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Everyone talks about social media, but where do I start?

Everyone talks about social media, but where do I start?
Last year, staff at the Axelson Center debuted a blog series that highlighted some Fabulous Online Resources (FOR) for nonprofits looking to utilize social media to improve their organization.  In this segment of the FOR series, I will focus on the importance of a creating a stellar social media strategy and will provide some wonderful... Read more »
By Pier,
April 12, 2012 at 1:47 pm
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Hull House Closing – Warning sign for others?

Hull House Closing – Warning sign for others?
The Jane Addams Hull House – an iconic and historic social services agency in Chicago – announced its closing/bankruptcy in recent weeks. This shook many in the nonprofit community. Why? Many assumed that some of the “old guard” agencies were untouchable. “Too big/too important/too historic” to fail? Not so. The question now is what lessons... Read more »
By Pier,
January 31, 2012 at 12:37 pm
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Interview Tips for Those New to the Nonprofit Sector – Part I

Interview Tips for Those New to the Nonprofit Sector – Part I
I often meet people interested in working in the nonprofit sector. Whether they are recent grads or experienced folks switching sectors, I give the same advice: 1) Understand the nuances that make our sector unique; and 2) Find a way to bridge the gap between your past experience and your new career interests. Tip #1: Understand... Read more »
By Christa,
September 23, 2011 at 12:53 pm
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And the Survey Says ... Nonprofits Not Developing Next Generation of Leaders

The new Daring to Lead study found that nonprofit executive directors report very high levels of job satisfaction. An impressive 91% reported that they are very happy with their jobs or have more good days than bad. That is the great news. Unfortunately, the results weren’t all positive. It turns out that we (large organizations... Read more »
By Christa,
September 2, 2011 at 2:28 pm
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Measuring Impact Just Got Easier: Free Online Resource

Measuring Impact Just Got Easier: Free Online Resource
We know the importance of measuring our organization’s effectiveness. Experienced grant writers and grant makers will tell you that the outcomes section of the grant application is what distinguishes the good organizations from the great. But it is no longer just foundations that are interested in our outcomes. Individual donors, corporations, and government funders also... Read more »
By Christa,
July 20, 2011 at 3:58 pm
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Have you lost your tax-exempt status?

Have you lost your tax-exempt status?
  Just this week, the IRS released the list of nonprofit organizations that have lost their tax-exempt status. Why was it lost? Because they failed to file required reports. As you should know by now, the IRS changed their rules and began requiring small nonprofits (under $25K budget) to file a 990 report. That report was due in... Read more »
By Pier,
June 10, 2011 at 3:27 pm
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Don't Miss These Great Nonprofit Conferences

  Here are two educational opportunities for Chicago area nonprofit professionals. Making Media Connections Conference 2011What: Bringing together nonprofit communicators, journalists, web advocates, PR professionals, community leaders and more! Presented by Community Media Workshop When: June 8-9, 2011 Where: Columbia College Chicago Film Row Cinema, 1104 S. Wabash, 8th Floor, Chicago Price: $88-352 (use discount... Read more »
By Christa,
June 2, 2011 at 2:41 pm
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Mayor Emanuel Comments at Symposium for Nonprofit Professionals

  Do you wonder what our new Mayor thinks about the work of Chicago nonprofits? He stopped by the Axelson Center’s 12th Annual Symposium on Tuesday, May 17 to give us a glimpse of what he’s thinking about the future of the Chicago nonprofit sector. And he introduced his colleague – our closing plenary speaker... Read more »
By Pier,
May 23, 2011 at 11:57 am
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Exploring Alternative Revenue Streams

The State of Illinois has a $15 billion deficit that includes $8 billion owed to vendors (many of which are nonprofits!). It is a tough situation that is crippling Illinois human service agencies. We know diversifying our funding mix is critical to long-term stability, but there are many different approaches and options. Determining the right fit for your organization... Read more »
By Christa,
March 25, 2011 at 1:31 pm
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Trying to Understand Social Media? Great Free Resource

The web is full of Fabulous Online Resources (FOR) for nonprofits. But who has time to navigate through all the not-so-great options to find the few gems? The staff members at the Axelson Center are doing the legwork for you. This is the first in a series of blogs that will highlight those fabulous (mostly free) resources. Today’s FOR is a... Read more »
By Christa,
March 2, 2011 at 3:10 pm
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