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In an effort to help the public better understand the mental health implications of gaming, an international foundation and a public health nonprofit this month released a white paper, calling it a first‐of‐its‐kind report, that analyzes the potential role of gaming as an innovative solution to the increasing mental health crisis in this country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The IRS, on December 13, reminded tax-exempt organizations that new law - created by the Taxpayer First Act (summarized in the September 2019 issue) - requires them to electronically file information returns and related forms (IR-2019-206). In the case of a short tax year or certain other circumstances detailed in the 990 or 990-PF instructions, the IRS will continue to accept paper filing, as its systems are not yet able to receive these forms electronically. For tax years ending on or before July 31, 2020, the IRS will accept either paper or electronic filing of Form 990-EZ. [Extracted from the article]

The article offers suggestions on creating a white paper by a nonprofit organizaation.

In a statement, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said: "Opportunity zones are helping to revitalize communities and create jobs for hardworking Americans. These regulations provide clarity and certainty for investors, which will enhance the flow of capital to new and expanding businesses, and create sustained economic growth in communities that have been left behind." On p. 7 of that issue, left column, first complete paragraph, the second and third sentences should read: "For tax years ending before July 31, 2021, the IRS will accept either paper or electronic filing of Form 990-EZ. [Extracted from the article]

Reports on the preparation of discussion draft, containing a wide range of proposed reforms and additions to the law on tax-exempt organizations by the Senate Finance Committee staff in the U.S. Recognition of the proposed tax-exempt status of an organization by the Internal Revenue Service; Statement of the criteria for tax-exemption for a nonprofit credit counseling organization; Rules of compensations for public charities.

The article offers tips from editor Stewart Doreen for nonprofits to seek support from their local papers by knowing local reporters and newspaper staff, calling outlet contacts, and sending an e-mail about events.

The event includes two plenary sessions, over 180 panel and/or paper presentation sessions, a poster session, and numerous opportunities for networking/idea sharing with peers. The Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action will hold its 2023 Annual Conference Nov. 16-18 in Orlando, FL. According to organizers, this conference aims to create a public conversation on, as well as opportunities for presenting research on, pressing issues and vital opportunities facing the voluntary or nonprofit sector. [Extracted from the article]

The article offers suggestions on important points to remember while calling a meeting by a nonprofit organization.

The article presents suggestions on enhancing branding policy of nonprofit organization.

The article presents information on using testimonial from a volunteer, donor, and client, of nonprofit as a marketing tool.

The Internal Revenue Service has issued an update to Form 8940, Request for Miscellaneous Determination - along with updated instructions - to allow electronic filing of the form for nonprofits. The IRS said there will be a 90-day grace period during which it will continue to accept paper versions of Form 8940. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses ways to create inexpensive and memorable brochures for nonprofit organizations. Topics covered include the suggestion to avoid gimmicky presentation that detracts the message of the brochure, experimenting with different papers for laser printing, trying the booklet format half-fold and other nontraditional folds and leaving blank space for simple hand touch design.

The article focuses on the need for nonprofit boards to develop a set of their own norms. All board members should agree with the norms that will be developed. The norms should be reviewed with all new board members. The board norms can be used as a resource and support tool for the board. The board should also develop a set of norms for how it communicates with and relates to its administrators.

PCA employees take part in the company's "Help Yourself, Help Others" challenge by completing e-learning activities and raising money for charity. 1 N. Field Court Lake Forest, IL 60045 Online: www.packagingcorp.com (847) 482-3000 OVERVIEW , or PCA, is one of the largest producers of containerboard in the United States, producing more than 4 million tons of the stuff each year. PCA's facility in DeRidder, Louisiana awards annual scholarships to students at all of the local Beauregard Parish high schools. [Extracted from the article]

The Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology is accepting applications for the FY24 Manufacturing USA Institute—AI for Resilient Manufacturing. The institute aims to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance the resilience of U.S. manufacturers. The deadline for concept papers is September 30, 2024, and invited proposals must be submitted by January 23, 2025. The program offers a total of $14 million per year, with a maximum project period of five years. Eligible applicants include colleges and universities, for-profit organizations (including small businesses), nonprofit organizations, and state, local, territorial, and Native American tribal governments. The program focuses on improving the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing, promoting leadership in advanced manufacturing research and innovation, and facilitating the adoption of innovative technologies in manufacturing. [Extracted from the article]

B Scope: b The State Department's U.S. Mission to India seeks applications for the Space Technology: The Next Business Frontier announcement. B Areas: b DOS said within two months of the project start date the applicant should form four Working Groups and identify the four key themes/issues that will be discussed during the conclave; within four months of the project start date, connect the Working Group members to each other and organize at least three virtual meetings of each of the four Working Groups; within six months of the project start date, host a three-day conclave in Bengaluru, Karnataka for 40 participants from India, the United States, and Indo-Pacific countries; within 10 months after the project start date, compile a white paper of the recommendations as the outcome of the conclave, which will include details about the newly formed Indo-Pacific Association for Space Entrepreneurs (IPASE) and its goals and objectives; and within 12 months after the project start date, share the approved version of the white paper widely with stakeholders in the space sector in India, the United States, and Indo-Pacific countries. [Extracted from the article]

The Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology is accepting applications for the FY24 CHIPS Manufacturing USA Institute Competition. The competition aims to establish and operate a CHIPS Manufacturing USA Institute focused on digital twins with integrated physical assets and computational capabilities. The deadline for concept papers is June 20, 2024, and invited proposals are due on September 9, 2024. The Institute will receive approximately $285 million for a project period of up to five years. Eligible applicants include colleges and universities, for-profit organizations, nonprofit organizations, and state, local, and Native American tribal governments. The Institute will join a network of 17 existing Institutes that aim to enhance U.S. manufacturing competitiveness and promote research and development. The priorities for the Institute include addressing challenges in advanced manufacturing, supporting domestic industrial production, reducing the cost and time of commercializing new technologies, and improving education and workforce development. More information can be found on the grants.gov website with the FON# 2024-NIST-CHIPS-MFGUSA-01. [Extracted from the article]

The Energy Department's Golden Field Office is offering grants through the WASTE: Waste Analysis and Strategies for Transportation End-Uses program. The grants aim to assist communities in developing resource and energy recovery strategies for their organic waste streams. The deadline for concept papers is June 19, 2024, and proposals must be submitted by August 14, 2024. Nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, special districts, and Native American tribal governments are eligible to apply. The program has a total funding of $17.5 million, with awards ranging from $750,000 to $2 million. The grants are divided into two topic areas, with Topic Area 1 focusing on feasibility or scoping analysis, and Topic Area 2 targeting communities that have completed feasibility analysis and need funding for project refinement. More information can be found on the grants.gov website with the FON# DE-FOA-0003072. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses practical ways to maximize the impact of print publications. The author emphasizes the importance of understanding the target audience and tailoring the content to their specific needs and interests. The article also highlights the significance of the front and back covers, as well as the inside front and back covers, as the most valuable pages that should be given special attention. Additionally, the author suggests engaging readers by including prompts for responses and conducting contests, surveys, and quizzes. The article concludes by offering readers the opportunity to request a free white paper for more practical ideas on print publications. [Extracted from the article]

This article, titled "Dos and Don'ts When Seeking Free Printing," provides advice for nonprofits on how to approach printers for donated services. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the printer's costs and suggests asking for the job to be completed at cost instead of requesting free services. The article also recommends providing paper or envelopes and using available supplies to increase the chances of receiving a donation. It cautions against using high-pressure tactics and advises nonprofits to be familiar with a company's donation policies. Additionally, the article highlights the importance of providing final art to the printer to ensure a smooth process. [Extracted from the article]

