http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ Common Good Vermont Forums » Recent Posts en-US Thu, 23 Feb 2012 06:37:35 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q http://forums.commongoodvt.org/search.php http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/performance-management-for-performance-improvement#post-1058 Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:08:56 +0000 Coach 1058@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>After several decades in the profit sector and only one decade in the non-profit arena, I am amazed how little attention is paid to to performance management that really effects individual performance. I don't mean annual evaluations checklists or even the many software systems that claim to do the job. I mean a system of face-to-face performance planning meetings where the leader meets with each staff member and agrees to performance priorities and action plans with periodic progress reviews. Has anyone seen anything like that in their non-profit? </p> http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/building-skills-to-monitor-evaluate-performance-outcomes#post-1042 Tue, 26 Apr 2011 10:41:02 +0000 Joy Livingston 1042@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>Thanks for your questions, responses as follows:</p> <p>•Can you post/send out the list of questions for the interviews?</p> <p>Questions should be tailored to each organization and information needs (e.g., has the organization already developed a clear vision and mission statement?)</p> <p>Basic questions include:<br /> What is the organization’s vision/mission? What is your vision for the organization?<br /> What do you expect to be an outcome of the work you are doing? That is, if the program/services/activities are successful, what will be the result?<br /> How would you know that you achieved these outcomes (what would it look like)?<br /> What information do you currently collect/use? What information would help you know that you are working toward identified outcomes?<br /> What makes it easy or difficulty to gather and use information?</p> <p>•Why is the logic model set up graphically the way it is? It wasn't in the order that we completed it?</p> <p>The logic model can be read from right to left or from left to right. If going from right to left, it would make more sense for “Activities” to be on the right of “Performance Measures;” but if going from left to right it would make more sense the other way. There really isn’t a correct order; the representation in the model we provided is the one generally in use.</p> <p>•We had a lot of confusion about the terms on the logic model, in particular, Outcomes Indicators vs. Outcome Measures (there was some differences in the terms of the different examples we had in our packet). Can you explain these again?</p> <p>Outcome Indicators are in fact Outcome Measures – they are two terms with the same basic meaning. We tried to make sure the term “Indicator” was used throughout our materials, but unfortunately, the blank Logic Model has the term “Outcome Measure” instead of “Outcome Indicator.” Our apologies for this. Just remember that an Outcome Indicator is a measure of an outcome – something concrete and observable that you can count in some fashion. The Outcome is the concept, the indicator is the measure, and the benchmark is the how much/by when mark of success.</p> <p>thanks, Joy Livingston and Donna Reback </p> http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/building-skills-to-monitor-evaluate-performance-outcomes#post-1041 Mon, 25 Apr 2011 11:03:35 +0000 Marty Jacobs 1041@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>Hi Donna and Joy,</p> <p>I'm posting these questions for the Randolph Center site:</p> <p>•Can you post/send out the list of questions for the interviews?<br /> •Why is the logic model set up graphically the way it is? It wasn't in the order that we completed it?<br /> •We had a lot of confusion about the terms on the logic model, in particular, Outcomes Indicators vs. Outcome Measures (there was some differences in the terms of the different examples we had in our packet). Can you explain these again?</p> <p>I'm going to email the Randolph crew to let them know I've posted these here and ask them to add to and/or elaborate, if they need to. Thanks for sharing your expertise!</p> <p>Marty Jacobs (Randolph Center site moderator) </p> http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/vt-npos-in-changing-times-questions-for-gretchen-morse#post-1040 Mon, 11 Apr 2011 10:58:01 +0000 Lauren-Glenn Davitian 1040@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>If you have questions for Gretchen Morse about the future of Vermont nonprofits, using outcomes to improve community life and your organization's effectiveness (or any topic related to her presentation at the VT NPO Conference on 4/14), please post them here. </p> http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/tips-to-turn-you-into-a-world-class-mark-questions-for-spike-advertising#post-1039 Mon, 11 Apr 2011 10:55:58 +0000 Lauren-Glenn Davitian 1039@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>If you have questions for Julia Andrews or Ken Millman of Spike advertising about how to "make a difference by being different" and using marketing to expand your reach and impact, please post them