Category Archives: Good News from Greater Minnesota

Registration is in full swing for the May 12 Southern Minnesota Nonprofit Summit. Last week alone, more than 50 registrations came in for the event. As many of you know, working on an event is like a moving puzzle — this is one is coming together and I can’t wait to announce the details of the breakout sessions.  I’m still waiting for a few final details to come through, but if you have questions, contact Amy at MCN (507-469-2217).  I’ll also be sharing what I know at this Friday’s Nonprofit Networking Lunch in Mankato, so if you’re curious and want the latest, join us. Otherwise, check  out MCN’s new website — details will be posted there as well. To be continued…

When I opened up today’s Mankato Free Press I was thrilled to read that Bremer Bank will be breaking ground on a new bank in Mankato this fall. Now, I’m not one to get too riled up about banking, but Bremer Bank, which is owned by a Foundation, has been such a strong supporter of nonprofits in Minnesota, that it’s hard not to be a little excited, especially for area nonprofits who may now qualify for grants. I’ve already been in touch with some of the nice people from Bremer and will be working to set up a time for nonprofits to learn more about the benefits of having a Bremer Bank locally. Stay tuned!

– Learn more about  Bremer’s  cost-saving programs to MCN member organizations

Every time nonprofits are prominently featured on the front page of the Mankato Free Press, I vow to start keeping copies to have a visual aid of the impact that nonprofits have in the community. And today was certainly a day worthy of renewing my vow:

• On the front page was an article about MCN member org Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society and their new building’s open house tomorrow…
• On the cover the local section was an article about nonprofits and elected officials coming together to provide internships for people with disabilities at the Capitol this Session…
• Also in the paper: an article about a group in Brown County being the third county in the state to coming together to go Beyond the Yellow Ribbon…
• And an article about member org  Mankato YWCA and the International Festival of Fashion, coming up Monday.

With budget cuts and car recalls dominating the news, it’s a good reminder of the good things going on… Have a wonderful weekend!

Today, MCN hosted a free webinar about the fundraising and economic outlook for nonprofits.  The news wasn’t anything different than I expected, but was even more gloomy that I hoped.

As I gear up and plan for a nonprofit new year,  I was looking for some good news. A silver lining. Some kind of boost that I could then pass on to others. And while I didn’t find what I was looking for during the webinar, my phone rang a few minutes later and I got what I needed.

In talking with a nonprofit organization in Southwest Minnesota, I discovered what I have found to be true for several of the nonprofits that I get to work with in Southern Minnesota: that things are moving along despite the recession. This particular nonprofit had a near-record year fundraising, launched a new effort to raise funds, found some innovative ways to market their nonprofit, and to top it off,  are considering a capital campaign.

Of course, for every nonprofit that is doing “well” I talk with two to three nonprofits that are facing major to severe challenges and are struggling with how to simply  survive when demand is up and resources are down.

And while I and MCN will continue to do our best to provide timely, relevant information to best assist all nonprofits during the ongoing recession,  I think we all need a little good news… because somewhere in the silver lining are lessons, tips, and ideas that all nonprofits who are weathering the storm can learn from.