Gubernatorial Candidates Engage with Nonprofit Leaders
Nonprofits leaders representing a wide cross-section of the sector had the opportunity to ask two of the candidates for Governor, Democrats Maggie Hassan and Jackie Cilley, their viewpoints on issues ranging from health care reform to the privatization of the current prison system to the support of housing diversity to supporting conservation initiatives at today’s Nonprofit Capitol Exchange.
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Citing recent game-changing legislation, Senator Chuck Morse (R- Salem) at last week’s Nonprofit Capitol Exchange series, urged nonprofits to continue being part of the important conversations at hand and to provide factual information to Senate members so they may make informed decisions.
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“We want to hear from you, and the earlier in the process the better,” said Executive Councilor Dan St. Hilaire to a group of nonprofit leaders during this month’s Nonprofit Capitol Exchange Series.
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The Center for Nonprofits’ recent report, New Hampshire’s Nonprofit Sector: In Brief was revealed to a roomful of nonprofit leaders and policymakers recently. The Center’s Board Chairman, John Gilbert told the crowd of leaders, “We think it’s time to think about the nonprofit sector differently; this fact-driven study of our sector gives the platform for those conversations to begin.”
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"Preserving the charitable tax deduction is one area that I strongly support," stated Congressman Frank Guinta at the Center’s recent Nonprofit Capitol Exchange program. "It clearly is a major incentive for people to give." The Congressman also referenced public safety, health care delivery on the local level, and education as areas he is committed to supporting.
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On May 3, Senator Lou D'Allesandro addressed nonprofit leaders and advocates during the Nonprofit Capitol Exchange, giving a general overview by walking attendees through the budget process from the Governor’s proposal to the House’s version and approach of building a budget to a pre-determined number. Regarding the current process the Senate Finance Committee is engaged in, the Senator candidly admitted, "In my 30 plus years in the business of working on the budget, including my time as Finance Committee Chair, I have never seen such a difficult budget situation or process; it’s simply never been this bad."
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Speaker of the NH House William O'Brien provided nonprofit leaders with his views on the general perceptions members of the current legislature may have about the nonprofit sector at the recent Nonprofit-Capitol Exchange program hosted by the Center.
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Nonprofit Leaders Explore Impact of Proposed Budget Cuts
The State budget and the impact of proposed cuts were the topics of the Nonprofit Public Policy Council (NPPC) this week.The Council engaged in an extensive debriefing of the state budget process by Steve Norton, Executive Director of the NH Center for Public Policy Studies and Jim Monahan, VP of the Dupont Group at February 22nd event. Department of Health and Human Service Commissioner Nicholas Toumpas also joined the panel and urged nonprofit leaders to "talk to their communities and lawmakers about the impact of services to families and the longer term cost savings of those programs."
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New Report on Tax System Explored
According to a new report, failure to match the natural growth in state expenditures with growth in state revenues has contributed to the current structural budget deficit. Jeff McLynch, Executive Director of the NH Fiscal Policy Institute (NHFPI) spoke to nonprofit leaders at the February Nonprofit Capitol Exchange about the Institute's newest report -
"An Overview of New Hampshire's Tax System."

McLynch engaged the audience in a discussion of the state's current revenue and tax structure and what he termed the “inherent challenges within” at the program co-hosted by the NH Center for Nonprofits and Sulloway & Hollis.

McLynch noted that the “total state and local taxes equaled 8.7% of personal income in FY 2008 in New Hampshire, a rate well below the national average of 10.9% resulting in our state being rated 50th in that regard.” As outlined in the report, New Hampshire persistently ranks between 40th and 50th. Furthermore, that 2 percentage point difference in actuality represents a need for an additional $1.3 billion in revenues over what is actually collected in a given year – a sum that almost matches the whole of the state’s General Fund.
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LGC Director Speaks at Capitol Exchange
At the January 4th Nonprofit Capitol Exchange, the Local Government Center (LGC) leader shared with attendees that while the LGC has officially supported PILOTS (payment in lieu of taxes), the organization has a realistic view on what that may mean to certain organizations. Maura Carroll, the Executive Director of the LGC and the NH Municipal Association began her remarks by addressing current public commentary on the Local Government Center’s business activities and investment strategies on its Health Trust.

