As most nonprofits know, special events are a staple in the fund-raising world.  However, a new idea, the “non-event,” is starting to receive some recognition of its own.  An organization hosting a non-event generally begins with a direct-mail solicitation effort.  A tongue-in-cheek invitation is created for this mailing and sent out to prior donors of the organization.  This invitation usually invites the recipients to purchase a ticket to your non-event, thus entitling them to stay home and relax.  The invitation can explain how much money your organization is saving by not renting a room, purchasing food/beverages, etc.  It can also emphasize how much the donor is saving by not attending the event.  (Itemize the money they will save by not having to attend your event, such as tuxedo rental, buying a new dress, babysitting, parking, cost of the dinner, cocktails/refreshments, having your hair done, etc.)  Then ask for a donation close to the amount they are saving.  If you are soliciting a smaller donation, you can always have your virtual event be a beach party or more casual affair.

Some organizations go a step further, and invite people to actually host an event themselves in honor of their organization.  For example, the Upstate New York and Vermont Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society host a Mother’s Day Tea party every year.  Their non-event consists of a mailing inviting people whose lives have been affected by blood cancer to become “hostesses” for the organization.  These “hostesses” receive a packet of pre-printed invitations, envelops and tea bags.  The hostesses then mail invitations out to their family and friends inviting them to partake in a “spot of tea at the hour of three” on behalf of those with leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers.  Each invitation includes a tea bag and an envelope for return contributions.  Theresa Petrone, Campaign Manager-Special Events of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, says, “While some people do get together for tea in honor of the non-event, it’s more about recognizing that everyone should be grateful for being a mom or having a mom at that time of year.”

Many organizations are finding great success with these non-events.  Do you have any donors who are tired of attending special events and fancy galas?  How about individuals who would like to see most of their donation go directly into programs of the organization they choose to support rather than the costs associated with a fancy evening auction?  If so, perhaps it is time you consider hosting a non-event!  If you would like more information about non-events, the AFP has a great article on ideas for nonevents here and some sample invitations for non-events can be found here and here.

Ten years ago, Becky Byrne, a pediatric nurse, recognized a growing need to provide grief support and education to an underserved population of grieving children and teens in the Saint Louis area.  Annie’s Hope – The Bereavement Center for Kids began as a grass roots effort over a cup of coffee with a mission to provide comprehensive support services to children, teens and their families who are grieving the death of someone significant.  Throughout the past decade, the organization has grown significantly, and last year alone they served over 1,000 children with almost 2,300 contacts.

Annie’s Hope currently offers ten different free programs and services to children in the area.  These programs include:  Family support groups; Camp Courage – a weeklong, overnight camp for 112 grieving kids; Horizons – a home-based support group for kids and families who are anticipating a death; School Support & Education – support groups for students during the school day, educational workshops for school personnel, and crisis intervention support; Teen Retreats (three times a year) and a Moms Retreat; Social Events for families; Hope and Healing Gathering – grief support through the holidays; a Community Resource Library – lending library of over 600 pieces; a Grief Referral Service – referrals to community therapists for one-on-one counseling; and a Speakers Institute – grief education for the community-at-large.

In the coming year, Annie’s Hope plans to grow even more.  There are plans in the works to expand their camp experience to include Camp Erin – a four day, overnight camp just for grieving teenagers.  They also intend to add a Dads Retreat sometime in April, 2009, anticipate expanding their Horizons program, and plan to add on-going, monthly, family support groups.  By implementing these changes, Becky Byrne, Executive Director of Annie’s Hope believes that her organization will soon be identified as the “go to” organization for children and teens in need of grief support.

Paradigm Shift Studio, llc initially got involved with Annie’s Hope in 2004.  In the past we helped by underwriting the creation of their new website which has lead to a large increase in the number of visitors, donors, volunteers, and families requesting Annie’s Hope programs.  In the coming year, Paradigm will be starting a year-long capacity building project, thanks to the generous support of the Missouri Foundation for Health and the Non-Profit Services Center.  Paradigm will work in partnership with Annie’s Hope to enhance their Strategic Planning, Fundraising, and Board Development.  Becky Byrne recently paid us a wonderful compliment in saying, “The staff of Paradigm Shift Studio are passionate, skilled, energetic folks who will always go the extra mile to ensure they are delivering an exceptional product or service.  Their focus on the positive, coupled with an appreciation for the challenges, provides for an amazingly upbeat, fun, productive learning experience.  We have always been confident of the expertise that Paradigm Shift Studio can offer nonprofits.”

If you would like to learn more about Annie’s Hope – The Bereavement Center for Kids please feel free to visit their website or access their online newsletter here.  If you would like to talk to a staff member at Annie’s Hope, they can be reached by phone at 314-965-5015 or by email at annieshopekids@aol.com

Tax Sheltered Annuity - 403(b) Plans Changing

New requirements were issued in the July 2007 IRS regulations to help the IRS consolidate and update guidance on prior 403(b) plans and can directly affect non-profits who offer 403 (b) plans.  These new regulations change a number of things, but most significantly they have shifted the compliance responsibility from the participant to the plan sponsor.  They also now require most 403(b) programs to be maintained pursuant to a written plan document and provide rules under which tax-exempt entities are aggregated and treated as a single employer.  The new regulations require aggregate participant records and reporting and contain universal availability requirements for section 403(b) elective deferrals and consequences for failing to meet these rules, and finally, the regulations now permit exchanges between contracts only if certain information sharing requirements are met.

In addition to the new IRS regulations, the Department of Labor also revised their regulations concerning the exempt status of certain 403(b) plans.  Non-exempt plans will now be subject to 5500 filing requirements and the large plans (generally those with greater than 100 participants) must include an independent audit report.

As a result of these changes, by January 1, 2009, most 403(b) plans will both look and act very similar to 401(k) plans.  Unfortunately, unlike 401(k) plans, most 403(b) plans do not have a centralized plan administration or record keeping.  This may mean a great deal of effort and cost to plan sponsors in order to gather the information needed to comply with the new audit requirements.  For more information on filing dates, requirements and to see how the new 403(b) regulations are going to affect you or your organization, check out the IRS’ website here.  If you have any further questions, we encourage you to talk to a specialist in the field as soon as possible.

Happy Holidays from Paradigm Shift Studio, llc

At this time of the year I find myself smiling and enjoying the wonderful sights, sounds, smells and giving nature of the season.   As professionals who work in non-profit and educational sectors we find ourselves enjoying giving throughout the year, but it is during the holiday season that our community as a whole steps up to make a difference for others.  From the change dropped in the Salvation Army bucket, for toys gathered and donated, to families who are adopted, pets supported, and to the many wonderful and generous donors who make end of the year gifts -- we thank you all.   

All of us at Paradigm Shift Studio wish for you personally and professionally and holiday season filled with unexpected joys and happiness and a 2009 filled with generosity and support to continue he great work that you do!  Blessings to you and your families. 

 - Lisa