That theme of collaboration continued into the reflection on 2012. Collaboration – both interpersonal and organizational – is seen as one way to build stronger organizations, to maintain quality services, and to communicate to the general public and legislators about the role of nonprofits in our community. These leaders are also looking for ways to diversify their funding, their Boards, their clients, their programs, and their volunteer pool. Finally, the past year of instability is forcing these nonprofit leaders to find ways to reduce stress and burn-out this year.

We have posted the notes from the Nonprofit Town Hall.

Bigfork Eagle attended the Town Hall and reported back.

Also, be sure to read the Flathead Beacon’s take on the Nonprofit Town Hall.

We want to hear from you again! This facilitated listening session will focus on successes and challenges ahead for the Flathead’s nonprofit community. How have you gotten through this last year? What is ahead for nonprofits in the Flathead, the state, and our nation? Bring your stories and ideas for raising revenue or trimming expenses. We encourage attendance by board members, executive directors, fundraising and program staff, and anyone who wants to learn from others and share ideas for surviving and thriving in hard economic times.

Thursday, January 12, 11:30 am – 1 pm
11:30 am – 11:45 am Networking, 11:45 am – 1 pm Program
The Museum at Central School
124 Second Avenue East, Kalispell
Free

Please RSVP here.

Among the many insights, here are just three:

* Discover the funding interests of the business. Ask around. Research their past giving patterns.

* Consider the Return on Investment for the business. Define what the business can expect for the investment of a long-term partnership. Ask for a multiple year commitment, allowing for the business to budget year after year. Be specific with the amount and the project, setting reasonable expectations.

* Celebrate the success of the partnership, follow up with stories and statistics of the impact of the partnership, and look for ways to improve on the partnership. Thank everyone involved in the project, not just the business owner or CEO.

The discussion on Building Partnerships with Businesses will continue on November 3 from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm at the Conference Room Annex of the First Montana Bank. Please RSVP if you plan to attend.

On September 8, Ned Cooney, Program Director of NpDP, made that true statement as a part of his two-part presentation on Managing Transitions. Particularly in the nonprofit world, we are good at change. We adapt to the changing needs of the community. However, as we adapt to that external change – perhaps a new program – we often neglect to adapt internally; that is, we neglect how the transition will affect us and our colleagues and employees internally.

For example, this can be apparent when a change is announced by management. The leaders who have wrestled with the decision to make a change have had a chance to process how that transition will affect them. In the instance of a new program, they have already processed how that the new workload will affect them. But, when the change is announced to the staff, the staff have not had that same opportunity to process how that transition will affect them. The management is ready to move on; the staff is showing signs of resisting that transition. They are excited about the new program, the change; they just haven’t processed through the transition of how the workload will affect them yet.

Cooney offered up a framework to manage that transition better. He discussed paying attention to the endings, knowing that a neutral zone of processing the transition will occur and needs to occur, and, finally, looking at the new beginnings. He discussed creating an actual Transition Plan along with the operational plan – the nuts and bolts plan of how the change will be implemented. In that Transition Plan, he offered a outline to follow.

Part II of the Managing Transitions discussion will dive into the elements of that Transition Plan. If you didn’t have an opportunity to attend the September 8 Brown Bag, please make plans to attend the Managers Forum on September 22 from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm at the Conference Room at First Montana Bank in Kalispell. A brief overview and the full handouts will be given at the beginning of the Managers Forum. Please RSVP if you plan to attend.

There is no charge to participate. Artists will also have the option to sell their artwork to the public. The maximum size piece allowed is 18” x 24”.

Over the years, many artists have used the Mansion as their subject and we are very excited about this fun new event. The public is welcome and encouraged to watch the artists in action throughout the day and during the judging at 4:00pm. The rain date for the event is Tuesday, August 30, 2011.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011, 10 am – 4 pm
Conrad Mansion Museum
330 Woodland Avenue, Kalispell
Free

Reaching out to the homeless population can be a challenge, which is why we would greatly appreciate it if you could spread the word. Anyone who is having trouble making ends meet, or are worried about losing their home would greatly benefit from this once a year opportunity. It is also a great chance for people who are new to poverty to learn about all the resources and services that are available to them.

Community Action Partnership is also accepting in-kind and monetary donations for PHC. We are looking for:

* Non-perishable food
* New socks and underwear
* Toiletries
* Books
* Blankets and Sleeping Bags

In-kind donations can be dropped off at 214 Main Street, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Checks can be sent to and made payable to Community Action Partnership Attn Project Homeless Connect, PO Box 8300 Kalispell, MT 59904.

If you have any questions please call Sarah at 758-5445.

June 16, 11 am to 4 pm, and June 17, 9 am to 1 pm

Samaritan House Admin Building
1110 2nd Street West, Kalispell

Sponsored by Community Action Partnership of NW Montana and the Samaritan House