Ms. Carroll also addressed legislative work, priorities and concerns. For her constituents, primary concerns include:

• Downshifting of state costs to a local level
• Achieving a solvent and sustainable retirement funding system for the state
• The formation of healthcare buying group

She encouraged nonprofits leaders to educate legislators regarding the value of services nonprofits provide within their communities, and also quantifiable information on the what the detrimental effect the removal of those services would mean. Ms. Carroll expressed interest in the LGC sharing in those conversations, and collaborating with the nonprofit sector to find areas of mutual interest and benefit.

Public Policy Council Meeting - November 12
November 1, 2010 - The Public Policy Council will hold its next meeting on November 12th when the focus will be on the upcoming 2011 legislative session and the changing political landscape.

The first hour of the meeting will include a panel presentation and discussion. Dr. Andy Smith of the UNH Survey Center will provide his analysis of the November 2nd election results. Jim Monahan of the Dupont Group will offer his perspective on how the election results will impact the 2011 legislative session. Steve Norton of the NH Center for Public Policy Studies will discuss the upcoming 2011-2013 budget process.

The second hour of our meeting will provide an opportunity for nonprofit leaders to share their 2011 legislative priorities, concerns, and strategies. If you are not a member of the Public Policy Council, contact John Bunker at jbunker@nhnonprofits.org to learn how to get involved.

Commissioner Toumpas Calls for Fundamental System Change and Board Training
Kicking off  the  first in a series of The Nonprofit Capital Exchange forums sponsored by Sulloway & Hollis this week was DHHS Commissioner, Nicholas Toumpas, who described the current delivery system of health and humans services as “simply a system which doesn’t work.” 

Commissioner Toumpas urged the 30 nonprofit leaders present to join his efforts to “reframe the problem as not being about administrative costs or the number of nonprofits but rather about community needs and the new system to be developed.” The Commissioner  described his interests in creating legislation to mandate board governance training for volunteer board leaders across the state, noting that the board was critical to the success of many nonprofits. Read more

Commissioner Toumpas also shared his department’s efforts to develop more efficient contracting practices through the development of a “lean business format” which will result in creating a universal electronic file on everyone served by the Department. Currently the state provides services to 151,000 people, 10% of the population and is looking at a possible 5-15% reduction in its budget for the year ahead.

The Commissioner indicated a top priority going forward would be the re-alignment of the delivery system and the payment procedures.  “We know we need to find a different way to pay for services and we are determined to do so,” stated Commissioner Toumpas.

Nonprofit leaders shared their priority of being included in the planning and decision making process as these new systems and programs are developed.

Nonprofit Capitol Exchange Returns October 5
Our popular series of breakfast forums featuring the leading New Hampshire decision-makers returns in October. The forum is designed to bring leaders from all sectors to the table for an open dialogue and connection each month and provide an overview of critical issues facing NH decision-makers and offering insight into their top priorities.

Commissioner of Health and Human Services, Nicholas Toumpas will be joining us in October. It will  be a great opportunity to hear from him and to share your ideas on how nonprofits can better partner with the Department of Health and Human Services.

The following months will feature:

• Director of the Office of Economic Stimulus Christopher Clement on November 9
• Director of the Division of Community Corrections, Joseph Diament on December 7
• General Council of the New Hampshire Local Government Center  Maura Carrol on January 4
• Executive Director of the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute on February 1

We look forward to see you at these events. Register today!

Minnesota Leader Says Policy Cabinet "Builds the Muscle of the Sector"
“The intent of our state nonprofit council’s policy cabinet is to build the policy muscle of the nonprofit sector,“ said Jon Pratt, Executive Director of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN) while speaking to members of the NH Nonprofit Policy Cabinet at their August meeting.

Pratt shared the progress MCN has made over twelve years in building their Cabinet into a group which is highly respected by lawmakers and has become the “go to place” to discuss legislation impacting the sector. As the Minnesota Cabinet matured they supported action by MCN to develop legislation which has had a positive impact on the sector.
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Jon Pratt of the Minnesota Council for Nonprofits Returns to NH
Jon Pratt has a wealth of policy experience to share with New Hampshire. His work in nearly two decades with our sister organization - The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits - has helped to build a dynamic nonprofit public policy cabinet. Their cabinet has had a significant impact on how the nonprofit sector is perceived in the state and has become a respected and influential body.
You won't want to miss this opportunity to talk with Jon and see where we can take our Nonprofit Public Policy Cabinet in the future!
Date: August 3, 2010
Time: 9:00 A.M – 11:00 A.M.  (Doors open at 8:30 A.M.)
Location : NHHEAF Click here for directions...

