Tennessee Nonprofit Network

🔥 Feeling FRIED? 🔥 You're not alone! Our President & CEO, is back with a final post about burnout before he takes his sabbatical. Learn the 12 stages & discover how to tell the difference between stress & full-blown burnout. Don't miss it!

Stepping Back to Step Forward: My Journey Through Burnout (Part 3) - Tennessee Nonprofit Network by Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network Read part 1 of this series here. Read part 2 here. Hi everyone, I’m back with another post about burnout, a topic that clearly resonates with many of you. Several of you have asked how I knew the difference between “regular” stress an...

Our President & CEO, Kevin Dean, had a great time on the Campfire Collective podcast, Just Bluffin'! You can listen to the episode here: https://wyxr.org/just-bluffin

Tennessee recently held its State and Federal Primary elections on August 1, 2024, featuring significant developments across the state’s political landscape. Nonprofit professionals in Tennessee can benefit from understanding these changes as they impact policy, funding, and community engagement efforts. Learn more at the link below.

Tennessee Primary Elections Recap: Key Takeaways for Nonprofit Professionals - Tennessee Nonprofit Network by Capitol Resources, LLC and Natalie Jones, Director of Advocacy and Research, Tennessee Nonprofit Network Tennessee recently held its State and Federal Primary elections on August 1, 2024, featuring significant developments across the state’s political landscape. Nonprofit professionals in Tenne...

Our President & CEO, Kevin Dean, Ed.D., shares his very personal journey with burnout in the next blog post about his burnout and upcoming sabbatical. Read it below.

"One of the biggest 'aha' moments in my burnout journey is that I can name it. I know what burnout is versus being tired. I know the warning signs now. I can catch it before I lose myself and undue all of the accomplishments our team has achieved. And it's about time - this is the worst burnout I have ever felt. My mind literally feels like it is short circuiting. The parts about myself I like the most - abundance thinking, empathy, making lemons out of lemonade, not sweating the "small stuff," tuning out the noise, viewing my job as a gift rather than a chore - are hard to find these days. I don't recognize myself. I am not the leader I can and should be, and I want to be that person again!"

Stepping Back to Step Forward: My Journey Through Burnout (Part 2) - Tennessee Nonprofit Network by Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network Read the first part of this blog series here. Last week, a coworker and I were visiting Nashville for a slate of meetings, and I somehow managed to forget her and leave her at the restaurant. Yes, I left her! I had to turn around and […]

Tennessee Nonprofit Network understands the financial challenges faced by nonprofits in the state. Through extensive engagement and a statewide survey, TNN identified key obstacles, including delayed reimbursements, complex reporting, and restricted overhead costs. To address these issues, TNN collaborated with nonprofit peers to develop solutions. These solutions aim to improve cash flow through upfront funding, explore alternative payment models, standardize reporting requirements, increase flexibility in overhead costs, and establish a working group with state agencies to streamline grant processes and empower nonprofits. Read the full report below.

Making Grants Work for Nonprofits in Tennessee: Key Takeaways from the Final Grant Report - Tennessee Nonprofit Network Tennessee nonprofits, we know you’re the heart and soul of our communities, but it takes more than spirit to move your mission forward. Let’s be real—securing funds to keep your operations running can be a real headache. That’s why we’re excited to share an initiative that we’ve been wor...

Tennessee Nonprofit Network is excited to partner with BoardBuild for a new series of online courses for seasoned and prospective board members and a new AI-generated board matching platform that will connect our nonprofit members to passionate, untapped board member prospects! Read more at the link below and learn more in our newsletter this week!

New Self-Paced Online Board Governance Trainings Offered - Tennessee Nonprofit Network Tennessee Nonprofit Network, a 501(c)3 membership organization that serves as Tennessee’s nonprofit association, is partnering with Texas-based nonprofit BoardBuild to offer online board member training. This new collaboration will allow nonprofits and board member candidates from across Tennessee...

