In a recent survey done by Johns Hopkins University Center for Civil Society Studies, it found that the majority of charities donates a little less than 2% of their budget to some kind of advocacy or lobbying. 

Photo by PDXDJ

Have you ever wanted to just hiss at another driver and give a piece of your mind?

Photo By Gary Turner

How many times have you felt that the person needed a good jab?  or said “Wake UP You Stupid Jerk!!!!!

Photo by Payton Chung

Ever had those Roadblocks to Daily Life. Always when in a hurry you find there is this inconsiderate driver whom just wants to make your day worst.

Well, help might be on its way if you have not already experienced it.  There may be one positive thing to come out of the high price of gas: better use of an employee’s time.

For centuries humans have been stuck on the need to be in the same room to accomplish a meeting.  How many times have you been in a meeting and said that was such a waste of my time?  You never said for the money spent to be there I could have used the money for X.  Well, the price is high enough to ask each time why am I traveling to this meeting?  What is the cost benefit to the organization incurring the cost?

Teleconferencing even for case consultations is a better use of costs.  The one time cost can bring a substantial savings to many organizations whom have lots of employees traveling. You might even want to think about a joint purchase with other organizations and have a center hub that can be shared.

Photo by Mark Witton

 Photo by Coffeelatte

 Photo by Coffeelatte

Has the economy got you down and feeling overwhelm?  Try taking a break and reading a book that just might make you feel that there is way to secure the future.

Take a moment to read the Wall Street Journal article about the book called Whatever Happened To Thrift by Ronald T. Wilcox. The author balances standards and observations that while focused on individuals should be the same for nonprofits to follow.  This book provides a resource that not only helps the reader but the nonprofit organization they work for. 

Photo by Mirsasha

Employee benefits are a great retention tool.  Balancing the needs of both the employer and the employee is key to impacting the best outcome for both.John Wasiejko from The Online 401(k), a provider of 401(k)s for small businesses has agreed to provide today’s post to support the efforts of nonprofits.  

“Splitting the tab isn’t just for the restaurant bill anymore. If you want to do the right thing and provide a 401(k) plan for your employees, you shouldn’t be held back by cost.

One of the things you can do to cut down on the costs of a 401(k) plan is to split the cost with your employees.

You cut down on the cost of the plan substantially and your employees could end up paying as little as $4-$5 per pay period, depending on the size of your company and the plan you select.

Why is cost-splitting a good idea?

• It’s perfectly legal and a common practice with small businesses
• It’s easy to implement with a simple payroll deduction
• Employees are used to paying a portion of their health plan and other benefits

Employees ranked a 401(k) plan as one of the most important benefits, second only to health care, according to a recent survey by Watson Wyatt. Don’t let hard dollar costs hold you and your employees back from your dream retirement!”

For more information or a free consultation on your 401(k) plan, contact John Wasiejko at jwasiejko@theonline401k.com or call him at 415.477.8800 ext 828.

Array of cartoons By Robin Hutton

When planning to discuss and decide on outcome measures keep in mind the characters in these cartoons.  Creating outcome measures can be fun and fulfilling if done right.

1. Outcome measures do not have to difficult or complex.
2. Nonprofits and management use outcomes measures only if it will result in action.
3. Nonprofits too often decide not to make waves and ignore results.  Outcome measures are not usually about making friends with the individual responsible.
4. Nonprofits organizations should recognize accomplishments by individuals or groups.
5. Nonprofits while not God or might be doing God’s work should not limit themselves to easy achievements.