Impact of the Arkansas Nonprofit Sector

January 2013

Helping Nonprofits Help Arkansas

Arkansas Coalition for Excellence | 200 River Market Avenue, Suite 100 | Little Rock, AR 72201 | 501.375.1223 | www.acenonprofit.org 2

We are proud to work with you to

achieve ACE’s mission and vision

together:

Mission: Strengthen Arkansas Nonprofits

Vision: A strong, vibrant, united and

effective nonprofit sector that is well

positioned to meet the diverse needs of

all Arkansans.

Our Core Values: Best Practices |

Inclusive | Unity in Diversity | Connecting

& Equipping | Statewide Vision |

Regional Approach

IN THIS EDITION

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Greetings from ACE

Upcoming

Trainings and Events

Charity &

Prosperity Report

Preview

Member Corner

More impact report

Grants Corner

Resources & Other

Links

Contact Us

Arkansas Coalition for Excellence:

Helping Nonprofits Help Arkansas

Arkansas Coalition for Excellence | 200 River Market Avenue, Suite 100 | Little Rock, AR 72201 | 501.375.1223 | www.acenonprofit.org 3

GREETINGS FROM ACE

ACE Members and Friends,

The Fiscal Cliff. Elimination of the Charitable Giving Deduction. Debt

Reduction (read Cuts to Critical Social Service Programs). Through all of the

public discourse over the last several years, you hear very little about a criti-

cal part of our economy – one that not only contributes to the economy

and our communities, but also is the last line of defense for those in desperate need in our state –

the nonprofit sector.

Further exploration and discussion as to the contribution of Arkansas’ nonprofit sector on our

economy is needed by policy makers to ensure that fiscal decisions are informed by data about

the impact their decisions will have on the nonprofit sector and the services we provide. In part-

nership with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR), we have gathered data to illustrate

how the nonprofit sector contributes to our state and thus, the nation.

The data show that, in 2010, public charities in Arkansas had a total economic impact of

$13,505,145,972 and employed an estimated 93,095 individuals which represents nearly 7% of the

workforce in the state. There were 14,368 incorporated nonprofit organizations, of which 9,270

were registered as 501(c)(3) organizations and 616 registered as private foundations. Nonprofit

revenues between 2006 and 2010 were $46,393,390,998 (two-thirds of revenue goes to health

care and one-fifth to education). Most organizations are funded through program revenue,

even when factoring out health and education. Read the report here.

The numbers, as you know, don’t tell the whole story. There is another factor in the nonprofit

economic equation. The intangible impact nonprofits have may even be greater than the tan-

gible effects. Unfortunately, at this time, ACE does not have the data to complete this equation.

But, you do. Simply take the Total Effect from your sub-sector and add YOUR story. Some of our

intangible benefits can be numerically calculated (the cost of serving families in community ser-

vices vs. institutional services, e.g.) and others cannot. However, that doesn’t mean the services

we are providing are without value. What is the value of keeping a child at home? What is the

value of starting kindergarten being able to read? What is the value of keeping our rivers clean

and safe? Tell your story. It is one that needs telling if we are to ensure our value is included in

the final fiscal equation.

Sincerely,

President and CEO

UPCOMING TRAININGS, EVENTS &

PROGRAMS

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ACE Member Only Webinar-How to Become a Clinton School project site and make

your application stand-out Each year, Clinton School students partner with organizations for public service projects as part of the school’s

Master of Public Service degree program. Field service at the Clinton School emphasizes the practice of public

service through the completion of projects focusing on systemic social justice issues. The field service programs

offer a great opportunity for students to receive hands-on experience in the nonprofit field, as well as an

excellent opportunity for nonprofits to receive capacity building assistance. ACE is teaming-up with the Clinton

School to help increase our members likelihood of becoming a field service site.

