Head Start: Prepare for the New Renewal System

Join CAPLAW for a 1½ hour webinar to learn about how the new “Designation Renewal System” will work, what criteria will trigger recompetition, and what your organization can do to prepare for the new system.

When: December 14th, 2 - 3:30 p.m. EST

Head Start Resources

Visit the Head Start section of the CAPLAW website to view information on the recently released monitoring protocol for FY 2012, Head Start Reauthorization information, Head Start Q&As, Head Start Board checklists, Information Memoranda, sample policies and contracts, monitoring tools, and more.

New "Top-Notch CAAs" Publication Now Available

Introducing the newest CAPLAW publication, Tools for Top-Notch CAAs: A Practical Approach to Governance and Financial Excellence. The toolkit is intended to assist boards and management in their collaborative efforts to build well-governed and effective CAAs. Learn more and download the toolkit for free!
 
The toolkit includes case scenarios and examples to help you understand and apply the principles discussed. And, many of the sections provide sample documents that CAAs can use as a starting point for developing their own policies.
 
The toolkit addresses how to:

• Conduct and maintain minutes for board meetings;
• Build financial capacity through hiring of skilled financial staff and effective audits;
• Prepare organization-wide budgets;
• Get the most out of financial statements;
• Address conflicts of interest; and
• Draft and implement effective whistleblower policies.

Members: free of charge
Non-members: free of charge
  
Learn more and downloand the toolkit!

 

NEW! Training Module for Public CAAs Launched

Introducing CAPLAW's new interactive training module, Purely for Public CAAs! The module contains 11 chapters on topics tailored specifically for public CAAs. Topics range from governing law to the tripartite board to maximizing and leveraging resources.

The module also provides first-hand insight from Public CAA directors and employees and contains quizzes throughout to test your knowledge on the information you just learned.

Learn more about the module, and other CAPLAW training resources for Community Action Agencies by visiting the CAPLAW Tools and Resources library.



OCS Appoints New Director

CAPLAW would like to congratulate Jeannie Chaffin on her appointed as the new director of the Office of Community Services beginning October 11, 2011. The announcement was made by George Sheldon, Assistant Secretary, ACF DHHS, during the 2011 NASCSP Annual Conference in Seattle, WA.

IRS EO Update e-Newsletter

Read the October 4, 2011 issue of the EO Update, a periodic newsletter with information for tax-exempt organizations and tax practitioners who represent them.

Articles of interest for CAAs include:

• Webinar: Reporting Employer Health Care Coverage on Form W-2

• New Voluntary Worker Classification Settlement Program
• Western Conference on Tax-Exempt Organizations
• Register Now for Workshops for Small and Medium-Sized 501(c)(3) Organizations

New Fall 2011 CAPLAW Update Newsletter

The latest edition of the CAPLAW Update newsletter is now available!

View the complete Fall 2011 CAPLAW Update Newsletter or select an article:

Evaluating Cost-Saving Workforce Options in Leaner Times View Article >>

CAPLAW Conference Prepares CAAs for Future Challenges View Article >>

Real Estate Donation Q&A View Article >>

CAPLAW Promotes Team-Based Approach to Financial Leadership View Article >>

Oral Complaints: Casual Workplace Banter or Properly Filed Wage and Hour Claim? View Article >>

Employer Liability for USERRA and Other Discrimination Claims Expanded View Article >>

Nonprofits Beware: Your Employees’ Blogs, Facebook Posts and Twitter Tweets May Be Protected by the National Labor Relations Act View Article >>

2011 OMB Circular A-133 Compliance Supplement Issued View Article >

CAPLAW e-News Bulletin, September 29, 2011

Read the latest issue of the CAPLAW e-News Bulletin!

In this issue:

• Tips for Managing Unauthorized Overtime
• Setting Executive Compensation
• Are Employers Required to Provide Temporary Employees with Retirement Benefits?
• UPDATE on How to Properly Handle an Employee’s Negative Social Media Comments
• Another Online Resource to Add to Your Legal Library

Stay connected with the legal and financial issues affecting Community Action Agencies. CAPLAW's E-News Bulletin is a continuing series of resources and information on current legal and financial topics of interest to CAAs and professionals working with CAAs.

CAPLAW e-News Bulletin, September 12, 2011

Stay connected with the legal and financial issues affecting Community Action Agencies. CAPLAW's E-News Bulletin is a continuing series of resources and information on current legal and financial topics of interest to CAAs and professionals working with CAAs.

View the complete September 12, 2011 issue.

