Strengthening Your Nonprofits

June 2017 - Main Street Community Foundation believes that strengthening the nonprofits strengthens the entire community. For nearly a decade, the Foundation has hosted nonprofit capacity building workshops to improve the effectiveness, efficiency and performance of local nonprofits so they can do what they do – improve the quality of life of residents.

In 2016, the Foundation hosted a Nonprofit Governance Academy. Held once in the spring and once in the fall, this half-day intensive training benefited 37 volunteers and staff members representing more than 20 local organizations. The workshop covered topics that board members need to know when serving on a nonprofit board, including:

• Breadth of the nonprofit/tax exempt sector
• State/federal charity laws governing nonprofits
• Role of the Attorney General
• Restricted and unrestricted donations
• Role of your CPA/Auditor
• Reporting on IRS Form 990

The workshop was facilitated by Attorney Jack Horak. Jack recently retired from the Hartford office of Reid & Riege where he practiced for 36 years in the firm’s Business Law Practice Area and was the founder of the firm’s Nonprofit Organizations Practice Area. He is now the Director of TANGO Nonprofit Education and Consulting located in Farmington.

Main Street Community Foundation regularly holds nonprofit capacity building workshops on topics of interest that will enhance the development and knowledge of nonprofit board members, professionals and volunteers. Topics include those related to board development; operational efficiency; strategic partnerships; development and fundraising; and effective communication. Nonprofits are encouraged to contact the Foundation at any time for advice and guidance.