Announcements - Week of December 23, 2009

Affiliate News

• UCP National: Two internship opportunities
• Marketing and Communications Internship
• Digital Media and Technology Intern
• Cerebral Palsy Association in Alberta: Global Edmonton News Hour - Ballerina Dreams (Video)

Conferences/Meetings

• BlazeSports America: 10th Annual Conference on Disability Sport and Therapeutic Recreation (February 11-13, 2010, Stone Mountain, Georgia)

Fellowship Opportunity

• The White House: The White House Fellowship is one of the nation's most prestigious programs for leadership and public service. Each year, 11-19 exceptional young men and women are selected to spend a year in Washington, D.C. to gain first-hand experience in the process of governing the nation at the highest levels of the Federal government. Candidates need to be promising young leaders who are excelling early in their careers and are committed to leadership and public service. Thus, this is not for students but rather for individuals already into their careers. Read a letter from President and Mrs. Obama.
• President Obama and Mrs. Obama would like your help to encourage talented leaders with disabilities to apply to the White House Fellows program.
• Learn more about the White House Fellowship:
  http://www.whitehouse.gov/fellows
• Download the application:
  http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/fellows/apply1

Research Opportunity

• University of Wisconsin Milwaukee: Participate in a doctoral research project at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee on evaluating factors that are most important to individuals with impairments when they purchase and use medical devices. To participate in this study you have to be at least 18 years of age. As a participant in this study, you can enter into an iPod raffle, the results of which will be released in April 2010. The information obtained from this survey will enable the university to provide information to medical device designers and manufacturers about features that should be included in medical devices so they are usable by persons with disabilities. To access this survey, click on this link.

Other News

• Syracuse.com: F-M teens win top prize for disability rights campaign
  
  
  YouTube: We "R" Above
• Disability Scoop: Real Life 'Rain Man' Kim Peek Dead At 58

Fundraising News

• Katya's Nonprofit Marketing Blog - Getting to the Point: Emailing now is good; Bad email is not good
• Future Fundraising Now: What giving means to donors

Social Networking/Web 2.0

• Beth's Blog - How Nonprofits Can Use Social Media: Can Social Network Analysis Help You Improve Your Social Media Strategy?
  
  2009 - Connected Action -
  Marc Smith - Social Media Network Analysis
  

  View more presentations from Marc Smith.
• Beth's Blog - How Nonprofits Can Use Social Media: Charities Cry Foul on Chase Facebook Charitable Giving Contest
• Social Edge - A Program of the Skoll Foundation: The Dark Side of Online Voting Contests
• Social Media Today: 2010- The Year of Opting-out
• Socialnomics: Social Media Privacy = Oxymoron?
• SmartBlog on Social Media: Spike Jones' 11 Lessons to ignite a fan community
• Philanthropy Central: Failure Anyone?
• SmartBlog on Social Media: Is Facebook too big for its own good?
• Case Foundation Blog (Video): America's Giving Challenge (AGC) Success Stories - Challenge winners get creative with video

Capitol Insider - Week of December 21, 2009

Read Capitol Insider for an overview of the week's most important public policy events.

UCP of Greater Houston Event: 12th John Granato Celebrity Golf Classic Raises $90,000

On November 19, UCP of Greater Houston held the 12^th Annual John Granato Celebrity Golf Classic at Wildcat Golf Club. The event classic was preceded by a "Tee Off" dinner and auction the night prior at Maggiano's Little Italy in Houston, and it raised nearly $90,000.

According to Sara Ardis of UCP of Greater Houston, "There were 67 Teams playing this year. It was not the largest event ever. Even so, we netted almost $90,0000 in a year that is very tough for nonprofits. The biggest challenge was securing cash sponsorships in a recession...start planning as soon as possible."

Over 145 photos from the event are available on the Facebook event page and the Flickr UCP photo sharing group. A radio spot with John Granato discussing the event is also available from 1560 AM - The Game.

For more information, please visit the UCP of Greater Houston Web site or contact Jenny Barnes at (713) 838-9050 x304.

