Sabbaticals for nonprofit leaders can be a relatively inexpensive but highly productive capacity-building tool that yields measurable results. Creative Disruption: Sabbaticals for Capacity Building and Leadership Development in the Nonprofit Sector provides emerging evidence of the benefits to nonprofit organizations, leaders, funders, and the sector.

This study, written by TSNE’s Deborah Linnell and CompassPoint’s Tim Wolfred, exposes the myth that an executive sabbatical will be a chaotic disruption, finding instead that the creative disruption of a well-planned sabbatical can be productive for the entire leadership of an organization.

Organizational capacity is increased as the second tier of leadership takes on new responsibilities. Governance is strengthened as a result of the planning and learning that goes with a sabbatical process. Executive directors come back rejuvenated, with a fresh vision and innovative ideas, and tend to extend their tenure with the organization. And funders gain a deeper perspective on community needs from the feedback, networking, and innovative ideas that sabbatical alumni bring.

This study recommends funding sabbaticals as a best practice in philanthropy for leadership development, succession planning, and organizational capacity building. Sabbaticals can be an investment in the long-term health of nonprofit organizations—and the sector.


Source: CompassPoint

The Nonprofit Finance Fund, a national nonprofit that works to help nonprofits strengthen their finances and capacity, has named site leaders for its regional offices in Newark, Detroit and Chicago, and for its new office in Los Angeles.

The four new site leaders will oversee the organization’s delivery of financial and consulting services to nonprofit clients and philanthropic partners, as well as new business development and the creation of strategic initiatives in their local markets.

Karla V. Salazar, former assistant manager for the Los Angeles branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, will head the new Los Angeles office for the Nonprofit Finance Fund.

Archie Colander Jr., former vice president for community development for PNC Bank , will head the Newark office.

Kevin M. Sweeney, a former independent consultant to the Nonprofit Finance Fund and before that vice president and senior lender at Fifth Third Bank, will head the Detroit office.

And Shilpi Shah has been promoted from advisory services manager in the New York office to associate director for the Midwest region, overseeing the expansion of services in the Chicago market.

ATLANTA, Ga. / February 9, 2010 – Professionals looking to accelerate their nonprofit career and job search can join The Georgia Center for Nonprofits and Opportunity Knocks at the Nonprofit Career Conference, a one day event to be held on March 23, 2010 at The Lodge at Simpsonwood located at 4511 Jones Bridge Circle, NW Norcross, GA 30092.

This full day of workshops and consultative sessions is designed to help nonprofit professionals enhance their employment marketability while also helping corporate professionals looking to switch careers to improve their job and nonprofit career development strategies and job-seeking skills. Opportunity Knocks has been producing the Nonprofit Career Conference since spring 2009 as a response to the economy’s impact on Georgia’s workforce and past conferences have been featured on Fox 2 News and 11 Alive News.

“The Opportunity Knocks Nonprofit Career Conference is produced as an ongoing effort to assist job seekers and professionals access the resources and knowledge they need to get a job in the nonprofit sector.” says Karen Beavor, President and CEO of Georgia Center for Nonprofits. Led by experienced and qualified career consultants and nonprofit subject matter experts, attendees will learn how to become more competitive in the nonprofit job marketplace. Attendees receive training and consultations that will provide them with the skills needed to:

Transition from the for profit to nonprofit sector

Determine a nonprofit career path

Analyze resume and job search strategies

Assess employability skills

Understand the current landscape of the nonprofit sector

A limited number of partial scholarships will be offered. Registration capacity is limited and on a first come, first serve basis.

More information can be found at http://www.gcn.org/Join/JobServices/OKCareerConference.aspx

About Opportunity Knocks: Opportunity Knocks is the national nonprofit Job Board, HR Resource and Career Development website exclusively on the nonprofit community. For Nonprofit professionals, www.OpportunityKnocks.org is the premier destination to find nonprofit jobs and access valuable resources for developing successful careers in the nonprofit community. For Employers, www.OpportunityKnocks.org is the best way to find qualified nonprofit candidates and receive valuable information that nonprofit organizations need when building successful recruitment, retention and human resource strategies.


Contact: Lynne Norton, Marketing Manager, Opportunity Knocks, 678-916-3066 or lnorton@opportunityknocks.org

The People Have Chosen

ATLANTA, Ga. / February 16, 2010 — Opportunity Knocks announced the winners today of the 3rd Annual Peoples Choice Best Nonprofit to Work For Awards. Winners were selected from nominations based on employee essay submissions. National nominations were held December 1, 2009 through January 15, 2010 and individuals were told to submit a brief essay on why they consider their organization a great place to work.

