Arkansas Coalition for Excellence (ACE) Annual Report for 2011-2012 is IMPACT.

1. 2011-2012 Annual Report
IMPACT
IMPACT
IMPACT
IMPACT
IMPACT
IMPACT
Helping Nonprofits Help Arkansas

2. WELCOME
ABOUT ACE
Dear ACE Members and Friends,
For nearly a decade, the Arkansas Coalition for Excellence has impacted Arkansas’ nonprofits
and the people they serve. Through our work, we have built a stronger, more energetic nonprofit
sector by advocating for nonprofits around the state, serving as the leading resource for Arkansas’
network of nonprofit organizations, facilitating access to affordable resources, and sharing
research and information.
The focus of the Arkansas Coalition for Excellence (ACE) Annual Report for
2011-2012 is IMPACT. And ACE did indeed make one this past year. However, it
is our members and supporters that help us make a larger impact in our work to
support nonprofits.
Stephanie F. Meincke
In a Stanford Social Innovation Review article, Collective Impact, by John Kania and
Mark Kramer (Winter 2011), the authors identify five components that “produce true
alignment and lead to powerful results: a common agenda, shared measurement
systems, mutually reinforcing activities, continuous communication and backbone
support organizations.” We believe that by producing strength, influence and power
for the nonprofit collective we can create a better Arkansas.
ACE strives to be the “backbone support organization” that helps nonprofits work
toward a common agenda of nonprofit excellence. We do this by providing a shared
measurement system, the Arkansas Diamond Standards (TM) and by coordinating
mutually reinforcing activities through advocacy, networking, training, and leadership.
With our continuous online communications, research and technical assistance, we
aim to keep the nonprofit sector abreast of common issues facing our community.
Mission
Strengthen Arkansas
Nonprofits
By producing strength, influence and
power for the nonprofit collective we
can create a better Arkansas.
Diane LaFollette
Core Values
Vision
Best practices; Inclusive;
Unity in Diversity;
Connecting & Equipping;
Statewide Vision and
Regional Approach
A strong, vibrant,
united and effective
nonprofit sector that is
well positioned to meet
the diverse needs of all
Arkansans
“
Your membership, and more importantly, your engagement in working with ACE will
be critical as we spend the next year expanding upon the gains we have made in
the last ten years. We are looking to you to direct us in pursuing our mutual goals
in the next decade, as we work together to refine a common agenda to ensure that
Arkansas nonprofits remain strong and viable. Are you ready to
“get collective” with us? We hope so, because we cannot do it without you!
WE ARE
GRATEFUL
Pierre Ferrari, President/CEO
of Heifer International:
Supporting a thriving, robust,
Thank you so much for your support over the past year and for your enthusiasm in
looking ahead to what we can be together.
competent and successful civil
society is of critical importance
in creating an Arkansan culture
Sincerely,
of caring, inclusion and peace.
ACE does this superbly, we are
grateful for all the work they do.
Stephanie F. Meincke, MSW
Executive Director
Diane LaFollette
Board Chair
Photo courtesy of Heifer International
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2011/2012 Annual Report
”
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3. MEMBERSHIP &
NETWORKING
“
GREAT PARTNER
Vicki Pillow, Director of Development,
Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas:
ACE thrives on our relationship with our members. And without their support, ACE wouldn’t exist.
Our diverse alliance of foundations, government agencies, businesses and individuals all share
a common goal--a strong, united and effective nonprofit sector. It’s through the strength of our
shared objective that we impact the organizations and communities we serve. In the course of our
growth through the past year, ACE:
The Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas not
only considers itself a member of the Arkansas
Coalition for Excellence, we consider ACE
our partner. We know we can count on ACE
to provide information, advice, and support
when we need it. ACE truly lives up to the
• Welcomed a new Membership
• Provided one-on-one technical
• Provided financial assistance
& Communications Coordinator
assistance on nonprofit
for five ACE member
through AmeriCorps*VISTA
management issues
phrase--Helping Nonprofits Help Arkansas.
organizations to receive
• Welcomed 75 new members
• Hosted 125 nonprofit leaders and
supporters at Heifer International
Arkansas Nonprofit Services
into the coalition
• Added three new cost
saving benefits including
”
financial consulting through
for our largest Annual Meeting
• Facilitated monthly Network
discounts on background
Lunches highlighting board
checks, video promotion and
and networking opportunities
recruitment and engagement,
online board resources
• Coordinated statewide training
for nonprofit peers
visioning, PR and media relations
Service Company
Health Insurance
BRAVO
Career Center JobTarget
Members By Mission
Art & Humanities
6%
Education 7%
Environment & Animals
1%
Foundations 15%
Health 4%
Human Services
34%
Business, Community &
Economic Development
15%
Other 18%
It’s through the strength
of our shared objective
that we impact the
organizations and
communities we serve.