Nonprofits Under the Microscope
Public Policy Cabinet Discussion Panel
June 30, 2010 - Nonprofit issues under public scrutiny were the topic of a panel discussion hosted by the Public Policy Cabinet on June 30.

Jayme Simoes, Jon Greenberg and Jeff Feingold shared their perspectives on the nonprofit sector’s challenges, opportunities and priorities arising from the current public perception of nonprofits. Using specific examples, the panel members discussed how to better communicate the values and relevance of nonprofits in order to prevent and correct misperceptions about the sector.

Some of the chief topics of public discussion at this time are:

• Whether tax exemptions should be reduced or eliminated
• Whether government should help support nonprofits doing work the government is not well-equipped to do
• The actual impact of nonprofits in their communities
• Fair nonprofit CEO salaries
• Whether nonprofits are a desirable and sustainable business model

Nonprofit Finance Fund Presentation
June 24, 2010 - NFF presented the results of its 2010 national nonprofit sector survey to a group of nonprofit leaders on June 17 in Concord. Co-hosted by the NH Charitable Foundation and the NH Center for Nonprofits, NFF’s Bill Pinakiewicz and Kate Saliba discussed the financial trends revealed by the data and reviewed strategies and management tools that may be useful to NH nonprofits as they address these trends. They also discussed the value of using data-driven communications in messaging and relationship-building to effectively convey the impact a nonprofit organization has in its community. They emphasized how to focus stakeholders and funders on the linkages between money and mission through data.
View the PowerPoint Presentation...

May Nonprofit Capitol Exchange
May 4, 2010 - Michael S. DeLucia, the outgoing Director of the Office of Charitable Trusts, was the guest at the May 4 Nonprofit Capitol Exchange. Acknowledging the difficulty of raising funds in the current economic environment, Senior Assistant Attorney General DeLucia discussed cause-marketing as a relatively new strategy nonprofits around the country are using as they enter co-ventures with for-profit businesses. Attorney DeLucia also summarized changes he has observed in the nonprofit sector during his 14 year tenure.

This year’s Nonprofit Capitol Exchange Series has been hosted by the Sulloway & Hollis law firm.

2010 Series of Advocacy Workshops around the State
April 20, 2010 - Panelist Monica Zulauf, Director of the Manchester YWCA, shared her thoughts on how important it is for nonprofit leaders to find ways to support and provide information to public officials as a building block to an effective advocacy approach at our first Advocacy Workshop of the year in Laconia this March. Zulauf joined a panel of experts and a state legislator for a three hour presentation on elements of a vibrant advocacy approach. This workshop will travel across the state to Keene in June and North Conway in September.
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Public Policy Cabinet Meets
March 26, 2010 - A discussion about the current political and economic situation in NH occurred at the Public Policy Cabinet meeting on March 26.  Nonprofit leaders shared public policy issues and legislation of concern to their organizations that are of interest to other nonprofit organizations as well.  They also shared their ideas for the future further development of the Public Policy Cabinet.

Advocacy is Easy and it Pays Off!  
March 12, 2010 - A panel of experienced, nonprofit advocates spoke on the importance of advocacy by nonprofit staff and board members at an advocacy workshop in Laconia on March 12, 2010. The panel discussed effective advocacy and planning for advocacy as well as relationship-building with funders, government, community, the media, and the Legislature. A question and answer period brought everyone into the discussion.