Nominators could take into consideration factors that are important to them such as, quality of work/life balance, their organizations’ adherence to its mission, comradery of employees, unique benefits, training programs and career paths.

A total of fifteen (15) winners were awarded based on three categories of operating budget size.

And the winners are…


Operating Budget 1 million or less
Equality Maryland
McCullum Youth Court
The Georgia Law Center for the Homeless
The Career Wardrobe
Women Organizing Resources Knowledge & Services

Operating Budget 1 million to 5 million
Alzheimer’s Association, Orange County Chapter
CAREERS for People with Disabilities, Inc.
Community Music Center (San Francisco)
Girls For A Change
Love Without Boundaries Foundation

Operating Budget 5 million or more
Gift of Life Michigan
Lifespan of Greater Rochester
Sheltering Arms
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Year Up

“Opportunity Knocks continues to see the need to provide nonprofit professionals a platform to give recognition and appreciation to the organizations providing quality work environments for the people in jobs that change the world. The 3rd Annual Peoples Choice Best Nonprofit to Work For Awards demonstrates how nonprofit organizations can not only make a difference in the community but also have an incredibly positive impact on the lives of the people that work for them. Congratulations to the winners and thanks to all that took the time to submit their nomination.”

- Karen Beavor, President and CEO of Opportunity Knocks.

About Opportunity Knocks: Opportunity Knocks is the national nonprofit Job Board, HR Resource and Career Development website exclusively on the nonprofit community. For Nonprofit professionals, www.OpportunityKnocks.org is the premier destination to find nonprofit jobs and access valuable resources for developing successful careers in the nonprofit community. For Employers, www.OpportunityKnocks.org is the best way to find qualified nonprofit candidates and receive valuable information that nonprofit organizations need when building successful recruitment, retention and human resource strategies.

Contact: Lynne Norton, Marketing Manager, Opportunity Knocks, 678-916-3066 or lnorton@opportunityknocks.org

Nominations Now Open
** Deadline to submit is March 31, 2010! **

Shine a spotlight on trailblazing individuals, businesses and nonprofits that are creating positive change throughout California. Nominate them for a Governor and First Lady’s Medal for Service Award by March 31, 2010 in any of the following award categories:

California’s Volunteer of the Year
Honoring an outstanding Californian whose volunteer service is exemplary and inspirational

California’s Small Business* Volunteer Program of the Year
Honoring an outstanding California small business with an innovative, high-impact employee volunteer program
* A California small business is defined as having less than 500 employees and operating for profit in California

California’s Business* Volunteer Program of the Year
Honoring an outstanding California business with an innovative, high-impact employee volunteer program
* A California business is defined as having more than 500 employees and operating for profit in California

California’s Nonprofit of the Year
Honoring a California nonprofit that has shown an extraordinary ability to leverage volunteers in service to their organization

California’s Service Group of the Year
Honoring a California service group / club with a demonstrable impact and unwavering commitment to their community

California’s AmeriCorps Member of the Year
Honoring a California AmeriCorps member who has demonstrated AmeriCorps values, has made a significant contribution to their community, and is committed to a lifetime of service The Governor and First Lady’s Medals for Service Awards are designed to distinguish individual volunteers, business volunteer programs and nonprofit leaders whose innovation in the field of volunteerism have had a tangible impact on their community, region and the state of California. To learn more or to submit a nomination, visit the Governor and First Lady’s Medals for Service Page at: www.CaliforniaVolunteers.org/gfmls

The 76-page 2010 Index report the latest data and trends in economic development, workforce, housing, education, public health, land use, environment, governance, arts and culture and other sectors throughout Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties and portions of Alameda and Santa Cruz Counties. An accompanying Special Analysis section of the report each year takes a closer look at a particularly significant topic.

The Index is published in conjunction with the annual “State of the Valley” conference, a town hall-style gathering of regional leaders, elected officials and citizens in a daylong discussion of Silicon Valley’s economic opportunities, challenges and future. Joint Venture presents the conference with the Community Foundation as lead sponsor. The 2010 conference takes place tomorrow, February 12, at the McEnery San Jose Convention Center.