Presented by: Julianne Dunn, Assistant Director of Field Service Education, Clinton School of Public Service

Wednesday, January 30

10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Webinar – Accessible online and by phone (you will receive your log-in and call-in information following

registration)

Cost: Free – This webinar is for ACE Members Only (Are you an ACE Member? Click Here)

Register Here

ACE-GrantStation Webinar- Getting Started: Where to begin writing grant requests? Are you new to grant writing? This webinar will help you prepare the basic documents needed to write

compelling letters of inquiry and grant proposals. Participants will come away with a clear picture of what is

needed to create successful grant requests. Cynthia M. Adams, CEO of GrantStation, has been teaching grant

writing workshops for over 20 years, and presents a webinar full of "how to's" and "examples" for the novice grant

writer. Participants will receive several handouts/worksheets before the webinar to help guide their success.

Presented by: Cynthia M. Adams, CEO, GrantStation

Tuesday, February 5

1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Webinar – Accessible online and by phone (you will receive your log-in and call-in information following

registration)

Cost: $35 ACE Members / $60 Nonmembers

Register Here

Arkansas Coalition for Excellence | 200 River Market Avenue, Suite 100 | Little Rock, AR 72201 | 501.375.1223 | www.acenonprofit.org 4

On Topic With ACE– Keeping Your Mission In Mind

It is easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day operations of your organization. But from programming to

financials it is important to frame your nonprofit’s activities within the organization’s mission. In this call hear from

two nonprofit executives on how they keep their mission in mind and discuss with your nonprofit peers on how to

best focus your operations to be mission driven.

Conference Call– Accessible by phone (you will receive your call-in information following registration)

Tuesday, February 26

3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Cost: Free – This webinar is for ACE Members Only (Are you an ACE Member? Click Here)

Register Here

Arkansas Coalition for Excellence | 200 River Market Avenue, Suite 100 | Little Rock, AR 72201 | 501.375.1223 | www.acenonprofit.org 5

Collaboration and Communication

Session Highlights:

Learn how to build a high functioning collaborative team

Identify and understand the key components of collaborative leadership

Learn how to use communication strategies to build trust and

collaboration

Participate in small group activities and open discussion

Presented by: Charlotte Strickland, Professional Development & Training Coordinator, University of Central Arkansas

Thursday, February 28

8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

UCA, Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center, Room 111

Cost: $20 (Limited scholarships are available for organizations serving communities of

5,000 or less. Contact Josh Markham, joshm@uca.edu).

Register Here

Women’s Foundation of Arkansas-Women and Philanthropy: Investing with a

Gender Lens Presented by: Eleanor Blayney, Directions for Women, LLC &

Kathleen McQuiggan, Catalina Leadership

Heifer International, Little Rock

Tuesday February 12

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Cost: $50 for general public, $150 for CPA & CFP CEUs

Register Here.

SAVE THE DATE

Beyond Funding: Building Capacity for Your Organization

ACE presents this five-week workshop series in partnership with the Clinton School of Public Service and the UAMS,

Translational Research Institute

Presenters: Various

Tuesdays, April 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30

8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Capacity will be limited to 20 organizations. More details and registration information will be coming shortly.

Creating a Highly Effective Board: Six Questions Every Nonprofit Leader Should Ask

ACE presents this one day event in partnership with the UCA Center for Community and Economic Development

Special Guest Presenter: Susan Meier, Principal of Meier and Associates and former Vice President of Consulting and Trainer

at BoardSource

Thursday, May 9

8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

UCA, Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center

More details and registration information will be coming shortly.

OTHER EVENTS

Arkansas Coalition for Excellence | 200 River Market Avenue, Suite 100 | Little Rock, AR 72201 | 501.375.1223 | www.acenonprofit.org 6

Arkansas Coalition for Excellence | 200 River Market Avenue, Suite 100 | Little Rock, AR 72201 | 501.375.1223 | www.acenonprofit.org 7

Arkansas Coalition for Excellence | 200 River Market Avenue, Suite 100 | Little Rock, AR 72201 | 501.375.1223 | www.acenonprofit.org

