangement, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit sponsor, or “fiscal agent,”
serves as a fiscal home to another
group or organization (the sponsored program, sometimes called the
“sponsored project”).
The program operates as an integral part of the sponsor. It’s usually
temporary because the program
plans to get its own 501(c)(3) status
or because it has a clear end date.
What are the advantages of being a
“sponsored project”?

Help getting started. If you plan to
UGLY RATIOS CONTINUED FROM P. 8
statements if they meet ASC criteria
(see this Blue Avocado article: http://
tinyurl.com/3djmj98).
Describe in your financial
statement footnotes the activities
of your volunteers, the hours they
contribute, and the estimated value
of these hours. This helps people
understand your ratios better and
tones down negative impressions.
Summarize this information for your
CPA if your financial statements aren’t
prepared internally.
Winter 2012, Vol XXI, No. 1
spin your program off on its own, you
can form an organization and
incorporate. But until your program
gains 501(c)(3) status, it operates as part
of the fiscal sponsor.
Many newly-formed or small
programs don’t yet have the expertise
to manage a nonprofit. Besides providing a tax-exempt home, a fiscal sponsor
can incubate a new program, helping
your staff prepare for administrative
independence.

Shelter from “tipping” which could
change your tax status. If a disproportionate share of your organization’s
income comes from a few foundations
or individuals, you can lose your status
as a 501(c)(3) “public charity.” Your
organization will automatically become
a “private operating foundation.”
Operating foundations cannot receive tax-deductible contributions from
other donors. Even well-established
nonprofits are at risk of this “tipping”
to become an operating foundation. If
a larger nonprofit with diverse sources
of income becomes your fiscal sponsor, you can continue to get 501(c)(3)
benefits.
What are the advantages of being a
fiscal sponsor?

Additional revenue through the fee
income that you’d receive from the
sponsored program. We’ll discuss how
this works in the next article in this
series.

Support for your mission from having
an additional program with a mission
that helps you achieve yours.
Report this information in the
Form 990’s Schedule O as well. This is
your opportunity to tell the world
about your volunteer support. You
can describe what your program,
management, and fundraising ratios
would be if the value of your volunteers
were included in your functional
expenses.
Include volunteer services in your
internal budget, fundraising materials,
and annual reports, too.
Remember, it’s up to you to tell
your whole story. Show the world
Mig Murphy Sistrom
JLS Photography

