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TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS FOR OHIO NONPROFITS

JUNE 2007


The Electronic Newsletter of Project Connect

 330-315-1335
800-780-8299

www.PCLiveHelp.org

In this issue:

NEWS FOR NONPROFITS          TRAINING NEWS          TECHNICAL SUPPORT NEWS

Stop Wasting Your Valuable Time

Jump-Start Your Fundraising Efforts

State and Federal Grant Resources and Appropriations

Using Professional Advisors

Register for Upcoming Classes

How online training works

PC Tip

Answers for sale!!

Are you getting the best deals for your technology dollar?

How can Project Connect help you?

 

 

 

FUN FACT

Don't feel pressured to switch to Office 2007. Very little has changed from Office 2003 to 2007 ... it just looks different. Things are hard to find, but they work the same!

 

 

Training is an investment in your staff's productivity:
the more training they have, the more productive (and less frustrated) they will be ...

The other day, I received a Word document through email from an executive director. The "Show All Marks" button was pushed, so I was able to see how he created beautifully aligned columns ... and it was downright ugly!!

         xxx tab tab tab tab xxx tab tab tab xxx

         xxx tab tab tab tab tab tab xxx tab tab xxx

         xxx tab tab tab xxx tab tab tab tab tab xxx

This executive director is a very busy person. His time is valuable. Imagine how much time he would have saved if he had just clicked on the ruler to set a left tab where he wanted the second column to begin. Imagine how much more time savings if he had just typed everything and then selected the columns tool to create two columns!!

Your time, as well as the time of your staff, is too valuable to waste on unproductive, repetitive tasks. Project Connect training can show you shortcuts that will reduce the time spent on mundane things so you can focus on mission-critical ones. The training is an investment that produces a positive ROI almost immediately.

The next training series will cover the following courses:

Word 1

How to format your text (e.g., bold, underline)

How to cut, copy, and paste information

How to set tabs

Word 2

How to use tables

How to merge form letters, labels, & envelopes

How to record and use macros

Word 3

How to create different types of forms

How to do special pastes from other documents

How to track what changes have been made

PowerPoint 1

How to use built-in designs and templates

How to create, edit, move, and show slides

How to make global changes

PowerPoint 2

How to create your own designs

How to use animation and slide transitions to create more sophisticated presentations

How to insert slides from other presentations and hyperlinks

QuickBooks 1

How to edit and use the chart of accounts

How to enter customers, print invoices, and receive payments

How to enter vendors, print checks, and reconcile your statements

QuickBooks 2

How to create and manipulate budgets

How to customize forms and letters

How to create reports and export them to other programs for analysis

QuickBooks 3

How to integrate grants and pledges into your system

How to track grant expenditures

How to use QuickBooks as a donor management tool

Even if you don't want to travel, you can easily attend Project Connect training: just register at http://projectconnect.webex.com so you can take the class from your own office. If you prefer the classroom setting, go to infolineinc.org/connect/register.htm.

And if you want to learn only one thing (like how to set a tab or use the columns tool), just go to www.pclivehelp.org and we'll show you how!

Please feel free to contact me if you need training that is not listed. We will work with you to find the most affordable, effective options available. 


330-315-1335

 

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Foundation Center offers outstanding fundraising training and resources

We are very lucky to have a local office of the Foundation Center in Cleveland, OH. Their training can help jump-start (and maintain) your fundraising efforts. Three courses being offered in the near future are representative:

Introduction to Fundraising Planning–in Elyria, OH
Monday, June 4, 1:00-3:00 pm

Join us at the Elyria Public Library West River Branch for Introduction to Fundraising Planning, where we will show you
how to analyze your organization’s financial situation and develop a fundraising plan that will include a variety of revenue sources. Learn more and register»

Grantseeking: Steps to Success–in Akron, OH
Tuesday, June 12, 9:00 am-12:00 pm

This free program at the Akron-Summit Public Library will teach you the fundamentals of foundation research and how effective strategies can boost your fundraising success. Included is a rare opportunity to meet Akron area grantmakers face-to-face and find out what they are looking for in successful proposals. Learn more and register»

Foundation Fundraising—in Lima, OH
Tuesday, June 12, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Special $45 registration fee (Regularly $125, save $80)

To help grantseekers in Allen County and neighboring communities learn how to approach foundations—and to celebrate the opening of our Foundation Center Cooperating Collection in the Lima Public Library in Lima, Ohio—we are pleased to offer one of our most popular courses, at substantial savings. As an added bonus, a complimentary lunch will be provided. Learn more and register»
 

For more information about the Foundation Center, visit their website at http://foundationcenter.org/cleveland, where you can find videos of past presentations, view the report on human services grantmaking in Ohio, search for funders, and more.