UCP of Central Ohio Consumer Charlotte Receives Grant from Ohio Arts Council

Earlier this month, Charlotte, an artist and a consumer at UCP of Central Ohio, was awarded a $500 grant from the Ohio Arts Council (OAC) through the Individual Artist Grant Program. The program provides grants to Ohio artists for the exceptional merit of a body of work, and it recognizes creativity and imagination that exemplifies the highest level of achievement in a particular discipline and advances the art form. OAC is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally and economically, and the grant award will help Charlotte take her artistic creations to the next level.

In addition to this honor, Charlotte recently won second place in the Professional Division of the 2009 Very Special Arts of Ohio exhibition. Although she has been painting for more than three years, Charlotte was initially hesitant to set foot into UCP of Central Ohio's Art Bridge Studio, which aims to give individuals the guidance and encouragement to make "visible what is on the inside," whether through painting, ceramics, woodworking, or by throwing a bowl on the wheel.

Through her work at the studio, Charlotte has developed her own unique style using cut paper and paint to create images of creatures that live in her town of "Charlottesville." As she creates the colorful creatures, Charlotte simultaneously weaves a story giving the viewer a glimpse into the lives of her creations. UCP of Central Ohio is thankful to the OAC for its support to make Charlotte's artistic endeavors possible.

For more information, please visit the UCP of Central Ohio Web site or contact Gina Ginn at (614) 279-0109.

Announcements - Week of December 16, 2009

Affiliate News

• UCP of Central Florida: News-Journal Online - Christmas with the (300-plus) 'family'
• UCP of Michigan: Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital Research Opportunity
• UCP of Greater Sacramento: Life without limits begins with the right tools
• UCP of Oregon and Southwest Washington: Measures 66 and 67 (State ballot initiatives)
• UCP of Southern Illinois: 2009 Annual Report

Other News

• New York Times: Long-Term Care Stirs Health Care Debate (featuring UCP National Office Board Member - Anne M. Rader)
• Washington Post: Schools for disabled count on Mr. Fix-its - Retired engineers come in handy when students' assistive technology gadgets need repair
• Disability Scoop: Gifts Can Be Double-Edged Sword For Special Needs Recipients
• Disability Scoop: States Make Little Progress On School Restraint And Seclusion

Fundraising News

• GrantStaion: GrantStation Insider - Week of December 14, 2009
• Social Media 4 Nonprofits in Plain English: Top 4 Things to Ensure Last-minute Giving Success
• Donor Power Blog: Compete or Cooperate?
• Fundraising Success Magazine: Easier Said than Done - Fundraising in the Age of Cynicism - Here's what you can do to win donors' hearts in today's tough climate
• Future Fundraising Now: The solution to dysfunctional annual report nightmares
• Getting Attention - Helping Nonprofits Succeed Through Effective Marketing: Reader Favorites to Power Up Your Nonprofit Communications in 2010
• Care2.com Frogloop Blog: Who are the Millennials?

Social Networking/Web 2.0

• Nonprofit Tech 2.0 - A Social Media Guide for Nonprofits: ATTN Nonprofits - Major Changes Coming Soon to Facebook Fan Pages
• Nonprofit Tech 2.0 - A Social Media Guide for Nonprofits: Ten Things Nonprofits May Not Know About MySpace [But I Wish They Did]
• Beth's Blog - How Nonprofits Can Use Social Media (Video): Network + Self-Organizing + Location + Data Visualization = 2010
  
  YouTube: Groundcrew Tour
• HoneyTech Blog: Top 10 Social Media Tracking and Analytics Tools
• Wild Apricot Blog: Better Twitter Analytics for Nonprofits
• InventorSpot: Social Media Predictions For 2010
• SmartBlog on Social Media: The value of silence

UCP of South Florida Organization Honored Once Again Through Training magazine’s Top 125 Awards

Miami Cerebral Palsy Residential Services, Inc. (MCP), a satellite organization of UCP of South Florida, has had zero direct support professional (DSP) workforce turnover during the past eight months and only six percent turnover in the past year. This is quite a success, considering that high turnover and low wages plague the DSP workforce. WhoWillCare.net reports the DSP workforce is in crisis, and annual DSP turnover rates range from 40% to over 75% nationally.

MCP uses the College of Direct Support to train and educate its workforce. The college mandates its entire direct care workforce (also known as DSPs) are registered by the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals within the first year of employment, after completion of online college courses. In addition, MCP is affiliated with over 10 colleges, universities and technical schools for internships, externships and recruitment of its DSPs.