MEMBERSHIP New and Renewing

Members

Arkansas Coalition for

Peace and Justice, Little

Rock NEW

Civitan Services, Benton

Duran Associates, Little Rock

AR Community Foundation,

Little Rock

Texarkana Symphony

Orchestra, Texarkana

Mission Outreach of NE AR,

Paragould

ACHANGE, Little Rock

AR Access to Justice Foun-

dation, Little Rock

Cross County Historical

Society, Wynne

New Beginnings Pregnancy

Help Center, Ash Flat

Want to join our

coalition of over 300

members dedicated to

strengthening the nonprofit

sector ? Contact Rebecca

at 501.375.1223 or

rzimmermann

@acenonprofit.org

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Impact of the Nonprofit Sector: A Look through a Local Lens

by. Linda Fitts

El Dorado Connections

Cooperation & Collaboration

Fourteen years ago when my husband agreed to take a position in El Dorado, I have to admit, I

had to get a map out and look for it. El Dorado is a community of less than 20,000 citizens, but

despite the loss of several major employers, the community remains a healthy and vibrant

place to live.

After settling in, I was hired as the director of a nonprofit organization. Little did I know, my ad-

ventures in that world would take me on a wonderful and fulfilling journey. Grant writing, grant

reporting, financial management, public speaking and networking in the community began

immediately. Outside of the “faith community,” there are approximately 25 nonprofit organiza-

tions that provide services for those in need. Just this morning I attended a meeting of a dozen

nonprofits at our Chamber of Commerce. When I glanced around the room and took inven-

tory, I was amazed at what a diverse group we serve.

Each of us shared what we are doing in our prospective agencies, and when someone spoke

about a need for one of their clients, immediately, more than one of the peers spoke up to say,

“we can take care of that for you.” Cooperation and collaboration are what make the non-

profit sector in Arkansas so strong. It is practiced here in El Dorado - and we do it well. We know

that if our agency can’t help an individual, another can and it only takes a phone call.

Volunteerism & the Next Generation

As nonprofit leaders, we know what it takes to operate a healthy nonprofit. We also know that

we must have volunteers who are willing to lead. I continue to be amazed by what a nonprofit

with volunteers can achieve. Volunteerism is not something that is hard wired into us when we

are born. It must be taught. And thank goodness, organizations like Boy Scouts, Camp Fire

Girls, Girl Scouts, Boy & Girls Clubs, as well as faith based organizations, and student service or-

ganizations are doing this every day. We, as the collective community of nonprofits, need to

encourage, empower and engage our young leaders of tomorrow. They are our hope for the

future.

Nonprofit Pride

I am proud to be a leader in Arkansas’ nonprofit sector. I am especially proud to serve the El

Dorado community. Our sector is a strong, hardworking group of community organizations who

are all committed to one goal – to serve those in need and better the communities we live in.

Together, our impact can only continue to grow stronger.

7 Arkansas Coalition for Excellence | 200 River Market Avenue, Suite 100 | Little Rock, AR 72201 | 501.375.1223 | www.acenonprofit.org

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10 Arkansas Coalition for Excellence | 200 River Market Avenue, Suite 100 | Little Rock, AR 72201 | 501.375.1223 | www.acenonprofit.org 10

GRANTS CORNER

9 Arkansas Coalition for Excellence | 200 River Market Avenue, Suite 100 | Little Rock, AR 72201 | 501.375.1223 | www.acenonprofit.org 11

Support for Employment Initiatives for People with Disabilities

Kessler Foundation: Signature Employment Grants Program

The Kessler Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of people with physical disabili-

ties caused by stroke, multiple sclerosis, injuries to the brain and spinal cord, and other

cognitive or neuromuscular disabilities. The Foundation’s national Signature Employment

Grants Program funds non-traditional solutions that increase employment outcomes for

individuals with disabilities. These solutions may include new pilot initiatives, demonstration

projects, or social ventures that lead to the generation of new ideas to solve high unem-

ployment and underemployment of individuals with disabilities. Preference will be given

to interventions that overcome specific employment barriers related to long-term de-

pendence on public assistance, advance competitive employment, or launch a social

enterprise project. Grants of $100,000 to $250,000 per year for up to two years are avail-

able to nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies

throughout the United States. The deadline for online concept submissions is February 1,

2013; invited proposals are due May 24, 2013. Visit the Foundation’s website for program

details.