 

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AFPNCOH Breakfast Meeting:
Grant Resources and Appropriations
Presented by Dora Pruce, District Director for Senator George Voinovich

Dora Pruce, District Director for Senator George Voinovich, will be discussing funding resources available to non-profits as well as the role of Ohio’s U.S. Senators in providing assistance to your organization including grant resources and appropriations.

  • June 12, 8-9:30 AM
  • Sheraton Suites, 1989 Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221
  • A full breakfast buffet will be served
    Networking and breakfast will be from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. The presentation will be from 8:30 - 9:15 a.m.
  • $13 members • $18 non-members • MasterCard and Visa now accepted
  • Reservations Required • Deadline: June 7, noon

Visit www.afpnoch.org for more information and to register.

 

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WRPGC June Luncheon Workshop
Using Professional Advisors
Presented by Mary Jo Lockshin, Stark & Knoll, and Steven Cox, Roetzel & Andress

Learn about the role of professional advisors in planned giving/

  • June 14, 11:30 AM - 1:00
  • Portage Country Club 240 N Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303

Visit www.wrpgc.org for more information and to register.

 

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Register for Upcoming Classes ...

Simulcast training ... select the venue that will work best for you: classroom or online!!

  • Microsoft Word 2003/2007

  • Microsoft PowerPoint 2003/2007

  • QuickBooks

  • Quickies: Converting to Office 2007

 

Classes are held simultaneously in our Training Lab at 703 South Main Street #211, Akron OH and online at http://projectconnect.webex.com

Click here to register for Training Lab classes
Click here to register for Online classes
 

  • Microsoft Word 1: Document & Formatting Basics
    06/13/07 ... 9:00 AM - Noon

    • Learn how to set your options, use toolbars, format your text, change your page set-up, set tabs, use headers and footers, and more. After this course, you will be able to enter, format, and print letters, reports, proposals, etc., using tabs and page set-up. Prerequisite: Skills covered in Introduction to Computers 1 & 2.

  • Microsoft Word 2: Tables, Merges & Macros
    06/20/07 ... 9:00 AM - Noon

    • This course is designed for those who feel they aren't using Microsoft Word to its full potential. Learn how to insert, format, and manipulate tables, as well as complete a mail merge. We'll also cover recording and using macros. Prerequisite: Skills covered in Microsoft Word 1.

  • Microsoft Word 3: Forms & Advanced Tools
    06/27/07 ... 9:00 AM - Noon

    • Learn how to design forms which you can send to staff, clients, volunteers, etc., to complete and return to you for tabulation. We will also cover advanced finds/replaces, special characters, and headers/footers. Prerequisite: Skills covered in Microsoft Word 1 & 2.

  • Microsoft PowerPoint 1: Slideshow Basics
    06/19/07 ... 9:00 AM - Noon

    • Learn how to set your options, use toolbars, use the different view options, use templates, set up a master slide, individualize slides, insert graphics, and more! After this course, you will be able to create a basic yet professional presentation with graphics. Prerequisite: Skills covered in Introduction to Computers 1 & 2.

  • Microsoft PowerPoint 2: Animation & Graphics
    06/26/07 ... 9:00 AM - Noon

    • Learn the more complex tools of PowerPoint, including the impressive animation settings. Prerequisite: Skills covered in PowerPoint 1.

  • QuickBooks 1: Setting Up Your System
    06/21/07 ... 9:00 AM - Noon

    • According to our surveys, QuickBooks is used by more non-profits than any other accounting package. This class will cover setting up the QuickBooks system … including preferences, customers, accounts, etc. Even if you currently use QuickBooks, this class might be helpful in understanding your system.

  • QuickBooks 2: Statements & Reports
    06/28/07 ... 9:00 AM - Noon

    • This class will focus on entering and processing invoices, payments, deposits, etc. This will also cover printing simple financial reports which you can share with your board and funders.

