Nonprofit Shout-Outs for Southern Minnesota

Bremer Bank coming to Mankato!

Posted on August 11, 2010 | Leave a comment

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

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Posted in Good News from Greater Minnesota

Mankato network lunch — June recap

Posted on June 22, 2010 | Leave a comment

We had a nice turnout of nonprofit leaders from the area last Friday, all attending to learn more about the Pepsi Refresh grants. Julie Peck, the local Pepsi representative, focused more on the local grants than the national project. The deadline for the local grants (which need to be from 501(c)(3) orgs in their distribution area) is July 31, 2010. What was nice about Friday’s lunch, was that in the mix of the nearly-20 attendees: there were a couple of orgs that had received a grant and were able to share their experience, as well as a student who sat on the local grant committee, who was able to share a bit more about how they awarded the grants. It was also interesting to see some of the posters Pepsi has put together, featuring some of the grantees, and learn more about the added benefit of receiving a grant: the publicity generated by Pepsi through radio, posters and social media. In all a great meeting, filled with nonprofits learning from each other, which is exactly the goal of the lunches. Thanks to everyone who attended, thanks to Pepsi for their support of nonprofits, and thanks to Julie, for her time and for bringing free cans of — what else — Pepsi!

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Posted in Grant Opportunities, Mankato Networking Meetings

But we’ve always done it that way: Jean Block workshop recap

Posted on June 9, 2010 | Leave a comment

National speaker and consultant Jean Block was in Mankato for two workshops this week — one about fundraising and one about boards. Jean had simple handouts, no PowerPoint, and simply told great stories. I’ve received a few emails asking if there are extra handouts or any “quick recaps” and all I can say is: “I wish!” If you missed the workshops, check out her website. The fundraising session featured some great stories and tips and ideas, and the board session focused a lot on governance issues and the Form 990 as well as some ideas on how to get your board to do fundraising. One of my favorites was the buttons she gave everyone – they said “but we’ve always done it this way” (which you can view and order on her website).

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Posted in Fundraising Events

Want more information about the Pepsi Refresh Grants?

Posted on June 4, 2010 | Leave a comment

Success! I just confirmed that a rep from Pepsi Mankato will attend the at the Friday, June 18 Mankato nonprofit networking lunch to share her insight and knowledge about both the national Pepsi Refresh grants and as well as the local Pepsi grants. As always, the lunch will be from Noon-1:00 at the Blue Earth County Historical Society in Mankato! Save the date and plan to attend and watch for details…

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Posted in Grant Opportunities, Mankato Networking Meetings

Fairmont networking lunch – June recap

Posted on June 2, 2010 | Leave a comment

Seven nonprofit leaders from the Fairmont area attended today’s nonprofit networking lunch to discuss nonprofit burnout. Our conversation included general frustrations and burnout that come with being a one or two-person shop and the day-to-day challenges with so many things to do, places to go, people to meet with, board members to work with and budgets being cut. One topic that came up was the pressure that external factors place on ourselves and our organizations (ie: the printer not working just when a grant application is due, the recession, etc). The decreased amounts in giving and/or changes in some Foundations also led us to talking a bit about the Pepsi Refresh grants, which have certainly generated a lot of buzz. The group was pretty interested in the grants and on the drive back, I decided to try to find someone to share more about the Refresh grants at a future networking lunch… stay tuned!

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Posted in Fairmont Networking Lunches

2010 Legislative Session Update

Posted on May 17, 2010 | Leave a comment

With the 2010 Legislative Session all wrapped up, it’s time to summarize what happened and what it means for nonprofits. If you follow policy as it relates to nonprofits, please join three of MCN’s public policy staff in Mankato this Thursday, May 20 from 1-3 pm for an update on the 2010 Session, federal policy as well a peek at how nonprofits can be involved in the fall elections. The meeting will be at the Blue Earth County Historical Society, 415 E. Cherry Street in Mankato. If you can attend, please RSVP to amy (at) mncn.org. The meeting is free and open to all. Bring your questions and insights! Oh, and big shout-out to all those involved in policy: long hours, late nights and the same four walls is no fun (especially on a beautiful May weekend…).

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Posted in Public Policy

Marshall networking recap: May 13

Posted on May 13, 2010 | Leave a comment

Can you see it? Can you see the bit of blue sky? It’s been a long, gray week in Southern Minnesota and the peeks of sun were a welcome sight. This was taken at the YMCA of Marshall, right after the nonprofit networking lunch where a group of about 16 people discussed Facebook for nonprofits. We’ve done that topic in three communities in Southern Minnesota now, each one with great response. General feedback from nonprofits is that, yes, they know, they need to have a presence on Facebook and appreciate the opportunity to talk with others about how they are doing it, how much time it takes and how to roll it into an overall marketing and communications plan (instead of having no idea what the intern is doing with the page). I expect the topic will continue to be one of interest, mostly because Facebook keeps changing, but it also a feels a bit like websites, email and cell phones did at first… If you’re interested in the topic a bit more, scroll down — there are lots of entries with some helpful Facebook links.