Groundwork Buffalo will be a local affiliate of the Groundwork USA Network – independent, not-for-profit, environmental businesses called Groundwork Trusts working with communities in conjunction with the National Parks Service and the Environmental Protection Agency to improve their environment, economy and quality of life through local action by getting local people, business, government and other organizations involved in practical projects.
Groundwork Buffalo is seeking to hire the organization’s first Executive Director to establish baseline fund-raising, programming, board development, budgets, financial systems, and staffing. A key part of these organizational development activities, will be the successful launch of a vacant lot reclamation and management strategy within the city of Buffalo, with a primary focus in the Mid-City (Near East Side) and MLK Neighborhoods.
The Groundwork Buffalo steering committee was established in December 2006 as a partnership between multiple greening organizations in the city of Buffalo, and will be launching operations in the beginning of 2010. The Executive Director will report directly to the Groundwork Buffalo Board of Directors and will be able to draw from the expertise of the Board of Directors as well as a national network of Groundwork Trusts that have been bringing positive changes to their communities for many years.
The Groundwork Buffalo Steering Committee has completed a feasibility study for the organization that outlines a variety of vacant property reclamation programs and policies that will facilitate neighborhood stabilization and land acquisition, disposition and reclamation. It will be the Executive Director’s charge to attract or create the resources, programs and systems to implement that plan. The Director will be responsible for implementing the task agreement with the National Parks Service to launch Groundwork Buffalo and will work very closely with key stakeholders: the City of Buffalo, the local community, affiliated greening organizations, local nonprofits, funders, and financial institutions to ensure successful execution of the mission.
The Executive Director will be responsible for managing the operations of Groundwork Buffalo, including managing an office, fundraising and development, overseeing financial and program management, making regular progress reports and complying with grant reporting requirements, hiring and managing staff, and setting the strategic direction of the organization.
Prior Work Experience
Candidates should have at least five years of relevant experience, including work in nonprofit management, local government, and/ or community development.
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in related field, master’s degree preferred
• Demonstrated success in grant seeking, proposal writing, fund raising, and development
• Comfortable working with a board of directors and familiarity with non-profit setting
• Demonstrated management experience, including staff supervision and financial management/reporting
• Proven capacity to work with senior level corporate, philanthropic and public sector officials
• Leadership skills and ability to develop program vision
• Proven ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
• Project management experience
• Volunteer management experience
• Comfortable speaking in community forums and facilitating relationships among various sectors
• Ability to manage multiple agendas and operate effectively
• Strong interest in urban regeneration
• Exceptional interpersonal, written and oral communication skills
• Good organizational abilities; ability to work independently
• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, and internet communications
• Preference will be giving to candidates with familiarity City of Buffalo local government and civic institutions
Location
The position will be located in Buffalo, New York.
Background
Groundwork organizations’ purpose is to build sustainable communities through joint environmental action thereby empowering people, creating better places, and helping to bring about prosperity. The Groundwork USA network is built on partnership and linked together by the Groundwork USA national office, with support from the Environmental Protection Agency Brownfields Program and the National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program. Projects and activities are organized into six program areas as part of our integrated approach to community rejuvenation: land, brownfields, education, business, youth, and communities.
As both convener and implementer, a Groundwork Buffalo (GWB), with representation from existing greening and environmental organizations, has the prospect of adding much value to the process of reclaiming underutilized and neglected open space throughout the city. The reality of resource limitations, however, should be neither overlooked nor understated. It will be crucial for GWB, and its partner agencies to tailor their efforts to communities where their work can have a substantial and sustainable impact. By leveraging and connecting existing assets, greening efforts can serve as more than active and passive recreation spaces, but can serve as catalysts for community involvement and anchors for future investment.
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to e-mail listed above or to:
Groundwork Buffalo
c/o LISC
700 Main St, 3rd Floor
Buffalo, NY 14202
Applications will be accepted until position is filled.
Monday, December 28, 2009
New York Legislature leaves taxpayers seeking solutions to inaction
The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reported about New Yorkers frustration with the Legislature's failure to craft a long-term state financial plan this past year.
Caps on property taxes and state spending, reforms to campaign finance and ethics laws never came to be, but new taxes and fees did.
"We have sold our soul to people who can strictly bring home the bacon and run up the debt," said Mark Vahey, 68, of Canandaigua. "We're pawns in their game. That does make me angry."
The ways of Albany have long been a source of frustration for New Yorkers, who, along with New Jerseyans, pay the highest property taxes in the country, according to the Tax Foundation.
The level of discontent seems to have increased, however, as state finances have crumbled and a leadership crisis has left lawmakers' important work, from dealing with a projected three-year $28 billion budget deficit to policing themselves, unfinished.
A Quinnipiac University poll earlier this month found that just 17 percent of New York voters approve of state lawmakers' performance.
A September Voice of the Voter poll of Monroe County voters pegged approval of the Senate at 14 percent and the Assembly at 15 percent.
"At a certain level, New Yorkers wanting to tear their hair out of their head is completely understandable," said Blair Horner of the New York Public Interest Research Group.
The Democrat and Chronicle received 32 responses from voters frustrated with Albany after a request for comments was published. Some of those voters' views are included in this story, as are the views of voters who were sought out for their opinions. Read more here.
Caps on property taxes and state spending, reforms to campaign finance and ethics laws never came to be, but new taxes and fees did.
"We have sold our soul to people who can strictly bring home the bacon and run up the debt," said Mark Vahey, 68, of Canandaigua. "We're pawns in their game. That does make me angry."
The ways of Albany have long been a source of frustration for New Yorkers, who, along with New Jerseyans, pay the highest property taxes in the country, according to the Tax Foundation.
The level of discontent seems to have increased, however, as state finances have crumbled and a leadership crisis has left lawmakers' important work, from dealing with a projected three-year $28 billion budget deficit to policing themselves, unfinished.
A Quinnipiac University poll earlier this month found that just 17 percent of New York voters approve of state lawmakers' performance.
A September Voice of the Voter poll of Monroe County voters pegged approval of the Senate at 14 percent and the Assembly at 15 percent.