  • QuickBooks 3: Donors & Grants


  • 07/12/07 ... 9:00 AM - Noon
    • After you've got the basics down, it's time to customize it for your organization's needs. This course is good for people who have been using QB for some time, or those who have completed courses 1 and 2 and are ready for more. We will also look at donor management and advanced grant tracking.

Quickies

The purpose of these classesis to give you a brief tour so that you will be able to find things you are used to using in Microsoft Office 2003 and to help you understand some of the newer commands/procedures. We assume that you have working knowledge of Office 2000/2003. We will go very fast in the class, but you will be able to take a picture-filled information packet with you so you can use it as a reference. Amy Rock will demonstrate the changes and answer questions from participants. Cost is only $25. 
Click here to register for Training Lab classes
Click here to register for Online classes

Click here to register for Training Lab classes
Click here to register for Online classes
 

 

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How online training works ...

Learn from your office -- no travel involved!!

In response to myriad requests for training throughout Ohio, Project Connect is implementing ONLINE TRAINING!! Here's how it works:

  • Visit http://projectconnect.webex.com  and click on the [Registration] button for whatever class you want to register for. Enter your information into the form and click on the [Register] button again. Click [ok] and exit.

  • You will get a confirming email with all the information: date, time, session number, phone number, etc. Copy this to your calendar for that date starting at 8:45 AM.

  • On the day before the class, I will send you the handouts for the class. Please print them and have them with you on the day of training.

  • You must have the software you are training in loaded on the computer that you use to connect to the training session.

  • On the day of training at 8:45, sit comfortably at your own desk with the handouts and any necessary refreshments. Go to the email link that you pasted in your calendar. Fill in the information (the password is also in that information you pasted) and then join the session.

  • Once you join, you will be given a phone number to call. Call that number and enter the codes from the screen.

  • You will see my screen on your computer and be able hear me from your phone!

  • We'll keep the class to three hours with a break in the middle.

  • Get ready to have fun!!

Other details:

  • Online training is limited to 12 students per class. Classes fill quickly, so be sure to register early. 

  • Cost is $60 per person. We will invoice you or you can call 330-315-1335 and pay by credit card.

  • The registration deadline is 2 business days before the class. Payment must be made by the date of the class; checks, cash, and Mastercard/Visa are accepted. Cancellations must be received by 4:00 pm two days before the class in order to be eligible for a refund. 

  • Those who register for a class but do not attend will be charged for that class.

  • If you attended a class previously in the past year, you can repeat the class at no charge.

 

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Ryan's PC Tip:

Protect Your Equipment Against Unexpected Electrical Surges

If your computer is connected to a wall outlet, beware!! If is connected to a power strip, take a look at it. If it doesn't say "SURGE PROTECTOR," your equipment is vulnerable!!

It is always recommended to avoid using computer equipment when the weather is risky, especially during very active thunderstorms. However, electrical surges occur at the least expected times, and often we aren't aware of them because our computer's power supply is able to compensate with the fluctuations. The damage may be mild, but if it's experienced on an ongoing basis, your computer can be permanently harmed. 

Surge protectors can help avoid these situations at a cheap cost. Don't spend extra money for a "super duper" protector ... all surge protectors have the same basic circuitry for reducing noise. And just because it looks like a power bar, don't assume it is a surge protector. If it is not labeled "SURGE PROTECTOR," you might as well use your wall outlet.

Your surge protector is essentially the bait for evil electricity.  Chose your bait wisely!

 

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Answers for sale!!

You and your staff have more important things to do than fight with your technology! Instead of spending hours of frustration trying to do it yourself, let us help you!

Project Connect offers Live Help for staff of all Ohio nonprofits! If you are having problems with a Microsoft Office or Adobe product, simply go to www.pclivehelp.org and complete the form. Follow the directions, and then we'll be able to see your computer from our office. We can then walk you through the problem.

Cost is $15 per increment of 10 minutes.

 

 

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Are you getting the best deals for your technology dollar?

Don't buy anything technology-related until you've visited these three websites first!! They offer significant discounts for nonprofits with Microsoft, Dell, CDW, Adobe, and more!

  • www.techsoup.org/stock/

  • www.giftsinkind.org

  • www.techfoundation.org

 

 

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How can Project Connect help you?

As always, we are interested in hearing from you to learn how we can best meet your technology and connectivity needs. Give us a call at 330-315-1335 or e-mail us at .

Enjoy!

   

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