Resources for nonprofits
The Cooper Foundation believes that strong nonprofits help to build a strong community. To help build the capacity of nonprofits in the Waco area, the foundation hosts monthly Nonprofit Network meetings, as well as Board Governance trainings.
Nonprofit Network
This FREE gathering of Waco area nonprofit professionals and volunteers provides an opportunity for networking, peer learning, and professional development.
Upcoming Events:
April 24th Nonprofit Network: Public Charities Can Lobby: How Your 501(c)(3) Can Influence Policy for the Greater Good
SESSION DESCRIPTION
When our laws and policies work for us, our communities win. Nonprofits have a close-up view of community needs and can and should take advantage of their right to influence law and policy. After this workshop, you will have a clear understanding of what advocacy activities your 501(c)(3) public charity can engage in, what communications count as lobbying, and how to maximize your non-lobbying advocacy.
Participants will learn:
- How federal tax law permits lobbying for charities and how lobbying is defined;
- One easy step most charities can take to maximize the amount they’re allowed to spend on lobbying;
- Yearly lobbying limits for charities;
- Tips for taking advantage of the narrow definitions of lobbying – which will help charities make the most of their lobbying limit; and
- How to apply these rules to ballot measure activities.
PRESENTED BY
Natalie Ossenfort serves as Program Director for Alliance for Justice Bolder Advocacy, where she works with nonprofit organizations to boost their advocacy capacity and understanding of state and federal nonprofit advocacy rules. Prior to joining the AFJ team, she helped to create and run the Innocence Project of Texas, a nonprofit dedicated to freeing those wrongfully convicted of crimes. Natalie obtained her law degree from the Texas Wesleyan University School of Law in Fort Worth. She earned her undergraduate B.A. from Trinity University in San Antonio.
SESSION DETAILS
- Date: Thursday, April 24th
- Location Texas Life Annex (1000 Washington Avenue, Waco, 76701)
Event Schedule:
- 9:00-9:30am ~ Networking & light breakfast
- 9:30 – 11:00 am ~ Presentation
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
- You are welcome to bring flyers to place on the tables but please pick them up after the session.
- Please share this event with your friends on social media!
Nonprofit Network Meeting Schedule*
- 9:00-9:30 am – Doors open for a light breakfast & networking
- 9:30 am – Welcome, program begins
- 11:00 am – Program concludes
- 11:00-11:30 – Additional networking and questions
*Please note, the presentation is from 9:30-11:00 am and the remaining time is for networking.
To receive meeting notifications, please email inf@cooperfdn.org requesting to be added to the email list.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- Click here to download the Nonprofit Executive Director Resource Booklet.
- For more nonprofit specific resources in the Waco area, click here for a list of local nonprofit resources and opportunities.
Past Nonprofit Network Meeting Materials
Employment Law Updates*
*Please note that in November 2024 a federal judge blocked the new rule. While the ultimate outcome is unknown, we want you to be aware of the ongoing situation. Please click here for NPR’s article about the judge’s decision.
Data Science for Social Good
Making Sense of Nonprofit Financials – November 2023
Mindful Leadership- The Enneagram: A Personal and Professional Resource – September 2023
From Microaggressions to Microinterventions: First Steps for Interpersonal and Institutional Inclusion (Community Leaders Addition) – May 2023
Understanding & Achieving Language Justice – March 2023
Developing a Nonprofit Fundraising Plan – January 2023
Ask for a Piece of Their Pie: How Legacy Gifts Create a Sustainable Future for Your Nonprofit – May 2022
Implementing DEI in Hiring, Promotion, & Every Day Practices – September 2021
Remote Learning & Virtual Meeting Facilitation Resources
Panelists’ Perspectives: A Variety of Volunteer Management Approaches – February 2020
The Performance Imperative Review: A Framework for Social-Sector Excellence – January 2020
We encourage organizations to use the Performance Imperative’s Performance Practice Workbook as a tool to assess areas where their organization may have opportunities to reach higher performance.
Panelists’ Perspectives: The Process of Donor Cultivation & Making the Ask – November 2019
Grant Development Overview – October 2019
Why I Count, Waco: The Importance of the 2020 Census to Waco Nonprofits – September 2019
Shifting from Intentions to Lasting Impact: Understanding the Organizational Journey of Addressing Racial Inequities – August 2019
Nonprofit Data: Making the Connection Between Numbers and Narratives – May 2019
- May 2019 Presentation
- Stay tuned for additional resources
You Belong Here: Laying the Foundation for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – March 2019
Management & Coaching: Completing Tasks, Inspiring Vision, and Developing Your Team – February 2019
Financial Health: The Importance of Understanding Nonprofit Financial Statements – January 2019
The Nonprofit Ecosystem: Systems-Level Approaches for Sustainable Change – November 2018
Donor Demographics & Tax Law Changes in McLennan County – September 2018
Lobbying & Advocacy 101: Legal Tips for Nonprofit Advocates – May 2018
The Talk: The Importance of Addressing Inequities in the Workplace – April 2018
Must Be Able to Drive a Zoo Vehicle: The Big Picture of Inclusive Hires – March 2018
Are You Sure That’s Where You Are Going? Theory of Change and Your Organization’s Role in the Nonprofit Ecosystem – February 2018
Collaborating for Success: Transforming WISD Schools – January 2018
Designing Programs for Impact: How RBA Can Ease the Pain – November 2017
Creating a Culture of Learning – October 2017
- No presentation, this meeting was a panel discussion
Making Your Organization’s Financial Picture Stand Out From the Crowd – September 2017
Equity in Systems – April & May 2017
Laying the Foundation for Board Governance Training – April 2017
Engaging Young Professionals – February 2017
Laying the Foundation for Board Governance Training – January 2017
The Ins and Outs of Financial Statements – November 2016
Introduction to the Performance Imperative – October 2016
Racial Equity- May 2016
Do it yourself Social Media- April 2016
Volunteer Management: Meeting Expectations (Ours and Theirs)- February 2016
Strategic Relationships that Work (January 2016)
Culture of Openness (November & December 2015)
Measuring your Impact: Data for Non-profits (October 2015)
Storing Away for a Rainy Day: Operating Reserves for Nonprofits (September 2015)
Sign up for the
Nonprofit Network
UPCOMING EVENTS
NONPROFIT NETWORK
Upcoming Nonprofit Network Sessions:
(click read more to access registration links)
2025:
April 24: Public Charities Can Lobby: How Your 501(c)(3) Can Influence Policy for the Greater Good
BOARD GOVERNANCE TRAINING
2025 Training Dates:
May 9th, 9:00 – 11:30 am
August 8th, 9:00 – 11:30 am
November 14th, 9:00 – 11:30 am
UPCOMING DEADLINES
Visit our grants page to learn more about the process of applying and a full list of the upcoming application deadline and review dates.
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