Domestic Violence Shelters Funded

The Mary Kay Foundation: Shelter Grant Program

The Mary Kay Foundation is committed to ending the epidemic of domestic violence by

providing grants to women's shelters throughout the United States. Each year, the Foun-

dation’s Shelter Grant Program awards grants of $20,000 to at least one domestic vio-

lence shelter in every state; remaining funds are distributed based on state population.

Applying organizations must offer immediate overnight housing to women and children

affected by domestic violence. The grants provided by the Foundation may be used for

the operating budget of the shelter, with the exception of staff travel. Applications will be

accepted from January 15 to April 30, 2013. Visit the Foundation’s website to review the

funding guidelines and download the application forms.

Giving Tree Grants

Arkansas Community Foundation

Through their signature Giving Tree Grant Program, ARCF supports a broad

range of projects with the potential for statewide impact and programs serving immedi-

ate local needs. Each of ARCF 27 local offices and our central office in Little Rock offers

Giving Tree grants at least once a year. Typically, these grants are available for a wide

variety of charitable causes; sometimes, though, they’ll choose to target a particular

need (like hunger relief or childhood nutrition). Check with the local office to which

you’re applying for information about the current grantmaking focus. Deadline to apply

February 15.

ACC Mini-Grant

Arkansas Cancer Coalition

The Arkansas Cancer Coalition (ACC) works to strengthen the cancer control network as

well as implement the goals and strategies of the state’s only comprehensive cancer

plan—the Arkansas Cancer Plan (ACP). To download the Arkansas Cancer Plan, click

here. Mini-grants, of $750 – $2500, allow ACC to fund activities/events/programs on a

short term basis that work to advance the goals and objectives of the Arkansas Cancer

Plan. Partners are encouraged to apply for these funds to support their activity/event/

program for the 2013 fiscal period of February 18 – May 17, 2013 (funding must be ex-

pended No Later Than May 17, 2013). The deadline for applications is February 1, 2013.

New and Renewing

Members

Friends of Central Arkansas

Libraries, Little Rock

River Valley Shelter for

Battered Women, Russellville

Arkansas Prostate Cancer

Foundation, Little Rock

Ouachita Children’s Center,

Hot Springs

Dumas Chamber of Com-

merce, Dumas

Community Development

Corporation of Carroll

County, Eureka Springs

SHARE Foundation, El Do-

rado

Main Street Arkansas, Little

Rock

Arkansas Arts Council, Little

Rock

Osceola Center for Arts and

Heritage, Osceola NEW

Hunter Phillips Goodman,

North Little Rock

AR STEM Coalition, Little

Rock

Hannah K. Vogler, Little

Rock

Help Network, Russellville

Safe Haven Shelter for

Women and Children, Hot

Springs NEW

ACCESS, Inc., Pine Bluff

Heifer International, Little

Rock

AR Advocates for Children

and Families, Little Rock

Harvest Texarkana Regional

Food Bank, Texarkana

The 20th Century Club of

Little Rock, Little Rock

Samaritan Community

Center, Rogers

Van Buren County Literacy

Council, Clinton

Arkansas Coalition for Excellence | 200 River Market Avenue, Suite 100 | Little Rock, AR 72201 | 501.375.1223 | www.acenonprofit.org

RESOURCES AND OTHER LINKS

TIP OF THE MONTH

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The Masterpiece Melanie Lockwood Herman, Nonprofit Risk Management Center

After work one night, I headed to my oil painting class. You’ve probably seen the Mona

Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, The Starry Nightby Vincent van Gogh, or Water Lilies by Claude

Monet. I expected to create a more humble masterpiece during my first class, but I

learned that it generally isn’t possible to complete an oil painting in one sitting. The paint is

to be applied in layers, and it’s important to allow time for the first layer to dry before ap-

plying the second layer. So tonight I’ll return to my landscape-in-progress and try to add a

few trees to the foreground.