B Scope: b The Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration seeks applications for the FY22 Bluefin Tuna Research Program announcement to provide a basis for advancing science-based fisheries management for Atlantic bluefin tuna. B Eligibility: b Colleges and universities; for-profit organizations; nonprofit organizations; qualified individuals; and state, local, and Native American tribal governments. B Areas: b DOC said research priorities include representative sampling of hard and soft tissues and associated analytical techniques for studies of population genomics, stock composition, age composition, growth and total reproductive contribution by size and age; large-scale conventional, electronic, and genetic tagging experiments specifically designed to estimate movement rates, abundance, and mortality of the eastern or western stocks; and historical data (both paper copies or archived biological material) mining to sharpen estimates of catch, catch composition, fishing effort, and spatial aspects of catch, among others. [Extracted from the article]

At the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic, as organizations across the country had to shift their operations to the digital realm due to social distancing restrictions, a common fear among nonprofits was that the lack of in‐person, face‐to‐face contact would hamper their organization's management. Nonprofits have been slow to adopt the kinds of digital technologies that they were now having to rely on out of necessity—especially virtual meeting platforms, online file‐sharing, and related tech solutions that made it possible for staff, leadership and boards to interface, share ideas and strategize on how to keep their operations going. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National Institute of Standards and Technology, under the Commerce Department, is accepting applications for the FY24 CHIPS R&D National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program (NAPMP) Materials & Substrates. The program aims to support research and development activities that will establish and accelerate domestic capacity for advanced packaging substrates and substrate materials. The deadline for concept papers is April 12, 2024, and proposals must be submitted by July 3, 2024. The program has a funding of $300 million for multiple awards of up to $100 million, with a maximum project period of five years. Eligible applicants include colleges and universities, for-profit organizations, nonprofit organizations, and state, local, territorial, and Native American tribal governments, among others. The program's objectives include accelerating domestic research and development and innovation in advanced packaging materials and substrates, translating domestic materials and substrate innovation into U.S. manufacturing, supporting the establishment of a robust domestic capacity for advanced packaging materials and substrate R&D, and promoting a skilled and diverse workforce for a sustainable domestic advanced packaging industry. More information can be found on the grants.gov website with the FON# 2024-NIST-CHIPS-NAPMP-01. [Extracted from the article]

B Scope: b The Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration seeks applications for the FY2021 Bluefin Tuna Research Program to provide a basis for advancing science-based fisheries management for Atlantic bluefin tuna. B Eligibility: b Colleges and universities; for-profit organizations; nonprofit organizations; state, local and Native American tribal governments; and qualified individuals. B Areas: b DOC said proposals must address at least one of these priority areas: representative sampling of hard and soft tissues and associated analytical techniques for studies of population genomics, stock composition, age composition, growth and total reproductive contribution by size and age; large-scale conventional, electronic and genetic tagging experiments specifically designed to estimate movement rates, abundance and mortality of the eastern or western stocks; and historical data (both paper copies or archived biological material) mining to sharpen estimates of catch, catch composition, fishing effort and spatial aspects of catch; among many others. [Extracted from the article]

The Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action will hold its 2023 Annual Conference during Nov. 16 18 in Orlando, FL. According to organizers, this conference aims to create a public conversation on, as well as opportunities for presenting research on, pressing issues and vital opportunities facing the voluntary or nonprofit sector. The event includes two plenary sessions, over 180 panel and/or paper presentation sessions, a poster session, and numerous opportunities for networking/idea sharing with peers. [Extracted from the article]

"You will hear things that the funder will say, and you will recognize this may or may not be a good fit because on paper it looks like it works, but the intent behind it is this and our organization doesn't come into alignment with that", Pelton-Smith says. "When they're looking at a grant, many of my clients just see the amount of money, and they make the decision to go after that because 'We need resources; we need funds coming in,'" says Pelton-Smith, who works with many "young and adolescent" nonprofits. If there's no information about that policy on a funder's website, it's still worth asking, Pelton-Smith notes. [Extracted from the article]

The article announces that the Ideas that Matter grant, that is established by Sappi Fine Paper North America, is being awarded to individual designers or designer teams working on any kind of communication project that supports the needs of a nonprofit organization.