Savings by sharing expenses. Both
parties benefit. In most fiscal sponsorship arrangements the two parties
share space, rent, telephone service,
office machines, etc. Employee benefit
costs per person are often lower for
larger employers, so both parties can
benefit by sharing staff members. 
– Mig Murphy Sistrom
Mig Murphy Sistrom, CPA
([email protected], 919-419-1119)
provides consulting and accounting
services exclusively to nonprofits in
North Carolina. She serves on the N.C.
Association of CPAs’ Not-for-Profit
Committee.
Members of the N.C. Center can
get free advice from a CPA through our
partnership with the NCACPA. Contact
Geia Williams (gwilliams@ncnonprofits.
org, 919-790-1555, ext.114).
that you’re resourceful and that you
exercise good stewardship! 
– Dennis Walsh, CPA
Dennis Walsh, CPA (drwalsh@triad.
rr.com) provides volunteer technical
assistance to help empower community
nonprofits through The Micah Project
(http://walshfdn.org). He also participates
in the N.C. Center’s Accounting
Assistance Program offered to Members
in partnership with the N.C. Association
of CPAs.
Page 9
N.C. Center for Nonprofits
Legal & Legislative
Congress Keeps Charitable
Giving Incentive...For Now
Last year, a Congressional Super
Committee considered a proposal to
eliminate or reduce the tax deduction
for charitable giving, but it wasn’t able
to reach agreement. The charitable
giving incentive remains intact, but
Congress is likely to revisit this in
coming years.
That’s why it’s so important that
384 North Carolina nonprofits signed
the Nonprofit Community Letter to
protect the incentive. We’ve heard
from members of Congress that your
stories and numbers made it clear that
they need to listen to nonprofits when
making decisions about tax changes
and spending cuts that affect the millions of people you serve. Your united
voice is being heard!
Nonprofit Mailing Rates
Preserved
A U.S. Senate committee has approved legislation (S. 1789) to reform
the U.S. Postal Service. Unlike other
proposals, the 21st Century Postal
Service Act would not reduce postal
discounts for nonprofits.
New Veterans Hiring Tax
Credit Could Help Nonprofits
In November, Congress approved a
new tax credit for employers that hire
veterans (H.R. 674). The credit would
reduce the federal payroll taxes that
nonprofits pay for these employees.
Join us!
2012 Public Policy Forum
for North Carolina’s
Nonprofit Sector
May 29
McKimmon Center, Raleigh
NC Nonprofits Day
May 30
N.C. General Assembly
Page 10
Legislators Hope to Approve
State Budget in May
Legislative appropriations committees are meeting every month to
get ready to vote on a 2012-13 budget
when the short session starts May 16.
Now is the time to hone your case
for why nonprofits are a great bargain
for the state. See these talking points:
www.ncnonprofits.org/ncnonprofitsday/
TalkingPoints_SF.pdf.
DHHS Protects Nonprofit Funds
The N.C. Department of Health and
Human Services (DHHS) has found a
way to protect many of its grants and
contracts with nonprofits. The General
Assembly last summer required it to
cut nonprofits’ grants and contracts
by $5 million this year. But instead
of cutting services provided through
nonprofits, DHHS Secretary Lanier
Cansler found leftover federal funds to
cover most of the $5 million.
Medicaid Shortfall Could Hurt
Those Served by Nonprofits
DHHS now projects the state’s
Medicaid shortfall to be $149 million
this year and $242 million next year.
Without more state funds, it may have
to cut Medicaid reimbursement rates
and reduce some services. Some nonprofit service providers could be paid
less by the state.
Classify Your Employees
Correctly and Avoid Penalties
If – like many employers – your
nonprofit has misclassified your
employees as independent contractors,
you could be subject to penalties for
unpaid payroll taxes. The IRS has a
new voluntary program to help you
comply with minimal penalties: www.
irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/a-11-64.pdf. File
IRS Form 8952 at least 60 days before
you begin treating workers as
employees.
Small Nonprofits:
Protect Your Tax Exemption!
The IRS clarified that nonprofits
with annual budgets under $5,000
must file Form 990-N (e-Postcard)
every year, even though they aren’t
required to apply to the IRS for recognition of their tax-exempt status.
Those that didn’t file an e-Postcard in
a previous year can file now without a
late penalty by using an IRS approved
e-file service provider. Remember,
your nonprofit will automatically lose
its tax-exempt status if you don’t file
a Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-N for three
consecutive years.
IRS Sets 2012 Mileage Rates
Congress Extends Payroll Tax Cut
The standard business mileage rate is
still 55½ cents per mile. Many nonprofits use this rate when reimbursing
employees for work-related driving.
The volunteer mileage rate – what’s
tax-deductible when volunteers drive
on behalf of your nonprofit – is still
14 cents/mile and can only be changed
by Congress. 
IRS Extends Filing Deadlines
for Many Nonprofits
This column is not intended to give
legal advice and should not be relied upon
without your attorney’s counsel. For more
on public policy issues affecting all
501(c)(3) nonprofits in N.C., contact
David Heinen at the N.C. Center for
Nonprofits ([email protected],
919-790-1555, ext. 111). All Center
Members receive Public Policy Updates
and Alerts.
At press time, Congress had extended the 2011 payroll tax reduction
through February 29, 2012. This means
your employees’ payroll tax withholdings won’t be reduced at least through
the end of February. Congress is expected to prioritize making the payroll
tax cut extend through the rest of 2012.
If your Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF
is normally due in January or
February, your filing deadline has
been extended to March 30, 2012. You
must still file Form 990-N (e-Postcard)
on time if your budget is under
$50,000.
Winter 2012, Vol XXI, No. 1
N.C. Center for Nonprofits
Nonprofits Can Do Voter Guides - Here’s How
2
N
Collaborate to get a candirunning and what they stand for. Get
onprofits are trusted in our
this information from the candidates
date’s attention. You’ll need
communities, making us the
themselves. But a good guide also
ideal messengers to provide people
candidates’ feedback for your guide.
includes information on Election Day
with voter guides.
Of course, they’re very busy during
and where and how
Most candidate
election season and
to vote, as well as a
information
get lots of requests to
voter assistance line
doesn’t motivate
complete surveys. This
and/or website with
average citizens to
is especially true for
more information.
become engaged.
those in higher offices.
Be online
Campaigns and
By collaborating with
and off.
outside groups
several nonprofits, you
Online guides,
often create
can cut through the
especially ones
negative ads. Even
clutter and offer candioptimized for
positive messages
dates a way to reach a
search engines, offer
only reach a slice of
wider audience. Start
convenience and
the electorate.
by determining clear
reach voters who
Campaigns
Damon Circosta is executive
Greg
Borom
is
director
of
guidelines for your
director of the N.C. Center
advocacy
and
community
actively seek
typically spend
partners. Will they
for Voter Education
engagement
for
Children
information. But
their resources
have input on ques(www.ncvotered.com).
First/Communities In
direct mail puts
on people they’re
tions? Be required to
Schools of Buncombe
voter information
pretty sure will vote anyway, rather
distribute the publication? Be
County (www.children
in the hands of
than “wasting money” on others,
included in publicity?
firstbc.org).
people who may not
including many people served by
Follow up with candiotherwise
engage
in an election. Using
nonprofits.
dates. You’ll need to send the
both
online
and
print
media is best.
Do nonprofit voter guides work?
questionnaire, call, send it again, call,
Do a press release. When your
In an era of mind-boggling amounts of and call again. Suggest a deadline
guide is published, let local
information, surprisingly, yes. People
that’s a few days before your real
media
help you spread the word.
are more likely to vote when they’re
deadline.
Also,
send
it to candidates. They may
offered non-partisan information de Expect that some candidates
want
to
share
it with their supporters.
signed to help them cast an informed
will intentionally avoid you.
By
making
honest information
ballot. Consider:
Their strategy may be to target a nar
The N.C. Center for Voter Education
available
to
the
public, nonprofits
row group of registered voters and
(NCCVE) sent voter guides to half of
provide
an
invaluable
service and
rely on attack ads. They may not see a
the voters in three N.C. counties. It
engage
more
people
in
our democbenefit in responding to a nonpartisan
increased turnout by 5.4%.
racy.

