MCBA NONPROFIT TOOLKIT
(created by the National Educational Network, Inc.)
www.neni.us

A nonprofit organization (abbreviated "NPO", also "non-profit" or "not-for-profit") is a legally constituted organization whose primary objective is to support or to actively engage in activities of public or private interest without any commercial or monetary profit purposes. NPOs are active in a wide range of areas, including the environment, humanitarian aid, animal protection, education, the arts, social issues, charities, early childhood education, health care, politics, religion, research, sports or other endeavors. (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nonprofit)

Getting Started:

Finding Funds:

• List of Grant Announcements and Grant Databases:
• Fundraising Fundamentals: http://nonprofit.about.com/od/fundraising/a/fundraising101.htm
• Council of Foundations: http://www.cof.org/
  • Private: http://www.cof.org/Members/content.cfm?itemnumber=581&navItemNumber=1990
  • Community Foundations: http://www.cof.org/members/content.cfm?itemnumber=562&navItemNumber=1991
  • Corporate: http://www.cof.org/members/content.cfm?ItemNumber=529&navItemNumber=2500
  • Family Foundations: http://www.cof.org/Members/content.cfm?ItemNumber=1248&navItemNumber=1993
  • International: http://www.cof.org/members/content.cfm?itemnumber=566&navItemNumber=1994
• http://nonprofit.about.com/od/f/g/federated.htm: Definition of Federated Funds (like United Way)
   

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• Government Links for Faith-Based: Federal, state and local government websites, including funding trends, grant announcements, professional development, and nonprofit jobs.
   
• Non-Profit and Grant Conferences and Workshops in the Tri-State Area and National: http://www.njnonprofits.org/Events2.html#170
   

• Article on Measuring Success: http://www.cof.org/files/Documents/Governing_Boards/Board%20Tools/boardtips.pdf
   
• Insight on Foundation Site visits to Nonprofits: http://www.cof.org/Council/content.cfm?ItemNumber=1408
   

ORGANIZATIONS FOR NON-PROFIT SUPPORT

• www.Grantadvocate.com, This website features a free collection of links for non-profit jobs, available grants, grant management, scholarships and fellowships, non-profit resources, grant writing and research tips, grantmaker tips, fundraising tips, etc.
• http://www.christianchambercommerce.org/ The Christian Chamber Of Commerce exists to provide members the opportunity to grow their business through interaction with individuals who share their values and beliefs. This organization serves as a vehicle to bring people together to advance the kingdom of God and their individual enterprise for the Lord Jesus Christ. Our goals are accomplished through programs and events designed to showcase the products and services of our members and supporters.
• NJ Center for Non-Profit Corporations Charitable umbrella organization serving New Jersey's non-profit community through public policy, education, legal and management assistance and cost-saving. www.njnonprofits.org/
• American Association of Grant Professionals , a nonprofit membership association, builds and supports an international community of grant professionals committed to serving the greater public good by practicing the highest ethical and professional standards. (NJ Chapter website is http://www.grantadvocate.com/njaagp.htm):
• Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) represents nearly 28,000 members in more than 190 chapters throughout the world, working to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education and certification programs. The association fosters development and growth of fundraising professionals and promotes high ethical standards in the fundraising profession. For more information or to join the world’s largest association of fundraising professionals.
• www.supportcenteronline.org/trenton-office.php (Support Center for Nonprofit Management) Trenton, NJ Provides consulting, transition management and training to nonprofit and philanthropic ... Trenton Office. Support Center for Non-Profit Management.
• http://www.nj.gov/dca/hmfa/biz/gov/nonprof/ NJ Department of Community Affairs List of Organizations serving affordable housing nonprofits.
• www.edanj.com: The Economic Development Association of New Jersey was formed in 1953 to promote a sound economy in the State of New Jersey, and to provide an exchange of professional and technical information with respect to economic development.
• Legal Information for Nonprofit Organizations Checklist for establishing and running a nonprofit organization
• Idealist.org, a database of 50,000 nonprofit organizations around the world.
• www.charitynavigator.org (based in Mahwah, New Jersey) offers information on more than five thousand 501(c)(3) public charities. Charity Navigator, America's largest independent charity evaluator, provides free financial evaluations of America's charities.

• http://www.npocentral.net Welcome to Nonprofit Central, an online community that connects the leaders of nonprofits in the tri-state area with recommended consultants and other resources.
  Nonprofit Central was created because today non-profit senior management faces greater challenges than ever before. And often, it's lonely at the top. Executives often can't discuss their challenges with their board, they can't share their problems with their staff.

• TechSoup.org
  http://www.techsoup.org/
  TechSoup Learning Center
  Designed as a one-stop portal for nonprofit technical assistance needs - software, hardware, humanware, technology planning, and technology recommendations, TechSoup.org began in May 2000. TechSoup.org offers resources and advice to nonprofit professionals so that they can become proficient, effective, and efficient users of technology. Also offers a free subscription to "By The Cup", TechSoup.org's electronic newsletter delivered via email once each month. "By The Cup" offers: links to nonprofit technology news; stories about technology in action at NPOs; a feature article from one of their specialists; quick answers to pressing questions; and links to recommended resources. Visit the TechSoup.org portal and subscribe online to "By The Cup."

School Databases, Organizations, and Resources:

• http://www.nj.gov/education/directory/nonpub.shtml  This free NJ Department of Education database allows you to search for parochial schools in New Jersey by county.

• http://www.njcharters.org The New Jersey Charter Public Schools Association represents the 53 operating and 3 pre-operational charter schools of New Jersey. Member schools pay dues to the Association (100% of operating schools paid in full last year), but the dues are kept as low as possible (currently $4 multiplied by school enrollment) in order to minimize the impact on already tight school budgets.  Existing services to our members include government relations, community and media relations, and member services.
   

• www.njcharterschools.org/ The mission of the New Jersey Charter School Resource Center (CSRC) is to help organizers and operators create and sustain high quality public schools of choice.

• www.education.state.nj.us/rc/ New Jersey School Report Card View school report cards, issued by the state of New Jersey. Rates various points of the school, such as attendance, teacher degree level, and computer use.