Lynne Cutler

News for Massachusetts-based nonprofits and nonprofit board members from the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network! Nonprofit board members may now receive a stipend of up to $500 without losing statutory protections; annual gross support and revenue thresholds for charities submitting financial statements raised to $500,000 for reviewed statements and $1,000,000 for audited statements. BOSTON – In an effort to encourage job creation and growth in Massachusetts, the Legislature recently passed, and Governor Healey signed, H5100, an Act relative to strengthening Massachusetts’ economic leadership. This legislation encourages representation on boards by allowing a small stipend for board volunteers, and supports nonprofits through updated requirement thresholds. Nonprofit board members may now receive a stipend up to $500 for their time and efforts related to board service without losing state statutory civil liability protections. Previously, if a nonprofit board member received compensation, they would not be entitled to the personal civil liability protections afforded by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 231 Section 85W. This change was proposed by the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network (MNN), and is in line with the Federal Volunteer Protection Act, which provides similar protections for nonprofit volunteers so long as they are not compensated more than $500. “Allowing board members to receive a modest stipend for their time and effort will do a great deal to advance equity and representation for nonprofits and the people they serve,” said MNN’s CEO, Jim Klocke. “This provision enables nonprofits with smaller budgets to encourage board participation from individuals who may not otherwise be able to serve because of financial constraints. MNN hopes that with the allowance of a stipend, nonprofit boards will gain valuable voices and improve board representation.” Additionally, Massachusetts raised the thresholds for requiring nonprofits to submit reviewed or audited financial statements. Now, organizations that have gross support and revenue of more than $500,000 in a fiscal year (compared to $200,000 previously) must submit financial statements that have been reviewed or audited by an independent certified public accountant (CPA). Whether the statements must be audited or reviewed now depends on whether the gross support and revenue exceeds $1,000,0000 (compared to $500,000) in that year, with audits required for those with $1 million or more. “MNN applauds the Legislature for recognizing the need to raise the thresholds, as they were last updated in 2008,” said Klocke. “Inflation and rising costs are straining nonprofits. This legislation alleviates a costly requirement and will have a real and important impact on smaller to medium-sized nonprofits.” Please use the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network as a resource for support as these changes are implemented. #massachusetts #nonprofits #nonprofitboard #nonprofitleadership #nonprofitnews #equity

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Want to learn about food planning as a local solution to food insecurity? Check out the many expert voices here. I am honored to be included.

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Now is the time to complete the survey and we need you! 🙌🏾 Every response makes a difference in helping us better understand the role of consultants and advisors in helping grantmakers advance their philanthropy. Before it’s too late, share 10 minutes of your time now to complete the National Philanthropy Benchmark Survey >>> 📋 https://lnkd.in/e-Y9QPs9 #NNCG #NNCGisWE #philanthropy #consultants #BenchmarkSurvey #GetInvolved #SubmitYourResponses

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Conversations between funders and nonprofit organizations are an opportunity to have holistic conversations about supporting the financial health of an organization. Our updated Full Cost Communication Guide includes tips and scenarios to these topics from a more generative perspective. Topics include: 💥 Discussing deficits 💥 Reduced funding 💥 Surpluses and reserves 💥 Negotiating Funding Terms Check it out along with more full cost resources at: https://nff.org/full-cost

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These recommendations are much of what we support through the Healthy Communities Delaware network! Join us in investing in place-based, community-driven efforts to improve health, well-being and equity across Delaware, along with the State of Delaware, Highmark Health, Nemours, DuPont, and Discover Financial Services. Both public and private investors have "a role to play as an empowering source to support place-based partnerships and continue to advance equity. Here, we offer five areas for support, among many others.  - Supporting “offense” and “defense”:  First, partnerships need funding to design and pursue long-term, innovative, asset-based, community-driven strategies — so collaboratives can pursue both “offense” and “defense” in the long-term work of advancing racial progress and justice. These strategies can surface a bold vision for the future, be informed by assessment and understanding of the local equity policy and cultural environment, and determine the legal support needed to defend and advance this vision. - Collaborative infrastructure: Funders can also resource the collaborative infrastructure needed to move these strategies forward — including facilitation, ongoing research and data work, and community engagement. - Communications and narrative change: Funders can back communications and narrative change work, focused on strategic messaging, stakeholder engagement, and building the narrative infrastructure necessary to both preempt and coordinate timely responses to attacks on DEI and equity-oriented efforts.  - Wellness for leaders: Philanthropy can support wellness for leaders fighting for this work, especially leaders of color who may not have access to supportive networks and resources that can prioritize rest and wellbeing as necessary. - Peer learning and support: Philanthropy can support peer learning spaces where practitioners share challenges and promising practices, collaborate to address issues in rapidly changing contexts, and foster a sense of community to mitigate burnout." #equity #wellbeing #vitalconditions #netde Nicholas Moriello, Rita Landgraf, Stuart Comstock-Gay, Yendelela Cuffee, Tesha Quail, Denée C., Natalie Di Sabatino, Sequoia Rent, Amy Walls, Yvette Santiago, Meghan Walls, PsyD

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Collecting donor funds shouldn't remind you of an achy tooth. Let us show you how tailored fundraising strategies work for your organization. Find out where you might be leaking funds and how to fix it with our Leaky Bucket Assessment. Let's get you on the path to fundraising success. https://lnkd.in/ejtHerRK  #LeakyBucketAssessment #FundraisingSuccess #BristolStrategy

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Are you a donor? Grantmaker?  Do you have 10 minutes? Help our colleagues at 21/64 and the National Network of Consultants to Grantmakers (NNCG) gain valuable insights on how you engage philanthropy consultants or advisors to advance your giving. Click here to start the survey >> https://lnkd.in/ejBbSgt7

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Are you a donor? Grantmaker? Do you have 10 minutes? Help our colleagues at 21/64 and the National Network of Consultants to Grantmakers (NNCG) gain valuable insights on how you engage #philanthropy consultants or advisors to advance your giving. Click here to start the survey >> https://lnkd.in/gu_e_PEY

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Interesting insight on this subject from our MA neighbors.

