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Conference FAQs
What is the 2008 Conference theme?The theme for this year is "Nonprofits & Government: Partnerships and Policies in a Time of Retrenchment." 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. When and where will the Conference be held?All elements of the conference will be held Thursday and Friday, October 2–3, 2008, at RiverCentre, in Saint Paul.
How much does it cost?
Opening ReceptionThis year's opening reception is hosted by MCN and the Minnesota Council on Foundations, with support from Northwest Area Foundation. The Opening Reception is free for all registrants. Awards LuncheonFree for all registrants; $25 for guests. View more information about about the Awards Luncheon. Are there scholarships available?A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available to nonprofits with operating budgets under $250,000 and are strictly limited to one per organization. Scholarships cover the conference registration fee only; no funds are available for transportation or lodging. To apply, please complete the conference registration form and submit it with a brief letter which addresses your organization needs a scholarship and how attending the conference would benefit you and/or your organization. You may fax your scholarship application to 651-642-1517 or mail it to: MCN, 2314 University Ave. W., Ste. 20, St. Paul, MN 55114. The deadline for applying for a scholarship is Friday, September 8; requests received after the deadline will not be considered. All applicants will be contacted about whether or not they have received a scholarship by Wednesday, September 20. How do I register?There are three ways to register for the 2008 MCN Annual Conference: online, by fax, and by mail. Download a PDF registration form Registration Deadline: Thursday, September 18, 2008Will I get a confirmation of my registration?Once your registration has been faxed, mailed, or submitted online, you are registered for the conference. Confirmation notices will be sent via e-mail when your registration is entired into MCN's registration system. If you would like to ensure that your registration has been received, view a list of currently registered attendees or contact MCN at 651-642-1904 or 800-289-1904. Can I cancel my registration?Registrants who are unable to attend the conference may substitute someone to attend in their place; please submit the change via email to MCN's registrar at ann@mncn.org. Cancellations received prior to Wednesday, September 18, 2008, will receive a refund minus a $35 processing fee. No refunds are available after September 18, 2008. How can I arrange special accommodations?For special accommodations, including sign language interpreters, please contact MCN at 651-642-1904 or 800-289-1904 by September 18, 2008, to assure availability. Where can I stay while I am in the Twin Cities?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.
My organization is not currently a member of MCN. How can I join?Nonprofit organizations are invited to join the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits to take advantage of the reduced conference fees! Join at the same time that you register and save over $50 per participant!
How do I get information about advertising or exhibiting at the Conference?
Who can I contact for more information?For more information about the conference, please contact the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (651-642-1904 or 800-289-1904 or info@mncn.org). |
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