What's New at CAPLAW?

New: All a-Board! The Purpose, People, and Process of CAA Boards

CAPLAW has released three new videos exploring fiduciary duties, strategies for keeping board members engaged, and how to make the most out of the board's time together.

.....................................................................................................

New Tool: Combining Forces: A Merger Manual for Community Action Agencies

Now more than ever, CAAs are exploring mergers as a strategy to improve their sustainability and enhance their efficiency and effectiveness. Whether or not your agency is currently contemplating a merger, this tool will help you understand what may be gained by and what should be considered in the pursuit of a strategic merger transaction.

View the Tool
View the Appendices

.....................................................................................................

New Case Studies: Leadership During Crisis: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic

CAPLAW and the National Community Action Partnership have developed two case studies focused on the ability of CAAs to respond to unique challenges and effectively govern themselves during difficult times. These case studies highlight the examples of two CAAs, and how each relied on good governance practices and communication to navigate complex challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pro Action of Steuben and Yates
Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission

.....................................................................................................

New Section 4 of Tools for Top-Notch CAAs: A Practical Approach to Governance and Financial Excellence

In light of the new FASB accounting standards for nonprofit organizations, CAPLAW has issued a newly updated Section 4 of our popular guide, Tools for Top-Notch CAAs, focusing on financial statements for board members and management of nonprofit CAAs. Also check out the new sample financial statements in the Appendix to Section 4.

.....................................................................................................

New FAQ: Public Charge: Understanding the New Rule and its Implications for CAA Clients

After a lengthy comment process and the litigation of several preliminary injunctions attempting to block its implementation, the Department of Homeland Security’s new “public charge rule” is currently in effect in all states. CAPLAW has developed this FAQ to inform CAAs and their clients about how a client’s receipt of certain public benefits under the rule may impact their future immigration status.

.....................................................................................................

Policies in Practice: Complying with the CSBG Organizational Standards

Dive into this governance checkup to review some key policies your CAA is required to have under the CSBG Organizational Standards - a whistleblower policy, procurement policy, conflict of interest policy, and record retention policy.

News for Community Action

Coronavirus Updates for the Community Action Network

CAPLAW is closely monitoring the coronavirus outbreak and impacts on the Community Action network. See the latest developments and funding source guidance here. (Last updated January 20, 2021).

New Resource: Building Readiness: Planning, Prevention, Response, and Liability

.................................................................................................

Final Uniform Guidance Revisions Issued

On August 13, 2020, the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released its final guidance revising sections of the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. This is the first major revision of the Uniform Guidance since its publication in 2014, and contains changes that will affect how federal grant recipients administer their federal funds. Read more.

.................................................................................................

Free Upcoming Webinars

Managing Cash Flow
Presented by: Propel Nonprofits
Date: Wednesday, January 27, 2021
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET
While standard nonprofit financial reports – the budget, income statement, and balance sheet – provide important management information, these statements alone do not tell whether there is enough cash on hand to pay for an unexpected expense, to take on a new opportunity, or even to cover payroll next month. This webinar will cover how to anticipate and prepare for the ebb and flow of cash coming in and going out of your organization and identify ways to avoid and manage cash flow challenges.

Nonprofit Leadership Transitions
Presented by: Propel Nonprofits
Date: Thursday, January 28, 2020
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET
Leadership transitions are an inevitable part of every nonprofit’s life cycle. While these transitions can be daunting and often carry an emotional weight, the leadership transition and development process can benefit both the people involved and the organization. Transitioning from one nonprofit leader to another is an opportunity for investing in your overall organizational strategy and growth. Leadership transition is a time-bound, four-phase transition from one leader to another. This webinar will cover how to prepare for an upcoming leadership change, set yourself up for a successful search process, and onboard your new leader for short-term and long-term success.

How to be a Great Board Chair
Presented by: Propel Nonprofits
Date: Wednesday, February 24, 2021
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET
The board chair is the highest officer of the nonprofit board of directors. This webinar prepares the board chair for governance and leadership responsibilities, including how to design effective board meetings, attend to board development, partner with the CEO/ED, and lead as an ambassador of the organization.