While Latinos are California’s largest minority group, they are underrepresented in the state’s nonprofit sector, a new study says.

While they account for about 36 percent of the state’s population, Latinos account for only six percent of nonprofit executive directors, nine percent of board members and 28 percent of staffers, says the study from the Urban Institute.

Asian Americans also are underrepresented, but not as drastically, and African Americans are represented in proportion to their population.

Overall, people of color make up 57 percent of California’s population, but hold only a quarter of the top executive posts at nonprofits, and 28 percent of board positions.

About 65 percent of the state’s nonprofits overall have seen their revenues fall during the recession, while 44 percent saw demand grow.

Among groups led by people of color, however, 70 percent experienced revenue declines and 50 say demand rose.

The study was funded by the California Endowment, and the William and Flora Hewlett, James Irvine and David and Lucile Packard foundations.

Source: Philanthropy Journal

Milton Murray, a maverick fundraiser who worked diligently for two decades to get a postage stamp honoring philanthropy, died Dec. 9. He was 87.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) issued the “Giving & Sharing” stamp in 1998, featuring a bee with flowers back when First Class postage was 32 cents. Murray pushed for 27 years for a philanthropy-inspired postage stamp.

In 1973 Murray founded the Seventh-day Adventist Church Philanthropic Service for Institutions (PSI). For nearly 20 years he served as director of PSI, which provides philanthropic education and resources to enhance development programs to members within the church and its related colleges, universities, healthcare systems and other members.

Gene Tempel, president and chief executive officer of the Indiana University Foundation, said Murray was “one of the icons of the sector.” He described Murray as thoughtful and thorough with his work, and very approachable for such a luminary in the sector. “I always looked to him for leadership,” said Tempel.

“He was one of those persons who saw that fundraising could be a noble and honorable profession,” said Tempel. “He nurtured and encouraged many young people in this field.” James B. Closser, vice president for advancement and alumni at Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia and director at the Milton Murray Foundation for Philanthropy, described Murray as “my teacher, mentor and friend” in the 30 years he knew him.

“A consummate professional – he always had the best of the profession in mind and a representative with incredible integrity, transparency and tenacity. He was all about the institution and the cause – it was never about Milton Murray,” said Closser.

The Milton Murray Foundation for Philanthropy in College Place, Wash., is a grant-making organization that sponsors nonprofit executive leadership and fundraising management fellowship programs, the crux of Murray’s mission in life.

Karen Johnson, president of Rocky Mountain Adventist Healthcare Foundation and president of the Milton Murray Foundation, would not be working in fundraising today without Murray’s influence and mentorship. Johnson said that Murray’s work with PSI “immensely” changed the philanthropic work of some Adventist organizations.

Murray also received awards for this work advancing philanthropy, including the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy’s (AHP) Si Seymour Award in 1980 and University of Indiana’s Henry A. Rosso Award in 1992. He was named Outstanding Fundraiser in 1991 by The National Society of Fund-Raising Executives.

Murray’s life was profiled in the book, “The Makings of a Philanthropic Fund Raiser: the Instructive Example of Milton Murray,” written by Ronald Knott and published in 1992, the same year Murray retired.

Murray was a certified member of the National Society of Fundraising Executives, now known as the Association of Fundraising Professionals, as well as a Fellow of the AHP.

“I think that he went to his rest feeling very good about what he accomplished, but he was the kind of person that would tell you what else you could do,” said Johnson.

Contributions can be made to the Milton Murray Foundation for Philanthropy, P.O. Box 521, College Place, WA 99324.

Source: Nonprofit Times

By Tom Battin

December is famously a bad month in which to look for a job, and a bad month in which to bring on someone new. Get a leg up on January with Tom Battin’s guide to nonprofit job sites:

In this article, we review 33 websites for people seeking nonprofit jobs, and of course, for nonprofits seeking to hire new staff. Job sites serve two audiences: job seekers and employers. Job seekers can look for potential positions as well as upload their resumes so that employers can seek them out. For employers, such job sites allow them to search posted resumes to find people with specific characteristics.

This is not a complete list. We have focused on sites that are exclusively for nonprofit jobs, or that have a substantial number of nonprofit jobs. We have not included the hundreds of websites such as those of nonprofit associations where members can post openings, nor have we tried to find all the listservs and association newsletters where members post openings. Instead, we focused on sites that are primarily about job seeking: that are updated daily, that have features such as being able to search only for executive jobs, and so forth. Be sure to ask people in your chosen field or geographic region or the sites, listservs and newsletters that they know.

For each of the 33 job sites in this guide, we include the number of jobs that were posted on our test day aswell as the key features provided by each site. We evaluate their usability for both job seekers and employers, and provide their contact information and required fees.

This guide is organized into six sections as follows:
1. Comprehensive nonprofit job sites
2. Job sites that include for-profit and nonprofit jobs
3. Nonprofit executive positions
4. Nonprofit fundraising positions
5. Nonprofit technology positions
6. Regional nonprofit job sites

Criteria for rating

To critique the sites for usefulness, we established criteria to allow for comparisons. How easy was the site to navigate? Is registration required before searching for a job? Is there a fee? How many job listings are available to view?

