President's message:

New administration bodes well
both for Hawaii and nonprofits

We begin the new year appreciating positive changes in the tone of the relationship between Hawaii's government and its nonprofit sector. For example, Governor Abercrombie’s first official act was to release Rainy Day funds previously appropriated by the Legislature for human services. What's more, a remarkable number of nonprofit leaders have joined the Abercrombie administration, bringing with them our sector's values and ideas to improve the quality of life in Hawaii. From here, the future looks brighter and more promising.

Closer to home, I want to thank Laura Robertson, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Hawaii, who served tirelessly and adeptly as chair of HANO's board for the past three years and stepped down as chair Dec. 31. Michael Gleason of the Arc of Hilo will succeed Robertson, whose wise and strategic counsel helped guide HANO most expertly through some tumultuous times.  Mahalo, Laura.

Please enjoy this month's newsletter. We wish you all the best in 2011.

Lisa Maruyama
President & CEO

News for Nonprofits

• Gov. Abercrombie releases funds for community programs
• Many nonprofit leaders will join Abercrombie administration
• Hawaii nonprofit people in the news
• Recent grants to Hawaii nonprofits
• Nonprofit procurement center offers free help
• Ewa Villages affordable senior housing opens, finally
• Orchestral music will live on despite Symphony’s demise
• Sony extends golf tourney sponsorship through 2014
• Study examines if online donors are all that different
• Census estimates now available for small communities
• Kauai RSVP collects old cell phones to benefit Kauai Habitat
• Barron’s: Meth Project is third most effective philanthropy

The Economy

• Hawaii’s economic outlook begins to brighten
• Budget cuts could mean curtains for Kumu Kahua Theatre
• Overall, Hawaii unemployment claims continue to drop
• Jobless benefits extension to help thousands here

Advocacy & Public Policy

• Lt. Gov. Schatz’ inaugural speech sounds hopeful note
• Governments must pay nonprofits on a timely basis
• FACE Hawaii challenges a wave of foreclosures
• DLIR: State should focus more on creating green jobs
• How will the new tax law affect your nonprofit?
• Why aren’t my advocates advocating?

Announcements

• Seize this opportunity to gear up for the 2011 Legislature
• Bay Clinic offers a speaker on future of Hawaii health
• Save money by participating in benefits survey
• Nonprofits recruit volunteers to provide tax return help
• Webinar will explain federal adoption tax credit
• Nominees sought for Mental Health Mahalo Awards
• Honor your bean counter with CFO of the Year nomination
• IS seeks nominations for John W. Gardner Leadership Award