survey that focuses on issues outside

After the 2010 election, NCCVE sur– Damon Circosta and Greg Borom
their usual stump speech. If you have
veyed voters who received its guide
co-sponsors, consider having their
Adapted with permission from the
in the mail; 43% said the guide made
them more likely to vote, and 41% said
board or staff contact candidates about authors’ presentation at the N.C. Center
they voted in some races where they
for Nonprofits’ annual conference.
why their participation is important.
wouldn’t have otherwise.
Remember that grammar skills
are not a prerequisite for runNorth Carolina’s ballot includes
ning
for
office. You may be surprised
positions that are vitally important to
by
candidate’s
responses – incorrect
our state, communities, and nonprofits.
punctuation,
misspellings,
and confusA good guide helps voters navigate
ing
prose.
The
recommended
practice
races that are not at the top of the balatch for these N.C. Center
is
to
print
their
responses
as
written,
lot, deepening participation down the
webinars:
with no edits. This also helps proballot. Some rules, tips, and lessons:

Nonprofit Voter Engagement Basics
tect your nonprofit against claims of
Don’t advocate. Guides that

Ballot Initiatives – what you can do
partisanship. Clarify the editing policy
appear to advocate for a candiand tips for getting involved
with candidates before they write their
date, advocate for ballot initiatives, or

Successful Candidate Forums and
give a point of view will be treated as
responses. Set word limits and cut off
Voter Guides

