Have you read your grant agreement or grant award letter recently? Don’t just scan it to make sure the reporting dates have been updated. Read every paragraph or clause to make sure the agreement says what you think it says…and what you want it to say.
Online communications and social media offer nonprofit organizations new, inexpensive, and easy-to-use tools for connecting with members and the public in a more personal way. These tools help small nonprofits wield a powerful megaphone previously available only to the largest organizations. At the same time, they enable members of large organizations to connect with peers across the country on the issues closest to their hearts. Social media allows for fun innovation while being a vital part of community organizers and communication professional’s jobs.
For years, certain kinds of nonprofit activities have received relatively little attention in the evaluation arena. Learn how to take advocacy out that “hard to measure” bucket.
This guide is designed to help staff, officers, and board members of 501(c)(3) public charities who engage in lobbying prepare and maintain the records that are required to comply with federal tax law.
Learn what is considered lobbying and the rules your nonprofit must follow. Senior Director of Public Policy Mark Turner covers what you can and can’t do, as well as additional helpful resources.
7 minutes
Mark Turner joined the Association as membership services manager in March 2003. He became public policy coordinator in January 2005 and was promoted to manager in 2006. Since then, he has coordinated the Association’s public policy programs, including actions on state and federal bills and the Nonprofit Voice Project in support of Referenda C&D. In fall 2007 he was elected vice president of the Colorado Social Legislation Committee and is a member of the Secretary of State’s Business Advisory Committee. He worked several years in the nonprofit sector prior to joining the Association, most recently as a research assistant for LARASA (Latin American Research and Service Agency) in Denver.
Solving community issues and creating social change often requires nonprofits, government and business to work together. Collective action and collaboration can achieve greater outcomes, but it also takes work.This lesson uses case studies to examine strategies, advantages and disadvantages of collaboration.
Learn quick tips and best practices by watching the five short clips from the presentation. You may also watch the complete presentation if you’d like more information.
Complete our related worksheets and assessments to take start implementing what you’ve learned.
Discover impactful collaborations that are working together to solve a common issue.
Renny Fagan is the President and CEO of Colorado Nonprofit Association. Renny served as state legislator, Colorado Department of Revenue director, deputy attorney general, and U.S. Senator Ken Salazar’s state director. His board service includes National Council of Nonprofits, Mile High United Way, Colorado Channel Authority and Metro Denver Leadership Foundation.
This video covers tips and suggestions for building a relationship with elected officials. Learn what questions you should be prepared to answer, how to meet legislators, how to become a trusted source, and what to include in your message.
Mark Turner, Senior Director of Public Policy, Colorado Nonprofit Association
Mark Turner is the Director of Public Policy for Colorado Nonprofit Association. Since 2005, he has directed the organization’s actions on state and federal policies, trained nonprofits on advocacy and lobbying strategies, and communicated with Colorado’s nonprofits about pertinent laws and regulations. Previously, he was the Membership Services Manager for the Association and worked as a Research Assistant for the Latin American Research and Service Agency in Denver. He earned a B.A. in Government and Legal Studies from Bowdoin College in 2000 and completed the Denver Community Leadership Forum in 2004 through the University of Colorado at Denver. In his spare time, he plays the drums, writes poetry, and plays Ultimate Frisbee.
This video covers the role of agencies and how your organization may build a relationship with a government agency.
Renny Fagan, President & CEO, Colorado Nonprofit Association
Renny Fagan is the President and CEO of Colorado Nonprofit Association. With 1,300 member nonprofit organizations statewide, the Association provides knowledge resources and advocates for the entire nonprofit sector. Renny is a former state legislator, director Colorado Department of Revenue, deputy attorney general, and state director for U.S. Senator Ken Salazar. He serves on Colorado Commission on Higher Education (Vice-Chair), and the boards of National Council of Nonprofits (chair), Mile High United Way, Colorado Channel Authority, Metro Denver Leadership Foundation and Colorado CPA Society. A Colorado native, he earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Chicago and a J.D. from Northwestern University.