I Want to Be Sure You Know

You’re busy and if you’re like me, weather delays and school closures have you behind – so I’m going to get right to the point.  Here are a few important things I want to be sure you know about:

1. With feedback from the Nonprofit Sector Advocacy Council and the KNN Public Policy Committee, the KNN board of directors approved the 2014 Public Policy Priorities in preparation for our KY Nonprofit Day at the Capitol this coming Thursday, January 30.  Included in these priorities is close monitoring of proposed legislation that would overhaul the laws for running and incorporating a Kentucky nonprofit.  The current Kentucky Revised Statutes have not kept up with technology and certainly some updates would be welcome.  I’ve seen a draft of this 155 plus page legislation and I understand the task force is still working on it.  As your state association, I assure you we will keep you updated on the content and status of this proposed legislation once a bill is filed and begins its journey through the Kentucky General Assembly.
2. At Thursday’s KY Nonprofit Day at the Capitol, we have several announcements planned.  I hope you will join us in the Capitol Rotunda at 9:30 am EST to show your commitment to a strong and vibrant nonprofit community in Kentucky.  There is also still time to register for the full day, which includes breakfast with legislators at 7:00am and lunch.  I am grateful for the nonprofits who are partnering with us to make this a successful day of visibility for our nonprofit community in Frankfort.  Here’s who’s attending so far.
3. We are off and running with Kentucky Gives Day 2014 – set for April 9.  Our site went live a few weeks ago and over 100 nonprofits from across Kentucky have already signed up.  While the deadline to participate is still over a month away, I strongly encourage you to go ahead and claim administrative access to your page so you can take advantage of the educational tools we are providing to help you have a wonderful day of raising funds for your mission – including our February 6 webinar with the awesome Lori Jacobwith.  This and other webinars are available to KY Gives Day participating charities only and I want to be sure you take advantage of all of these opportunities and are in the loop – so please register today!
4. Lots has been happening since the SOAR conference in Pikeville in late 2013.  A letter today from Governor Beshear summarizes recent announcements.  KNN plans to host a webinar to keep you updated on how you can engage in this important work to strengthen our Commonwealth – stay tuned.

Finally, on Wednesday, KNN, Inc. celebrated the one year anniversary of receipt of 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt status from the IRS.  For those of you who’ve worked as a board or staff member of an organization applying for tax exemption, you know how exciting that milestone can be.  Given our twelve year history of serving as your state association, this formal incorporation was especially meaningful for me.  I share this with you because if you are receiving this email, you’ve expressed an interest in the work of KNN and are part of this journey.  Whether you are a KNN member or have yet to join your state association of charities, you are important to our work to advance Kentucky’s nonprofit community.  So, to all of us – happy anniversary!

Stay warm!

Danielle Clore

Executive Director