Have you ever worked with a nonprofit with enough rules to make your head spin? How are we supposed to do our jobs when our employee handbook is 20,000 pages long and our fundraising department has 465 KPIs? The answer to the complexity may not be what you expect: simplicity.

Creating Simple Rules for Complex Nonprofits - Tennessee Nonprofit Network Have you ever worked with a nonprofit with enough rules to make your head spin? How are we supposed to do our jobs when our employee handbook is 20,000 pages long and our fundraising department has 465 KPIs? The answer to the complexity may not be what you expect: simplicity. In “Simple Rules: How...

Get ready to be inspired, Tennessee nonprofit leaders! The breakout sessions for the upcoming Tennessee Nonprofit Conference on October 3rd are packed with dynamic speakers who are ready to share their expertise and insights. From fundraising strategies that ignite passion to innovative approaches to community engagement, these sessions offer a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and re-energize your mission. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation that will shape the future of nonprofits in our state!

Early bird rate of $199 ends July 31st! Beginning August 1, rates will increase to $249 for members and $299 for non-members.

Announcing Our Tennessee Nonprofit Conference Breakout Speakers - Tennessee Nonprofit Network Get ready to be inspired, Tennessee nonprofit leaders! The breakout sessions for the upcoming Tennessee Nonprofit Conference on October 3rd are packed with dynamic speakers who are ready to share their expertise and insights. From fundraising strategies that ignite passion to innovative approaches t...

Congratulations, your nonprofit board has successfully hired a new executive director (ED)! 🎉 Now what?

The nonprofit sector is currently experiencing what can only be described as a mass exodus of biblical proportions. Seasoned leaders are fleeing for greener pastures (or perhaps just saner ones), while a tidal wave of bright-eyed, bushy-tailed newbies eagerly step into their roles. This changing of the guard promises a thrilling mix of groundbreaking ideas and... well, let's just say short tenures for quite a few.

Unfortunately, many nonprofit boards seem to be populated by well-intentioned but woefully unprepared individuals. This unfortunate reality leaves countless new EDs adrift in a sea of uncertainty, desperately seeking guidance and support from those who are, frankly, clueless. It's no wonder that a shockingly high number of these poor souls end up throwing in the towel within the first two years, their spirits crushed and their resumes stained with the dreaded "short-term employment" curse. Thirty-percent of those blame issues with their boards for their quick departure.

Are you setting your new executive director up for success? If not, read on. If your goal is to send this talented individual running for the hills faster than you can say "501(c)(3)," then you're in luck. Here's your step-by-step, foolproof guide to scaring away your new executive director.

How to Scare Away Your New Executive Director in Ten Days - Tennessee Nonprofit Network Congratulations, your nonprofit board has successfully hired a new executive director (ED)! 🎉 Now what? The nonprofit sector is currently experiencing what can only be described as a mass exodus of biblical proportions. Seasoned leaders are fleeing for greener pastures (or perhaps just saner ones...

Congratulations, your nonprofit board has successfully hired a new executive director (ED)! 🎉 Now what?

The nonprofit sector is currently experiencing what can only be described as a mass exodus of biblical proportions. Seasoned leaders are fleeing for greener pastures (or perhaps just saner ones), while a tidal wave of bright-eyed, bushy-tailed newbies eagerly step into their roles. This changing of the guard promises a thrilling mix of groundbreaking ideas and... well, let's just say short tenures for quite a few.

Unfortunately, many nonprofit boards seem to be populated by well-intentioned but woefully unprepared individuals. This unfortunate reality leaves countless new EDs adrift in a sea of uncertainty, desperately seeking guidance and support from those who are, frankly, clueless. It's no wonder that a shockingly high number of these poor souls end up throwing in the towel within the first two years, their spirits crushed and their resumes stained with the dreaded "short-term employment" curse. Thirty-percent of those blame issues with their boards for their quick departure.

