Ascend Nonprofit Solutions

The Ascend finance team recently completed sales tax refund forms for NCDOR for the first six months of 2024 for our sixteen finance shared services agencies. Refunds due back to the agencies totaled approximately $63,000. This is one of the many ways Ascend supports our nonprofit clients to maximize their dollars.

Jonathan Gaines, Ascend’s systems administrator, encourages users to utilize the computer system IT provides instead of personal devices, when available.

Suite 500 recently became available. This space is 3,370 square feet and the current floor plan includes a waiting room, seven private offices, a conference room, a storage closet, a work room and plenty of open space. Tenant improvement allowances are offered to nonprofits signing a 10-year partner lease. To learn more about the suite, or to schedule a tour, please email bdolan@ascendnps.org.

So much gratitude for our assistant controller, Jennifer Whitworth, who took advantage of her volunteer time on Friday to help those affected by Hurricane Helene. She and her family spent the weekend cooking for volunteers on the ground and preparing and delivering meals to the people of Black Mountain. We continue to keep Western North Carolina and all those affected in our heads and our hearts. Thank you, Jennifer, for all you did to make a difference.

Today’s cybersecurity tip comes from Clark Maciag, our Chief Information Officer. Clark shares that the best way to stop hackers is to have a lengthy password. Second, is combining both uppercase and lowercase letters in your passwords. He strongly encourages users to create an easy phrase with each word capitalized and a number at the end of the phrase. For example, ILovePuppyDogs9. Finally, never use the same password twice as hackers will hack one site and then try the same password on other sites.

We are excited to welcome Greg FitzGerald, CPM®, RPA, FMA to the Ascend Real Estate Committee! He brings more than 25 years of experience in property management. Greg is currently with JLL holding the position of Senior Facilities Manager for Truist Center, the Bank’s corporate headquarters. While new to the committee, Greg is a longtime friend of Ascend having worked with us for many years in a prior role. His extensive knowledge and expertise will be invaluable - welcome Greg!

October is Cybersecurity Awareness month, so we asked our IT department for their favorite cybersecurity tips. Each week we will post a tip from one of our team members to help you continue to stay safe and secure online. Our first tip comes from Corey Cutler, Ascend’s 365 and network administrator. Corey says, “Store your passwords in a password manager, not your browser!” He goes on to explain how password managers work, “Password managers make it simple to install the app as a browser extension, website, desktop app or mobile app. This way, you can keep your passwords with you regardless of your choice of phone/browser. Most password managers will support Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and all major browsers.”

Sharon Davis, PHR, Chief Human Resources Officer, attended the Safe Alliance Breakfast of Hope this morning. Safe Alliance is one of our partner agencies whose mission is to provide hope and healing to those impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault. Today marks the first day of Domestic Violence Awareness month. Thank you to Safe Alliance for their work in our community to support those who have been impacted by domestic violence. Pictured below: Laura Lawrence, Safe Alliance President and Chief Executive Officer, and Sharon Davis; Suzi Canali, Safe Alliance Chief Legal Officer, and Sharon holding signs

Did you know that the State of North Carolina officially proclaimed September as Smart Start month? Smart Start of Mecklenburg County is one of our original partners making our partnership over 20 years. Their mission is to “mobilize resources, forge partnerships, and support families to improve early childhood health, education and development, and ensure children are prepared for kindergarten.” Smart Start does this through programs that focus on health, family support, early care and education and literacy. You can learn more about their impact in the community by visiting https://lnkd.in/gNWbNsvx

Today is HR Professionals Day. We give an extra big "Thank you!" to our team of four who supported 1,015 employees in FY23. The HR department recruits and onboards employees for 14 agencies, manages benefits, provides employee relations support and much more. We are grateful for the expertise Janise, Darlene, Sharon and Jaime bring to Ascend and all our partners each and every day. Thank you for the work you do to lift nonprofits to greater heights!