"At a certain level, New Yorkers wanting to tear their hair out of their head is completely understandable," said Blair Horner of the New York Public Interest Research Group.
The Democrat and Chronicle received 32 responses from voters frustrated with Albany after a request for comments was published. Some of those voters' views are included in this story, as are the views of voters who were sought out for their opinions. Read more here.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Help for arts groups will do more than pay bills
The Buffalo News reported that every year when the final Erie County budget comes floating down from the county executive’s office, a nagging concern rears its head in Western New York’s arts and cultural community.
Why, the refrain goes, do the “big five” cultural organizations walk away with the lion’s share of the money? Couldn’t the county spread the love around to smaller and mid-size arts groups instead of forking most of it over to the Buffalo Zoo, Philharmonic, Science Museum, Historical Society and Albright-Knox Art Gallery?
“Not so much,” comes the yearly reply from a county that understandably prefers to build on its proven cultural strengths.
So this year, in recognition of the important role small and mid-sized arts organizations play in the cultural life of Western New York, a group of foundations is making a bold new investment in 17 sub-behemoth arts groups. It’s all under the umbrella organization known as the Fund for the Arts, a group that came together to bolster cultural groups during the nightmarish Erie County budget crisis of 2005.
Clotilde Perez-Bode Dedecker, president and CEO of the Community Foundation, calls it “bench strength.”
Some might bristle at the application of that particular sports metaphor to the cultural world, but it seems appropriate. Paul Hogan, vice president of the John R. Oishei Foundation, put it this way: “The reason that the big [culturals] are big and strong is because of the myriad of organizations at the bottom, at the middle and lower levels, that feed them.”
The new plan employs a fresh –and untested –approach to arts funding.
Instead of shelling out money to organizations based on specific projects and crossing their fingers in hopes of success –the normal M. O. for foundations –the Fund for the Arts will provide each organization with a consultant. Together, the group and consultant will figure out what the group needs to reach the next level of success—say, a new outreach plan or a way to increase ticket sales. The Fund for the Arts will then pay for whatever they conclude. In all, the initiative will cost approximately $300,000, including a major grant from the Detroit- based Kresge Foundation.
In this way, the foundations are inserting themselves into the process far earlier and staying far longer than is the standard practice. The hope is that this prolonged involvement will create a more self-sufficient organization whose fate is no longer pinned to a single funding source like Erie County or one foundation grant. Read more here.
Why, the refrain goes, do the “big five” cultural organizations walk away with the lion’s share of the money? Couldn’t the county spread the love around to smaller and mid-size arts groups instead of forking most of it over to the Buffalo Zoo, Philharmonic, Science Museum, Historical Society and Albright-Knox Art Gallery?
“Not so much,” comes the yearly reply from a county that understandably prefers to build on its proven cultural strengths.
So this year, in recognition of the important role small and mid-sized arts organizations play in the cultural life of Western New York, a group of foundations is making a bold new investment in 17 sub-behemoth arts groups. It’s all under the umbrella organization known as the Fund for the Arts, a group that came together to bolster cultural groups during the nightmarish Erie County budget crisis of 2005.
Clotilde Perez-Bode Dedecker, president and CEO of the Community Foundation, calls it “bench strength.”
Some might bristle at the application of that particular sports metaphor to the cultural world, but it seems appropriate. Paul Hogan, vice president of the John R. Oishei Foundation, put it this way: “The reason that the big [culturals] are big and strong is because of the myriad of organizations at the bottom, at the middle and lower levels, that feed them.”
The new plan employs a fresh –and untested –approach to arts funding.
Instead of shelling out money to organizations based on specific projects and crossing their fingers in hopes of success –the normal M. O. for foundations –the Fund for the Arts will provide each organization with a consultant. Together, the group and consultant will figure out what the group needs to reach the next level of success—say, a new outreach plan or a way to increase ticket sales. The Fund for the Arts will then pay for whatever they conclude. In all, the initiative will cost approximately $300,000, including a major grant from the Detroit- based Kresge Foundation.
In this way, the foundations are inserting themselves into the process far earlier and staying far longer than is the standard practice. The hope is that this prolonged involvement will create a more self-sufficient organization whose fate is no longer pinned to a single funding source like Erie County or one foundation grant. Read more here.
Local people, agencies step up despite recession
The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle offered the following article on nonprofit trends and the use of social media during this year:
Beverly Colon is used to getting a grab bag of sweaters, cookbooks and kitchenware from her siblings every Christmas.
This year, that won't be happening.
Instead, Colon, 40, will be pulling up her sleeves and assembling food bags for the community at her church, The Father's House in Chili.
At the tail end of one of the worst economic years in recent history, Colon, her siblings, in-laws and other relatives have decided to forgo giving presents to one another and instead give their time to charities across Rochester.
"We'd rather give than receive right now," said Colon, of Stafford, Genesee County. "We see such a need out there for volunteering, whether it be at church, or the Open Door Mission or even ringing bells for the Salvation Army."
Despite suffering myriad financial woes, people and agencies across the Rochester community have stepped up this year, reaching out to help the less fortunate in record numbers at a time when the need is greater than ever.
While the recession is affecting everyone, and fundraising is down for some nonprofits, individual donors are still finding ways to give back, and charities are finding ways to reach them.
"It seems our history is that when the economy is poor, then the middle class and upper class say, 'The poor must really be hurting,' and they tend to give more," said Maj. John Hodgson, area coordinator of The Salvation Army, which has seen fundraising lag slightly this year.
Volunteerism has increased significantly for many agencies, including the United Way of Greater Rochester, which met its goal of 280,000 volunteer hours for its annual campaign four months ahead of schedule.
The Jewish Community Federation also had a record number of volunteers — about 200 — at its annual phonathon earlier this month.
Local charities also have expanded their efforts to reach people, using social networking sites and other new approaches.
The result has been that many agencies have been able to maintain their level of help to the community, and some have even seen increased success this year.