While reviewing a client’s draft policy on background checks this morning, it occurred to me

that like an oil painting, a comprehensive risk management policy also has layers. In this case,

the policy begins with a statement about the organization’s intent and continues with refer-

ences to best practices in youth protection. The policy then outlines automatic disqualifiers

for eligibility and continues with a description of the review process for background reports

that fall outside the parameters for automatic disqualification. Read more...

LEADERSHIP TIP OF THE MONTH

The Impact Factor Mike Harbour , Harbour Resources

Nonprofit organizations have an interesting place in society. Whereas corporations are typi-

cally founded on and rooted in profit, nonprofit organizations are grounded in a cause. And

no matter which segment of society they serve, the cause is related to one thing: making an

impact.

It is easy to get so involved in the regulations and day-to-day operations that an organiza-

tion could begin to lose focus on the importance of this foundational cornerstone. Impact is

often measured in financial terms, and though financial viability is key for any organization,

the real measure of impact boils down to making a difference in the lives of people.

Wise is the leader who looks up from the balance sheet occasionally to consider the IMPACT

factor.

Read More...

Arkansas Coalition for Excellence | 200 River Market Avenue, Suite 100 | Little Rock, AR 72201 | 501.375.1223 | www.acenonprofit.org

JOBS CENTER

Program Specialist—Arkansas Cancer Coalition

Weekend Museum Animal Care Technician—Museum of Discovery

ACE Members can post jobs to the ACE jobs board for free as part of their membership. Click here to cre-

ate your employer account.

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HELPFUL HINTS

Charitable Contribution Recipient Filing Requirements

Michelle Mann, JPMS Cox

Organizations that receive charitable contributions should provide written acknowledgements to their

donors by January 31 for donations received in 2012. Donors must have this documentation before filing

their tax returns to claim a tax deduction for any single contribution of $250 or more.

The Internal Revenue Code (in Section 170(f)(8)) is very specific about the content of the written

acknowledgement needed to substantiate contributions of $250 or more. The name of the

charitable organization should be on the written statement. The acknowledgement must contain the

date of the gift and the amount of cash and a description (but not value) of any property other than cash

contributed. It must state whether the donee organization provided any goods or services in considera-

tion for any cash or property received. Read more...

Hendrix College Career & Internship Fair

The Hendrix College Office of Career Services will host its annual Career and Internship Fair from 11 a.m. to 1

p.m. on Thursday, February 21. The registration fee is $75, which includes a table at the event, complimen-

tary parking, light refreshments, and lunch for two guests. For more information click here.

PhD in Leadership at the University of Central Arkansas

LEAD is a doctoral program that prepares scholar leaders to research and act for the common good. Rec-

ognizing that complex challenges require an integration of responsible leaders from

various community sectors, program graduates will transform education and government/nonprofit or-

ganizations to strengthen human and community capabilities. The PhD in Leadership program is the only

degree program of its kind in Arkansas and is unique to this region of the United States. For more informa-

tion click here. Deadline to apply April 1, 2013.

IN THE KNOW

Nonprofit Finance Fund Annual Survey Nonprofit Finance Fund (nonprofitfinancefund.org) is conducting its fifth annual nationwide survey examining the cur-

rent state of the nonprofit sector from a financial perspective and hope that you will add your voice. The survey, which

is anonymous and takes only 10-15 minutes to fill out, collects data on important financial and management issues

facing the nonprofit sector. (View previous year’s findings, an interactive survey analyzer, and media attention here.)

To take the 2013 survey, please click on this link before February 15th: http://fluidsurveys.com/s/NFFCouncil/

Thank you for reading this month’s edition of our

newsletter. Questions or Comments? Contact us.

Stephanie Meincke, MSW

President and CEO

smeincke@acenonprofit.org

Emily Ingram,

Vice President

eingram@acenonprofit.org

Rebecca Zimmermann,

Program Coordinator

rzimmermann@acenonprofit.org

Located within the Charles A. Frueauff Foundation Offices

200 River Market Avenue, Suite 100

Little Rock, AR 72201

(501) 375-1223

www.acenonprofit.org

Helping Nonprofits Help Arkansas