Jean Block Stresses the Need for a Diverse Development Plan

Today’s funding climate requires all nonprofits to diversify their revenue, and community action agencies are no different! During today's Beyond the Basics webinar, Jean Block, of Jean Block Consulting, LLC, stressed to CAAs the need to diversify revenue sources by create a development plan. Jean shared tips how to get started on building a diversified development plan, the various types of fundraising and income generation you should include in your plan and the keys to success for a variety of fundraising applications.

Miss today's webinar?  You can view archived recordings and materials of all Beyond the Basics webinars anytime on the CAPLAW website.

Dealing with Audit Findings -- Today's Financial Management Call

Today, Kay Sohl was joined by Mary Pockl and Mike Zeno, CPAs with S.R. Snodgrass A.C. to discuss strategies CAAs can use to prepare successful responses to both audit findings and concerns of funders and communities. As A-133 experts, Mike and Mary provided insight on the challenges auditors confront in identifying and reporting control and compliance weaknesses and questioned costs.  

If you missed today's call, Dealing with Audit Findings, you can view the recording of and access materials from the conference call on the CAPLAW website.

Interested in participating in the CAPLAW Financial Network?  Find out how!

Keys to Cost Effective Controls and Clean Audits – the COSO Internal Control Integrated Framework

On Wednesday, July 27th Kay Sohl of Kay Sohl Consulting, discussed the COSO internal control framework and how Community Action Agencies can use this framework to develop more cost effective controls and streamline the audit process. The webinar explored new strategies to address the risks which emerge during periods of budget cutbacks and cash flow problems.

This webinar and other sessions in the Beyond the Basics webinar series are available for viewing anytime on the CAPLAW wesite.

The next webinar in the Beyond the Basics webinar series will be Strategic Resource Development: Fundraising and Revenue Creation Plans on August 17 , 2011, 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. eastern time.

Free Training Opportunities From CAPLAW

Register today for two free upcoming training opportunities from CAPLAW!
 
FREE! Beyond the Basics Webinar
Keys to Cost Effective Controls and Clean Audits – the COSO International Control Integrated Framework
July 27 , 2011, 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. EST


FREE! Financial Management Call
Dealing with Audit Findings
August 3 , 2011, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. EST

Register Today for FREE Upcoming CAPLAW Events!

Register for free trainings oppportunities from CAPLAW!

FREE! Financial Management Call
Getting Your Money’s Worth from Your Audit
July 18, 2011, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. EST
http://www.caplaw.org/FiscalManagement.html


FREE! Beyond the Basics Webinar
More than Math: The Board’s Role in Financial Oversight and Monitoring
July 20 , 2011, 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. EST
http://www.caplaw.org/audioconferences/beyondthebasics2011.html

FREE! Beyond the Basics Webinar Series

Is your community action agency ready to move beyond rote understanding of legal and fiscal compliance issues, and to become a stronger, smarter, more strategic organization—one ready for the new reality of CSBG funding constraints and competition? If so, join CAPLAW and its partners for the FREE webinar series, Beyond the Basics: Strategic Approaches to Organization-wide Compliance, Risk Management, and Resource Development.

Learn more about the series!

Upcoming Webinar:
Purposeful Planning: How to Focus Board & Staff Efforts to Guide Your CAA to Success
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time

Register Now!

Government Shut Down: Three Critical Actions CAAs Must Take To Continue Operations

Congress continues to fiercely debate federal budget cuts.  CAAs should take action to ensure enough funds are on hand to continue operating during a shutdown. Read the CAPLAW article with critical steps all CAAs should take.

2011 CAPLAW National Training Conference, Now More Than Ever

  
Registration Open for the 2011 CAPLAW National Training Conference!
At this time of federal and state budget cuts and increased competition for funding, ensuring that your organization is well-governed and legally and fiscally sound is more important than ever. The CAPLAW National Training Conference will equip your staff and board with the knowledge and tools they need to weather the current funding crisis and to face future governance, human resources, fiscal and legal challenges.
This year, we are excited to have Yasmina Vinci, MA, MPA, Executive Director of the National Head Start Association, join us during the conference opening session.

- View Conference Flyer
- Registration Details  
- Workshop Descriptions  
- Conference Schedule

Here are a few examples of workshops pertinent to the CAA Community:

Beyond Bake Sales: Raising Money from Private Sources, Thursday June 16th
In today’s challenging funding climate, your organization needs to diversify its revenue sources. This fast paced workshop will discuss the elements in a development plan, how marketing principles will enhance your development efforts, how to connect with donors and funders, how to ask effectively, and will share some great new FUNdraising ideas you can try. The workshop is led by Jean Block, a fundraising pro with more than 45 years experience.