Voting in North Carolina – voting
junk mail. Your nonprofit has many
answers that exceed it.
laws and basics for nonprofits 
other vehicles for advocating on your
Include more than profiles.
issues.
People want to know who’s
7
3
8
4
5
W
1
6
Winter 2012, Vol XXI, No. 1
Learn More
from Your Desk
Page 11
N.C. Center for Nonprofits
Always on the Record: Crisis Communications
E
3
very nonprofit needs a crisis
management plan, even if it’s
short and simple.
Start by understanding the media.
Reporters generally look for juicy
stories and try to identify the heroes
and villains.
Media outlets compete to be the
first to report a story, and reporters
are under constant deadline pressure.
They usually can’t wait for all the facts
to come out. Your story will be reported, with or without your assistance.
It's rarely wise to refuse to cooperate or to say, "No comment." It sounds
bad and many will assume you are
hiding something. And, there is no
such thing as "off the record." If you
say it, it's fair game.
Some practical tips:
Be clear about what you want the media to know. You control what you tell them.
Always tell the truth. Mike Seymour and Simon Moore in
their book, Effective Crisis Management,
1
2
call this advice the critical "Three Ts"
speak to
(Tell The Truth).
about the
Don't feel the need to tell the situation.
media everything. This could
That somebe dangerous, since reporters can
one should
pick sound bites that may hurt you
be you or a
when taken out of context.
colleague
Stick to the prepared text. who’s a
Your fact sheet is an essential
prepared,
survival tool. It’s more than a list of
effective
talking points; it's your script.
representa If you don't know, say so.
tive of your
Say, “I’ll get back to you.”
organization
Be sincere. Choose a spokes- Melanie Herman
and posi person who is convincingly
tion.
trustworthy.
Designate a backup
Accommodate reasonable
spokesperson in the event
requests. If a reporter asks to
your spokesperson is unavailable or
tape a story in front of your building,
is the subject of the crisis. Both the
or hold an interview “on location”
spokesperson and the backup should
rather than an office, do so if you can
be trained, articulate, sincere, and
without jeopardizing your crisis
persuasive. 
– Melanie Herman
communications plan.
Admit when a mistake has
Adapted with permission of the
been made. This may be the
Nonprofit Risk Management Center
first step to re-establishing credibility
(NRMC), led by Melanie Herman. For
and confidence
more on this topic, see Vital Signs:
with key conAnticipating, Preventing and
stituencies.
Surviving a Crisis in a Nonprofit
Don't
(www.nonprofitrisk.org/store/pub_detail.
ignore
asp?id=32).
media requests
The N.C. Center for Nonprofits is a
or evade intersatellite office of NRMC and offers deep
views. Playing
discounts on its interactive tools for
hide-'n'-seek can managing nonprofit risks. See www.
do a lot of harm.
ncnonprofits.org/benefits/nrmc.asp.
The reporter will
find someone to
4
5
6
7
10
8
9
INTERIM
CONT. FROM P. 1

Tap local
resources for
potential candidates: retired
EDs, college
nonprofit degree programs,
consultants
serving the
nonprofit sector,
local nonprofit
networks, and
the Jobs Board
of the N.C.
Page 12
Center for Nonprofits (http://nccenter.
brinkster.net).
There’s great power and potential
in this “neutral zone” – the space after
one leader leaves and before a new
leader begins. Transitioning nonprofits are more open to change. Leverage
the opportunity! 
– Jeanie Duncan
Jeanie Duncan, CFRE, is president of
Raven Consulting Group in Greensboro
and specializes in organizational
transition and leadership development in
nonprofits.
Winter 2012, Vol XXI, No. 1
N.C. Center for Nonprofits
Your answers. Your savings.
Your voice. Your learning network.
YOUR
Your Answers
H
elp right at your fingertips
whenever you need it:

Board
& Staff Helpline
Confidential, individual help as often
as you want it.

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& Benefits in NC
Nonprofits
Data for you and your board.

Pro
bono consultations
Expert advice from attorneys, CPAs,
and HR and marketing professionals.

Thousands of online resources
Help to lead, govern, manage, and fund
your organization.
Your Savings
E
njoy 40 discounts on common
operating costs, such as:

Computers
Members and their employees save up to
35% off all Lenovo PC products.

Technology
Help
Save 15% off WorkSmart service
plans to maintain your computers and
networks, and 10% off all other services.

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Insurance
Members saved an average of $22,635
off their state unemployment insurance
last year.
Staff members of the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina (a Charter Member of the
Center since 1993) and Habitat for Humanity in Greensboro collaborated to build a playground
for their community. Photo courtesy of Children’s Home Society of North Carolina
Your Learning Network
C

The
Your Voice
T
ogether we’ve changed public
policy. A few of our victories:

Modernized state law so you can use
endowment funds better in tough times.

Included nonprofit employers in federal
health care reform to offset your health
insurance costs. This will save N.C.
nonprofits $2.7 million.

Kept state agencies from withholding
up to 2% from nonprofits’ grants.