Some sites allow you to send your request directly through to employers, while for others you’ll need to create and send your own email. Some allow you to search on types of organizations, while others simply put them all into the same batch. We like sites that help you find background on the nonprofit that has posted job listings and when they have interactive support and help for visitors. For those that allow you to post your resume, we looked for flexibility in format, ability to edit and re-post resumes, and whether they include tagging for potential employers. In particular, we liked the ability be sent an email when certain types of jobs appear.

We also wanted to see whether the site provided helpful articles, links to relevant resources, how© Blue Avocado / CompassPoint Nonprofit Services to guides, and tools for helping applicants find the right job. In each section, listings are sequenced as our suggestions for the order in which a job seeker might begin (geographically limited sites are listed alphabetically).

Note: To suggest changes and additions, please submit the full listing as you believe it should be posted, along with your contact information to editor at blueavocado dot org. Making the suggested changes is at our discretion. In addition, everyone is encouraged to add information and experiences in the Comments section at the end of the article. Special thanks to Blue Avocado readers Stacy Chappel, Terrell Curtis, Elenor Denker, Rhonda Taylor and Annette Wilder for helping us find these sites and think about how to organize the data.

Click here to download Nonprofit Job Site List.

This article was reprinted with permission from Blue Avocado, an online magazine for nonprofits with practical, timely and fun information. Subscribe free by sending an email to editor@blueavocado.org.

Scientists have found that giving to others triggers a warm glow, similar to the endorphin-induced highs that people have after sex, a good meal, or indulging in opiates. Now a new study finds another link between sex and charity — or, rather, the lack of charity.

The researchers, two California economists, studied the effects of the sex hormone testosterone on the generosity of male university students. Higher levels of testosterone, they found, made the students both more reluctant to give to others and more demanding that others give to them.

Here’s how the study was conducted: On varying days, the researchers had 25 male students apply a gel containing placebo; testosterone gel that roughly doubled the level of the hormone in their blood; and a third cream that pushed their testosterone levels even higher.

Afterward the students (who had no idea if they received placebo or testosterone) took turns playing a computer game that required two students to negotiate how a $10 financial reward would be split between them. One of the students was told to divide the reward any way he liked, while the other student could accept or reject the offer. Each student in the study assumed both roles, on and off testosterone.

Testosterone caused the students charged with splitting the $10 reward to be more stingy by 27 percent, offering their partner $1.57 on average, compared with $2.15 among those who received the placebo gel. Men who applied the more potent dose of testosterone were even less generous, offering their partners a measly 55 cents, on average.

Meanwhile, men in the position of accepting or rejecting the proposed split became more demanding as their testosterone levels increased. Men with the highest levels of the hormone, on average, rejected offers below $4, while those with the lowest levels rejected offers below $2.15.

What does this all mean for fund raising? One of the researchers, Paul J. Zak at Claremont Graduate University’s Center for Neuroeconomic Studies, offers some thoughts in a video about the study.

Our takeaway: Younger men, who have high levels of testosterone anyway, are not the best prospective donors. Better to wait, Mr. Zak suggests, until they’re older and married with children — when age and family cares lower the hard-charging hormone.

— Holly Hall

Source: Chronicle of Philanthropy

You’ve heard that another career/job fair is coming to your area. Again, according to the news, several companies will be hiring on the spot. The upside – a number of organizations and industries under one roof. The downside – only a handful of these companies and industries normally have the middle-management positions for which you are seeking. Having attended several career fairs in the past you know that there will be hundreds of applicants. You envision the long lines, and frankly wonder if it is really worth the effort to attend.

Things to do before you go
While attending career or job fairs can be daunting, there are several things that job seekers can do to help them to stand out from the crowd. Update your resume, and print out multiple copies. Determine if possible what companies will be represented, and do some research. For example, visit their websites and read their annual reports. Then visit your targeted companies first. If possible, visit other industries in which you have an interest.

Think of a career or job fair as a way to market yourself. Ask questions and participate in discussions with the recruiters the same way that you would any interview. Consider the few minutes that you spend with each company representative as a brief way to make a lasting impression. Lastly, make a note of the names and credentials of everyone you speak with for thank you notes or follow-up.

Alas, the next three areas should be no-brainers, but I am going to comment on them anyway. Job fairs are no places for children or friends, unless friends are also job hunting. Hire a baby sitter or arrange for a friend or relative to watch your children. Dress professionally. In other words consider a career fair interview the same way that you would any other. After all this is what a career or job fair is. Sadly, one of the mistakes many attendees make when attending a career or job fair is dressing like they are running errands. First impressions really do make a difference. It also demonstrates to potential employers that you are serious about securing a position.

