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 Community Action Agencies (CAAs). Also check out the new sample financial statements in the Appendix to Section 4.

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

New FASB Financial Reporting Requirements: Are Your Board and Management Team Up to Speed?
Presenter: Kay Sohl, Kay Sohl Consulting

Now that the new FASB accounting standards for nonprofit organizations have taken effect, it’s time to step back and evaluate whether your CAA’s board and senior staff are familiar with the new presentation of financial statements, and how each is effectively using the information to inform its organizational strategy discussions and decisions. This two-part webinar series discusses the board’s and management’s responsibilities for exercising oversight and stewardship over a CAA’s finances, particularly how the new FASB accounting rules impact their review of a CAA’s financial statements. Part 1 focuses on the board’s responsibilities, and Part 2 focuses on the management team’s role in financial accountability for a CAA.

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

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 October 16, 2020).

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

Events in a Digital Age: How to Maximize Offline Events in an Offline World
Presented by: Firespring
Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT
With the vast number of online tools available, you can streamline everything from event registration to email marketing to social media, ensuring you capture your audience right where they are: online. This webinar will cover how to plan your next event with digital in mind from day one, including the importance of integrating digital into your event, 3 key goals to help you measure success, and 5 digital must-haves to keep your event running smoothly.

Where Does Governance Stop and Management Begin?
Presented by: Propel Nonprofits
Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EDT
A nonprofit’s board and the staff need to be collaborative partners to achieve the mission of the organization. However, there are times when roles and responsibilities become blurred. This webinar will help clarify where governance stops and management begins.

Get Your Board to Help You Fundraise
Presented by: Firespring
Date: Thursday, November 12, 2020
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT
Are you a nonprofit trying to fundraise? Your board should function as a fundraising machine. This webinar will cover how to assess your board’s fundraising personality, motivate your board members to fundraise, create individual plans, set goals and kick off campaigns, and use goal attainment as board engagement.

Twelve Golden Rules of Nonprofit Finance
Presented by: Propel Nonprofits
Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2020
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EDT
Nonprofit financial health can seem like an elusive, nuanced, and subjective judgment call. This webinar will break it down to 12 Golden Rules of nonprofit finance to keep your organization healthy. From budgeting to operating reserves, if you follow these rules, you’ll be on your way to a better understanding of nonprofit financial health. This session is a great introduction for those who are new to nonprofit finance.

Financial Information and Your Board
Presented by: Propel Nonprofits
Date: Wednesday, December 16, 2020
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EDT
The board of directors of a nonprofit organization has legal responsibility for the organization’s work. The board is responsible for short and long-term planning, and they must ensure that systems are in place for administering and effectively using resources and guarding against misuse. In order to fulfill their responsibilities, board members must be able to rely on financial information that is accurate, timely, in context, and appropriate.