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- Working to Serve More Communities
- Minimum Wage Changes Are Coming
- Nonprofit Workforce Shortage Survey
- Funding Opportunity: Summer Program Fund
- Washington Healthplan Finder: Open Enrollment
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“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.”
– Helen Keller
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Letter from our Executive Director
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Dear Nonprofit Colleagues,
I’ve struggled a bit to write my ED letter for this month. There are some big, heavy topics on my mind: exhaustion among nonprofit folks, the impact of the “Great Resignation” and the labor shortage on those already exhausted folks, and the ways in which funding comes with so many rules and requirements that it becomes a very mixed blessing. All of these are worthy of an extended blog post, so those will be coming in future weeks. In the near term, here’s what I’ve decided to do, to combat my own exhaustion and to take action to change the systems that contribute to all of us being tired:
- Plan an event focused on wellness for nonprofit folks—stay tuned for details.
- Connect more with our members—It’s been five years since I did my Listening Tour and the pandemic has interfered with our ability to travel and connect. I am hatching a plan for all of us on the Washington Nonprofits team to reach out and listen. This will help us serve you better. It will also remind us of why we do this work—to make sure you have what you need to succeed.
- Tackle the issue of government contracting reform—There is growing dissatisfaction, so let’s work together to see that the additional resources available through the American Rescue Plan Act are distributed in a way that is equitable and not crazy-making for nonprofits. If you have a story to share or want to join the list of people that are engaged in setting priorities for change, please email me. I’d like to be bold, and I need your help.
- Practice gratitude—It helps! I am truly grateful for your dedication and service across Washington. My life is touched is so many ways by nonprofits—thank you! My wife and I have a daily practice of ending the day by telling each other three things we are grateful for from the day. This helps us focus on the positive, and research shows it lowers stress significantly as well. This week, I’m going to focus on the great work you are all doing. I’ll have plenty to share.
Practicing gratitude has me thinking ahead to Thanksgiving. This is a holiday founded on a settler-colonial myth that has caused great harm. It is also a time where many can gather with family or chosen family. I hope to find a way to honor both these truths. I invite you to do the same.
With appreciation,
Laura
Laura Pierce
Executive Director
Washington Nonprofits
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Community Engagement: Supporting, Connecting, Serving
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By Alex Panagotacos (Director of Community Engagement)
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The last few months have been exciting for our community engagement work. We launched the Washington Nonprofits Slack Community and began taking applications for our first Equity Ambassador cohort.
Slack, a professional communication platform, has allowed nonprofit people to connect based on shared interest, geography, and more. There are many channels to choose from including finance, equity, and volunteer management. With over 250 active users, the community is growing quickly. Not part of the community yet? Join today!
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The application for Equity Ambassadors is open. Equity Ambassadors are paid, part-time contractors who will work to increase our visibility, identify unmet needs, enhance program relevance, and extend our programming reach in underserved communities. We hope this is the first of many cohorts that will keep Washington Nonprofits connected to communities across the state. If you or someone you know would be a good fit for this opportunity, learn more and apply today! The priority deadline is November 15, but we will continue to consider applications beyond that date.
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Despite the isolation and added stress nonprofit people are facing, it is heartening and exciting to see the many ways we can stay connected and support each other. Be sure to check out next month’s Connector to see a summary report of the first year of our Community Engagement program!
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Learning Log: Are You Ready for 2022 Minimum Wage Changes?
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By Jennifer Chang (Director of Learning)
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As you prepare your nonprofit’s 2022 budget, have you ensured that all your employees meet the minimum hourly wage as well as the minimum salary threshold for any overtime exempt employees? In Washington State, the minimum wage and minimum salary threshold for overtime exemption rise each year with inflation. Make sure your nonprofit complies by paying your workers above these levels starting January 1, 2022:
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* Have you registered for our November Office Hour? This Friday, the hour opens for conversation about Nonprofit Compensation & Workplace Climate! Drop in between 12pm and 1pm to get advice from Nancy Long and Margaret Henning Farber from 501 Commons. You don't want to miss it! Click the button below and register today.
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Policy Breakdown: The Latest on Nonprofit Policy with Washington Nonprofits!