Colon is used to getting a grab bag of sweaters, cookbooks and kitchenware from her siblings every Christmas.
This year, that won't be happening.
Instead, Colon, 40, will be pulling up her sleeves and assembling food bags for the community at her church, The Father's House in Chili.
At the tail end of one of the worst economic years in recent history, Colon, her siblings, in-laws and other relatives have decided to forgo giving presents to one another and instead give their time to charities across Rochester.
"We'd rather give than receive right now," said Colon, of Stafford, Genesee County. "We see such a need out there for volunteering, whether it be at church, or the Open Door Mission or even ringing bells for the Salvation Army."
Despite suffering myriad financial woes, people and agencies across the Rochester community have stepped up this year, reaching out to help the less fortunate in record numbers at a time when the need is greater than ever.
While the recession is affecting everyone, and fundraising is down for some nonprofits, individual donors are still finding ways to give back, and charities are finding ways to reach them.
"It seems our history is that when the economy is poor, then the middle class and upper class say, 'The poor must really be hurting,' and they tend to give more," said Maj. John Hodgson, area coordinator of The Salvation Army, which has seen fundraising lag slightly this year.
Volunteerism has increased significantly for many agencies, including the United Way of Greater Rochester, which met its goal of 280,000 volunteer hours for its annual campaign four months ahead of schedule.
The Jewish Community Federation also had a record number of volunteers — about 200 — at its annual phonathon earlier this month.
Local charities also have expanded their efforts to reach people, using social networking sites and other new approaches.
The result has been that many agencies have been able to maintain their level of help to the community, and some have even seen increased success this year.
"I think all in all, we're very blessed," said Gary Smith, executive director of the Pirate Toy Fund, which has mostly been able to keep up with demands this year despite seeing an increased number of agencies asking for assistance.
For the past 15 years, Colon, a medical records technician, and the other adults in her family have exchanged presents after pulling each other's names out of a "gift bag."
Her sister, Daisy Rivera Algarin, a senior marketing specialist with the city of Rochester, said that volunteering this year will more than make up for the lack of presents.
"We're going to get a lot more out of it than just our time," said Rivera, of Rochester, "just people's appreciation and seeing what happens."
The need for help this year has been "through the roof," said Smith, the Pirate Toy Fund executive director.
The fund gave away about 24,000 toys to agencies last year and Smith said that number is likely to increase by about 25 percent in 2009.
Other nonprofits in the Rochester area have also seen an increased call for services this year. Agencies supplied by Foodlink served about 21 percent more meals during the first 10 months of 2009 compared to the first 10 months of 2008, said Maria Oberst, Foodlink's community relations manager.
While the need for help has gone up, the availability of funding has dwindled for charities across the country.
Katherina Rosqueta, executive director of The Center for High Impact Philanthropy at the University of Pennsylvania, said nonprofits have had to make difficult decisions, including cutting programs and reducing staff.
They've also had to prioritize their services, she said, with basic necessities like food taking precedence.
"The pain is pretty widespread..." Rosqueta said. "It's kind of that perfect storm of a recession."
In order to contend with their loss of revenue, some nonprofits are trying new methods to reach contributors, including using social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. The Salvation Army uses both in order to reach younger donors, said Hodgson.
In 2010, the United Way is planning on posting volunteer opportunities on Twitter so followers can see what jobs are available, said Carly Layton, the agency's director of marketing and communications.
Social networking is a necessity for nonprofits as they adjust to changing donor resources, said Kn Moy, senior vice president of Insight and Innovation for Masterworks, a Poulsbo, Washington-based marketing firm that assists Christian nonprofits, including the Rochester Salvation Army.
"It's really going where people are at," said Moy, "going where people who are passionate are at."
Volunteers of America of Western New York also is using Facebook to help boost donations to its Caring Gifts appeal, which is behind schedule this year. Only about $36,000 has been raised so far toward the goal of $85,000. The appeal ends on Dec. 31.
"We're hoping that as we get a little closer to the holidays, people will really dig deep and say, 'I'll make a sacrifice,'" said Shaunta Collier-Santos, the agency's communications and special events manager.
A few charities in Rochester have done well in the recession.
At ABVI-Goodwill, profits went up about 13 percent in fiscal year 2009, which ended on March 31, said Tim Gleason, director of marketing and communications for ABVI-Goodwill.
The agency benefits from the fact that more people shop at Goodwill stores during difficult economic times, Gleason said.
The Catholic Ministries Appeal has raised about $4.3 million so far in 2009, about $250,000 ahead of last year's pace, said Dave Kelly, coordinator of the program.
Kelly attributed the increase to the efforts of individual churches.
With money scarce, some have gotten creative in their attempts to help.
Susie Kopitzki, a senior buyer at the University of Rochester, decided to put her network of friends to good use when she raised money for Lollypop Farm at a fundraising race in September.
In 2008, Kopitzki, of Rochester, was able to raise more than $650 for the race from friends and neighbors.
This year, she posted constant updates on her Facebook wall, asking people to help her raise more.
She also got a friend who owns a clothing store in Rochester to offer a 20 percent discount on all purchases to anyone who donated $20.
With these methods, Kopitzki increased her fundraising to about $2,200 this year, finishing as the top individual fundraiser.
With Facebook, she said, "you can just reach a mass amount of people."
"I think I've got like 330 friends on my friends list. I can't reach them all by e-mail, so it definitely helps a lot."
Kopitzki, 33, was able to give back to her favorite nonprofit by collecting small amounts of money from many people.
In contrast, Earl Lenhard of Brockport planned on giving a lump sum of $100,000 to the United Way, his charity of choice.
Lenhard had money stored up from investments and savings, but, when the stock market took a tumble, he had to revise his plans.
"With the way the economy was going and the way the stock market was going, I didn't expect to have enough there to maintain myself, let alone maintain the United Way," said Lenhard, 60. "I just happened to think of the idea of possibly giving a life insurance policy to them."
Lenhard, an independent contractor, created a policy that will deliver $250,000 to the United Way when he dies, if he dies before he's 102. He pays about $242 into the policy every month.
