Advocacy isn’t off-limits 💥
Joke of the Week
Q: Why do ghosts make the best cheerleaders?
A: Scroll down to see the answer!
Yes, your nonprofit can advocate (and here’s how!)
Election season is around the corner, and your organization has a vital role to play. When we engage in democratic processes and make sure community voices are heard, everyone wins.
Join Public Charities Can Advocate! How Your Nonprofit Can Lobby and Engage in Election-Season Advocacy on October 29 at The Industry SLC. This free, in-person workshop (led by experts flying in from Washington, D.C.) will demystify the rules around advocacy and lobbying so you can confidently speak up for your mission. This event serves as a pre-workshop for Nonprofit Day on the Hill, and this year it’s happening earlier than usual so don’t wait to save your seat!
💸 Inside the Federal Funding Shakeup: How 300+ Nonprofits Are Adapting | October 22
92% of nonprofits are adapting their fundraising strategies amid federal funding instability. From compliance upgrades to pivots toward alternate sources, organizations are rapidly reinventing their portfolios… and this panel has the lowdown.
🗯️ Mind the Middle: Managers in a Boom-to-Zoom World | October 28
Managing multiple generations in the workplace can be challenging. Expectations differ, what motivates engagement varies, and managing people is complex enough on its own. That’s why UNA is partnering with our friends at Coneflower Consulting to offer this training for practically all ages!
💝 Utah Philanthropy Day | December 5
Don’t forget that Accolade nominations are open until November 1! Submit Heart & Hands and Corporate Community Champion. Want to attend the luncheon? Find tickets and tables here.
Remember to complete the 2026 Nonprofit Compensation and Benefits Survey by November 14!
Your Learning Lineup
All UNA trainings (including Credential courses) are recorded!
Learn on your schedule. And when it comes to one-on-one Credential consultations, sign-ups are sent by email—no need to be there live to grab a spot!
Nonprofit Credential Courses
Get knowledge, skills, and resources to build capacity, achieve outcomes, and grow your organization.
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2025 Nonprofit Credential in Advocacy and Civic Engagement | October 22
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2025 Nonprofit Credential in Leadership and Organizational Culture | November 4
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2026 Nonprofit Credential in Volunteer Management | April 22
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2026 Nonprofit Credential in Outcomes and Evaluations | May 20
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2026 Nonprofit Credential in Board Governance | June 10
Upcoming Training
Deepen your knowledge and enhance your skillset.
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Inside the Federal Funding Shakeup: How 300+ Nonprofits Are Adapting | October 22
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Mind the Middle: Managers in a Boom-to-Zoom World | October 28
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Public Charities Can Advocate! How Your Nonprofit Can Lobby and Engage in Election-Season Advocacy | October 29
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Management Essentials: Montana Nonprofits Association Accelerator | November 3-19
Tools You Can Use
Very Mindful, Very Demure: Applying for Grants and Funding
Before you hit “submit” on that next grant application, take a moment to double-check the details. Review the wording carefully to ensure your organization is fully in compliance with all requirements. And don’t stop there! Dig a little deeper to understand where the funding actually comes from. Even if a grant appears to be from a state source, it may be tied to federal dollars, which can come with additional rules and reporting expectations. A little extra mindfulness now can save a lot of headaches later!
The 2026 Nonprofit Compensation and Benefits Survey is open!
Your input helps build a stronger, more equitable nonprofit sector across Utah and the western region. It only takes about 30–45 minutes, and you can pause anytime (no being glued to your computer 😄). One person per organization, usually your Executive Director or HR lead, should complete the survey by November 14.
Community Corner
Nonprofit Community Calendar
Share your upcoming events on the Nonprofit Community Calendar and reach a bigger audience. Submit your event.
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Executive Director! Confab - Virtual | September 4 - October 30
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Art Night: Supporting Art Education in Park City | October 23
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Allies Summit: Pathways to Manhood | October 30
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Utah Sleep Out | November 8
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Big Night Out Gala | November 15
Advocacy
The Utah State Auditor’s Office Is Reaching Out to Nonprofits That Receive Public Funds
If your organization receives state or federal funding, you may be considered a governmental entity under Utah law and are therefore required to comply with reporting and website privacy notice requirements outlined in Utah Code §63A-19-402.5.
Our Recommendation: Review any Auditor requests carefully and respond promptly. You can confirm your compliance status through the State Auditor’s Compliance Dashboard and review your website to ensure it includes a clear privacy notice.
Your website should:
- Identify who operates it and how to contact your organization.
- Explain how users can access, correct, or challenge their data.
- Describe what data is collected, how it’s used or shared, and what tracking tools (like cookies or analytics) are active.
- Include a link to your privacy notice on your homepage.
A template and additional guidance are available from the Utah Office of Data Privacy.
Nonprofits Don’t Have Big, Corporate PACs or Deep Lobbying Pockets—but We Do Have Each Other
Advocacy is how we protect our missions, secure resources, and push back against harmful policies. But this work doesn’t happen on its own. It’s powered by people like you.
Your support and membership fuels our ability to monitor legislation, mobilize quickly, and ensure nonprofits are heard—whether at the Capitol in Salt Lake City or on Capitol Hill in Washington.
If you're already a member—thank you!
Not a member? Join UNA today—because advocacy isn’t free, but it’s worth every ounce of support.
Not a Nonprofit? Donate to UNA—support the sector with your donation.
Get Involved
Your Voice Matters: Help Shape the Future of Nonprofit Leadership
The Race to Lead Survey is back for 2025—and this year is a big one. Since 2016, thousands of nonprofit staff like you have shared their experiences, building one of the largest and most influential datasets on race and leadership in the sector.
Now it’s your turn. By taking the survey, you’ll add your story to a powerful movement that’s shaping how nonprofits hire, support, and sustain leaders.
Make your voice count. Take the survey now!
Celebrate the People Who Power Nonprofits
Recognize the people supporting your impact with a Utah Philanthropy Day Award. Nominate a volunteer for the Heart & Hands Award, or recognize a business with the Corporate Community Champion Award for their outstanding commitment to volunteerism, philanthropy, and corporate social responsibility in Utah.
Want to attend the luncheon? Find tickets and tables here.
Joke of the Week
Q: Why do ghosts make the best cheerleaders?
A: They have a lot of spirit!
Have a joke that makes your team laugh out loud? Send it to info@utahnonprofits.org—you might see it in next week’s Rapid Read!
Resources to Keep on Your Radar
Need affordable health coverage for your team? Explore UNA's Group Health Insurance Plan.
Looking for professional expertise or guidance? Check out the Business Affiliate Directory for the solutions you need.
Sign up for UNA’s Slack Community and join the UNA Advocacy and Civic Engagement channel to share your advocacy priorities, questions, and calls to action.
Navigate the noise. Stay grounded with our Resources to Navigating Uncertainty and Policy Update Page. If legislation or funding changes are impacting your work, share your story.
Curious about UNA member benefits? See the complete list.
P.S. Have a Letter to the Editor from your Executive Director or a news story featuring your organization? Send it our way—we're adding these highlights to the UNA Newsroom!