Are you setting your new executive director up for success? If not, read on. If your goal is to send this talented individual running for the hills faster than you can say "501(c)(3)," then you're in luck. Here's your step-by-step, foolproof guide to scaring away your new executive director.

https://tnnonprofits.org/how-to-scare-away-your-new-executive-director-in-ten-days/

"As much as I'd love for you to think that I am made of steel, I am not. I am human. You are, too. When we are in burnout mode, we are not the best version of ourselves. We have to give ourselves grace, and we have to give others grace and support when they are burning out. We have to be more open and transparent about our burnout, and we need to start having more conversations in the sector about how to authentically support leaders who are burning out. I remember years ago someone told a group of nonprofit CEOs they were taking a sabbatical, and people snickered. Today, these are serious conversations that aren't to be scoffed at. Burnout is real. We are real."

Stepping Back to Step Forward: My Journey Through Burnout (Part 1) - Tennessee Nonprofit Network by Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network Two years ago, I embarked on an exhilarating journey to help create Tennessee’s first statewide nonprofit association. It was a mission fueled by passion and a shared vision of a stronger nonprofit community. And while those initial meeti...

Tennessee Nonprofit Network launched three Community Action Councils (CACs) in 2024 to serve as ambassadors for our organization and be our “ears to the ground” in their local communities to unearth community needs and challenges.

Phil Trammell is the Executive Director of the Nonprofit Resource Center, a nonprofit organization that serves other members of the Greater Chattanooga Area nonprofit community through education and training, mentoring, coaching, and resource connection so they can focus on what they do best, serving the community. Phil has previously served as the development head at Girls Inc of Greater Chattanooga, at WTCI, our local PBS television station and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga. Prior to that, he served as the chief development officer at Texas Woman’s University and the University of Dallas. Prior to his nonprofit career, Phil held various corporate positions in banking, telecommunications and cable television in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Thousand Oaks, California, Indianapolis, Indiana and spots in between, Phil has lived in Chattanooga since 2013 and is the proud father of daughter, Felicity, a first-grade teacher in Chico, TX.

https://tnnonprofits.org/getting-to-know-our-east-tennessee-community-action-council-members-phil-trammel/

Nonprofits in Tennessee, take note! July 1st marked the enactment of a wave of new laws that could significantly impact your operations. From changes in fundraising regulations to updated reporting requirements, it's crucial to stay informed and ensure your organization remains compliant. In this blog post, we'll break down the key legislation you need to know, offering insights and guidance to help you navigate these changes and continue your vital work in the community.

New Tennessee Laws That Nonprofits Need to Know - Tennessee Nonprofit Network Nonprofits in Tennessee, take note! July 1st marked the enactment of a wave of new laws that could significantly impact your operations. From changes in fundraising regulations to updated reporting requirements, it’s crucial to stay informed and ensure your organization remains compliant. In this ...

Coming soon to a computer screen near you! Join Tennessee Nonprofit Network for Volunteer Management Boot Camp, the ultimate online learning experience for organizations ready to elevate their volunteer programs! Our convenient, practical, and asynchronous training takes you beyond the traditional classroom setting, empowering you to master volunteer management best practices at your own pace. With six comprehensive modules covering everything from recruiting and screening to implementing DEI strategies, you’ll gain the knowledge and tools to create a thriving volunteer community. Each module is packed with downloadable resources that you can put into action immediately, ensuring a seamless learning experience that translates into real-world results.

Volunteer Management Boot Camp Welcome Video

https://tnnonprofits.org/keynote-speaker-announced-for-tennessee-nonprofit-conference/

Keynote Speaker Announced for Tennessee Nonprofit Conference - Tennessee Nonprofit Network We’re thrilled to announce our keynote speaker for the 2024 Tennessee Nonprofit Conference: the incredible Cait Donovan! If you’re feeling the heat of burnout, you’re not alone. Cait, renowned speaker and host of “FRIED. The Burnout Podcast,” is here to guide us through the maze of exhaust...

"The root cause of failure can be traced back to a common denominator: ineffective board governance. It's time for a frank conversation about the critical role boards play in the success or failure of nonprofits and the urgent need for a dramatic shift in how we approach board leadership."