MCP was recently recognized among Training magazine's Top 125 Awards for the third consecutive year (MCP ranked 95th last year). The award honors organizations that excel in creating a thriving culture of learning. Training magazine uses an extensive selection process that recognizes employer-sponsored training and development programs. Entrants are judged on elements such as corporate universities, evaluation procedures and internal best practices. MCP is one of two nonprofits ever recognized by Training magazine.

"We believe we have been honored again in the prestigious rankings of Training magazine's Top 125 best training companies in the world, because of [our workforce training] efforts," says Marta Morin, Executive Director of MCP. "It is not very often that training and workforce development initiatives, and personnel are appropriately honored for the remarkable dedication and energy they give to countless others every day of the year."

The official award rankings and methodology will be revealed at the magazine's 33^rd Training 2010 Conference & Exposition, which occurs February 1-3, 2010 at the San Diego Convention Center in California. According to Morin, "This year I have selected Migdalia Santiago, Associate Director of MCP, to represent us [at the event]. Migdalia has played a strong leadership role in refining staff development at MCP the past year. Her presence at this event is well deserved and will serve a pivotal role with our agency goals and initiatives."

To learn more about Training magazine's 2010 conference and Top 125 Awards, please visit the conference Web site at www.trainingconference.com.

For more information about UCP of South Florida and/or MCP, please visit the affiliate Web site or contact Marta Morin at (305) 599-0899 x228.

Information & Referral: Ask Lara About Pregnancy and Parenting for Women with Disabilities

Q: Can a woman with cerebral palsy or another disability have children?

A: Many women with cerebral palsy and other disabilities have had healthy and successful pregnancies. However, just as with any pregnancy, the mother with a disability will require regular monitoring by a specialist to ensure that the pregnancy is progressing as planned and the baby is doing well. The abilities and resources that the mother with a disability has are the best determinants of how well she will be able to take care of the child after delivery.

The following Web sites offer good information about pregnancy and parenting with a disability:

• Parents with Disabilities Online
• Through the Looking Glass
• WomensHealth.Gov: Parents with Disabilities
• Center for Research on Women With Disabilities - Pregnancy Information
• Pregnancy and Parenthood for People with Cerebral Palsy from UCP affiliate, Capability Scotland

Have a question about Information and Referral services? Ask Lara! Please contact Lara by e-mail or reach her by phone at (202) 973-7105.

Capitol Insider - Week of December 14, 2009

Read Capitol Insider for an overview of the week's most important public policy events.

Information & Referral: National Inclusion Week, 2009

December 7-11, 2009 is National Inclusive Schools Week!

Inclusive Schools Week is an annual event sponsored by the Inclusive Schools Network (ISN) at Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC) and held each year during the first week in December. Since its inception in 2001, Inclusive Schools Week has celebrated the progress that schools have made in providing a supportive and quality education to an increasingly diverse student population, including students who are marginalized due to disability, gender, socio-economic status, cultural heritage, language preference and other factors. The week also provides an important opportunity for educators, students and parents to discuss what else should be done to ensure that schools continue to improve upon successfully educating all children.

Inclusion is central to the UCP vision—we strive to ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities in every facet of society—from the Web to the workplace, from the classroom to the community.

For example, UCP is proud to serve as a partner with the Including Samuel Project. Including Samuel is a film by Dan Habib about his family's journey towards inclusion for their son Samuel who has cerebral palsy. Shot and produced over four years, Habib’s award-winning documentary film, Including Samuel, chronicles the Habib family’s efforts to include Samuel in every facet of their lives. The film honestly portrays his family’s hopes and struggles as well as the experiences of four other individuals with disabilities and their families. Including Samuel is a highly personal, passionately photographed film that captures the cultural and systemic barriers to inclusion. Please check for screenings in your area.

Additional Resources:

• Ideas for celebrating Inclusive Schools Week
• Download Inclusive Schools Week Materials
• Inclusion Resources
• Early Childhood Inclusion

For more information, contact Lara Terrell at (202) 973-7105.

