We would like to wish our Australian nonprofit sector a lovely summer and festive season. Every year is busy but 2009 has been particularly challenging with the financial crisis. We hope that everyone gets the rest they deserve.

A big thank you to all those participating in Connecting Up’s “Listening Project” across Australia for their time and enthusiasm to share their stories with our researcher; Karen Gryst. It has been both informative and inspiring to visit so many different community organisations and meet with the staff who without exception have been truly exceptional for their dedication and service to their communities.
So rest up, enjoy friends, family, sunshine, and down time to relax and rejuvenate and be back for 2010 to continue your great work!

For more information on The Listening Project click here.

Isn't it so frustrating when companies or sponsors or other funding bodies dangle a carrot of much needed funds, but only want to fund a specific thing. "Well what we had in mind was a playground." Oh good, another playground! I'm being cheeky, but in reality sponsors find it easier to sell a tangible project internally. It is much harder to get money for staff, administration, IT upgrades, capacity development.
Some sponsorships and grants are more trouble than they are worth, creating more work to try and fit funding criteria on something which could be a diversion from where we really need to be spending our valuable time.

Wouldn't it be nice if companies doing their bit for the community understood that we (the nonprofits helping the community) know our stuff, we're passionate about it, we know how to work very efficiently and we are ready to tackle the community issues we deal with through excellent programs. We just lack the resources human or otherwise, to do so.

That is why the DonorTec program is so ingenious. The companies who support this program are saying - 'We know you do great work! So let's help you save those valuable dollars to spend on core programs and priorities rather than IT infrastructure AND become more efficient in the process with the latest and greatest technology. Read more

A Jpeg is worth a 1000 words!

Connecting Up Australia (CUA) www.connectingup.org  operates the DonorTec www.donortec.com.au and TechSoup New Zealand www.techsoup.net.nz technology donation programs, the SACommunity community services information site www.sacommunity.org and many other projects. We are seeking Expressions Of Interest from people associated with nonprofit organisations to join our Board of Management. Connecting Up is a nonprofit organisation based in Adelaide but we operate with a national perspective. We already have a Sydney-based Board member and we are keen to explore the possibilities for adding to our Board’s national profile. There are no sitting fees available but all expenses associated with attending Board meetings will be met. The Board meets ten times yearly in Adelaide and interstate members would be asked to attend a number of meetings in person and via videoconference for other meetings. If you are interested, please send your CV and contact details to the Chair of Connecting Up, Bruce Linn bruce.linn@brucelinn.com and cc to CEO, Doug Jacquier dj@connectingup.org . Confidential enquiries can be made, and/or further information obtained from Doug Jacquier 08 8122 2752. Expressions of Interest close 29 January 2010.