Nonprofits and Government

Partnerships and Policies in a Time of Retrenchment

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Democracy creates opportunities for citizens to join together to undertake projects for public benefit, lobby legislators and other public officials to take specific actions, and hold government accountable. Nonprofit organizations serve as a frequent and useful vehicle to bring people together to tap this “people power” – engaging people at the forefront of reform movements, new services and local action.

Interactions between nonprofits and government occur across a wide spectrum, and while they can cause tension and unrest, the functioning of democracy requires partnerships between the two – especially when resources are tight. The nonprofit-government relationship can take many forms. Nonprofits supplement the work of government by providing expertise and connections to communities and individuals, nonprofits implement shared strategies, and government provides resources and support for projects and programs, to name a few.

2008 is a pivotal year for nonprofits and government. 2009 will bring a new President, Congress, state Legislature and budget. We will also see results of constitutional amendments and new legislation defining the charitable property tax exemption.

The time has never been more ripe for this conversation. Join your nonprofit, foundation, government and community colleagues at MCN’s 2008 Annual Conference to examine how nonprofits and government form partnerships and policies to benefit the public.

Opening Reception

This year's opening reception is hosted by MCN and the Minnesota Council on Foundations, with support from Northwest Area Foundation.

Join MCN and our philanthropy partners to welcome Minnesota’s newest philanthropy leaders at the Annual Conference opening reception. This networking event, free to all conference registrants, is a way to meet philanthropy leaders and network with colleagues in nonprofits and foundations.

Join your colleagues in nonprofits, foundations and government to give a warm welcome to:

Trista Harris, executive director, Headwaters Foundation for Justice
Peter Hutchinson, president, Bush Foundation
Randi Roth, executive director, Bremer Foundation
Kevin Walker, president and CEO, Northwest Area Foundation

The opening reception is free to all conference registrants.

Registration Rates

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To register online, visit the Register Page. To register via fax or mail, download the registration form (PDF).

Location

Saint Paul RiverCentre

175 West Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, Minnesota
www.rivercentre.org

Who should attend?

Nonprofits & Government is a conference aimed at convening a wide array of professionals with an interest in the nonprofit and public sectors. Nonprofit staff, volunteers and board members will find stimulating and relevant content, as will foundation staff and trustees. Government employees who work with nonprofits, are seeking to engage the public or want to better understand nonprofits are encouraged to attend, as are elected officials, community members and students.

This year's conference will feature eight tracks or breakout sessions:

• Executive Leadership
• Governance
• Finance and Management
• Marketing and Communications
• Human Resources
• Fundraising
• Public Policy and Advocacy
• Theme-Related: Nonprofits and Government: Partnerships and Policies in a Time of Retrenchment

Network luncheon and presentation of 2008 nonprofit awards

Resource room

This informal way for nonprofits to share information with each other will be open on Thursday, October 2, from noon–5 p.m. and Friday, October 3, from 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

To participate, simply bring multiple copies of your annual report, newsletters, brochures, or other materials to share with your colleagues. This opportunity is only available to registered conference participants from nonprofit organizations. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants are responsible for bringing, setting up, and removing their materials.

Exhibit hall

Be sure to visit the Exhibit Hall, which will run throughout the main corridors of the conference facility. Exhibits will feature vendors and consultants who specialize in working with nonprofits. View a list of Conference Sponsors and Exhibitors.

Lodging

Call now to reserve your lodging! Reduced conference rates are available on a first-come, first-served basis for the nights of Wednesday, October 1, and Thursday, October 2. To reserve a room, call the hotel directly. Be sure to identify yourself with the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits to take advantage of these special rates.

Holiday Inn RiverCentre / Saint Paul

651-556-1407
Ask for the MCN 2008 Annual Conference room block and pay $109+
Reserve by September 1, 2008

Bloomington Super 8 Hotel

952-888-8800
Ask for the MCN 2008 Annual Conference room block and pay $59+
Reserve by September 2, 2008

Conference Committee

Steve Boland, Executive Director, Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation

Lee Buckley, Special Advisor, Governor's Council on Faith and Community Service Initiative

Susie Brown, Executive Director, Child Care Works

Candice Harshner, Executive Director, Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault, Inc.

May Kao Hang, Director of Mental Health and Education, Amherst H. Wilder Foundation

Qamar Ibrahim, Bush Fellow

Nancy Kleeman, Executive Director (through July 08), The Fund for the Legal Aid Society

Janis Lane Ewart, Executive Director, KFAI

Keith Parker, Senior Manager, Twin Cities Public Television

Leonard Price, Executive Director, Minnesota Conservation Corps

Deborah Schlick, Executive Director, Affirmative Options Coalition

Bao Vang, Executive Director, Hmong American Partnership

For More Information

For more information about the conference, contact the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits at 651-642-1904, 800-289-1904, or info@mncn.org.