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By Daniel Parkhurst (Director of Policy & Communications)
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Recently, we hosted our Quarterly Public Policy Webinar. This webinar is an opportunity for you to learn more about federal, state, and local policies that will affect nonprofits in Washington. In our last webinar, we spoke about what the infrastructure bill will mean for our state, what to be ready for in the short legislative session next year, and how nonprofits contribute to Washington's economy with data you can use. I encourage you to watch the webinar! It is available on-demand.
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There is a growing labor shortage in the nonprofit sector. We are asking nonprofits to please complete a short 5 minute survey to help us better understand the problem. The survey is being conducted by the National Council of Nonprofits. We will make sure the results are shared with all of you.
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Finally, we want to hear from you! Please share what you plan to focus on during the 2022 legislative session at policy@washingtonnonprofits.org.
Thank you for all of the work you do for our communities!
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Featured Funding Opportunity: 2022 Summer Program Fund RFP is Now Available!
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School’s Out Washington (SOWA) is partnering with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to administer a second round of funding through the Summer Program Fund—a statewide opportunity for summer programs serving young people, ages 4-21, in Washington. Approximately $4.5M will be invested in summer programs through contracts ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. Eligible programs will focus on :
- Prioritizing social connections among young people
- Engaging young people in physical and outdoor activities
- Prioritizing programs serving youth furthest from educational justice
- Conducting in-person or mostly in-person programming
RFP & Details
The RFP with detailed information on eligibility requirements, timeline, the application process, and application questions can be accessed by clicking here.
Application Timeline
Applications are due by 11:59 PM on Monday, December 6, 2021. Funding decisions will be made by mid-February, 2022.
Information Sessions
You can view recordings of info sessions on the SOWA website. An FAQ as well as multiple language translations of the RFP are also available.
Technical Assistance
Technical assistance for small businesses and nonprofits will be provided by SOWA and in-language assistance will be offered separately by the Small Business Resiliency Network. Applicants interested in accessing these supports can find technical assistance details and contact information on the SOWA website.
Visit SOWA’s website to view the full Request for Proposal (RFP), along with additional information and resources.
Questions? Email summerfunding@schoolsoutwashington.org.
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Open Enrollment: Washington Healthplan Finder
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Open enrollment through Washington’s insurance marketplace— Washington Healthplanfinder— is underway. You can shop, compare, and choose a health plan including 2022 Cascade Care plans on their website now. Their support network is available to help you compare and choose from health plans, gain access to valuable federal assistance and Apple Health, and enroll you in the plan that's best for you.
Visit wahealthplanfinder.org now until December 15 to enroll in coverage beginning January 1.
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Pro Bono Consulting Services from CCP!
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Could you use some help sorting out your organization priorities and goals for the year? What about support building a stronger staff or board team? Our partners at the Community Consulting Partnership (CCP) are currently seeking new clients. CCP offers nonprofit organizations the opportunity to build capacity in areas such as board development, strategic planning, organizational change, communication, and team building by working together with our volunteer consultants.
Aside from a small program fee (scholarships available) CCP consulting services are offered pro bono (free of charge) to small and medium sized nonprofit organizations who aren’t able to budget funds for consulting. CCP’s focus is on helping clients develop their own capacity-building plan with creative solutions that best leverage their strengths and available resources.
Examples of past projects include staff or board team building efforts, strategy planning and visioning exercises, and navigating organizational change and leadership transitions. CCP consulting teams do not provide ready-made solutions or technical expertise in areas of financial management, fundraising, or marketing.
CCP has a simple application process, to apply please visit the their website at ccpseattle.org, and click on Consulting services, then click on apply now. If you have questions you can also email outreach@ccpseattle.org.
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Welcome New and Renewing Members
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Welcome to all the organizations that joined or renewed as members of Washington Nonprofits in October:
The work you do is so important. Thank you for being part of the Washington Nonprofits community!
Not yet a member or has your membership expired? Join or renew today.
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We're on Social Media : Let's Engage!
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Washington Nonprofits is on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter! Be sure to follow us on all of these social media platforms for the latest nonprofit news and information.
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And don't forget to join us on Slack! Our new Washington Nonprofits Slack Community is a space where nonprofit community, board, staff, and volunteers at nonprofits in Washington are coming together to connect, collaborate, and strengthen the sector.
Sign up today!
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