New research from Engage for Good (EFG), a resource for the corporate philanthropy sector, shows that charitable donations raised through point-of-sale (POS) transactions at retail stores saw a marked increase over the last couple of years. Committing corporate resources to mounting a POS fundraising campaign is a major undertaking that should not be discounted. [Extracted from the article]

B Areas: b DOE said topic areas include (1) high-impact energy efficiency and health improvements and (2) innovative energy technology packages. B Eligibility: b Applicants must be one local educational agency (LEA) and one or more school(s), nonprofit organizations that have the knowledge and capacity to partner and assist with energy improvements, for-profit organizations that have the knowledge and capacity to partner and assist with energy improvements, or community partners that have the knowledge and capacity to partner and assist with energy improvements. B Scope: b The Energy Department's Golden Field Office seeks applications for the Energy Improvements at Public K-12 School Facilities-Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)-Renew America's Schools announcement to support projects that enable replicable and scalable impacts; create innovative, sustaining partnerships; leverage funding and economies of scale; focus on disadvantaged communities; improve student, teacher and occupant health; enrich learning and growth; and assist schools that serve as community assets and are crafted thoughtfully within the context of public school facilities. [Extracted from the article]

The Internal Revenue Service has issued a revised Form 8940, Request for Miscellaneous Determination, along with updated instructions, in order to allow electronic filing of the form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on PPI Benefit Solutions' "Fourth Annual Nonprofit Employee Benefits Study" which tracks benchmarks of private, nonprofit employee benefit plans. The report reveals the medical and other benefits offered by nonprofits to their employees, the popularity of paper enrollment as a method of enrolling employees, and the need for nonprofits to consider employee-paid supplemental benefits and a benefits administrative service.

As nonprofits seek to take advantage of an increased corporate interest in pro bono programs, experts say it's important to understand how these initiatives are viewed by corporate leadership so that the recipient organization can help ensure that pro bono engagements are truly win‐win—that all sides get something out of the partnership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Michael Horn is the Co‐Founder and Distinguished Fellow at the Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation, a nonprofit think tank based on the theories of the former Harvard professor. He's also the author of several books on education, including most recently 2022's From Reopen to Reinvent: (Re)creating School for Every Child. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the white paper entitled "Top Technology Trends," published by Blackbaud Inc., a global provider of software and related services for nonprofit organizations, which offers resources for planning to strengthen their fundraising plans and information regarding the trends in the use of technology for fundraising activities.

Besides being a nonprofit organization offering valuable services for those in need, you also seek to become recognized as a leader in community citizenship - doing good deeds without expectation of reward. Many newspapers, radio and television stations show their own good citizenship by sponsoring community events. The papers may run your photograph or send their own staff to get more pictures or video. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents some tabloid ideas for nonprofit organizations including maximizing appeal by creating size that fits perfectly in a newspaper while running an insert and using a bright white 60-pound paper stock.

A recent criminal case in Massachusetts highlights the need for nonprofits to conduct diligent financial oversight to detect and prevent fraud and embezzlement within their organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the author's perspectives regarding the importance for fundraisers to consider the interests and good communication relations to its benefactors before organizing fundraising events. He cites the significance for fundraisers to have a constant communication with its benefactors before and after the fundraising event. He also emphasizes on the value of organizational transparency.