here. </p> http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/outcomes-to-funding-questions-for-rachel-jolly-of-vermont-works-for-women#post-1038 Mon, 11 Apr 2011 10:54:28 +0000 Lauren-Glenn Davitian 1038@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>If you have a question for Rachel Jolly of Vermont Works for Women about how they used outcomes to design their program(s) and generate community support, please post it here. </p> http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/building-skills-to-monitor-evaluate-performance-outcomes#post-1037 Mon, 11 Apr 2011 10:49:46 +0000 Lauren-Glenn Davitian 1037@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>If you have any questions for Donna Reback or Joy Livingston concerning their presentation at the Vermont Nonprofit Conference on 4/14, pleas post it here! </p> http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/should-vermonts-nonprofit-sector-make-a-statement-in-support-of-single-payer-he#post-1027 Mon, 14 Feb 2011 09:20:47 +0000 Dave Thurlow 1027@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>Adopting single payer would clearly have a life-changing, if not life-saving effect on nonprofits that are now cutting health care coverage AND STILL facing rising premiums and deductibles…. not to mention the effect on the 50 to 100,000 high need individuals that all human service non profits strive to empower. </p> <p>How could anything have a greater impact on people who chose between, eating, staying warm, staying healthy, staying safe, and staying put… before they can even consider making a better life for themselves.</p> <p>This is a cross-sector concern (crisis?) but the nonprofit sector should help by speaking loudly, forcefully, and collectively to counteract what will surely be resistance from the moneyed interests wishing to keep the status quo.</p> <p>I’m not a nonprofit leader, but if I was, I’d be asking my colleagues why forming such a statement would not be in our collective best interest, and in the interest of those we serve.</p> <p>The misunderstanding and misinformation about single payer swirling around WITHIN the human service sector itself is disheartening, but could be overcome by nonprofits discussing the issue internally, then with other oganizations.</p> <p>Does anyone know of a reason that human and social sevice nonprofits and the people they serve would not benefit from a single payer system? </p> http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/vcf-spring-grant-round-q-a#post-1026 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 15:34:12 +0000 Ryan Torres 1026@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>This is our last chat for this grant round but please feel free to give us a call if you have any other questions. 802-388-3355</p> <p>Thanks<br /> Ryan </p> http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/vcf-spring-grant-round-q-a#post-1025 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:50:10 +0000 Ryan Torres 1025@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>The deadline for the Spring Grant Round is This Friday, Feb 4th at 5pm. Our next deadline will be July 15th. </p> http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/vcf-spring-grant-round-q-a#post-1024 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:40:32 +0000 CommonGood VT 1024@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>Ryan,<br /> Thanks for moderating --- For visitors that visit this forum later, when is the deadline for the 2011 Spring Grant Round? And when is the next VCF grant round deadline? </p> http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/vcf-spring-grant-round-q-a#post-1023 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:00:10 +0000 Ryan Torres 1023@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>Hello Everyone - this is Ryan Torres, philanthropic advisor with the Vermont Community Foundation. I am here to answer any questions about the grant round you might have. </p> <p>Remember you need to refresh the screen in order to see the responses. </p> http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/vcf-spring-grant-round-q-a#post-1017 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 11:21:16 +0000 Cilstrup 1017@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>All right - that wraps up today's live chat. Feel free to call us if you have questions! 802.388.3355 </p> http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/vcf-spring-grant-round-q-a#post-1016 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 10:46:24 +0000 Cheryl Mitchell 1016@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>Thanks to both of you. Time to get writing!<br /> Stay warm on this lovely frigid day! </p> http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/vcf-spring-grant-round-q-a#post-1015 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 10:38:08 +0000 CommonGood VT 1015@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>Cheryl, the Foundation Center has a great new website dedicated to grant writing assistance - check it out here: <a href="http://blog.commongoodvt.org/2010/10/grantspace/" rel="nofollow">http://blog.commongoodvt.org/2010/10/grantspace/</a> </p> http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/vcf-spring-grant-round-q-a#post-1014 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 10:30:55 +0000 Cilstrup 1014@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>Thanks Cheryl - we're also available live in person if you find you have questions you need to talk to us for. The number at the office is 802.388.3355. </p> http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/vcf-spring-grant-round-q-a#post-1013 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 10:26:57 +0000 Cheryl Mitchell 1013@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>Thanks again.