Author name: TNN

In 2004, President Clinton launched the non-partisan Clinton School of Public Service, a graduate program in the University of Arkansas system designed for people who seek to develop sustainable public service solutions in their community. The Clinton School offers the Masters of Public Service degree. Among the Masters degree tracks at the Clinton School is the two-year online Masters of Public Service (CSO – […]

Dear Tennessee Nonprofit Network Members, I’m thrilled to announce a groundbreaking development for our state’s nonprofit community! Last week, I proudly signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that unlocks a new, affordable health insurance option exclusively for our nonprofit members. This is fantastic news for organizations of all sizes! This plan removes the previous FTE

Ever had an idea you thought could improve Tennessee? Maybe it’s a new environmental regulation, a change to education policy, or an update to healthcare access. But how do you turn that idea into a law? Welcome to the fascinating, and sometimes complex, world of the Tennessee legislative process. Step 1: Drafting the Bill Your

Have you noticed that everything feels a little different in 2024 compared to five years ago, especially when it comes to fundraising? The pace of change in fundraising trends can be rapid, driven by factors like technology, donor expectations, and economic shifts. This presents both challenges and opportunities for nonprofits. They must be adaptable and

For many Tennessee nonprofits, advocacy and influencing policy are crucial aspects of their mission. But navigating the complex world of tax-exempt regulations around lobbying can be daunting. The 501(h) election offers a valuable tool for organizations engaged in advocacy, providing clarity and simplifying reporting. This blog post demystifies the 501(h) election for Tennessee nonprofits, outlining

Nonprofit executive directors often find themselves juggling priorities, leaving public policy and advocacy on the back burner. But ignoring this crucial area leaves your organization vulnerable to policy shifts that can hurt your mission. As an added challenge, many board members misunderstand the role nonprofits play in policy and advocacy, and some even think it’s

While 501(c)(3) nonprofits serve as cornerstones of positive change, addressing critical issues ranging from poverty and hunger to healthcare and environmental protection, their impact can be significantly amplified by stepping beyond direct service delivery. Crafting a clear and impactful policy agenda is a powerful tool for these organizations to not only address the symptoms of

The lifeblood of many nonprofits is the generosity of individual donors. From funding innovative projects to sustaining daily operations, these contributions represent a crucial vote of confidence in the organization’s mission. However, this trust hinges on one essential element: donor privacy. Legislation requiring nonprofits to disclose donor lists to legislators, for any reason, poses a

Nonprofits shouldn’t miss the state’s proposed budget unveiling. Why? It’s a roadmap to their future. Funding streams can dry up or new opportunities bloom depending on where the money flows. It’s policy in action, revealing priorities that might impact their work. Budgets whisper hidden grant possibilities, waiting to be discovered. Cuts elsewhere could even spark

Nonprofits must be legislative watchdogs for three key reasons: In short, informed nonprofits can adapt, advocate, and build trust, all crucial for lasting positive impact. Below are bills we are monitoring in the State of Tennessee. Please note that Tennessee Nonprofit Network monitors all bills that impact nonprofits and the communities they serve, but we