Announcements - Week of December 9, 2009

Affiliate News

• UCP of Central Florida: News-Journal Online - Christmas with the (300-plus) 'family'
• UCP of Michigan: Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital Research Opportunity
• UCP of Greater Sacramento: Life without limits begins with the right tools
• UCP of Oregon and Southwest Washington: Measures 66 and 67 (State ballot initiatives).
• UCP of Southern Illinois: 2009 Annual Report

Other News

• New York Times: Long-Term Care Stirs Health Care Debate (featuring UCP National Office Board Member - Anne M. Rader)
• Washington Post: Schools for disabled count on Mr. Fix-its - Retired engineers come in handy when students' assistive technology gadgets need repair
• Disability Scoop: Gifts Can Be Double-Edged Sword For Special Needs Recipients
• Disability Scoop: States Make Little Progress On School Restraint And Seclusion

Fundraising News

• GrantStaion: GrantStation Insider - Week of December 14, 2009
• Social Media 4 Nonprofits in Plain English: Top 4 Things to Ensure Last-minute Giving Success
• Donor Power Blog: Compete or Cooperate?
• Fundraising Success Magazine: Easier Said than Done - Fundraising in the Age of Cynicism - Here's what you can do to win donors' hearts in today's tough climate
• Future Fundraising Now: The solution to dysfunctional annual report nightmares
• Getting Attention - Helping Nonprofits Succeed Through Effective Marketing: Reader Favorites to Power Up Your Nonprofit Communications in 2010
• Care2.com Frogloop Blog: Who are the Millennials?

Social Networking/Web 2.0

• Nonprofit Tech 2.0 - A Social Media Guide for Nonprofits: ATTN Nonprofits - Major Changes Coming Soon to Facebook Fan Pages
• Nonprofit Tech 2.0 - A Social Media Guide for Nonprofits: Ten Things Nonprofits May Not Know About MySpace [But I Wish They Did]
• Beth's Blog - How Nonprofits Can Use Social Media (Video): Network + Self-Organizing + Location + Data Visualization = 2010
  
  YouTube: Groundcrew Tour
• HoneyTech Blog: Top 10 Social Media Tracking and Analytics Tools
• Wild Apricot Blog: Better Twitter Analytics for Nonprofits
• InventorSpot: Social Media Predictions For 2010
• SmartBlog on Social Media: The value of silence

Electronics are a “Must Have” This Holiday Season: Recycle Unwanted Electronics With BCS To Benefit UCP

The Consumer Electronics Association is predicting that electronics will be the must have gift this season and sales will increase 6% from last year. Did you know that UCP affiliates can earn money each time someone gets rid of an old electronic item? The Recycle for UCP program by BCS Recycling Specialists provides free collection boxes to affiliates for electronic waste (e-waste) recycling of cell phones, PDAs, iPods, digital cameras and inkjet cartridges. For laptops, people may order a pre-paid FedEx label from www.scrapdr.com. Recycling is a wonderful way UCP affiliates to further serve communities by offering a responsible way to handle e- waste.

How does it work?

• Order boxes at www.scrapdr.com E-Waste Recycling Fundraiser box order form. A box will be sent to with the UCP logo on it, and a Recycle for UCP reference number so that BCS can directly pay affiliates directly for items collected.
• After receiving free boxes from BCS, place them around your community in high traffic locations (large and small businesses, fitness centers, doctors' offices, banks, coffee shops, retail stores, etc.)
• Communicate about the Recycle for UCP program.

When the box is full…

• Simply pull out the bottom flap and seal it so the pre-paid FedEx Ground label is showing.
• Fill out the attached sticker to have additional boxes sent.
• Call FedEx Ground -- (800) GO-FEDEX -- for a pick up.

Getting paid…

When BCS Recycling Specialists receives the full box, contents are sorted and evaluated, data is erased from all items and a check is sent for the items' value. Payments range from $.50 for scrap devices to $10 for laptops. All items are recycled and nothing goes into the landfill.

BCS Recycling offers the following Box Placement Tips for Extra Earnings: Place your boxes in visible, high traffic locations. Remember, the more boxes placed, the more items collected and the more publicity for UCP.

• Board Members – Give each board member a box at your next meeting, which they can take to their place of employment, religious organization or health club.

• Home for the Holidays? Enlist college students to take a box back to campus for the computer lab or commons area.

• Party & Place – Rope in potential box hosts by giving them boxes at a holiday party or set up empty boxes by the door.

• Don't let them leave empty handed! Meetings at your office or other locations provide an opportunity to give organizations a box.

• Public locations like libraries, high schools, city hall or DMVs are excellent options.

