Don’t Miss Features

The largest gathering of nonprofits and philanthropy in the region!

This conference will be jam-packed with networking opportunities, inspirational moments and time for learning, reflection, gathering resources and even fun.  Don’t miss any of these great events.

Opening Reception

Immediately proceeding the first day of breakout sessions, attendees will have time to celebrate and network at the Conference Opening Reception. Enjoy a brief program while  you network with your nonprofit and foundation colleagues. Food, beverages and entertainment will round out the event. The opening reception is free to all conference registrants.

CEO/Trustee Dinner

If you are a nonprofit board member, nonprofit executive director, foundation CEO/president or a foundation trustee, you won’t want to miss a special CEO/Trustee Dinner in conjunction with the conference.  The dinner represents a one-of-a-kind opportunity for Minnesota’s nonprofit leaders and grantmakers to come together to reflect on today’s challenges. You won’t want to miss this special evening!

Network Luncheon and Awards Ceremony

Enjoy an informal lunch conversation with your colleagues as well as the inspirational presentation of the 2009 Nonprofit Awards.

Exhibit Hall

Be sure to visit the Exhibit Hall, which will run throughout the main corridors of the conference facility. Exhibits will feature vendors and consultants who specialize in working with nonprofits. View a list of Conference Sponsors and Exhibitors.

Breakout Sessions

There will be something for everyone at this conference, with more than 30 breakout sessions within nine different tracks.

Ask the Experts

Thursday, November 5:
1 – 2:30 p.m.
Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)
Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN)
Springboard for the Arts

2:30 – 4 p.m.
Charities Review Council (CRC)
Midwest International NGO Network (MINN)
Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN)

Friday, November 6:
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
HandsOn Twin Cities
MACC Commonwealth
Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration (MAVA)

2 – 3:30 p.m.
LegalCORPS
MAP for Nonprofits
Nonprofits Assistance Fund

Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is the professional association of individuals responsible for fundraising in the nonprofit sector. With chapters around the world, AFP advances philanthropy by enabling people and organizations to practice ethical and effective fundraising. The core activities through which AFP fulfills its mission include education, training, mentoring, research, credentialing and advocacy.

Expert: Alexcia Adams, board member and vice president of education, AFP and director, development operations, Planned Parenthood of Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota

Area(s) of Expertise:
Alexcia can answer the following types of questions –

• How do I get involved in AFP?
• What are fundraising best practices?
• What is the CFRE?
• And, other specific questions about fundraising.

Charities Review Council

The Charities Review Council helps nonprofits align with sound practices and policies through technical assistance and the Accountability Wizard. In addition, the Charities Review Council:

• Provides nonprofits an opportunity to demonstrate their accountability to donors through the Council’s Smartgivers.org Web site and its Meets Standards seal,
• Provides grantmakers an analysis of nonprofits’ capacity, and
• Provides tools and resources to the giving public to make informed giving choices.

Expert: Martin Wera, nonprofit services manager, Charities Review Council

Area(s) of Expertise:

• Martin can answer the following types of questions –
• What are the basic expectations regarding accountability and transparency?
• How can Council information help grantmakers?
• What are the costs and benefits of participating in the Council’s Accountability Wizard review?
• What if an organization doesn’t meet standards?
• How are the Council’s standards changing?

HandsOn Twin Cities

HandsOn Twin Cities is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting and facilitating volunteerism in the Twin Cities Metro Area. By connecting individuals and groups with the opportunity to effectively serve and learn, we are helping to continue the outstanding volunteerism in Minneapolis and St. Paul; which has again earned number one status in the nation. In partnering with over 300 nonprofit affiliates, HandsOn Twin Cities is able to provide volunteers with numerous unique and rewarding service events all year long.

Expert: Zeeda Magnuson, program director, HandsOn Twin Cities

Area(s) of Expertise:
Zeeda can provide the following types of information –

• Where to find current, local and meaningful volunteer opportunities in the Twin Cities;
• The benefits of volunteering;
• How to engage volunteers in your work with little or no resources dedicated to mange them;
• Ways to market your volunteer opportunities to the general public;
• How to establish strong partnerships in order to have successful volunteer projects;
• How to include adult service learning into your volunteer projects;
• What does a successful volunteer program include, and how does your program stack up; and
• Web resources to enhance volunteer programs.

LegalCORPS

Through the services of volunteer lawyers, LegalCORPS provides free legal assistance on transactional matters to Minnesota nonprofit organizations – usually small – that cannot afford to pay for such assistance. LegalCORPS is an independent nonprofit organization.

Experts: A variety of LegalCORPS lawyers

Area(s) of Expertise:
LegalCORPS lawyers will answer legal questions in the following areas –

• Corporate formation;
• Organization;
• Operation;
• Fiduciary duties;
• Financing;
• Taxation;
• Corporate governance; and
• Dissolution

MACC CommonWealth

The MACC CommonWealth is a collaborative approach to provide administrative services to nonprofits. MACC CommonWealth’s core services are in the areas of finance, human resources and information technology. In addition to these core “back office” services, MACC CommonWealth provides comprehensive systems and expertise in the area of client data and outcomes management.

Expert: Stan Birnbaum, president, MACC Commonwealth

Stan can answer questions related to –

• Administrative support;
• Nonprofit financial and human resource models;
• Organizational strategy and development; and
• Information systems and measurement.