<br /> Those were all my questions for now. I'll check back for Nick's advice.<br /> Kudos to VCF and CommonGoodVT for making this kind of responsive interaction so easy. (P.S. the video training was very helpful as well.)<br /> Cheryl </p> http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/vcf-spring-grant-round-q-a#post-1012 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 10:22:45 +0000 Cilstrup 1012@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>Yes - if you receive a grant, you can spend the money on anything you would like that's in your annual budget. There's a good definition of "general operating support" in the FAQ on our website and there are also some good resources on the web about how to write an operating support grant. Google it! There may also be some good resources right here on commongoodvt. Perhaps Nick can point us to some? </p> http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/vcf-spring-grant-round-q-a#post-1011 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 10:17:20 +0000 Cheryl Mitchell 1011@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>Thank you,<br /> Does that mean we could also request funding for an intern to help us with organizing, promoting, and running the activities? </p> http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/vcf-spring-grant-round-q-a#post-1010 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 10:15:09 +0000 Cilstrup 1010@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>You are welcome to apply in this round. Remember that an operating grant can be used to cover any expenses you have so submit your full operating budget. You are welcome to use a community fund grant to pay for insurance. Because you are a relatively new organization, make sure that you can demonstrate how you will sustain your organization over time. </p> http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/vcf-spring-grant-round-q-a#post-1009 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 10:12:44 +0000 Cheryl Mitchell 1009@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>We are a relatively new non-profit supporting a range of learning activities and retreats that focus on refreshing the spirit and loving the land. We promote stewardship, reverence, and innovation through activities that are directly connected to Addison County as well as the wider world.<br /> We don't have much of a track record yet as an organization, although most of our Board Members have been very active in other groups (Vermont Family Forest, PACT, Addison County Farmworker Coalition, Walden Project, Orion Magazine, Invisible Odysseys, Sheep Breeders Association, Art on Main, New Haven Community Library, Narrative Therapy Association, Middlebury College, Permanent Fund, Addison County United Way...)<br /> We would like to apply for an operating grant to cover the cost of insurance for all of our projects and some basic communication expenses.<br /> Would we be eligible for this round?<br /> Thanks,<br /> Cheryl </p> http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/vcf-spring-grant-round-q-a#post-1008 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 10:02:29 +0000 Cilstrup 1008@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>Hi Everyone - this is Christopher Kaufman-Ilstrup, philanthropic advisor with the Vermont Community Foundation. I'm happy to answer any questions you might have today. </p> http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/vcf-spring-grant-round-q-a#post-1007 Mon, 17 Jan 2011 12:03:40 +0000 jpeterson 1007@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>I'm signing off now. The next on-line forum will be next Monday from 11:00AM-12:00PM. In the meantime, check out our website for lots of information about the grant rounds.</p> <p>Jen </p> http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/vcf-spring-grant-round-q-a#post-1006 Mon, 17 Jan 2011 12:02:20 +0000 jpeterson 1006@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>Another great question. We are making general operating grants in our Community Fund grant rounds this year. The one exception to that is that public schools, municipalities and religious institutions must apply for project support and must call and speak with one of our grants staff before applying.