Audio & Web Conferencing
ReadyTalk
Donor Software Giftworks
Online Grant Database
GrantStation
In-Kind Donation Good360
members put
more money
$
BoardSource
Nonprofit Publication
Nonprofit World
Technology Educational
Resources
Idealware
Website Development
FireSpring
towards what
Background Screening
Coeus Global
matters - the
Video Solutions
2011/2012 Annual Report
Benefits help our
Board Knowledge Center
Risk Management Resources
Nonprofit Risk
Management Center
4
ACE’s Cost Saving
Dharma Eye Media
causes they serve
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4. RESEARCH &
COMMUNICATIONS
ORGANIZATIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
Through our research and communications efforts, ACE seeks to impact the public understanding
and awareness of Arkansas’ nonprofit sector. ACE provides research, resources and information
that is timely and relevant to the sector. And, most importantly, we continually tell the story of
ACE and our members through various media outlets, online communication and social media.
Over the past year, ACE:
Through best practices, technical assistance, training and education, ACE uses its statewide
organizational development program to increase the impact of Arkansas’ nonprofits. This past
year, ACE:
Impacting the public’s knowledge and reception
of Arkansas’ nonprofit landscape
• Focused on the topic of Social
Enterprise at the Annual Meeting
with guest speakers Jeremy
Thornton, Samford University and
Dr. Fitz Hill, Arkansas Baptist College
• Launched a new Arkansas
Diamond Standards™ workshop
• Launched the new online format
of ACE monthly e-newsletter
• Hosted two Communications
Interns to oversee website
and social media
• Began to “tweet” on Twitter
• Teamed with GrantStation
series that focused on program
to send weekly grant alerts
evaluation, board governance, audit
Like
us
to ACE members
• Participated in a national
2012 Nonprofit Salary Survey
arkansascoalitionforexcellence
in partnership with the
and increased ACE overall
National Council of Nonprofits
social media impact
• Partnered with the American
Red Cross of Greater
Arkansas to present a disaster
preparedness workshop series
ACE’s
Online Resource
Guide gathers
professional
development
info and helpful
tools in one
convenient place
and Columbia Books
• Partnered with the National
partnership with the Arkansas
“Nonprofit Advocacy Matters”
Philanthropy Roundtable and
• Sent policy alerts on urgent
matters facing nonprofits
“
Cloud Computing and Online
Communications Strategies
• Completed statewide training to
100 nonprofits (20 per region)
and technical assistance to
30 nonprofits (6 per region) through
a Strengthening Communities Fund
Nonprofit Capacity Building
Program grant
• Presented monthly webinars on
fundraising topics in partnership
with the Association of Fundraising
follow
us
Capacity Needs Survey in
provide bi-monthly e-newsletter,
included Quickbooks for Nonprofits,
Professionals (AFP) – Arkansas Chapter
• Conducted 2012 Nonprofit
Council of Nonprofits to
acenonprofit
the Arkansas DHS Community
Service and Nonprofit Support
LIFELINE FOR ORGANIZATION
Linda L. Ragsdale, LMSW, Executive Director,
Ouachita Children’s Center, Hot Springs:
ACE has been a tremendous benefit and lifeline for our organization over the past
few years! We see them as the “go-to” for organizational development issues, board
member training, staff management guidance and even grant/funding opportunities.
Nonprofits are a special species of business, so it’s very helpful to have a resource
organization that understands our unique needs and concerns. Thanks ACE for all
you do making Arkansas an even more excellent place to work and live!
