The Earth Shook and the Water Flowed!

How do you stop a massive tidal wave heading in your direction without warning? You can’t! We are not living in a Sci-fi world where scientists suddenly save the day by creating a diversion to avoid universal casualties, fatalities and mass destruction.

In the wake of the tsunami that violently hit Japan on Friday, let us continue to pray for all of those directly affected by this devastation, the victims and their families from afar. Large numbers of families have no idea where this massive disaster swept their loved ones to. We are not superhuman and must remember that we are not in control of what is already inevitable. When an 8.9 earthquake hit Japan sparking a tsunami with waves reaching 23 feet high and at the speed of a jumbo jet, anything in its path was swallowed up or swept away.

As of today, thousands of people are still missing and may never be found. Japan remains on a nuclear watch that could be more catastrophic than we could ever fathom. The area is still on alert due to powerful aftershocks that could last for several days. As we continue to pray for those hit with this type of mass destruction, let us also be mindful of how truly blessed we are in more ways than we can imagine. Let us not be swept away by our selfishness, greed, complacency, hatred, violence, lack of compassion and education. Believe me, being swept away by the things that we can control is just as cataclysmic and deadly as these ravaging storms hitting areas where people least expect it.

If you are interested in contributing in any type of way, financially or otherwise, we encourage you to follow your heart. If you are unable to donate money, then donate your prayers. The team from Network for good is monitoring the events regarding the tsunami relief efforts through their list of organizations preparing a response. For more information check out this Network for Good link: http://www1.networkforgood.org/help-survivors-pacific-quake-tsunami.

This tsunami was massive, but throughout every disaster, no matter where it occurs, human compassion and assistance resonates even greater than that. May God bless all of you.

http://www.kymgmoore.com/

NON-PROFITS: It isn’t too early to think about your end-of-the-year fundraising

As you strengthen your relationship with your organization’s supporters, emphasizing those tax deductions can be especially appealing to your donors. Tax breaks are major influencers to your supporters. Charitable donations are tax-deductible expenses and must be itemized. If your donors have any questions about filling out a Form 1040 Schedule A, advise them to consult with their tax preparer on claiming their deductions and the percentage limits on their particular overall tax deductions. Such limits include:

· Generally, you can deduct cash contributions in full up to 50% of your adjusted gross income.
· Generally, you can deduct property contributions in full up to 30% of your adjusted gross income.
· Generally, you can deduct contributions of appreciated capital gains assets in full up to 20% of your adjusted gross income.

The excess of these limits on Charitable contributions can possibly be carried over for a maximum of five years. Individuals still need to consult their tax preparers regarding their particular situation. Here is a great article published by Network for Good entitled “Holidays in July: Get a Jump on End-of-the-Year Fundraising” by Rebecca Higman and Julie Stofer, that lists some great tips on kicking off your holiday fundraising right now. http://www.fundraising123.org/article/holidays-july-get-jump-end-year-fundraising

www.kymgmoore.com

Free Nonprofit 911 Training Sessions!

Sign Up Now for These FREE Nonprofit 911 Training Sessions

Date/Time
Training
Registration

Tuesday, July 13
1 pm ET
Join Beth Kanter and Allison Fine, authors of The Networked Nonprofit for a discussion of How to Use Social Media to Accomplish More with Less
Call includes a book giveaway
RegisterNow

Tuesday, July 20
1 pm ET
The Upside of Irrationality
Are your donors as rational as you think they are?
with Dan Ariely, author of Predictably Irrational and The Upside of Irrationality
RegisterNow

For more information about the services, seminars and other non-profit helpmates from Network for Good, check out their website: http://www1.networkforgood.org/.

Nonprofits: Is Your Facebook Page Worth It?

Until I started taking a graduate course on Quantitative Methods and particularly focusing on linear programming, I had no idea how many things were measurable. Linear programming (a management science technique) is when a manager attempts to solve a general type of problem by seeking an objective that is subject to restrictions. Various types of software are used for measurability in literally every industry and profession you can think of, whether we are aware of it or not.

So how do you measure the effectiveness of the various operational and promotional mediums you use to increase your branding for your non-profit organization? Do you use some type of measurement analysis at all? Measurement is how you arrive at your statistical data for your organization. If it did not occur to you to add statistical data to your weekly, monthly, quarterly or semiannual reports, then you should think about the importance on how this technique adds credibility and productivity in your various decision-making processes. I came across this link, http://web.networkforgood.org/201005ebook/ for a FREE downloadable eBook that could help you to evaluate whether or not your organization’s Facebook page is as effective as you need for it to be.

The eBook is called “Is Your Nonprofit Facebook Page Worth It? Analytics and Measurement Techniques” by Shabbir J. Imber Safdar, Founder of Virilion, Inc. and Shayna Englin, Founder of Englin Consulting, LLC. Here’s the link to your FREE download again: http://web.networkforgood.org/201005ebook/. It certainly wouldn’t hurt to share this with your board members if you do not have a method of measurement in place yet.

All the best, from Diversities of Gifts: Same Spirit!

http://www.kymgmoore.com/