Tips & Tools

Surveys: in the association industry, you likely have seen many number of surveys from membership feedback, conference evaluations, board and committee responses, and more. The Likert Scale is a useful survey format for getting responses, particularly if done properly.   

Do a quick google images search for Likert Scale.  You will find many examples of the scale where the "positive" responses (strongly agree, excellent, etc) are on the left side of the scale, and many others where the "negative" responses (strongly disagree, poor, etc) are on the same left side.  

When designing a survey, which side should this be on? Is there a correct answer?  It may not seem to matter, particularly when searching through all of the likert scales used in surveys and seeing a close to 50-50 split in this ordering.  Nevertheless, research has been done to provide some feedback on this issue.  Intelligentmeasurement has some results from research on this topic.  You'll find their findings interesting if you do a lot of surveys.  Check it out here. 

One item from a recent article from Corbin Ball titled "Ten Transformative Meetings Technology Trends for 2015" jumped to our attention.  "Data breaches and app hacking will likely target events in 2015".  Mobile event apps have become very popular in recent years, and are now a staple at most events.  

The benefits of apps are undeniable: branding, logistical planning, engagement, networking, content and marketing are some.  But, with the major news items affecting Home Depot, Target and others, it is an interesting risk associated with your event.  You certainly do not want the publicity and potential damage to your members and attendees.  

So, partnering with a security firm and keeping your clients informed are must have's in this arena.  Working proactively with your vendor is another wise decision. 

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is the nation’s leading voice promoting equity and education for women and girls. 

Their Community Action Grants provide funds to individuals, AAUW branches, and AAUW state organizations as well as local community-based nonprofit organizations for innovative programs or non-degree research projects that promote education and equality for women and girls.

2013–14 Grant Year

One-Year Grant: $2,000–$7,000
Two-Year Grant: $5,000–$10,000
Applications Available: August 1, 2013 – January 15, 2014
Application Deadline: January 15, 2014
Funding Period for One-Year Grant: July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2014
Funding Period for Two-Year Grant: July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2016

Read more and apply at: 

http://www.aauw.org/what-we-do/educational-funding-and-awards/community-action-grants/

The Smarter Cities Challenge is an IBM Corporate Citizenship initiative that contributes the skills and expertise of teams of top-talent IBMers to address the key challenges facing cities around the world.

Cities around the world are invited to apply for the Smarter Cities Challenge. Cities with pressing concerns, commitment to publicly available data, and a track record of innovative problem solving will be strong candidates for the grants.

The 2014 cycle closes on November 8, 2013.

See http://smartercitieschallenge.org/ for more details and to apply.

The Mary Byron Project

Associations produce quite a lot of content via newsletters, web site posts, articles, and internal publications.  But without the proper agreements in place, these content pieces may not be owned by the association.  

The Surdna Foundation seeks to foster just and sustainable communities throughout the United States. The goal of the Foundation’s Strong Local Economies Program is to support the development of robust and sustainable economies that include a wide range of businesses and access to quality jobs. The Foundation aims to create opportunities for upward economic mobility among communities that have experienced historical economic barriers, including low-income people, communities of color, women, and immigrants. The basis of their work is guided by a strong commitment to social justice and equity. 

Wednesday, October 09, 2013 3:00 - 4:00 pm ET

Learn the characteristics of effective nonprofits and assess whether yours is ready for foundation fundraising.

This class is designed for new nonprofits or community groups with very little experience in grantseeking. We focus specifically on foundation fundraising.

The course will address such questions as:

• What groundwork do I have to have in place before approaching foundations for funding?
• What are the steps to obtaining incorporation and nonprofit status and where can I get some help to do so?
• What are the characteristics of successful nonprofits?

This session will provide you with a step-by-step checklist approach to help you determine your own readiness for foundation fundraising.

View website for more details

The Chronicle of Philanthropy has a nice article explaining how the U.S. Federal Government shutdown could affect non-profit organizations, including those receiving federal grant funds. 

The American Hiking Society has a grant program called the National Trails Fund.  The program provides $500-$5,000 support to grassroots nonprofit organizations throughout the country working toward establishing, protecting, and maintaining foot trails in America.