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preparation and legal compliance
FAST FACT
• Hosted a Summer Tech Series that
2011/2012 Annual Report
”
“
COMMON GOALS
Debra Banks, Program Manager, ACHANGE, North Little Rock:
Despite the diversity of missions, organizations that are involved with ACE have one important commonality. We are
nonprofits, and as such, will be affected by the same basic laws and regulations. ACE helps ACHANGE to remain
aware of any changes, and in turn, share those changes with nonprofit affordable housing organizations throughout
the state.
”
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5. “
COLLABORATION
GREAT INVESTMENT
Ed Seay, Executive Director, Help Network, Inc., Russellville:
We love being members of ACE for the benefits that we
receive. As a small nonprofit with limited resources, we could
One of the strengths of nonprofits is their diverse missions—dynamic, varied, and as rich in
character as the communities they serve. ACE aims to convene nonprofits, government agencies
and business entities; we know that working together maximizes our impact. ACE has worked with
the following groups over the past year:
never afford benefits like Grantstation, which we use on a
regular basis. We also would not have the training through
webinars and in-person that ACE provides, often at no cost
to members. Our membership with ACE has been a great
investment.
Alliance for Justice
Clinton School of Public Service
American Red Cross of Greater
Arkansas
Corporation for National and
Community Service
FAST FACT
Arkansas Community Foundation
Arkansas’ Congressional Delegation
and Office Staff
Information the latest information and trends in the nonprofit sector.
Sharing
ACE provides our members with
Firespring
Friday, Eldredge & Clark, LLP
ACE helps
Arkansas DHS Division of Community
Service and Nonprofit Support
GrantStation
Ken Hubbell & Associates
Members members for their support of Arkansas nonprofits. Not a
Thank you to our current
Morris Foundation
member yet? Here’s how to join.
Idealware
Arkansas nonprofits
Arkansas Economic Development
Commission
navigate the legal
Arkansas Nonprofit Services
Arkansas Philanthropy Roundtable
landscape with the
Association of Fundraising
Professionals, Arkansas Chapter
Arkansas Nonprofit
Carl B. and Florence E. King
Foundation
Legal Guide
Charles A. Frueauff Foundation
JPMS Cox, PLLC
Moving the Needle
National Council of Nonprofits
Southern Bancorp Financial Partners
Windgate Charitable Foundation
WinRock International
Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation
Young Nonprofit Professionals
Network
Circle Communications Network, LLC
“
out now more than ever about the invaluable impact we have on our communities.
We’ve dedicated a section of our website to finding funding resources.
and infrastructure checklist will help assess your organization’s immediate needs.
ACE IS THE VOICE
The Arkansas DHS Division of Community Service and Nonprofit Support
nonprofits. Our partnership is a model of best practices with government and
private collaboration. ACE is the voice for the sector in many ways – and by
working with DCSNS, we are able to better serve the nonprofit sector together
through quality training and technical assistance.
Collaboration of Arkansas nonprofits to ensure they continue
Supporting and nurturing the network
their work.
(DCSNS) is pleased to partner with ACE to strengthen capacity of Arkansas
2011/2012 Annual Report
Public Policy budget cuts, Arkansas nonprofits will need to speak
With growing deficits and extreme
Arkansas Diamondsizes. A workbook, self-assessment tool
Standards
is a best practice assessment for nonprofits of all
Sherry Middleton, DHS Division of Community Service and Nonprofit Support:
8
”
”
Training & aTechnical Support our
is provided by ACE staff on daily basis. It’s part of what we do, and exemplifies
commitment to ACE member organizations.
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6. PUBLIC POLICY
“
State and federal policies play a critical role in the day-to-day operations of our nonprofits.
Therefore, it is essential that Arkansas’ nonprofits have a voice in legislative and public policy
forums. From decisions on key funding to tax-exempt status, ACE works diligently to make sure
that our sector’s voice is strong and united, and that the impact we have on Arkansas’ communities
is clear to policy-makers.
COMMON GOALS
Tim Delaney, President & CEO,
National Council of Nonprofits:
The National Council of Nonprofits is proud to have the
Arkansas Coalition for Excellence (ACE) in our nationwide
network of nonprofits, the largest in the country. ACE links
• ACE and the Winthrop
Rockefeller Foundation hosted
a joint training on “How to
Advocate as a Nonprofit”
led by Alliance for Justice.
