Annual Shuckin’ for Shelter Oyster Roast

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Cypress Gardens Swamp Dinner and Soiree

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Water Missions International’s Upcoming Water for Life events

Third Annual Walk for Water

Date: Saturday, March 21, 2009

Time: 9:00a.m.
Place: Cannon Park, Downtown Charleston
Description: Join Water Missions International for a 3.5-mile walk inspired by the experience of women and children who are responsible for fetching water for their families. Following the walk, enjoy educational, family-friendly activities, entertainment, and refreshments in the park. Individual and team registration is available online at www.watermissions.org

Walk for Water Kick Off Meeting:
Date: Tuesday, January 27
Time: 6:00p.m. to 7:00p.m.

Place: Water Missions Intl. – 2049 Savannah Hwy., Charleston, SC 29407



Sixth Annual Water for Life Gala
Date: Thursday, March 26, 2009
Time: 6:00p.m.
Place: Charleston Place Hotel, Downtown Charleston
Description: Dine with us to support Water Missions International’s work of providing safe water to people in developing countries and disaster areas. Dinner, silent auction and live auction.

Purchase tickets online at www.watermissions.org or by phone at 843.769.7395.

Accommodations:
A limited number of rooms have been reserved at a special rate for out-of-town guests of WMI. To secure a room, please call Charleston Place Hotel at 843.722.4900 and reference Water Missions International.


About Water Missions International:Water Missions International (WMI) is a nonprofit, Christian engineering organization based in Charleston, SC. WMI’s mission is to provide sustainable access to safe water and an opportunity to hear the “Living Water” message in developing countries and disaster areas. Assistance is provided regardless of age, sex, race, or faith. To date, WMI has deployed over 600 water treatment systems to 37 countries worldwide and two U.S. states, making safe water available to more than one million people. Visit us at www.watermissions.org.

Nonprofit Workshop February 4

How to Start a Nonprofit

Wednesday February 4 at 11am

Charleston County Main Library Auditorium

This workshop will cover the basic steps of becoming a nonprofit as well as other options such as fiscal sponsorship. We will also cover some important things new nonprofits should do before applying for grants.

Please feel free to email me at jonesmi@ccpl.org or call 805-6930 for more information.

Don't forget: Tonight is the third Tuesday and CAGP!

The Charleston Association of Grant Professionals (CAGP) will meet at 5:45 in the auditorium of the Charleston County Public Library.

Our speaker is Joseph A. Hinske, MS, CPA, Legare, Bailey & Hinske, LLC.

Topic: “Grant financial accountability and transparency” –

There will be plenty of time for YOUR questions.

Tonight’s meeting will end at 7:30.

Hope you can join us tonight and hear about our plans for the coming year!

Please email carolynlackey@comcast.net or call 452-4492 to RSVP.

A Valentine Evening Red and White Dinner and Dance

Date: Saturday, February 14, 2009
Time: 7:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.
Place: YES Family Resource Center
3262 Landmark Drive
North Charleston, SC 29418
Attire: Dressy Casual

Singles: $25.00
Couples: $ 40.00 (Any two individuals)
Come and Join Us for a Full Evening of Fun and Great Food

Three Course Meal with Assorted Desserts
Music and Dancing
Door Prizes
A Valentine Toast
And So Much More

All proceeds will benefit Youth Empowerment Services, Inc.

For tickets please call Youth Empowerment Services at 843-767-9969

Mission-Effectiveness in Transitional Times

The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina will host a Non-Profit Information Session on
Mission-Effectiveness in Transitional Times
Wednesday, January 28 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
at the South Carolina Archives and History Center

Speakers include:

Tom KeithPresident, Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina

Mission Impossible?

Nell Walker

Winthrop University

What Would South Carolina Look Like If There Were No Non-Profits?

Martin Lehfeldt

Author and former President and CEO of the Southeastern Council of Foundations

Knew We Weren’t Supposed To Make A Profit, But This Is Getting Ridiculous

Charles Weathers

Weathers Group

Strategic Planning and Board Governance

Jackie Breland, CPA

Jackie Breland & Associates, P.A.

Financial Management and Fund Raising

The event is open to South Carolina non-profits, and is limited to the first 200 registrants. To allow room for more organizations, only two people per organization may register and attend. Lunch will be provided.Following his presentation, Martin Lehfeldt will be on hand to sign his book "Notes from a Non-Profitable Life." Books will be available for purchase for $30.95.

RSVP by January 21, 2009.
Email registration@sistersofcharitysc.com or call 803.254.0230, ext. 11 to register.

Survival in a Bad Economy

The economy. Yep, it's bad. We are seeing evidence of it everywhere and unfortunately the nonprofit world is not exempt. Donations are down, funding is down, programs are being cut. The grants that were historically non competitve suddenly are and the ones that were always competitive are even more so. Does this mean you don't stand a chance? Of course not. What it does mean though is that you really need to do your homework and identify those funding sources that fit your organization's mission. How can you do that? Take advantage of the Foundation Directory Online here at the Main Library. If you need a tutorial, call me. I am more than happy to give you tips on searching and finding sources.
It also means you are going to have to get more creative and become more resourceful. I am including some websites with some tips on surviving in a bad economy.
And hang in there! Things are going to get better. In the meantime remember, no matter how much or how little you are able to do, you all are truly making a difference.

A Survival Kit for Fundraising in a Bad Economy

The Economic Crisis – Centralized Information Resources for Funders and Nonprofits

Nonprofit Economic Vitality Center

How Charities Cope With a Troubled Economy

The Power of Making a Difference

Inspirational journalist Daryn Kagan shows us the time to make a difference in the world is right now. Traditional news blares economic disaster and distressing situations around the world. Meanwhile, the hunger to matter and make a difference in the world still burns inside so many of us. Daryn shows how the time has never been better to take that leap. She reports from the front lines of people making a difference all over the world, including many who started without a penny in their pocket and she'll show you how you can do the same.
Registration is $20 in advance $30 at door.
Register at www.TheSophiaInstitute.org or call (843) 720-8528.
Sponsored by the Center for Women, The Sophia Institute and the Women's & Gender Studies Program at The College of Charleston.
Thursday, January 15 7:00 p.m. Admissions Auditorium, Robert Scott Small Building, College of Charleston, St. Philips & Calhoun Streets

Starting a Nonprofit

I recently received an email from Nancy Winton from CCPRC that included some basic steps for starting a nonprofit organization. In the past couple of months I have seen a significant increase in the number of inquiries into starting a nonprofit organization. In these times of economic turmoil it is reassuring to see that so many people are wanting to reach out. However, as those that have already formed a nonprofit are well aware, this is a pretty involved process. I wanted to share these basic steps with you and let everyone know that I am planning a more involved workshop in the very near future. I'd love to have your input on any other workshop topics you would like to see this year.

Forming a new non profit is a process that involves two distinct steps:
First, file the Articles of Incorporation for nonprofit corporations with the appropriate state agency which is usually the Department of the Secretary of State.
Second, file form 1023 Application for Recognition of Exemption under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code.

Key items you will need to file form 1023 are

1. Employer Identification Number
2. At least 3-5 board members
3. Bylaws
4. A 3-4 year budget
5. Date of incorporation from the state.

Be prepared to pay a filing fee of $60 for the Articles of Incorporation and from $300 to $750 for the Application for Recognition of Exemption.