Highlights of the 2010 Index and Special Analysis include:

Foreign Talent – With increasing global partnerships, Silicon Valley grows ever more dependent on foreign talent – particularly for filling science and engineering positions. However, the actions of our nation in the wake of 9/11 and the rise of other global regions have made Silicon Valley less accessible and less attractive than it once was. Inflows from China and India continue to rise, as does investment and collaboration between the Valley and those two nations, but China and India are both experiencing rapid economic growth. As they do, opportunities in those countries will slow the flow of talent here.

Investment Capital – Silicon Valley’s traditional ways of funding innovation – through locally-raised venture capital and public offerings – can no longer be taken as a given. Major structural shifts are underway in the funding community, and the federal government has re-emerged as the major investor in innovation and basic research. However, Silicon Valley is not attracting significant shares of federal funding, and has not for some time.

Venture Capital – Investment is shifting away from software and semiconductors and into biotechnology, energy, medical devices, and media. The level of investment continues to decline, and venture capitalists generally have not realized significant returns for the past decade.

California Government – Silicon Valley is “slammed” by forces beyond its control, most notably the “malaise” in our state government. California’s budget crisis and the political dysfunction in Sacramento has direct and debilitating effects on the region’s ability to prepare the workforce, provide crucial infrastructure, maintain quality of life, and keep pace in the talent race with other regions.

Higher Education – U.S. and California investment in higher education is declining at a time when talent becomes still more important to Silicon Valley.

Jobs – Between November 2008 and November 2009, employment in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties dropped 5.8 percent, compared to 3.8 percent nationally. Silicon Valley lost 90,000 jobs between the second quarter of 2008 and 2009, bringing total employment down to 2005 levels. The “green” economy accounted for 12,000 jobs in the region.

Housing – Residential foreclosure activity dropped by 39 percent in 2009 yet in some cities more than a third of sales are foreclosures. Housing affordability for first-time homebuyers is improving. New affordable housing units in the region doubled from 2008 to 2009. Average rents declined six percent from 2008, the first drop in rents since 2005.

Commercial Real Estate – Office vacancy rates are at an all-time high since 1998 and were up 33 percent in 2009 over 2008.

Transit – Silicon Valley continues to expand transit-oriented development. Newly approved housing averaged more than 20 units per acre for the fifth consecutive year. More than 60 percent of new residential construction is within walking distance of the region’s transit infrastructure.

Fuel Consumption – Silicon Valley residents consumed roughly 50 gallons of fuel less per person than the rest of California in 2008, a reversal from 2000. Since 2002, vehicle miles traveled has decreased 14 percent while gas prices have increased 91 percent.

“Clearly, this is no time for complacency,” notes the study. “While our region has enjoyed many advantages in the past, success in the future demands that we think beyond our prevailing assumptions, organize differently, draw upon still more ingenuity from our people, and forge new collaborations in order to compete globally. Our vulnerabilities don’t mean Silicon Valley’s best days are behind it. But they do suggest we’re a region at risk.”

Published annually since 1995, the Silicon Valley Index findings are reported in five major sections: People (talent flows, diversity); Economy (innovation, employment, income); Society (preparing for economic success, early education, arts and culture, health, safety); Place (environment, land use, housing, commercial space); and Governance (civic engagement, revenue).

Joint Venture added the Community Foundation as its partner and lead sponsor on the Index in 2008. The 2010 Silicon Valley Index and Special Analysis may be downloaded from the Joint Venture website at www.jointventure.org and the Community Foundation website at www.siliconvalleycf.org.

About Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Silicon Valley Community Foundation is a catalyst and leader for innovative solutions to our region’s most challenging problems. Serving all of San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, the community foundation has $1.7 billion in assets under management and 1,500 philanthropic funds. The community foundation provides grants through donor advised and corporate funds in addition to its own endowment funds. The community foundation serves as a regional center for philanthropy, providing donors simple and effective ways to give locally and around the world. Find out more at www.siliconvalleycf.org

About Joint Venture: Silicon Valley Network Established in 1993, Joint Venture provides analysis and action on issues affecting the Silicon Valley economy and quality of life. The organization brings together established and emerging leaders—from business, government, academia, labor, and the broader community—to spotlight issues, launch projects, and work toward innovative solutions. For more information, visit www.jointventure.org.