Lenhard worked for the United Way for almost 13 years, directing a program that distributed products to different nonprofit agencies in Rochester.
"I believe in what they do," he said, "and I think it's the best way to affect the most people in need in the community."
He said he hopes his contribution sets a good example for other people to follow.
This year, younger people are setting their own example.
Hailey Button, 15, and her friends got together recently to ring the bell for The Salvation Army outside The Mall at Greece Ridge.
The ninth-grader and three of her classmates from Greece Athena High School dressed in Santa hats and sang Christmas carols as they watched shoppers drop money into their red kettle.
"It's good to be able to do something to help others," said Hailey, who hopes to turn the event into an annual tradition with her friends.
"There are people who aren't as fortunate as me."
Beverly Colon is used to getting a grab bag of sweaters, cookbooks and kitchenware from her siblings every Christmas.
This year, that won't be happening.
Instead, Colon, 40, will be pulling up her sleeves and assembling food bags for the community at her church, The Father's House in Chili.
At the tail end of one of the worst economic years in recent history, Colon, her siblings, in-laws and other relatives have decided to forgo giving presents to one another and instead give their time to charities across Rochester.
"We'd rather give than receive right now," said Colon, of Stafford, Genesee County. "We see such a need out there for volunteering, whether it be at church, or the Open Door Mission or even ringing bells for the Salvation Army."
Despite suffering myriad financial woes, people and agencies across the Rochester community have stepped up this year, reaching out to help the less fortunate in record numbers at a time when the need is greater than ever.
While the recession is affecting everyone, and fundraising is down for some nonprofits, individual donors are still finding ways to give back, and charities are finding ways to reach them.
"It seems our history is that when the economy is poor, then the middle class and upper class say, 'The poor must really be hurting,' and they tend to give more," said Maj. John Hodgson, area coordinator of The Salvation Army, which has seen fundraising lag slightly this year.
Volunteerism has increased significantly for many agencies, including the United Way of Greater Rochester, which met its goal of 280,000 volunteer hours for its annual campaign four months ahead of schedule.
The Jewish Community Federation also had a record number of volunteers — about 200 — at its annual phonathon earlier this month.
Local charities also have expanded their efforts to reach people, using social networking sites and other new approaches.
The result has been that many agencies have been able to maintain their level of help to the community, and some have even seen increased success this year.
Colon is used to getting a grab bag of sweaters, cookbooks and kitchenware from her siblings every Christmas.
This year, that won't be happening.
Instead, Colon, 40, will be pulling up her sleeves and assembling food bags for the community at her church, The Father's House in Chili.
At the tail end of one of the worst economic years in recent history, Colon, her siblings, in-laws and other relatives have decided to forgo giving presents to one another and instead give their time to charities across Rochester.
"We'd rather give than receive right now," said Colon, of Stafford, Genesee County. "We see such a need out there for volunteering, whether it be at church, or the Open Door Mission or even ringing bells for the Salvation Army."
Despite suffering myriad financial woes, people and agencies across the Rochester community have stepped up this year, reaching out to help the less fortunate in record numbers at a time when the need is greater than ever.
While the recession is affecting everyone, and fundraising is down for some nonprofits, individual donors are still finding ways to give back, and charities are finding ways to reach them.
"It seems our history is that when the economy is poor, then the middle class and upper class say, 'The poor must really be hurting,' and they tend to give more," said Maj. John Hodgson, area coordinator of The Salvation Army, which has seen fundraising lag slightly this year.
Volunteerism has increased significantly for many agencies, including the United Way of Greater Rochester, which met its goal of 280,000 volunteer hours for its annual campaign four months ahead of schedule.
The Jewish Community Federation also had a record number of volunteers — about 200 — at its annual phonathon earlier this month.
Local charities also have expanded their efforts to reach people, using social networking sites and other new approaches.
The result has been that many agencies have been able to maintain their level of help to the community, and some have even seen increased success this year.
"I think all in all, we're very blessed," said Gary Smith, executive director of the Pirate Toy Fund, which has mostly been able to keep up with demands this year despite seeing an increased number of agencies asking for assistance.
For the past 15 years, Colon, a medical records technician, and the other adults in her family have exchanged presents after pulling each other's names out of a "gift bag."
Her sister, Daisy Rivera Algarin, a senior marketing specialist with the city of Rochester, said that volunteering this year will more than make up for the lack of presents.
"We're going to get a lot more out of it than just our time," said Rivera, of Rochester, "just people's appreciation and seeing what happens."
The need for help this year has been "through the roof," said Smith, the Pirate Toy Fund executive director.
The fund gave away about 24,000 toys to agencies last year and Smith said that number is likely to increase by about 25 percent in 2009.
Other nonprofits in the Rochester area have also seen an increased call for services this year. Agencies supplied by Foodlink served about 21 percent more meals during the first 10 months of 2009 compared to the first 10 months of 2008, said Maria Oberst, Foodlink's community relations manager.
While the need for help has gone up, the availability of funding has dwindled for charities across the country.
Katherina Rosqueta, executive director of The Center for High Impact Philanthropy at the University of Pennsylvania, said nonprofits have had to make difficult decisions, including cutting programs and reducing staff.
They've also had to prioritize their services, she said, with basic necessities like food taking precedence.
"The pain is pretty widespread..." Rosqueta said. "It's kind of that perfect storm of a recession."
In order to contend with their loss of revenue, some nonprofits are trying new methods to reach contributors, including using social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. The Salvation Army uses both in order to reach younger donors, said Hodgson.
In 2010, the United Way is planning on posting volunteer opportunities on Twitter so followers can see what jobs are available, said Carly Layton, the agency's director of marketing and communications.
Social networking is a necessity for nonprofits as they adjust to changing donor resources, said Kn Moy, senior vice president of Insight and Innovation for Masterworks, a Poulsbo, Washington-based marketing firm that assists Christian nonprofits, including the Rochester Salvation Army.
"It's really going where people are at," said Moy, "going where people who are passionate are at."