• ACE worked in partnership
with the Winthrop Rockefeller
Foundation, the Arkansas DHS
Division of Community Service
and Nonprofit Support, Southern
BanCorp Financial Partners,
and WinRock International to
develop a pilot training and
FAST FACT
ACE Nonprofit
Capacity
Needs Report
impacts nonprofit
strategies
throughout
Arkansas
Arkansas nonprofits to a continuous exchange of vital
• ACE sent a letter to Interim CEO
information on a timely basis. Whether distributing to Arkansas
Robert Velasco of the Corporation
nonprofits important information that we gather in Washington,
for National and Community
D.C., and other states, or swiftly gathering insights from
Service requesting a grant waiver
Arkansas nonprofits that is needed here on Capitol Hill to lift
that would allow more nonprofits
the voices of Arkansas nonprofits, ACE has proven itself to be
to apply for federal funding
an invaluable asset for all nonprofits to deliver on their missions
recognizing the challenges of
to serve individuals in local communities. Thank you, ACE!
”
high matching requirements
in a largely rural state.
• ACE’s public policy efforts
increased membership
participation among nonprofits
• ACE hosted a webinar for
• ACE participated in a nonprofit
nonprofits in the Arkansas Delta.
nonprofits featuring David
roundtable discussion hosted
especially federal funding—
Thompson, Vice-President of
by Representative Tim Griffin
affecting their organizations.
Public Policy for the National
(R) to discuss the needs of
Council of Nonprofits. The
capacity building project for
interested in public policy issues—
Arkansas nonprofits.
webinar offered participants a
chance to ask questions about
ACE works constantly to make sure nonprofits
have a voice in legislative and public policy
forums that is united and clearly heard.
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2011/2012 Annual Report
• ACE participated in Lobby Day
in Washington, DC through the
the federal budget and its impact
National Council of Nonprofits.
on nonprofits in Arkansas.
ACE spoke to Arkansas’
• ACE provided regular monthly
congressional members about
updates to ACE members through
protecting the charitable giving
e-news about public policy efforts
tax incentive and protecting
both locally and nationwide
the nonprofit sector from
impacting nonprofit operations.
across-the-board cuts.
MEMBERS BY
REGION
Central 47%
Northeast 13%
Northwest 18%
Southeast 8%
Southwest 12%
Out of State
2%
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7. Board
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The generous support of ACE’s funders, members, state leaders, and board leadership has made
our growth possible.
Diane LaFollette, Chair
Daniel L. Herrington, Vice Chair
Barbara Akins, Secretary
W. Taylor Marshall, Treasurer
Lisa Bondurant, APR
Barry J. Colley, PhD
Maxie Carpenter
Debbie Watts
Staff
Thank you
for your
support and
enthusiasm
Income
Membership
& Programs
21%
With Special Thanks to:
State & Federal
39%
Arkansas Community Foundation
Arkansas’ Congressional Delegation and Office Staff
Arkansas Economic Development Commission and
State General Improvement Funds
Foundation
38%
Charles A. Frueauff Foundation
Contributions
2%
Stephanie F. Meincke, MSW
Emily C. Ingram
Rebecca Zimmermann
Corporation for National and Community Service
Executive Director
Associate Director
AmeriCorps*VISTA for
Membership & Communications
Dolores F. and Thomas A. Bruce Endowment
DHS Strengthening Communities Fund,
made possible by the Arkansas Governor’s
Office and supporting state agencies
Friday, Eldredge & Clark, LLC
Expenses
Resource
Development
JPMS Cox, PLLC
Morris Foundation
Senator David Johnson
8%
Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation
Windgate Charitable Foundation
Administration
20%
“
QUALITY
OFFERINGS
Jim Caldwell, Executive Director,
United Way of Southeast Arkansas:
Two of the most difficult issues which
all nonprofits, especially new and
Membership
& Programs
72%
developing organizations, face is
getting answers to hard questions
along with counsel on thorny issues.
In Arkansas, ACE is the “go to”
place for such times. ACE is to be
commended for both the quality
and quantity of its offerings!
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2011/2012 Annual Report
”
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8. Proud Member of the
Helping Nonprofits Help Arkansas
Located in the Charles A. Frueauff Foundation offices
200 River Market Avenue, Suite 100 | Little Rock, AR 72201 | (501) 375.1223
acenonprofit.org | Facebook.com/arkansascoalitionforexcellence | Twitter.com/acenonprofit