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Is your fundraising strategy working for your mission? ➡ Maybe you need help evaluating your current processes ➡Maybe you’re trying to better align position descriptions with staff strengths ➡Maybe you need new ways to connect with individual supporters If you want to learn more about creating a successful and sustainable fundraising program, drop me a message and let’s talk! #ResolutePhilanthropy #fundraising #nonprofit #strategy 

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We can see 👀 that community-led collaborative funds are emerging as powerful tools for driving equity and justice. These funds 💵 unite diverse stakeholders around shared goals, pooling resources to address complex social challenges. By fostering collaboration among donors, nonprofits, and community leaders, collaborative funds amplify impact and drive meaningful change at scale 💬. Community-led collaborative funds prioritize equity and justice, channeling resources towards systemic solutions💡and underrepresented communities. 🌍 By bringing together a diverse array of perspectives and expertise, these funds amplify grassroots initiatives, promote inclusive decision-making, and dismantle barriers to opportunity. 🙌🏽 🙌🏾 🙌🏿 Through strategic investments in areas such as education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, community-led collaborative funds drive tangible progress towards a more just and equitable society. How can we leverage these funds to address systemic inequalities and advance social justice? 🌀 Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! How do you envision community-led collaborative funds shaping the future of philanthropy? #collaboration #PhilanthropicAdvising

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I think there are broadly two forms of philanthropy—legacy philanthropy and impact philanthropy. What should drive us in the latter is the results—the outcomes. Too often, we get caught up in seeking attribution for our individual contributions. But if we can move beyond that mindset and join a larger movement striving for transformative change, that becomes far more meaningful. Watch Ashish Dhawan, Founder-CEO of The Convergence Foundation, in conversation with Rahul Ahluwalia, Founding Director of the Foundation For Economic Development, as they delve into the transformative potential of impact philanthropy. Watch the full conversation here: https://lnkd.in/gsu3pTxK Shantanu Bhanja | Bikkrama Daulet Singh | Piyush Doshi | Praveen Khanghta | Subramanian KR | Nupur Bhargava #podcast

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Are you a donor or a grantmaker? Help our colleagues at 21/64 & the National Network of Consultants to Grantmakers (NNCG) gain valuable insights on how you engage philanthropy consultants or advisors to advance your giving. Click here to start the survey > https://bit.ly/49FGn76

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#nonprofits #fundraisers Often asked what are reasons fundraisers fail.Listed are some of the top reasons why fundraising campaigns fail, highlighting what to avoid to maximize success. What did we miss? 1. **Lack of a Clear Goal** Many campaigns don’t set specific, measurable goals. Ambiguity around the amount to be raised or the purpose can confuse potential donors and dilute efforts. 2. **Unconvincing Storytelling** The most successful campaigns evoke emotion and establish a connection. Without a compelling narrative explaining why funds are needed and the impact they will make, people won’t feel inspired to contribute. 3. **Weak or Inconsistent Marketing** Just creating a campaign isn't enough—you need to actively promote it. Not leveraging social media, email marketing, and personal networks consistently can limit your campaign's visibility and reach. 4. **Limited Donor Engagement** Campaigns that don’t communicate frequently with potential donors or fail to show appreciation will lose momentum. Engaging updates and thanking contributors goes a long way to build relationships and encourage further support. 5. **Target Audience Mismatch** Campaigns that don’t understand their audience’s interests and values are often ignored. Tailoring your message to the right audience is critical. 6. **Overlooking Social Proof** People want to support something that others believe in. Campaigns without early backers or testimonials lack credibility, making potential donors hesitant to contribute. 7. **Poor Timing** Bad timing can doom a campaign from the start. Launching during a holiday season when people are financially constrained, or without any buildup of anticipation, can reduce engagement drastically. 8. **Failure to Convey Urgency** Campaigns without a clear deadline often stagnate. Urgency motivates action; without it, potential supporters may procrastinate and ultimately forget to donate. 9. **No Follow-Up Strategy** Even after a successful start, without a solid follow-up plan, donations can quickly drop off. Consistent communication keeps the momentum alive.

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✨Join us for our ImpactVest Alliance Q3 CEO Roundtable Podcast: “It's Strategic: Greater Impact, Greater Profits.” 🌎   This roundtable discussion focuses on strategic impact and how businesses can position themselves for returns while maximising positive societal effects. Saxon Knight, Founder of House of Saxons, discusses her organisation's efforts to empower trauma survivors through business skills, highlighting the challenges of attracting investors in difficult industries. Tanner Snider, VP of Investment Strategy at Gold Leaf Farming, shares how their sustainable farming practices balance strong financial returns with environmental and social responsibility. Obet Aparicio, Chief Operating Financial Officer at the Hispanic Social Assembly, emphasises how the Hispanic Social Assembly is positively impacting fair trade practices in Latin America while advocating for fair wages. Tune in to the ImpactVest Alliance Q3 CEO Roundtable episode: “It's Strategic: Greater Impact, Greater Profits.” ✨ #StrategicImpact #SustainableFinance #ImpactInvesting #ImpactVestAlliance https://lnkd.in/eBXVEg8p

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