Volunteers of America of Western New York also is using Facebook to help boost donations to its Caring Gifts appeal, which is behind schedule this year. Only about $36,000 has been raised so far toward the goal of $85,000. The appeal ends on Dec. 31.
"We're hoping that as we get a little closer to the holidays, people will really dig deep and say, 'I'll make a sacrifice,'" said Shaunta Collier-Santos, the agency's communications and special events manager.
A few charities in Rochester have done well in the recession.
At ABVI-Goodwill, profits went up about 13 percent in fiscal year 2009, which ended on March 31, said Tim Gleason, director of marketing and communications for ABVI-Goodwill.
The agency benefits from the fact that more people shop at Goodwill stores during difficult economic times, Gleason said.
The Catholic Ministries Appeal has raised about $4.3 million so far in 2009, about $250,000 ahead of last year's pace, said Dave Kelly, coordinator of the program.
Kelly attributed the increase to the efforts of individual churches.
With money scarce, some have gotten creative in their attempts to help.
Susie Kopitzki, a senior buyer at the University of Rochester, decided to put her network of friends to good use when she raised money for Lollypop Farm at a fundraising race in September.
In 2008, Kopitzki, of Rochester, was able to raise more than $650 for the race from friends and neighbors.
This year, she posted constant updates on her Facebook wall, asking people to help her raise more.
She also got a friend who owns a clothing store in Rochester to offer a 20 percent discount on all purchases to anyone who donated $20.
With these methods, Kopitzki increased her fundraising to about $2,200 this year, finishing as the top individual fundraiser.
With Facebook, she said, "you can just reach a mass amount of people."
"I think I've got like 330 friends on my friends list. I can't reach them all by e-mail, so it definitely helps a lot."
Kopitzki, 33, was able to give back to her favorite nonprofit by collecting small amounts of money from many people.
In contrast, Earl Lenhard of Brockport planned on giving a lump sum of $100,000 to the United Way, his charity of choice.
Lenhard had money stored up from investments and savings, but, when the stock market took a tumble, he had to revise his plans.
"With the way the economy was going and the way the stock market was going, I didn't expect to have enough there to maintain myself, let alone maintain the United Way," said Lenhard, 60. "I just happened to think of the idea of possibly giving a life insurance policy to them."
Lenhard, an independent contractor, created a policy that will deliver $250,000 to the United Way when he dies, if he dies before he's 102. He pays about $242 into the policy every month.
Lenhard worked for the United Way for almost 13 years, directing a program that distributed products to different nonprofit agencies in Rochester.
"I believe in what they do," he said, "and I think it's the best way to affect the most people in need in the community."
He said he hopes his contribution sets a good example for other people to follow.
This year, younger people are setting their own example.
Hailey Button, 15, and her friends got together recently to ring the bell for The Salvation Army outside The Mall at Greece Ridge.
The ninth-grader and three of her classmates from Greece Athena High School dressed in Santa hats and sang Christmas carols as they watched shoppers drop money into their red kettle.
"It's good to be able to do something to help others," said Hailey, who hopes to turn the event into an annual tradition with her friends.
"There are people who aren't as fortunate as me."
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Impact of WNY nonprofits climbs to $2B
Buffalo Business First offered the following article about the economic impact of the region's nonprofits:
With combined revenues of more than $1.9 billion, Western New York 233 largest nonprofit entities have a huge impact on the region.
Those with the biggest impact, however, are the top 5 percent, including a dozen organizations with revenues of $25 million or more and thousands of employees, according to this year’s Million Dollar Nonprofits list.
The list, part of an annual research project by Business First, is compiled using federal tax forms from each agency’s 2007 fiscal year to identify the organizations with at least a million dollars in revenues. The list includes human service providers, cultural groups, nursing homes, health-related agencies, economic development organizations and social service groups.
The top four Million Dollar Nonprofits are all providers of services to individuals with disabilities and together have revenues topping $284 million: People Inc. of Amherst, with $102.7 million; The Resource Center of Jamestown, with $82 million; Aspire of WNY Inc. of Amherst, $63 million; and Heritage Centers in Buffalo, $36.4 million.
The top 12 also includes: Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, $34.5 million; CUBRC Inc., $33.4 million; Hospice Buffalo Inc. $33.4 million; Catholic Charities of Buffalo, $30.9 million; Chautauqua Institution, $27.8 million; McCauley Seton Home Care, $26 million; Rental Assistance Corp. of Buffalo, $25.6 million; and Community Action Organization of Erie County, $25.4 million.
More than a quarter of the agencies featured, or 27 percent, have revenues over $10 million, while the greatest percentage, 46 percent, fall into the $1 million to $5 million category.
All data on the 233 Million Dollar Nonprofits, as well as a list of the region’s 25 largest private foundations and a listing of 2010 nonprofit charitable events and fundraiser, can be found in the All About Nonprofits special publication in the Nov. 6 edition of Business First.
Subscribers will find the publication included with their weekly paper, while others can purchase copies on newsstands for $5.95 or by calling Karen Schiffmacher at 716-541-1631.
With combined revenues of more than $1.9 billion, Western New York 233 largest nonprofit entities have a huge impact on the region.
Those with the biggest impact, however, are the top 5 percent, including a dozen organizations with revenues of $25 million or more and thousands of employees, according to this year’s Million Dollar Nonprofits list.
The list, part of an annual research project by Business First, is compiled using federal tax forms from each agency’s 2007 fiscal year to identify the organizations with at least a million dollars in revenues. The list includes human service providers, cultural groups, nursing homes, health-related agencies, economic development organizations and social service groups.
The top four Million Dollar Nonprofits are all providers of services to individuals with disabilities and together have revenues topping $284 million: People Inc. of Amherst, with $102.7 million; The Resource Center of Jamestown, with $82 million; Aspire of WNY Inc. of Amherst, $63 million; and Heritage Centers in Buffalo, $36.4 million.