Secured a state tax credit for giving by
taxpayers that don’t itemize deductions
(2/3 of all taxpayers).
onnect and learn from your
peers in other nonprofits:
Public Policy Forum for
NC’s Nonprofit Sector
Comprehensive learning for nonprofit
advocacy and lobbying - May 29, 2012.

NC
Nonprofits Day
Meet your legislators and discuss issues
specific to your cause - May 30, 2012.

The
Statewide Conference for
NC’s Nonprofit Sector
Comprehensive learning on all nonprofit
topics for every experience level September 13-14, 2012.

Conversations
Policy Updates and Alerts
Short, clear information on policy issues
that affect all nonprofits.

Common
Ground
Current nonprofit topics, trends, and
best practices. You are reading it!

Connect
& Learn
E-news on nonprofit trends, happenings,
and opportunities.

The
Nonprofit Yellow Pages
Directory of products, services, and
consultants specific to nonprofits.

Advocacy
Training and Support
For novices and veterans. Learn how
to educate your elected officials and
community. 
with Members
Intimate local discussions around issues
important to your nonprofit.
www.ncnonprofits.org/memberservices.asp
Winter 2012, Vol XXI, No. 1

Public
•
919-790-1555
Page 13
N.C. Center for Nonprofits
Enriching North Carolina through
... Health
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... Education
Our future is enriched by the actions we take today.
The North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation enriches
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health, science and education. In 2010, we paid out $2.5
million in grants to 70 organizations.
2011 Ribbon of Hope grantees and county to be
served by the grant are:
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Carteret County Public School Foundation, Carteret County
Catawba County Champions of Education, Inc., Catawba County
Kids Making It, Inc., New Hanover County
North Carolina Coastal Land Trust, Columbus County
NCSU Physical and Mathematical Science Foundation, Inc., The
Education Center, Caldwell County
Randolph Community College Foundation, Randolph County
Rockingham County Education Foundation, Rockingham
County
Rutherford Life Services, Inc., Rutherford County
Spring Creek Literacy Project, Madison County
The North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation celebrates new and on-going grant
recipients with our 2010 Annual Report. It is available on-line at:
http://us.gsk.com/html/community/community-grants-application.html.
Page 14
Winter 2012, Vol XXI, No. 1
N.C. Center for Nonprofits
Welcome New Members and Sustainers
T
he N.C. Center for Nonprofits is
pleased to welcome these new
Members. We serve more than 1,600
Members working in all 100 counties
across the state. Membership is for
501(c)(3) nonprofits operating in N.C.,
groups applying for this status, and
other community groups that work for
the public benefit and have chosen not
to apply for tax exemption.
Corporations, tax-exempt organizations that are not 501(c)(3), government
agencies, public institutions (or individual
departments), public libraries, and others
may purchase services and access to our
resources, or advertise through the Center
([email protected]). The Center
also welcomes charitable contributions to
support our work. 
Members
40 Days & 40 Nights, Hillsborough
The Aaron Grider Foundation,
Carthage
Advocates for Health In Action/
Wake Med, Raleigh
The African Children’s Project,
Huntersville
Alternative Arts Collective, Durham
Artreach 4 Kids, Inc., Raleigh
The Association of Housing
Counselors, Charlotte
Avery’s Angels Gastroschisis
Organization, Raleigh
Axcess Global, Inc., Concord
Caldwell Green Commission, Lenoir
Cats’ Cradle, Morganton
Center for Family Violence Prevention,
Greenville
Center for New Revenue, Chapel Hill
Children @ Play, Inc., Kitty Hawk
Common Heart Missional Community,
Indian Trail
Community Nutrition Partnership,
Chapel Hill
Currituck Free Dental Clinic, Grandy
The Delivering Equal Access to Care
(DEAC) Clinic, Winston-Salem
Disability Advocates of Northwest
North Carolina, Winston-Salem
The Durham People’s Alliance, Durham
Durham SciNergy, Durham
Elizabeth City Motorcycle Club, Inc.,
Hertford
Winter 2012, Vol XXI, No. 1
Exercise, Education and Environment Bruce Irons Camp Fund, Charlotte
Read and Feed, Apex