Be mindful of your cell phone etiquette while in waiting in line and during the interview. Nothing is more irritating to a potential employer than having candidates’ phones ringing or vibrating when they trying to talk to you about job opportunities. Don’t leave them wondering if you’ll be someone who’ll constantly be talking on your phone, instead of working once you are offered the position. Is any call more important than what you are doing at that moment: that being trying to find a job?

After the career fair
Immediately after the career or job fair send thank you notes to everyone you spoke with. Doing it immediately allows you to mention something significant from your conversation before you forget. Should you send a thank you card or an e-mail? Check with friends who are employed to see what is acceptable. If you are a recent graduate you can check with the career center at your college as well. Invited to apply to a particular position after your visit? If so, apply immediately.

Pay close attention to all application directives, like submitting your resume as a PDF or providing complete information on all references. If transcripts need to be official (meaning sent directly from all colleges or universities that you attended) be sure to have the transcripts sent directly to the company. Not following all directions could cause you to miss out on a wonderful position.

A career or job fair is simply another step on frequently a long road to job success. It is very important that you put the same effort in it as you do all other job search mechanisms. Instead of considering it another waste of time spent in long lines with a lot of others, make it work in your favor by doing all that you can to stand out from the crowd. While you may not get hired that day, chances are one or more of the recruiters will remember you when a management position comes open. It happened to me, it can happen to you.

About the Author
Carol Gee, M.A. has worked in education for 26 years in positions ranging from teaching to administration. Currently she is an editor and business writer at Goizueta Business School at Emory University. She is also the author of books, The Venus Chronicles and Diary of a ‘Flygirl’ Wannabe (Life Lessons of a Cool Girl in Training,) and a contributor to the baby boomer book, Age Smart-Discovering the Fountain of Youth at Midlife and Beyond. Carol is a recipient of the Center for Women’s 2009 Unsung Heroine Award for recognition of her dedication to issues that affect women at Emory or in the larger community.
www.venuschronicles.net
venuschronicles@aol.com

By Heather Carpenter, MMNA and Paula Krist, Ph.D.

Student learning outcomes and student satisfaction of nonprofit management graduate degree programs have received much attention recently from researchers. However, little research examines the community impact of such programs.

A new report published by the University of San Diego reports on findings from a community impact study of the Masters of Arts in Nonprofit Leadership and Management. An extensive qualitative study was conducted to determine whether student‐led applied projects conducted for nonprofit organizations had an impact on those organizations, and if so, to assess the type and duration of that impact. A key finding was that all organizations that were interviewed for the study used the student‐created project in some capacity. In addition it was found that although some organizations may not have fully used the project, they benefitted from the project recommendations. Students employed by their own organizations completed the most successful projects. This was because students chose a project precisely when it was needed by the organization.

Report findings contain recommendations for future research and for future students engaging in projects. The future student recommendations range from improving communication between students and organizations to improving the timing and duration of student projects. Nonprofit graduate program directors can utilize these results and recommendations when creating and/or managing the experiential learning components within their programs.

Click here to view the entire study.

The US lost fewer jobs than at any time in the past 23 months, buoying hopes that the economy may soon start creating jobs.

“This is good news just in time for the season of hope,” President Obama said Friday after the Commerce Department reported that only 11,000 jobs were lost in November and the unemployment rate fell to 10 percent from 10.2 percent the previous month.

“For job seekers, it appears that the sky is brightening a bit,” says Kate Donovan, managing director of Manpower Business Solutions, the business unit of Manpower that handles full-time recruiting.

So what should job-seekers do in light of Friday’s better-than-expected numbers? Adjust your expectations, say recruitment experts, who offer these six tips:

1. Be patient. It’s still really hard for most people to find a job (duh!) and the market will stay tight for months to come. “Companies aren’t ready to start hiring again,” says Bob Damon, president of North America Korn/Ferry, a recruiting firm based in Los Angeles. “They’re going to wait to see if this economy really does have legs and where the legs are.”

2. Look for contract or temp work. By accepting limited-time assignments, you make it less risky for skittish employers to take you on, says Ms. Donovan. You also gain valuable experience for your resume and allow the employer to try you out. Eventually, he or she will start hiring again once the the economy improves.

This is the time to consider a new industry, a new career, or even a new location, perhaps one of these five up-and-coming cities.

How do the skills you highlight fit with the growth areas of the economy? Donovan asks. “It may be a time for some reenergizing.”

5. Keep plugging. Sending out hundreds of resumes constitutes one big shot in the dark — but shots in the dark occasionally hit something, Mr. Damon says. Networking remains the key, so use churches and local organizations to meet new people who might know of jobs or be willing to recommend you. Don’t forget about volunteer opportunities. “Like a friend said: ‘If you do good, you might do good,’ ” Damon adds.

6. Tap the Internet. It’s useful not only for job listings but also building networks through tools like LinkedIn and Facebook. “Hiring managers are very comfortable working with online introductions, online referrals,” Donovan says. Some job-seekers have even found positions through Twitter with a “Twesume.”

The Internet and global interdependency may actually help speed along the recovery, Damon says. Still, he estimates that surge won’t occur for several months.

Source: Christian Science Monitor