The top 12 also includes: Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, $34.5 million; CUBRC Inc., $33.4 million; Hospice Buffalo Inc. $33.4 million; Catholic Charities of Buffalo, $30.9 million; Chautauqua Institution, $27.8 million; McCauley Seton Home Care, $26 million; Rental Assistance Corp. of Buffalo, $25.6 million; and Community Action Organization of Erie County, $25.4 million.
More than a quarter of the agencies featured, or 27 percent, have revenues over $10 million, while the greatest percentage, 46 percent, fall into the $1 million to $5 million category.
All data on the 233 Million Dollar Nonprofits, as well as a list of the region’s 25 largest private foundations and a listing of 2010 nonprofit charitable events and fundraiser, can be found in the All About Nonprofits special publication in the Nov. 6 edition of Business First.
Subscribers will find the publication included with their weekly paper, while others can purchase copies on newsstands for $5.95 or by calling Karen Schiffmacher at 716-541-1631.
Nonprofits rethinking business model
The Buffalo Business First featured an article about how the region's nonprofits are responding to the difficult economic challenges. As the article relates, they are developing entrepreneurial ventures to generate new dollars for operating:
Small agencies are dealing with it. So are the largest.
Even the millionaire agencies – those with at least a million dollars in revenues that have made it onto the Business First Million Dollar Nonprofits list – say the situation doesn’t appear to be getting easier. They had collective revenues of $1.92 billion in fiscal 2007, but individually many are struggling and seeking ways to stay solvent. Many are exploring new funding options from foundations and contract opportunities as well as earned income through for-profit social enterprises.
Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute will start one such venture Jan. 1 when it begins a management contract with the Industrial Macromolecular Crystallography Association (IMCA), a consortium of nine of the nation’s largest pharmaceutical companies. The five-year contract calls for Hauptman-Woodward to manage IMCA’s Advanced Photon Source near Chicago, where X-rays used for X-ray crystallography are produced.
In addition to the $1 million management fee over a five-year period, the real value of the venture comes in the form of future possibilities, says Eaton “Ed” Lattman, CEO and executive director at HWI, a $7 million organization.
“We earn some money out of it, but we also get on the radar screens of these nine companies,” he says. “It’s at least equally important that we might get them, for example, to be customers of the high output crystallography lab here at the institute, or we might develop intellectual property with one of these firms.”
The agency is not alone. Nonprofits are increasingly investing in social enterprises despite the economic downturn, according to a survey by Community Wealth Ventures Inc. and the Social Enterprise Alliance of Washington, D.C. More than half of the 848 social sector organizations surveyed already operate a social enterprise, while 60 percent indicated they plan to launch another in the next few years.
Those considering their first enterprise cite a motivation to increase revenues and to extend the mission of their organization.
Mark Foley, president and CEO of Community Services for the Developmentally Disabled, says he’s been focusing on better business practices to avoid cutting programs or making layoffs at the $21 million agency. Now he’s beginning to explore the possibility of social enterprise.
“I don’t know that I’ve come up with anything that’s rocket science here,” he says. “Nonprofits have to be more business-like when funding support from donors and government start shrinking.”
The sale of reproduced rare prints and artwork is the newest venture for the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, which already earns dollars through Fables Cafe in the central library. Bridget Quinn-Carey, executive director, says the library is exploring a variety of opportunities for new revenues.
“We’re rethinking what we’re doing in our retail store too, thinking how can we better take advantage of this great real estate in there,” she says.
A cafe is also bringing in new revenue at the Buffalo Museum of Science. First opened this summer during the run of the popular Body Worlds exhibit, the museum is continuing the venture along with an increased emphasis on facilities rentals such as weddings and events in the main hall as well as the auditorium.
CEO Mark Mortenson says the nearly $3.3 million organization is looking at expanding those opportunities, as well as overnight programming for families.
“We always want to make sure it’s a unique experience every time an individual comes here,” he says. “We have a three-year approved strategic plan now aimed at identifying funding opportunities to change experiences throughout the museum.”
Habitat for Humanity Buffalo, with overall revenues of $1.5 million, has found better than expected success through its Restore, a retail shop that sells donated goods including building supplies, appliances, furniture and housewares. Over the four years since it opened in North Buffalo, the store has generated $500,000 in income, enough funds to build 12 houses.
David Zablotny, executive director, says the venture is working.
“It’s been much better than anyone has expected,” he says, adding that the agency is looking at whether it would make sense to add a second outlet, as other Habitat chapters have done. “That money we brought in through the Restore last year Is about 12 percent of our revenues, so we’re looking to find ways to increase that number.”
The YWCA of Niagara began a social enterprise last year with the creation of The Catering Crew, a catering company/culinary training program for the women living at its Carolyn’s House shelter in Niagara Falls. In this case, the venture serves a dual purpose: providing women with both training and a paycheck, and with additional revenues funneled back into the program. Read more here.
Small agencies are dealing with it. So are the largest.
Even the millionaire agencies – those with at least a million dollars in revenues that have made it onto the Business First Million Dollar Nonprofits list – say the situation doesn’t appear to be getting easier. They had collective revenues of $1.92 billion in fiscal 2007, but individually many are struggling and seeking ways to stay solvent. Many are exploring new funding options from foundations and contract opportunities as well as earned income through for-profit social enterprises.
Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute will start one such venture Jan. 1 when it begins a management contract with the Industrial Macromolecular Crystallography Association (IMCA), a consortium of nine of the nation’s largest pharmaceutical companies. The five-year contract calls for Hauptman-Woodward to manage IMCA’s Advanced Photon Source near Chicago, where X-rays used for X-ray crystallography are produced.
In addition to the $1 million management fee over a five-year period, the real value of the venture comes in the form of future possibilities, says Eaton “Ed” Lattman, CEO and executive director at HWI, a $7 million organization.
“We earn some money out of it, but we also get on the radar screens of these nine companies,” he says. “It’s at least equally important that we might get them, for example, to be customers of the high output crystallography lab here at the institute, or we might develop intellectual property with one of these firms.”
The agency is not alone. Nonprofits are increasingly investing in social enterprises despite the economic downturn, according to a survey by Community Wealth Ventures Inc. and the Social Enterprise Alliance of Washington, D.C. More than half of the 848 social sector organizations surveyed already operate a social enterprise, while 60 percent indicated they plan to launch another in the next few years.
