Nonprofit planning starts here

What could be a more basic tool for planning than the calendar? In the interest of keeping San Francisco nonprofits apprised of opportunities, here are some upcoming items to place on your organization's calendar today.

MEET THE PHILANTHROPISTS
As followers of this column know, when it comes to fundraising and connections, I'm a believer in getting out and meeting the philanthropists in public forums. Big opportunity tomorrow night.

The Commonwealth Club presents a "Philanthropic Response to the Economy" on Wed. September 9, 5:30 p.m. at the Club's San Francisco location for $18. On the panel are:

• James Canales, President and Chief Executive Officer, The James Irvine Foundation
• Sandra Hernandez, M.D., Chief Executive Officer, The San Francisco Foundation
• Kat Taylor, Founder, OneCalifornia Bank, Oakland; Board Member, Good Samaritan Family Resource Center and Insight Prison Project
• Jon Funabiki, Professor of Journalism, San Francisco State University - Moderator

The event's subtitle is "Unprecedented Times Call for Unprecedented Actions - Partnerships, Innovation and Collaborations." If you're not available, not to worry. Simply subscribe to my column, and you'll receive news of my report on the event later this week.

ADVANCING SOLUTIONS FOR CALIFORNIA'S FUTURE
When it comes to advancing innovative and effective solutions, nonprofit organizations are among the most successful leaders in the state.

The James Irvine Foundation is now accepting nominations for its 2010 Leadership Awards. Award recipients receive $125,000 for their work to benefit the people of California. Nominees may work in any field - such as education, health, housing, economic development or the environment. Past recipients include Opportunity Fund's Eric Weaver and the team that developed Bank on San Francisco. The deadline for nominations is October 13.

FOLLOW THE LEADER
Continuing my monthly series profiling San Francisco nonprofit leaders, watch for next week's column on Gabriel Metcalf, Executive Director of San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association, also known as SPUR. Gabriel sat down with me for a videotaped interview, in which he discusses his role-models, as well as his advice for those interested in becoming leading agents of social change.

For the latest stories on SF nonprofit business, subscribe above to receive regular updates about this column. You can also follow Maureen Futtner & Associates on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook. Visit my website to learn about P.R. for the People and the services I offer nonprofits and small businesses.