President's message:

Build a stronger business model
for economic viability and impact

Last week, I networked with with my peers at the National Council of Nonprofits' member meeting in Washington D.C. We discussed board governance issues, new business models, advocacy, membership, marketing and communication strategies and learning about new products and services for nonprofits -- stuff that state associations eat up.

One highlight was a talk given by Jeanne Bell, CEO of CompassPoint Consulting, who shared a provocative fresh slant on the new economic framework. For today's nonprofits, she said, funding from one-time grants, while helpful, may not be economically logical and sustainable.

According to Bell, the concept of "mission drift" isn't relevant today. The mission is no longer the only "container" in which we hold our programs and activities. To be successful, nonprofits must make room for earned income and unrelated business activities in our evolving business models. In the nonprofit context, such a business model can make an organization exceptionally impactful.

The meeting was punctuated by visits to Capitol Hill, where we drove home important messages to our delegations and their staffs. Click here for a run-down on those visits.

And finally, some good news:  After five years as an  "Emerging Status" member of the National Council's network of state nonprofit associations, HANO achieved "Full Status" membership at last week's meeting. This guarantees us a stronger role as a partner in the network and more revenue-sharing opportunities with the National Council in the future.

As we build our state association and collective voice, if you're not already with us, we hope you'll become a member to add your voice and support -- we're stronger together! Click here for more information on how and why to join.

Thanks for your consideration!  Enjoy our June newsletter.

Mahalo,

Lisa Maruyama
HANO president & CEO

News for Nonprofits

• More than 1,000 Hawaii charities lose tax exemptions
• When does helping the homeless become enabling?
• Honolulu Academy of Arts, Contemporary Museum merge
• Unity House gets OK to sell Lotus at Diamond Head Hotel
• H.K.L. Castle Foundation commits $10M to public education
• Kupu pilot program will fill solar installation jobs
• Bishop Museum powers up with solar electricity
• Hawaii nonprofit people in the news
• Recent Grants to Hawaii nonprofits
• Hawaii AG reminds nonprofits they must register
• IRS significantly changes 2010 990 and 990-EZ forms
• ‘Charting Impact’ communicates what really matters

Advocacy & Public Policy

• Nonprofits take a clear, unified message to Capitol Hill
• State offers $4,500 rebates for purchase of electric cars
• Years of advocacy to protect Kauai seabirds pay off
• FACE study unmasks deception in Hawaii foreclosures
• New law lets youth into shelters without parent's OK
• Bill to alter historic homes tax exemption advances
• State, nonprofits to partner on fisheries enforcement

The Economy

• Maui nonprofits face severe cuts in county funding
• Hawaii economy sees some ups, some downs
• Hawaii unemployment dips despite six mass layoffs

Announcements

• YWCA luncheon to honor five Hawaii woman leaders
• NPR’s StoryCorps oral history project comes to Hawaii
• DBEDT’s Lim to talk about revitalizing state economy
• Kanu and Red Cross team up to offer preparedness training
• Learn how to help children cope with disaster
• DOE seeks proposals for learning center grants
• Space available for rent at Waimanalo Teen Project
• Program develops Asian and Pacific higher education leaders
• Local nonprofits can vie for $40,000 in marketing services