</p> <p>So with a general operating support grant, the funds may be used for any expenses in the annual operating budget. We generally do not fund for expenses that occur prior to the funds being received. </p> http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/vcf-spring-grant-round-q-a#post-1005 Mon, 17 Jan 2011 11:56:55 +0000 CommonGood VT 1005@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>Thanks for that... What sort of timeline are you looking for in this round of grant funding? E.g. Would you like to have programs already scheduled before grants are submitted, or is outreach included in our timeline? </p> http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/vcf-spring-grant-round-q-a#post-1004 Mon, 17 Jan 2011 11:53:25 +0000 jpeterson 1004@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>One question that I got at the grantseeker forum in Rutland last week was whether it was OK to apply to multiple grant rounds at the VCF. While you can only apply to one Community Fund grant round this year, this does not preclude you from also applying to other grant rounds listed on our website, i.e. Arts Endowment Fund, Walter Cerf Fund, Special and Urgent Needs Fund, etc. </p> http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/vcf-spring-grant-round-q-a#post-1003 Mon, 17 Jan 2011 11:30:31 +0000 jpeterson 1003@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>Good question. We will provide grants up to $10,000 and there are no matching requirements. Our average grant size is about $4,000-$5000. The grants are usually for one year.</p> <p>Glad to hear it if folks are taking some time to celebrate the MLK legacy of social justice! </p> http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/vcf-spring-grant-round-q-a#post-1002 Mon, 17 Jan 2011 11:24:47 +0000 CommonGood VT 1002@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>Great, so what the funding levels? and are there matching requirements and how long the duration of the grants will be? </p> <p>MLK Day bust have a lot of people away from the computer! </p> http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/vcf-spring-grant-round-q-a#post-1001 Mon, 17 Jan 2011 11:04:18 +0000 jpeterson 1001@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>Thank you for hosting the Forum Nick!</p> <p>The deadline for the next 2011 Community Fund grant round is 5:00PM EST February 4, 2011. There is an FAQ page on the website that does answer lots of common questions people have about the guidelines and application. We also have a new 1/2 hour video available on the website and through CommonGoodVT.org of an interview with VCF grant staff Christopher Kaufman Ilstrup answering questions about the grant round. </p> http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/vcf-spring-grant-round-q-a#post-1000 Mon, 17 Jan 2011 10:59:18 +0000 CommonGood VT 1000@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>Thanks, Jen and to the Vermont Community Foundation for moderating the forum today. When is the deadline for the Spring 2011 grant round? And is there FAQ page people can visit for basic info? </p> http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/vcf-spring-grant-round-q-a#post-999 Mon, 17 Jan 2011 10:57:14 +0000 jpeterson 999@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>Hi Everyone,</p> <p>Happy Martin Luther King Day! Jen Peterson here--VP for Community Grantmaking at Vermont Community Foundation. I'll be on-line for the next hour and am available to take questions regarding our 2011 Community Fund grant rounds or any of our grant rounds for that matter.</p> <p>Ask away! </p> http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/vcf-spring-grant-round-q-a#post-998 Wed, 12 Jan 2011 11:56:36 +0000 CommonGood VT 998@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>Program Officers of the Vermont Community Foundation will be available online to answer your questions about their Spring 2011 Grant Round. Join them at a special CommonGoodVT Forum on:</p> <p> * Monday, January 24th 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. .<br /> * Monday, January 31st 2 - 3 p.m.</p> <p>It’s easy to do:</p> <p>1. Be sure that you have first reviewed the Application and the Grant Seeker Frequently Asked Questions</p> <p>2. Get yourself a Forum Username prior to the session(s) you’d like to participate.</p> <p>3. Log on at one of the times/dates listed above and ask your questions!</p> <p>Scroll down and/or go to the next page for the most current Q &amp; A. </p> <p> PLEASE REMEMBER TO REFRESH YOUR BROWSER EVERY FEW MINUTES<br /> (Log-in trouble? Shoot a note to <a href="mailto:Coordinator@CommonGoodVT.org">Coordinator@CommonGoodVT.org</a>) </p> http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/vt-womens-fund-2011-grant-round-q-a/page/3#post-997 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 11:02:27 +0000 CommonGood VT 997@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>And just an FYI. the Vermont Community Foundation is hosting a grant seekers workshop on January 10th <a href="http://blog.commongoodvt.org/2010/12/vcf-grant-workshop-rutland/" rel="nofollow">http://blog.commongoodvt.org/2010/12/vcf-grant-workshop-rutland/</a> </p> http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/vt-womens-fund-2011-grant-round-q-a/page/3#post-996 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 11:02:26 +0000 Vermont Womens Fund 996@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>Thank you for joining us. Please don't hesitate to call us if you have additional questions.<br /> ~ The Vermont Women's Fund </p> http://forums.commongoodvt.org/topic/vt-womens-fund-2011-grant-round-q-a/page/3#post-995 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 11:01:31 +0000 CommonGood VT 995@http://forums.commongoodvt.org/ <p>Thanks to the VT Women's Fund and to all of today's participants. To learn about future events such as this one, be sure to sign-up for the CommonGood VT Weekly E- News here <a href="http://commongoodvt.org/" rel="nofollow">http://commongoodvt.org/</a> </p>