Project, Raleigh
Family Services of the Piedmont, Inc., Rockingham County Literacy Project,
Eden
Jamestown
RxRescue, Inc., Lillington
Fayetteville Animal Protection
Safe Harbor Rescue Mission, Hickory
Society, Fayetteville
Sisters Transcending, Achieving, and
Foundation for the Arts at the Core
Researching Success, Raleigh
of Education/ArtSpace Charter
Suzie’s Pride Big Cat Sanctuary,
School, Asheville
Rockwell
Freedom Ministry, New Bern
T.J. Robinson Life Center, Fayetteville
Freely Worship, Inc., Concord
Triad Local First, Greensboro
Friends of the Henderson County
Union County Public Education
Public Library, Hendersonville
Foundation, Monroe
Fur Keeps, Raleigh
Union
Symphony Society, Inc.,
Grandfather Mountain Stewardship
Monroe
Foundation, Linville
Virtual Workout Crew, Kinston
Harnett Voices For Community &
Volunteer Med Partners, Chapel Hill
Leadership Development, Inc.,
YALITCHAT, Fuquay-Varina
Lillington
Hidden K Stables Rescue & Rehab,
Sustainers
Pfafftown
David and Karla Heinen
High Point Community Against
Hillsdale Fund
Violence, Inc., High Point
Johnson Lambert & Co. LLP
Hillsborough/Orange County
Chamber of Commerce,
Hillsborough
Financial information about this
Horizons Residential Care Center,
organization and a copy of its license
Rural Hall
are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830Landfall at Home, Wilmington
4989. The license is not an endorseLatin American Chamber of
ment by the state.
Commerce Foundation, Charlotte
Little Pink Houses of Hope,
Burlington
Mayberry of Broadway,
Broadway
Connect with 1,600 nonprofits
Mountain Roots, Inc.,
in North Carolina.
Cedar Mountain
Get reliable
Stay current
N.C. Health News, Chapel
answers and
on must-know
Hill
tools, anytime.
information.
N.C. School for the Deaf at
Morganton Foundation,
Save valuable
Inc., Morganton
time and money.
N.C. Sustainability Center,
Join today or become a Sustainer!
Raleigh
www.ncnonprofits.org/joinus.asp
NC Infant/Young Child
Mental Health Association (NCIMHA), Raleigh
Parachutes International
Productions Promotions
(PIPPO), Charlotte
Partners Ending Homelessness, High Point
Project Ricochet of NC,
Raleigh
Why Become a Member?
Page 15
Nonprofit
Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit #2041
Raleigh, NC
1110 Navaho Drive, Suite 200
Raleigh, NC 27609-7322
www.ncnonprofits.org
[email protected]
Good Stuff Free
(or Almost)
Share Common Ground
with your board!
Get your board in on the action and
help them learn. Add them free to
Common Ground’s mailing list. Just
email their contact information to
[email protected]. Or, simply
update it at https://myprofile.
ncnonprofits.org/login.asp.
Monitor your outcomes
The Center for What Works and
The Urban Institute teamed up on
the Outcome Indicators Project, a
framework for tracking nonprofit
performance across our entire sector. Check out www.whatworks.org/
displaycommon.cfm?an=4.
Change –
It’s not just in your pocket
As a Center Member, you can enjoy
free membership in the Nonprofit
Technology Network (www.ncnon
profits.org/benefits/NTEN.asp) and
Change, its new quarterly journal
for nonprofit leaders.
Resources galore
The Free Management Library has
a wide range of
resources (http://
managementhelp.org).
Beware, you may
get hooked! For
“It was great to have the N.C. Center backing us up when we visited our
legislators. Now that we’ve made those connections, we feel comfortable
example, click on
continuing these relationships on our own. And the advocacy training
“time and stress
makes us even better prepared for our next visit.”
management” for
Patricia Witt, Soroptimist International of Raleigh, NC
links to 60 more
options like “priority management,” “stress as a motivator,” and
“managing holiday stress.”
Schedule a meeting
headache-free
Sending 15 emails just to set a
meeting? Save the chatter for the
meeting. Www.doodle.com lets you
create meeting time options, invite
participants, and confirm dates.
And it’s free! 
Join us!
May 29
2012 Public Policy Forum
for North Carolina’s
Nonprofit Sector
McKimmon Center, Raleigh
May 30
Mission of the N.C. Center for Nonprofits
NC Nonprofits Day
o enrich North Carolina’s communities
and economy through a strong nonprofit
sector and nonprofit voice.
www.ncnonprofits.org 
T
N.C. General Assembly
Winter 2012, Vol XXI, No. 1