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Family-Run and Nonprofit Organizations

Family-run organizations have been a strong voice during the development and implementation of equity in education for students with disabilities. Without the valuable contributions of families through family-run organizations and nonprofits, new and improving legislation, information and research would likely not have been as meaningful. The following resource list has been developed to help family-run organizations mobilize and maximize their passion and voice to influence systems of care that are responsive and increase successful outcomes.

Planning Tips and Information for Family-Run Organizations Providing Family-Centered Services

General Nonprofit Management Resources

Board of Directors

  • All About Boards of Directors
    Online guide to typical topics and functions in Board operations, and functions in an organization that a Board must oversee.
  • Guide for Charity Board Members
    Guide to help directors understand their role and responsibilities as stewards of the charitable organizations for which they serve. Under Minnesota law, directors of a Minnesota nonprofit corporation are responsible for the management of the business and affairs of the corporation.
  • Family Run Executive Director Leadership Association (FREDLA)
    Organization for developing the leadership and organizational capacity of family‐run organizations for children’s behavioral health and statewide family networks

Video Series on Board of Directors Development

Boards of Directors play a critical role in providing overall leadership and strategic vision for nonprofit organizations. The videos below describe some important components of board development and engagement. To learn more about the topics discussed in the these videos, visit the Leadership & Governance Resources section of Minnesota Council on Nonprofit’s website.

Volunteers

Volunteer Recruitment

Volunteers can be a valuable resource for nonprofits. The steps your organization takes to include volunteers should be well thought out and based on your organizations mission. For volunteers, the time spent should be meaningful and rewarding. The video below offers some suggestions on how to find, manage and support volunteers.

Fundraising

  • Foundation Center
    An innovative nonprofit that gathers and analyzes data, shares it worldwide, and empowers people to understand and increase philanthropy’s ability to improve the world. Targeted at fundraisers and grant writers 
  • Network for Good Fundraising Resources Library
    An online resource for how to develop fundraising programs and measure their success in philanthropic organizations

Fundraising for Sustainability

Fundraising plays an essential part in maintaining the mission and work of a non-profit organization. Not only does it help to provide the money that is necessary to run your organization but it gives an opportunity to show the impact your organization is making year after year. This video discusses the steps in developing a fundraising plan that will help to sustain your organization.

Nonprofit Finance and Risk Management

Nonprofit Technology

Nonprofits and Diverse Populations

  • Working with Culturally Diverse Families - Parent Perspective Videos - Parent Voices on Parent Involvement Series - PACER Center
    Parent Focus Group Questions on Parent Involvement and Engagement with the School
  • Parent Leadership and Systems Change
    Parent leadership occurs when parents gain the knowledge and skills they need to function in meaningful leadership roles and represent the “parent voice” to help shape the direction of programs, policies, and laws. Historically, parents of children with special needs have taken on leadership roles in advocating for supports and services for their children. Many parent leaders started out trying to improve the quality of life for a family member but ended up improving the lives of many through their advocacy efforts.
  • Tips for Emerging Family Leaders
    As schools and other organizations recognize the importance of family engagement, new opportunities are being created for families to take on leadership roles or to demonstrate family leadership by becoming members of advisory boards or stakeholders on task forces or committees.
  • Center for Health Strategies
    A nonprofit policy center dedicated to improving the health of low-income Americans, a nonpartisan organization, CHCS facilitates problem-solving exchanges and peer learning among a diverse range of health care stakeholders to improve access
  • Georgetown Center for Childhood and Human Development Technical Assistance Center
    Located in the nation's capital, this exceptional center both directly serves vulnerable children and their families, as well as influences local, state, national and international programs and policy.