Those considering their first enterprise cite a motivation to increase revenues and to extend the mission of their organization.
Mark Foley, president and CEO of Community Services for the Developmentally Disabled, says he’s been focusing on better business practices to avoid cutting programs or making layoffs at the $21 million agency. Now he’s beginning to explore the possibility of social enterprise.
“I don’t know that I’ve come up with anything that’s rocket science here,” he says. “Nonprofits have to be more business-like when funding support from donors and government start shrinking.”
The sale of reproduced rare prints and artwork is the newest venture for the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, which already earns dollars through Fables Cafe in the central library. Bridget Quinn-Carey, executive director, says the library is exploring a variety of opportunities for new revenues.
“We’re rethinking what we’re doing in our retail store too, thinking how can we better take advantage of this great real estate in there,” she says.
A cafe is also bringing in new revenue at the Buffalo Museum of Science. First opened this summer during the run of the popular Body Worlds exhibit, the museum is continuing the venture along with an increased emphasis on facilities rentals such as weddings and events in the main hall as well as the auditorium.
CEO Mark Mortenson says the nearly $3.3 million organization is looking at expanding those opportunities, as well as overnight programming for families.
“We always want to make sure it’s a unique experience every time an individual comes here,” he says. “We have a three-year approved strategic plan now aimed at identifying funding opportunities to change experiences throughout the museum.”
Habitat for Humanity Buffalo, with overall revenues of $1.5 million, has found better than expected success through its Restore, a retail shop that sells donated goods including building supplies, appliances, furniture and housewares. Over the four years since it opened in North Buffalo, the store has generated $500,000 in income, enough funds to build 12 houses.
David Zablotny, executive director, says the venture is working.
“It’s been much better than anyone has expected,” he says, adding that the agency is looking at whether it would make sense to add a second outlet, as other Habitat chapters have done. “That money we brought in through the Restore last year Is about 12 percent of our revenues, so we’re looking to find ways to increase that number.”
The YWCA of Niagara began a social enterprise last year with the creation of The Catering Crew, a catering company/culinary training program for the women living at its Carolyn’s House shelter in Niagara Falls. In this case, the venture serves a dual purpose: providing women with both training and a paycheck, and with additional revenues funneled back into the program. Read more here.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Social Media Position
Hello All:
The Ontario County Historical Society is seeking the services of a person
experienced in developing an internet based social networking program. The
individual would assist the Society in expanding its Social Networking,
Distance Learning, and on-line fundraising programs. The position would
begin as a 1099 consultant with possible employee status in the future.
Funding for the position would commence in January 2010. Successful
applicants will have an understanding of Facebook, Twitter, Guidestar and
the like. Experience in crafting short videos for internet uploading is a
must. Working knowledge of New York State history and ability to work with
a staff of museum professionals preferred. All who are interested are asked
to contact Executive Director at director@ochs.org . All contacts will be
held in confidence.
Best,
Edward Varno
Executive Director
Ontario County Historical Society
www.ochs.org
The Ontario County Historical Society is seeking the services of a person
experienced in developing an internet based social networking program. The
individual would assist the Society in expanding its Social Networking,
Distance Learning, and on-line fundraising programs. The position would
begin as a 1099 consultant with possible employee status in the future.
Funding for the position would commence in January 2010. Successful
applicants will have an understanding of Facebook, Twitter, Guidestar and
the like. Experience in crafting short videos for internet uploading is a
must. Working knowledge of New York State history and ability to work with
a staff of museum professionals preferred. All who are interested are asked
to contact Executive Director at director@ochs.org . All contacts will be
held in confidence.
Best,
Edward Varno
Executive Director
Ontario County Historical Society
www.ochs.org
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Foundations focus on 'mission investing'
Buffalo Business First reported that when the economy began going south in mid 2008, foundation leaders took note. Still, many committed their organizations to sustained levels of giving, even when that meant exceeding the required minimum distribution level of 5 percent.
That may be difficult moving forward, as next year’s giving levels likely will be determined based on this year’s asset levels. Western New York’s 25 largest foundations saw a collective decline of nearly $400 million between fiscal 2007 and 2008.
The foundations, included in the Business First Top 25 Private Foundations list, are hurting.
• Total assets, on average, declined by 27.4 percent from $1.12 billion to $814.7 million among the region’s 25 largest foundations, with nearly half experiencing declines of 30 percent or more.
• The economic decline was evident by looking at total new revenues, most coming in the form of investment income. The group saw a decline of more than 67 percent on average, with 10 foundations experiencing declines greater than 100 percent year over year.
• Grant dollars actually increased by 7.6 percent from $59.8 million to $64.4 million, including a $1.1 million grant by a foundation that made just one small grant the previous year.
But rather than bury their heads in the sand and hope for fewer grant requests, foundation leaders say they’re more determined than ever to find ways to help meet growing needs.
For some, like the Patrick P. Lee Foundation, that means making grants for human service agencies – outside the areas defined in its mission statement. They’re also rewarding innovation.
“We talk about it all the time: Where is the money needed?” says Fred Cook, executive director. “There’s a tremendous number of really dedicated, smart people who are doing an awful lot of good things with less money than you’d think. When times are tough, they get innovative.”
Corporate giving is also shifting, according to new research by the LBG Research Institute of Stamford, Conn. A recent survey on corporate giving shows more than 84 percent of corporations and their foundations are encouraging more employee volunteerism to offset declines in cash giving. They’re also increasing in-kind donations, such as meeting space and office equipment; and product donations, such as pharmaceuticals or apparel.
Foundations also are expanding beyond just giving grants and gifts into mission investing. Mission investing includes program-related investments, such as loans issued at below market rates, as well as mission-related investments. In either case, mission investments allow foundations to utilize a larger portion of their assets to facilitate capital projects, launch programs or build initiatives.