Scale-Up of Integrated Biorefineries and Greenhouse Gas Reduction (DOE) B Areas: b DOE said topic areas include Topic Area 1: Pre-Pilot Scale-Up of Integrated Biorefineries, Topic Area 2: Pilot Scale-Up of Integrated Biorefineries, Topic Area 3: Demonstration Scale-Up of Integrated Biorefineries, and Topic Area 4: Gen-1 Corn Ethanol Emission Reduction. B Scope: b The Energy Department seeks applications for the FY22 Scale-Up of Integrated Biorefineries and Greenhouse Gas Reduction in First Generation Ethanol Production (Scale-Up+) announcement to support high-impact technology research and development to accelerate the bioeconomy and, in particular, the production of low-carbon fuels for the aviation, marine, rail, and long-haul trucking industries. [Extracted from the article]

B Scope: b The National Science Foundation seeks applications for the Opportunities for Promoting Understanding through Synthesis (OPUS) announcement to revisit and synthesize a significant body of investigators' prior research to enable new understanding. B Areas: b NSF said projects generally result in one or more synthetic products. [Extracted from the article]

As the COVID‐19 pandemic eases and nonprofits return to more normal business practices, staff travel—whether to conferences and training workshops or as part of their programmatic duties—is likely to pick up as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The looming leadership shortage in the nonprofit sector might be even worse than expected, according to new research by the Bridgespan Group. Based on a survey of over 400 charities, about 25 percent of nonprofit C-suite leaders left their positions in the last two years, and nearly as many plan to do so in the next two years. If that trend holds, the nonprofit sector will need to replace the equivalent of every C-suite position over the next eight years, the research showed, leading to sizeable costs in terms of cash resources and lost productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are many ways in which nonprofit organizations are similar to their for‐profit counterparts, not the least of which is the need for their products and services to truly meet the needs of their constituencies. In the private sector, businesses routinely introduce new products or modify existing ones to keep abreast of market trends—if not, their sales will decline. Nonprofits, meanwhile, occasionally need to modify their programs to make sure they are making headway in their missions—otherwise, donations dry up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All types of historical records are eligible, including documents, photographs, born-digital records, and analog audio and moving images. B Scope: b The National Archives and Records Administration seeks applications for the Major Collaborative Archival Initiatives announcement to significantly improve public discovery and use of major historical records collections. B Eligibility: b Colleges and universities; nonprofit organizations; and state, local, and Native American tribal governments. [Extracted from the article]

As nonprofits develop and mature, they often go through a variety of changes that help them adapt to the world around them and ensure their programming meets the current needs of their constituents while providing for long‐term organizational stability. One of the biggest drivers of this kind of change is financial necessity—when revenue declines, organizations look for ways to make up for it or else see their operations wither on the vine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Applications must propose innovative programming ideas and activities aimed to meet the project goal and objectives stated and provide effective results monitoring sustainability plans in addition to fulfilling all mandatory application criteria. B Scope: b The State Department's U.S. Mission to India seeks applications for the Indo-Pacific Scholar Connect announcement to provide a group of scholars focused on the study of the Indo-Pacific region with a deeper understanding of the U.S. and Indian visions for and perspectives on a free and open Indo-Pacific and promote collaborative research and institutional partnerships. B Areas: b DOS said the five-day in-person residency hosted in a South Indian city between October and November 2021 will feature a series of intensive workshops, focus groups, site visits, networking opportunities, and community relations activities and will ideate exchange opportunities among the United States and Indo-Pacific countries. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents information on several resources related to nonprofit organizations. Convio Inc. has crafted the new "Quintessential Nonprofit Success Kit" for nonprofit organizations. The Council on Foundation will organize a two-day seminar, "Facing the Investment Challenge: 2011 and Beyond," on May 19-20, 2011, in Arlington, Virginia. "The End of Fundraising: Raise More Money by Selling Your Impact," is a new book written by Jason Saul, for nonprofits.

The article suggests the employees of nonprofit organizations to stay prepared for corrections or retractions, against the wrong image of the nonprofit, framed by the mass media, and offers views of Dean Noble, director of marketing at Santa Barbara Zoo, on the same.

Editor's Note: This month, Larry Zimbler, MST, EA, returns with Nonprofit Business Advisor's 2020‐21 special tax issue, reviewing important changes made to laws and regulations affecting exempt organizations. Be sure to read Zimbler's analysis and always seek out competent, professional advice to safely navigate both tax and nontax compliance requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]