Sounding the Alarm: A Crisis in Nonprofits and the Urgent Need for Stronger Board Governance - Tennessee Nonprofit Network Memphis has recently witnessed a disturbing trend: four major nonprofits have closed their doors within the last six months. These are not small, barely functioning organizations. In fact, they are well-known organizations with a long history in our community. More nonprofits are, behind the scenes,...

Did you miss the special presentation today from Tennessee Nonprofit Network about grant opportunities with Tennessee Department of Human Services? Click the link below to watch the recording!

TN Department of Human Services Grant Opportunities Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) has several exciting grant opportunities available to nonprofits across the state related to their Community Gr...

For Hogwarts’ four houses, Harry Potter fans know that Gryffindors are brave, Hufflepuffs are loyal, Ravenclaws are wise, and Slytherins are …well, ambitious (sometimes ruthlessly so). But how would these house traits translate into nonprofits?

Which Hogwarts House Would Run the Best Nonprofit? - Tennessee Nonprofit Network by Natalie Jones, Director of Advocacy and Research A little-known fact about me is that I am a diehard Harry Potter fan and a very proud Puff (aka Hufflepuff). In fact, I read through the entire series once a year and this year to mix it up I’m planning to walk the distance from Platform […]

Did you miss our webinar today on the new Department of Labor rules and how it impacts Tennessee Nonprofits? You can watch the full webinar below!

https://youtu.be/GN9ijCQWAg0

As a nonprofit founder, you’ve poured your heart and soul into your cause. You’ve toiled away at crafting a vision and building a nonprofit organization from the ground up. You’ve begged for money from everyone you know. You’ve fought ridiculous battles to make it happen. You’ve dealt with the paperwork involved with establishing the your 501(c)3. You deserve an award for your commitment to this cause!

But here’s a surprising fact: you don’t actually “own” the nonprofit you founded. That’s right, founders of nonprofits relinquish ownership in favor of a unique structure that prioritizes the community it serves. Once you create a nonprofit, it becomes property of the community, and you don’t have legal rights to its name, mission, or direction.

No, You Don't "Own" the Nonprofit You Founded - Tennessee Nonprofit Network by Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network As a nonprofit founder, you’ve poured your heart and soul into your cause. You’ve toiled away at crafting a vision and building a nonprofit organization from the ground up. You’ve begged for money from everyone you know. You’ve foug...

We are very excited to announce our new Community Action Council members for Tennessee Nonprofit Network! We have a great representation from all over Tennessee! Click the link to learn more and meet our new Community Action Council representatives.

Tennessee Nonprofit Network Announces New Community Action Council Members - Tennessee Nonprofit Network Imagine a team of passionate people across Tennessee who are champions for nonprofits. That’s what Tennessee Nonprofit Network’s Community Action Councils (CACs) are! These councils are regional groups of volunteers with a common goal: to see a thriving nonprofit sector in Tennessee. We are exci...

It isn't too late to apply for our new Team Up program! Selected nonprofits will enjoy an all-expenses paid trip to Memphis for the Tennessee Nonprofit Conference and special pre-convening in October, receive free access to new fundraising and volunteer management curriculum developed by Tennessee Nonprofit Network, participate in monthly peer learning sessions, and get free on-demand support from volunteer management and fundraising experts! If your organization is a member of TNN (membership is FREE!), apply now or join us for an information session on June 6th.

Fundraising and Volunteer Management Learning Cohort Scholarships Now Available For Tennessee Nonprofits! - Tennessee Nonprofit Network Tennessee Nonprofit Network (TNN), with support from the Fidelity Charitable Catalyst Fund®, is thrilled to announce TeamUp, a brand new initiative designed to empower your organization. Launching in October 2024, TeamUp offers two distinct statewide learning cohorts – one focused on fundraising ...

Cool new benefit for Tennessee Nonprofit Network member organizations!