MAP for Nonprofits

MAP for Nonprofits is a highly regarded nonprofit resource, whose staff members provide cost-effective services to Twin Cities’ nonprofit organizations. MAP’s services include accounting and financial analysis, board recruitment, board leadership development, computer technology services, strategic planning, legal services, marketing and mergers. MAP’s training includes multiple offerings related to nonprofit governance, management and technology.

Expert: Judith Alnes, executive director, MAP for Nonprofits

Judy can answer the following types of questions:

• Best practices related to nonprofit management and governance;
• Leadership development;
• Organization development;
• Innovation; and
• Other topics.

Midwest International NGO Network (MINN)

The Midwest International NGO Network (MINN) is a Minnesota-based forum for international practitioners and supporters to network and exchange professional experiences and best practices. Whether you are new to the world of international Non-Government Organizations or a seasoned veteran, MINN is a forum to connect with colleagues and stay aware of what other International NGOs based in Minnesota are doing around the world. MINN serves its members through professional development and educational events, social and networking opportunities, and providing members a forum to discuss and share their expertise and best practices.

Experts: Karen Baumgaertner, director of programs, National Model United Nations and secretary & co-founder, Midwest International NGO Network and Michael Gerba, senior manager, program operations and manager, Farmer-to-Farmer Volunteer Programs, Land O’Lakes International Development and president, Midwest International NGO Network

Karen and Michael can provide the following types of information:

• How to better communicate with your international partners and field staff (both technologically and culturally);
• What other International NGOs in the Twin Cities are doing;
• Pros and cons of U.S. government funding;
• How to better use your international volunteers;
• How to establish an overseas office; and
• Standardizing policies and procedures with your overseas partners/offices.

Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration (MAVA)

The Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration (MAVA) provides a forum to engage people involved in volunteerism across Minnesota to exchange information and ideas, and to link resources to build capacity. With over 800 members, MAVA aims to inspire excellence in the leadership of volunteers to impact communities. MAVA provides news, information, advocacy, professional development and training opportunities. MAVA offers a two-day series on the best practices of volunteer management at locations around Minnesota, a workshop on engaging boomers and future generations of volunteers, quarterly professional development opportunities in the metro area, a conference every two years and a variety of training opportunities.

Expert: Mary Quirk, MAVA Volunteer Leadership Resources project manager

Mary can answer the following types of questions –

• What are the latest trends in volunteerism?
• How should we solve _____ problem that I am having with my volunteer program?
• What are the best ways to engage the boomer generation as volunteers?
• How has the economic downturn affected volunteering and volunteer programming?
• How can we revitalize our volunteer program?

Minnesota Council of Nonprofits

The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN) is a statewide membership organization of over 2000 members. The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits informs, promotes, connects and strengthens individual nonprofits and the nonprofit sector. MCN strengthens nonprofits by providing education, training, research, cost saving partnerships, and public policy advocacy.

Experts: Marcia Avner, public policy director and Jeannie Fox, public policy deputy director, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits

Marcia and Jeannie can answer questions on the law related to nonprofit lobbying, advocacy, and election-related work as well as questions about legislative processes and access to decision-makers.

Nonprofits Assistance Fund

Nonprofits Assistance Fund’s mission is to build financially healthy nonprofits that foster community vitality. The organization is a national pioneer in the area of lending to nonprofits and is a premier financial management resource for the nonprofit community. As a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Nonprofits Assistance Fund provides loans that offer financial support and flexibility, helps organizations implement healthier financial practices through training and resources, and offers strategic financial guidance. Their work helps nonprofits realize their own visions of sustainability, transformation and success.

Expert: Phil Hatlie, loan officer, Nonprofits Assistance Fund

Phil can answer questions about nonprofit finance, including –

• Scenario planning;
• Cash flow;
• In-kind donations;
• Budgeting processes;
• Financial policies and procedures; and
• True program costs.

Springboard for the Arts

Springboard for the Arts has provided management and consulting services to the arts community for more than 20 years. Springboard is a nationally recognized model for professional development services to independent artists, cultural workers and organizations.

Expert: Laura Zabel, executive director, Springboard for the Arts

Laura can answer questions related to –

• Nonprofit start-up;
• Fundraising for small organizations;
• Fiscal sponsorship/fiscal agency (for groups considering serving as a fiscal sponsor and for those in need of a fiscal sponsor);
• Strategic planning;
• Healthcare options and resources;
• Working with individual artists;
• Incorporating the arts into community development/social services; and
• Social networking strategies.

Young Nonprofit Professionals Network

Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) - Twin Cities is a community of nonprofit staff, volunteers, supporters, and allies - current and future leaders who want to build networks to support lifelong careers and involvement in the social sectors. YNPN believes in active learning, cooperation, inclusion and shared responsibility for our collective fate not only as a nonprofit sector but as a broader community. YNPN hosts monthly happy hours for peers to share information and ideas in an informal, relaxed atmosphere, as well as more formal professional and personal development programming. Connect with YNPN and find out more at www.ynpntwincities.org.

Expert: Kelly Rowan, YNPN board member, outreach and resource manager at Charities Review Council

Kelly can answer the following types of questions –

• How can I connect with others in the early phases of my nonprofit career to share resources and build a support network?
• What does the Twin Cities nonprofit sector have to offer in terms of professional development opportunities for emerging leaders in nonprofits?
• How can I advocate for my own professional education at a time when many nonprofits just don’t seem to have the resources?
• Who can help me explore and navigate the best nonprofit career advancement path for me?
• What are the some of the best ways for young nonprofit professionals to share ideas, post events, ask questions and discuss current events relevant to the nonprofit sector?