• Facebook Friendly - Become a fan of BCS Recycling Specialists' E-Waste Fundraiser on Facebook.

• Sign Your Email Signature in GR$$N - Add a photo of the collection box with "Ask me to how recycling e-waste can earn money for UCP?”

• Use www.scrapdr.com! There are templates ranging from letters to solicit box hosts, facts about e-waste and clip art for Web sites or newsletters.

Bright Idea! A press release about free e-waste recycling service could garner more attention for affiliates and bring in more items to the collection box. Check out www.scrapdr.com for a press release template.

Still have questions? Contact Jill Oldenburg jill@scrapdr.com or (952) 893-0099.

UCP of Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties Accessible Housing Project: “We’re Almost There”

Recently, UCP of Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties embarked on a housing project in Glendale, Calif. According to an update from the UCP affiliate, the apartment building will change lives and provide new opportunities for dozens of people with developmental disabilities. "We're almost there," says Dr. Ron Cohen, President and CEO of the affiliate. Choose any of the pictures below to enlarge thumbnails and view in more detail.

For more information or to support this project, please visit the UCP of Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties Web site or contact Ron Cohen at (818) 782-2211.

Capitol Insider - Week of December 7, 2009

Read Capitol Insider for an overview of the week's most important public policy events.

Information & Referral: Ask Lara About the People We Serve

Q: If I have a disability due to a car accident, will UCP still help me?

A: Yes! UCP provides services to people who experience disability at birth, as the result of an accident, or as a consequence of aging. In fact, approximately two thirds or more than 65% of the people we serve do not have cerebral palsy. Our mission is to provide a life without limits to all people with disabilities.

We serve people with autism, developmental delay, Down syndrome, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, traumatic brain injuries, and more. The My Child Without Limits Web site has information on many of these diagnoses that impact the consumers we serve.

United Cerebral Palsy... We are More than Our Name.

Have a question about disability related issues? Ask Lara! Please contact Lara by e-mail or reach her by phone at (202) 973-7105.

Information & Referral: December 3rd is International Day of Person’s with Disabilities

The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3^rd aims to promote an understanding of disability issues; the rights of persons with disabilities; and gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of the political, social, economic and cultural life of their communities. The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was established by the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1982.

The World Health Organization estimates that at least 10% of the world's population, or 650 million people, live with a disability.

This year's theme is "Making the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Inclusive: Empowerment of persons with disabilities and their communities around the world." MDGs are broad development goals established by the UN agencies and organizations worldwide. Currently, there are no references to persons with disabilities in either the MDGs themselves or in the accompanying body of guidelines and policies, programs and conferences that are part of the on-going MDG efforts. In addition, the new revisions of the MDGs currently being drafted do not include persons with disabilities. This must be changed.

The journal Lancet has a special issue on disability in honor of this event. You can access the articles after you register for free on the Lancet Web site.

For more information, please contact Lara Terrell at (202) 973-7105.

Announcements - Week of December 2, 2009

Affiliate News

• UCP of Central Pennsylvania: Get Wrapped and Ready for the Holidays
• UCP of Central Arizona: UCP Dance Party! (December 12, 2009)

Affiliate Response Survey

• American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) and WhoWillCare.net: 2009 ANCOR Direct Support Professional Wage Survey. ANCOR is appreciative of the UCP affiliates that have participated to date, and to ensure strong representation of affiliates nationwide, the survey deadline has been extended until the end of this week.

Webinars

• Network for Good: The Procastinator's Guide to Year-end Fundraising (December 3, 2009, 2:00 PM EST)
• HubSpot: Science of Social Media Marketing (December 9, 2009, 2:00 PM EST)
• Net Squared: TechSoup Webinar - Assistive Technology for Public Computers (December 11, 2009, 2 PM EST)
• ADA Ohio: Social Networking Sites & Accessibility - Implications for Employers (December 15, 2009 2-3:30 PM EST; deadline to register is December 8, 2009). Social networking provides tremendous potential for employers to conduct outreach to people with disabilities. However, employers should be mindful about the use of social networking in business practices due to the growing concern over the accessibility of such technology. Careful consideration should be given to how social networking will be effectively used to outreach and interact with people with disabilities. (The sessions are offered in real-time and captioned on the Internet, and a transcript will be posted online following the session.)