Do you have a social work background and a burning desire to make a real difference? But maybe you feel like you lack the leadership skills to truly maximize your impact? Tennessee Nonprofit Network (TNN) and the University of Tennessee in Knoxville (UTK) have joined forces to offer the perfect solution – the Postgraduate Certificate in Organizational Leadership, available at a discounted rate for staff working at TNN member organizations. You’ll receive 15% off just for working for a member organization!

New Member Benefit! Boost Your Nonprofit Leadership Skills with Tennessee Nonprofit Network and UT Knoxville College of Social Work! - Tennessee Nonprofit Network Do you have a social work background and a burning desire to make a real difference? But maybe you feel like you lack the leadership skills to truly maximize your impact? Tennessee Nonprofit Network (TNN) and the University of Tennessee in Knoxville (UTK) have joined forces to offer the perfect solu...

Our final episode of the season for I Was Told There Would Be Snacks! In this episode, we're talking about parental leave. In an era of workforce shortages, nonprofit leaders are rethinking their benefits packages to include more support for employees, such as parental leave. In this episode, Amy Gore of ThinkTennessee and Mary McConner, Ph.D., CDE® of Inclusive Excellence Consulting® discuss how parental leave creates equitable opportunity for employees and mitigates turnover.

How to Kill Your Nonprofit With Bad Parental Leave Policies | Kudzukian Network In an era of workforce shortages, nonprofit leaders are rethinking their benefits packages to include more support for employees, such as parental leave. In

The Department of Labor (DOL) recently finalized an update to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) that will raise the salary threshold for overtime eligibility. The DOL estimates that this will have a significant impact on the nonprofit sector and will effect approximately 15% of our workforce in comparison to roughly 13% of the for-profit sector. This change will go into effect in two phases starting on July 1, 2024 and again on January 1, 2025.

New Overtime Rules: A Guide for Tennessee Nonprofits - Tennessee Nonprofit Network Written by Natalie Jones, Director of Advocacy and Research, Tennessee Nonprofit Network The Department of Labor (DOL) recently finalized an update to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) that will raise the salary threshold for overtime eligibility. The DOL estimates that this will have a significan...

Find out about all of the bills nonprofits have been watching this legislative season, which ended last month. Learn about budget items, bills passed, and grants that will be available in the coming year.

https://tnnonprofits.org/2024-tennessee-legislative-recap/

The Tennessee Nonprofit Conference, formerly the Mid-South Nonprofit Conference, is returning on Thursday, October 3rd, 2024 at the Hilton Memphis in East Memphis. Presented by the Tennessee Nonprofit Network and our community partners, this conference is one of the largest gatherings of nonprofit professionals in the southern US, and the biggest in Tennessee.

Are you an expert in your discipline and have a session concept that will inspire, teach and connect nonprofits, funders, government agencies, and the communities they serve? We want your ideas! Share your expertise with more than 500 participants from across the state. This conference sells out every year!

We are calling for dynamic speakers to submit proposals to address current and emerging action-centric topics for all staff roles in volunteer management, fundraising & development, marketing & communications, finance, programs and leadership/senior management.

Learn more and apply to attend below!

Call for Speakers: 2024 Tennessee Nonprofit Conference - Tennessee Nonprofit Network We are excited to announce that the Mid-South Nonprofit Conference is now the Tennessee Nonprofit Conference and will return Thursday, October 3, 2024, at Hilton Memphis in East Memphis. The conference is presented by Tennessee Nonprofit Network and our community partners. The conference has histori...

Are you a consultant with a passion for supporting the nonprofit sector?

If you possess the skills and expertise to propel Tennessee's nonprofits forward, we want to hear from you! Join our directory and gain access to a network of over 1,000 organizations across the state actively seeking guidance and support.

Click here for more information and the application:

Tennessee Nonprofit Consultant Directory Now Accepting Applications - Tennessee Nonprofit Network Tennessee Nonprofit Network (TNN) is thrilled to announce the opening of applications for our newly expanded statewide online consultant directory! This exciting initiative aims to connect Tennessee’s incredible nonprofits with a talented pool of consultants who can empower them to achieve their m...