Congresswoman Shea-Porter Urges Nonprofits to Develop a United Voice
March 2, 2010 - Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter spoke on the importance of civic engagement by nonprofits at the Nonprofit Capitol Exchange held March 2, 2010 at the Sulloway & Hollis law firm in Concord. “Democracy is not a spectator sport. If nonprofits put your voices together, you will be heard.” Representative Shea-Porter’s conversation with nonprofit leaders covered a broad range of issues of concern to New Hampshire’s nonprofits including health care reform, which she predicted would happen.
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Public Policy Cabinet Discusses Legislation Impacting Nonprofit Sector
January 20, 2010 - The Center’s Public Policy Cabinet met January 20 to discuss and strategize on legislation proposed for the 2010 legislative session that would impact the nonprofit sector.  Future meetings of The Public Policy Cabinet will be publicized on The Center’s website. 
Learn more about the Public Policy Cabinet

Collaboration, Advocacy Discussed at Nonprofit Forum on Cultural Resource
December 21, 2009 - Emphasizing the importance of collaboration and the strength of the cultural resources in our state, Commissioner Van McLeod of the Department of Cultural Resources engaged nonprofit and business leaders in a discussion of the scope of his department and key issues facing the arts at this month’s Nonprofit-Capitol Exchange. Sponsored by The Center in partnership with the Sulloway and Hollis law firm, the monthly session is designed to foster connections between all sectors.

Nonprofit leaders in attendance discussed how to spread the word about where the value to society of cultural organizations lies and the existence of possible strategic partnerships to accomplish that. They also articulated what nonprofits all have in common—they work to build community, to make change and they can do that better together. And they agreed that cultural organizations also have to advocate for “art for art’s sake,” and that advocacy needs to come from non-artists.

The Department’s divisions are essential to promoting the value of art and culture: Curatorial Services, Film and Television, Arts, Historical Resources, and the State Library. Commissioner McLeod described collaborative projects that each Division has been involved in. Cultural and arts organizations help to build community and the quality of life that draws people to New Hampshire. Communities that invest in the arts also reap economic benefits from that investment: in Concord approximately 1/3 of new jobs in 2005-2007 were in the arts.

Innovative Pilot Corrections Program Highlighted at Nonprofit Forum
December 1, 2009 - Nonprofit leaders and business partners got a closer look at the NH Corrections Department’s efforts to reduce recidivism through an innovative initiative of the Community Corrections Division, a new arm of the Department, at this month’s Nonprofit-Capitol Exchange sponsored by the Center in partnership with the Sulloway and Hollis law firm.

At the forum, Department of Corrections Commissioner William Wrenn and Community Corrections Division Director, Joseph Diament, described the project as a unique opportunity for the State.  New Hampshire is one of a handful of states to be funded by the Justice Reinvestment Program and the Second Chance Act to improve outcomes for people returning to the community from prisons and jails through community-based services and to stem the tide of recidivism by working with those at highest risk for re-incarceration.
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DHHS Commissioner Toumpas Speaks to Nonprofits
November 10, 2009 - Commissioner Toumpas spoke to nonprofit and business leaders at the Nonprofit Capitol Exchange on November 10. He described the difficult and vital conversations that will take place in the coming months, involving nonprofit leaders and government officials. These conversations will strive to develop constructive and creative solutions to deal with greater demand for services in an environment of shrinking resources.

Indications of the challenges the human services sector and DHHS face are that by September 30, 2009:

• 142,000 individuals were served, an increase of 13%.
• Medicaid served 115,000 individuals, an increase of 11%.
• TANF served 14,000 families, an increase of 26%.
• 91,000 indivduals received Food Stamps, an increase of 39%

Commissioner Toumpas explained that the number of indivduals receiving food stamps serves as a lead indicator of what is yet to come. Legislative leaders have expressed concern that there will be no money for FY 2010. Commissioner Toumpas is looking to frame the problems differently and to find new approaches. He is looking at the service delivery system, at infrastructure in order to get better data, and at how to lower the cost structure by considering centralizing and stream-lining the processes particularly in contracting and in long term care.

Public Policy Cabinet Articulates Issues for Center’s Public Policy Agenda
October 22, 2009 - The Center’s Public Policy Cabinet* met October 22 to discuss and prioritize the most important public policy issues facing the sector as a whole, focusing on where change is needed and where harm to the sector needs to be prevented. Future meetings of The Public Policy Cabinet will be open to members of The Center, which looks forward to building on today’s foundation as nonprofits help shape the future of New Hampshire. Those meetings will be publicized on The Center’s website.
Learn more about the Public Policy Cabinet

*The Public Policy Cabinet is a non-partisan statewide group from a broad cross section of nonprofit fields that meets periodically to advise on and inform The Center’s public policy agenda built around issues affecting the nonprofit sector as a whole.