Economic stimulus summary.doc
More than 100 nonprofit organizations and individuals participated March 3 in a community-wide briefing on how the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (better known as the “economic stimulus package”) affects our region. The conference call was sponsored by 8 Neighbors: the Center for Nonprofit Advancement, The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region, The Greater Washington Board of Trade, Leadership Greater Washington, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, The Nonprofit Roundtable of Greater Washington, United Way of the National Capital Area and Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers. It was moderated by David Robertson, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

Speakers included:
• James R. Horney, Director of Federal Fiscal Policy at The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
• Ed Lazere, Director of the DC Fiscal Policy Institute
• Henry Bogdan, Managing Director, Public Policy and Advocacy, Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations; and Neil Bergsman, Director of the Maryland Budget and Tax Policy Institute
• Sara Okos, Policy Analyst with Virginia’s Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis.

A summary of the call follows. To listen to audio of the entire one-hour briefing, [click here] To download from webpage, left click on the link “110683.mp3” and click “Save As.” Economic stimulus summary.doc

• How is the Economy Affecting Philanthropy in Our Region? (Washington Grantmakers) In October, we surveyed our members to learn how the current economic crisis is affecting grantmaker assets and to determine the potential impact on giving in 2009.
• Economy’s Impact on Nonprofits in Greater Washington Region (Center for Nonprofit Advancement) Results of a survey of nonprofits in the region assessing the impact of the economic downturn. Also includes a resource list for nonprofits.
• The Community Foundation's Neighbors in Need Fund is a grantmaking fund supporting effective nonprofit organizations in the Greater Washington, DC region that provide "safety net" services such as food, clothing and shelter. Applications accepted until 4:00pm on Friday, December 19
• Economic Crisis Resource Center (Meyer Foundation) A list of learning opportunities, tips, tactics, and strategies to help you navigate through the economic downturn.
• Managing in Tough Times: 7 Steps (Bridgespan Group) Insights and advice from clients, from other nonprofit leaders and experts, and from our own leadership.
• How Charities Cope With a Troubled Economy (Chronicle of Philanthropy) Recent stories, live discussions, and statistics about how charities deal with turbulent times.
• Economic Xchange (Council on Foundations) A collaborative initiative on how the current economy impacts philanthropy.
• Opportunities In Lean Times: What's A Nonprofit To Do? (Fieldstone Alliance) While we don't have a crystal ball to foresee the future, we are in the business of helping others figure out how to move forward. Here are steps we recommend.
• Focus on the Economic Crisis (Foundation Center) A myriad of resources on the effect of the economy on philanthropy and nonprofits, including articles from experts in the field, links to additional resources and events, and a bibliography of online and print resources dealing with nonprofits and the economic downturn.
• Nonprofit Economic Vitality Center (National Council of Nonprofits) Ever-evolving resource to help nonprofits better understand have access to strategies to help navigate the economy.
• Navigating the Financial Crisis: A Nonprofit FAQ (Nonprofit Finance Fund) Questions and answers about what nonprofits should do and should avoid, plus links to additional resources.
•Survival Guide EBook (Network for Good) A free 45 page handbook full of tips, survival guides, strategies, and a coupon to save 50% on Network for Good’s online fundraising services.
•Sustaining Nonprofits During Economic Downturns (Nonprofit Risk Management Center) George Thread, PhD provides insight on both threats and opportunities for nonprofits during times of economic recession.
•20 Emergency Funding Sources for Nonprofits (Fieldstone Alliance) A list of twenty emergency funding ideas comprised of revenue sources that can be accessed within thirty days.