Other News

• Disability.gov: What Happens to Medicaid Buy-In Participants After They Leave the Program?
• Disability.gov: Response to Federal Computer Week Articles on Federal Web Site Accessibility
• JF Activist Blog: From Paternalism to Self-Advocacy - New Report on Community Colleges and Students with Disabilities
• New York Times: Learning His Body, Learning to Dance
• New York Times: Would My Heart Outrun Its Pursuer?
• Softpedia: Robotic Arms Improve Life for Wheelchair Users
• Competitor.com: Rudy Garcia-Tolson Becomes First Double Above-Knee Amputee To Complete Ironman

Fundraising News

• Suite 101: Time is Short for Nonprofit Year-End Fundraising - Plan Now to Maximize Holiday Giving by Nonprofit Donors
• Beth's Blog - How Nonprofits Can Use Social Media: Five Social Media Fundraising Trends for 2009
• Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog: End-of-Year Appeal Letter Procrastinators – Reserve Your Spot Now!
• Katya's Nonprofit Marketing Blog: Here's a good fundraising appeal - I gave
• Katya's Nonprofit Marketing Blog: What the winners of America's Giving Challenge can teach us
• Future Fundraising Blog: Oh No! Charity Navigator just trashed my nonprofit!
• Future Fundraising Now: Study shows why donors aren't exactly flocking online
• Future Fundraising Now: Fundraising is shifting from extraction to conservation
• A Small Change: Popular Fundraising Models
• Step By Step Fundraising: Asking for donations? Learn to love objections
• Care2 - Frogloop: Multi-Channel Fundraising - Strategies and Tools to Engage Donors through Integrated Campaigns
  
  Multi-Channel Fundraising Campaigns
  

  View more presentations from Big Duck.
• Care2 - Frogloop: Getting the Message Right for the new Consumer (Donor)
  
  Getting the Message Right for the New Consumer/Donor (Care2 - BBMG)
  

  View more presentations from Care2.com and frogloop.com (blog)
• Nonprofit Times: Fundraising - 6 strategies for giving during a recession

Social Networking/Web 2.0

• PDA - The Digital Content Blog, a product of the United Kingdom's Guardian: After social networks, what next?
• Online Accredited Degrees: 101 Tools For The Ultimate Twitter Expert
• 1to1 Media (whitepaper): Using Social Media to Deepen Your Customer Relationships
• Social Media Today: Listen and Develop Your Message... Avoid Social Media Disconnect
• Beth's Blog - How Nonprofits Can Use Social Media: How do you make your holiday charitable giving decisions?
• Beth's Blog - How Nonprofits Can Use Social Media: Measure the Impact, Not the Influence
• Financial Planning: Socially Adept. Participation in social media—LinkedIn, Facebook, Ning, Groupsite, Twitter, blogs, YouTube—is now a workplace reality

Minnesota’s Give to the Max Day Sets A 24-Hour Giving Record

The Minneapolis-St. Paul-based Star Tribune recently reported that Minnesotans set a national record when the 'Give to the Max Day' in Minnesota enjoyed an avalanche of $14 million in charitable donations in only 24 hours. Until November 17, Dallas held the record for the largest amount of donations made in one day, at $4 million. UCP of Central Minnesota was one of the lucky recipients of the successful fundraising event.

Beth Kanter, a visiting scholar at the Lucile and David Packard Foundation and a leading blogger on nonprofits and philanthropy, was very impressed by the fundraising. The Star Tribune reported that Kanter said, "'I'm sitting here with my jaw dropping. You had a critical mass, a good strategy... and a very charitable state. You've set the bar.'"

The online fundraising blitz took place on a new Web site called GiveMN.org. Dana Nelson, executive director of GiveMN.org explained that it was unclear whether the donations through the site were a part of holiday giving; according to Blackbaud, nonprofits receive nearly half of their annual donations during December. Regardless, it provided many Minnesota nonprofits with a great kick-off to end-of-year fundraising schedules.

Judy Moening, Executive Director of UCP of Central Minnesota explained, "It was a pretty powerful day for nonprofits in Minnesota. With just two days advance notice, UCP of Central Minnesota raised $900. In these economic times, every dollar counts."

For more information, please read the article from the Star Tribune or contact Judy Moening, UCP of Central Minnesota at (320) 253-0765.