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Topic: Nonprofits

Volunteering Costs

Anyone who has volunteered or been involved in training, placing, and managing volunteers knows that it can be costly. Volunteers often have to take time away from family or work to be available, as well as travel to and from work locations. With the present economy causing nonprofits to downsize their staff while the needs of communities keep racheting up, a bill has been presented to the U.S. House of Representatives to grant volunteers a tax deduction for miles driven for charitable causes. Click to learn more and to show your support for this bill.


AmEx Promotes "Giving Back"

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American Express is putting its money where the volunteers are. Through its newly created Members Project, cardholders can receive Membership Rewards Bonus Points for choosing volunteer opportunities listed on the AmEx website and can use their credit card to donate to their choice among thousands of nonprofits. And anyone accessing the website can vote weekly to decide which five charities will receive a total of $1 million. The slogan is "Take Charge"...sounds like American Express is showing the way.

Fellowships Lead Boomers to Nonprofits

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At a recent celebration in Palo Alto, ten Encore Fellowship graduates, all over 50 years old, marked their "graduation" from a pilot program for boomers. This program places high paying private sector executives in stipended positions in nonprofit organizations working in the fields of education and the environment. The model is slated to expand to all 50 states under federal legislation enacted last spring to take advantage of the Encore Generation's interest in using their skills for social impact. Read more...

Volunteer Power

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Volunteers who identify and solve challenges can be a great asset to an organization. Many nonprofits seek out volunteers who can help them achieve their mission and take on major responsibilities. On the National Council on Aging's blog, Leading By Example, volunteer leader Suzy Lee offer ideas on how volunteers can take more initiative and think outside the box. Check out the blog ...and share your experiences.

Finding Nonprofit Careers in Tough Times

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With unemployment soaring and hiring freezes in place at many organizations, it is heartening to know that many nonprofits are still recruiting experienced people. But, as Jeri Sadler, a longtime "rewiring" guru and Michael Watson, a nonprofit human services executive explain, competition for these positions is stiff, so you will need to be strategic and have a specific encore career in mind as you venture into the nonprofit world.  Read their article for valuable tips.

Tips for Sector Changers

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In this tenuous economy, your ability to outshine the competition is more important than ever. For those seeking jobs in the nonprofit world, your work experience, commitment, and knowledge of the way nonprofits operate can be a real asset. You may need to start by volunteering to ease the transition and strengthen your resume.  Here are some important tips...

Make a Big Difference Team Scores Big

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The numbers are impressive. For the second year, a Coming of Age Make a Big Difference Team helped connect lower income families to the tax returns and benefits for which they are eligible. Coming of Age volunteers were trained by Solutions for Progress and then matched with clients of Philadelphia-area nonprofit organizations. Here's the tally: 89 clients took part in the program, with 61 receiving federal refunds of $92,242 and 32 receiving state refunds of $6,705. The grand total is $98,947! The Team has, we think you'd agree, made a big difference!

Awards for Nonprofits that Encourage 50+ Involvement

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Is your nonprofit tapping the talent of adults over 50 to help drive your mission? Do you know other organizations - nonprofit or public sector - that are using innovative strategies to attract and retain experienced adults --perhaps yourself? MetLife Foundation/Civic Ventures have opened the Encore Opportunity Awards to recognize organizations that are effectively tapping the passion and experience of people over 50 to improve society. Winners receive $2,500. Completion of a Letter of Intent is due by May 1, 2009, and the Nomination Form by June 1, 2009. Click here to learn more and nominate a worthy nonprofit.

Senators Casey and Specter Ask for Support

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If you are interested in having the federal government expand the scope of national service programs and support nonprofits in building their capacity and increasing volunteer opportunities... contact Pennsylvania Senators Specter and Casey! The Senators are urging citizens to voice their support for the Baucus-Grassley Nonprofit Capacity Building Amendment to the Serve America Act. The Serve America Act (S.277) is currently being debated in the United States Senate; the House bill, called the GIVE Act has been passed with some restrictions. To learn more,