In response to the Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission opinion announced on Jan. 21, many nonprofits and political leaders are mobilizing to address the impact of the decision. Nonprofits, in particular, are taking the lead in ensuring that the voices of ordinary Americans are not diminished by an influx of corporate money into electoral politics.

In the highly anticipated opinion, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a long-standing precedent, which had stated that corporations can be prohibited from using money from their general treasuries to pay for their own campaign-related advertisements. Justices also struck down parts of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA), also known as the McCain-Feingold bill, which prohibited unions and corporations from running issue ads before primary and general elections.

The Court determined that current campaign finance regulations on corporate spending violate the First Amendment protection of political speech. The opinion applies only to independent expenditures and leaves in place a prohibition on direct corporate contributions to candidates and national party committees. It also upholds disclosure requirements for organizations that conduct advertising campaigns that promote or oppose candidates. More details about the decision are available in this issue of The Watcher.

The following examples illustrate the scope of the nonprofit community’s response to the Citizens United opinion:

Following the announcement of the Court’s opinion, People for the American Way (PFAW) launched an action alert to diminish the impact of the decision. PFAW’s action alert is an electronic petition urging Congress to pass a constitutional amendment granting Congress the authority to limit corporate influence in electoral politics.

Common Cause also initiated a campaign for a constitutional amendment. The group hosted an online presentation on Jan. 26 that outlined the efforts that it plans to undertake to push for a constitutional fix.

The Alliance for Justice (AFJ) held a conference call on Jan. 25, where it discussed the impact of the decision, its effect, and its implications. In a fact sheet, AFJ posed questions concerning the case’s implications. The organization also stressed why it is important for nonprofits to be involved in political advocacy. “Even if you think the case was wrongly decided, 501(c)(4)s and other nonprofit corporations (except for 501(c)(3)s) should take advantage of it – use it to strengthen democracy by increasing your public communications about the candidates and what’s best for the future of our country,” said AFJ.

Organizing for America, the successor organization to Obama for America and a project of the Democratic National Committee, has circulated an electronic letter to members in its database and visitors to its website, asking them to send the electronic letter to their congressional representatives to inform the representatives that the American people support fair elections and limits on corporate spending.

To further explore nonprofit reactions to the decision, OMB Watch and the Hudson Institute will host a panel discussion on February 16, entitled “Nonprofits Divided About Citizens United?” The panel will examine the ruling and the varying approaches used to either counter the effects or capitalize on opportunities it presents.

Nonprofits have also been using the decision as a springboard to address other issues related to nonprofit advocacy. For example, a coalition of nonprofit organizations that engage in public policy advocacy, including OMB Watch, is seeking to ease restrictions on nonprofit lobbyists in the wake of Citizens United. The organizations sent a joint letter to President Obama addressing their concerns. “The solution [as it relates to lobbying and ethics reform] should focus on issues like campaign finance reform and the disproportionate influence that large financial interests have over our nation’s politics and public policies. The Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. FEC has increased the urgency of such actions,” said the organizations.

On the legislative side, there has also been interest in addressing the influence of money in politics. Even before Citizens United was decided, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Rep. John Larson (D-CT) introduced the Fair Elections Now Act (S. 752 and H.R. 1826), which attempts to limit the impact of corporate funds on elections by offering a public financing alternative. “The bill would allow federal candidates to choose to run for office without relying on large contributions, big money bundlers, or donations from lobbyists, and would be freed from the constant fundraising in order to focus on what people in their communities want,” according to Public Campaign, a campaign finance reform organization.

After the Citizens United opinion was announced, Rep. Leonard Boswell (D-IA) introduced a constitutional amendment that would prohibit corporations and labor unions from using general treasury funds in connection with a federal election campaign. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY), chairman of the Senate Rules Committee, also said he would “hold hearings to explore ways to limit corporate spending on elections,” according to The Hill.

In a statement following the Supreme Court’s decision, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said, “We will review the decision, work with the Obama Administration, and explore legislative options available to mitigate the impact of this disappointing decision.” Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said the House would also take measures similar to the Senate to limit corporate spending, according to The Hill.

The House Administration Committee, which has jurisdiction over campaign finance law, will hold a hearing in February in response to the Citizens United ruling. House Administration Committee Chairman Robert Brady (D-PA) “indicated he would be working with fellow lawmakers and the Obama administration to shape new legislation in time to affect this year’s congressional campaigns, but he provided no details about what such a measure would provide,” according to BNA (subscription required).


Source: http://www.ombwatch.org/