Lobbying and Political Activity: Playing by the Rules, Friday, June 17th
How can nonprofits and public agencies receiving federal grants (including CAAs and Head Start programs) operate and advocate effectively within the lobbying and political activity rules that apply to them? Find out by attending this workshop and getting a nuts and bolts explanation of Internal Revenue Service, Office of Management and Budget, Community Services Block Grant and Head Start rules governing lobbying and political activity, as well as the Hatch Act and voter registration rules. This workshop is led by Eleanor Evans, Esq. of CAPLAW.

If you would like more information about conference speakers, workshops and registration, visit the CAPLAW website at www.caplaw.org. You can also contact Cara Loffredo at 617-348-6426. Or, e-mail her at loffredo@caplaw.org.

Budget Cuts Likely; Government Shut Down Less So

Read the new CAPLAW Article, Budget Cuts Likely; Government Shut Down Less So.  Congress continues to fiercely debate federal budget cuts.  Although a shut down is unlikely, CAAs should take action to ensure enough funds are on hand to continue operating during a shutdown. Read the CAPLAW article with tips and action steps all CAAs should take.

CAPLAW Seeking Administrative Coordinator/Executive Assistant

CAPLAW is currently seeking an Administrative Coordinator/Executive Assistant to coordinate and carry out the daily administrative operations as well as longer term projects of the CAPLAW organization and the ABCD Legal Department.  View the full job description

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN for the 2011 CAPLAW National Training Conference!

 
Join us during the 2011 CAPLAW National Training Conference at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center from June 15 – 17, 2011!
  

Registration Details  |  View Workshop Descriptions  |  View Workshop Schedule

During the 2011 CAPLAW National Training Conference, our expert faculty of attorneys, accountants, government officials and nonprofit managers will equip you with the imformation and tools you need to resolve the legal, financial and management questions you encounter every day.

Workshops are relevant to nonprofits and government grantees, with a special focus on issues faced by both nonprofit and governmental Community Services Block Grant recipients, Head Start programs, their delegate agencies and other affiliates.

Now More Than Ever

At this time of federal and state budget cuts and increased competition for funding, ensuring that your organization is well-governed and legally and fiscally sound is more important than ever. The CAPLAW National Training Conference will equip your staff and board with the knowledge and tools they need to weather the current funding crisis and to face future governance, human resources, fiscal and legal challenges.

This year’s conference features exciting new training opportunities!

• New! Special sessions on developing funds from private sources!
• New! Basic and advanced workshop track levels
• New! Special in-depth training opportunities on June 14th
• Special tracks on fiscal, governance and HR issues
• Three pre-conference workshops

Who Should Attend the Conference? 

• Nonprofit management staff
• Nonprofit board membersAccountants and attorneys working with CAAs, nonprofits and government grantees
• Head Start program staff
• Government grantees
• Federal, state and local government officials

Updated! CAPLAW Lobbying and Advocacy Q&A

View helpful lobbying and political activity resources for CAAs like the CAPLAW Lobbying and Advocacy Q&A and the recent CAPLAW audio conference, Lobbying Legally & Effectively.

Register Today! Financial Management Conference Call

  
Preparing the Annual Budget in Uncertain Times 
 
Register now! 
 
Explore strategies to prepare your next annual budget amidst tumultuous changes in state and federal funding levels. Learn how other CAAs are dealing with the challenge of preparing a comprehensive annual budget while major shifts in funding levels are still under discussion. Explore strategies to maintain core administrative and infrastructure functions as program dollars shrink, and CSBG, our most flexible federal source is under attack.

  

Join fellow CFOs and CEOs to explore:

• Scenario planning – creating a budget framework for multiple unknowns
• Determining the full cost of downsizing
• Outsourcing, sub-leasing, and vendor negotiation strategies
• Internal resource sharing strategies
• Sustaining core admin functions

Date: Thursday, March 17th
Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST
Fee: FREE!
Format: Webinar

IRS Spring Exempt Organizations Workshops

Thinking ahead to Spring? Register now to attend a Spring workshop for small and mid-size 501(c)(3) organizations.  View the event calendar for locations, dates, and registration.

Free Fisher & Phillips LLP Webinar

Register for the January 26th webinar, Anatomy of an I-9 Audit: Managing Risks, Auditing Forms, and Avoiding Penalties. In this webinar, attorneys at Fisher & Phillips will discuss the most current legal obligations for I-9 documentation and verification, best strategies for auditing both current and terminated employees' I-9 forms, and more. Lean more information.

Now Available! 2011 CAPLAW National Training Conference Information

View developing information on the 2011 CAPLAW National Training Conference!  This year's conference will be held in Minneapolis, MN from June 15 - 17, 2011 at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center. View Conference Information!