Mission investing is “absolutely” growing among foundations, says Mark Kramer, managing director at FSG Social Impact Advisors, a Boston nonprofit consultanting group that works with nonprofits and foundations around the country.
“There is a considerably greater willingness, even now in the downturn,” he says, pointing to an increase from $150 million in such investments in 2005 to more than $400 million last year. Additionally, the Gates Foundation recently announced it would commit $400 million itself to mission investments.
Larger, older foundations had been doing these types of investments for years, though mostly just low-interest loans. Now foundations are looking to more creative investments, Kramer says.
“There’s been this real blossoming of new ways of using mission investments, with increased awareness and data about it,” he says. “Foundations, once they get over the hurdle of knowing these things are possible, see that it’s not a foolish or dangerous thing to do. These are real investments that can both generate real social change and investment.”
That’s been the case here in Western New York for at least two major foundations: The John R. Oishei Foundation and the Community Health Foundation of Western and Central New York (CHF). Oishei has in recent years begun making low-interest loans to organizations such as Meals on Wheels of WNY and Upstate New York Transplant Services. The CHF made loans to CommunityCare in Olean to help start a care program for seniors; and to inner-city school systems in Buffalo and Syracuse to create a health planning model. Both foundations have also begun funding initiatives aimed at strengthening nonprofit leadership. Read more here.
That may be difficult moving forward, as next year’s giving levels likely will be determined based on this year’s asset levels. Western New York’s 25 largest foundations saw a collective decline of nearly $400 million between fiscal 2007 and 2008.
The foundations, included in the Business First Top 25 Private Foundations list, are hurting.
• Total assets, on average, declined by 27.4 percent from $1.12 billion to $814.7 million among the region’s 25 largest foundations, with nearly half experiencing declines of 30 percent or more.
• The economic decline was evident by looking at total new revenues, most coming in the form of investment income. The group saw a decline of more than 67 percent on average, with 10 foundations experiencing declines greater than 100 percent year over year.
• Grant dollars actually increased by 7.6 percent from $59.8 million to $64.4 million, including a $1.1 million grant by a foundation that made just one small grant the previous year.
But rather than bury their heads in the sand and hope for fewer grant requests, foundation leaders say they’re more determined than ever to find ways to help meet growing needs.
For some, like the Patrick P. Lee Foundation, that means making grants for human service agencies – outside the areas defined in its mission statement. They’re also rewarding innovation.
“We talk about it all the time: Where is the money needed?” says Fred Cook, executive director. “There’s a tremendous number of really dedicated, smart people who are doing an awful lot of good things with less money than you’d think. When times are tough, they get innovative.”
Corporate giving is also shifting, according to new research by the LBG Research Institute of Stamford, Conn. A recent survey on corporate giving shows more than 84 percent of corporations and their foundations are encouraging more employee volunteerism to offset declines in cash giving. They’re also increasing in-kind donations, such as meeting space and office equipment; and product donations, such as pharmaceuticals or apparel.
Foundations also are expanding beyond just giving grants and gifts into mission investing. Mission investing includes program-related investments, such as loans issued at below market rates, as well as mission-related investments. In either case, mission investments allow foundations to utilize a larger portion of their assets to facilitate capital projects, launch programs or build initiatives.
Mission investing is “absolutely” growing among foundations, says Mark Kramer, managing director at FSG Social Impact Advisors, a Boston nonprofit consultanting group that works with nonprofits and foundations around the country.
“There is a considerably greater willingness, even now in the downturn,” he says, pointing to an increase from $150 million in such investments in 2005 to more than $400 million last year. Additionally, the Gates Foundation recently announced it would commit $400 million itself to mission investments.
Larger, older foundations had been doing these types of investments for years, though mostly just low-interest loans. Now foundations are looking to more creative investments, Kramer says.
“There’s been this real blossoming of new ways of using mission investments, with increased awareness and data about it,” he says. “Foundations, once they get over the hurdle of knowing these things are possible, see that it’s not a foolish or dangerous thing to do. These are real investments that can both generate real social change and investment.”
That’s been the case here in Western New York for at least two major foundations: The John R. Oishei Foundation and the Community Health Foundation of Western and Central New York (CHF). Oishei has in recent years begun making low-interest loans to organizations such as Meals on Wheels of WNY and Upstate New York Transplant Services. The CHF made loans to CommunityCare in Olean to help start a care program for seniors; and to inner-city school systems in Buffalo and Syracuse to create a health planning model. Both foundations have also begun funding initiatives aimed at strengthening nonprofit leadership. Read more here.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
SU, Cornell, University of Rochester collaborate to find solutions to CNY brain drain in upcoming charrette, Nov. 13-15
Thirty-six students from Syracuse University, Cornell University and the University of Rochester will come together Nov. 13-15 for a charrette to address and work on creative solutions to one of the toughest problems facing Upstate New York: retaining smart, hard-working young people post-graduation.
The Friday through Sunday charrette, titled "Work/Play/Stay," will take place on the fourth floor of The Warehouse, 350 W. Fayette St., Syracuse, culminating with a presentation of ideas after a 1 p.m. reception on Sunday, Nov. 15.
A charrette–sometimes called a design charrette–is an intense, design-based collaborative project. Charrettes serve as a way of quickly generating a design solution through collaborative work, integrating the aptitudes and interests of a diverse group of people. For the upcoming "Work/Play/Stay" charrette, each university selected 12 students from a variety of disciplines and schools.
The idea for an entrepreneurial collaboration of the three universities came from Neil Tarallo, assistant professor of clinical entrepreneurship at SU's Whitman School of Management, who had once been an entrepreneur in the Ithaca area.
"Typically, it's industry leaders and government officials that talk about this issue, but as entrepreneurs we know that customers' opinions are very important, so it seems logical that we should ask the students what they think," says Tarallo. Read more here.
The Friday through Sunday charrette, titled "Work/Play/Stay," will take place on the fourth floor of The Warehouse, 350 W. Fayette St., Syracuse, culminating with a presentation of ideas after a 1 p.m. reception on Sunday, Nov. 15.
A charrette–sometimes called a design charrette–is an intense, design-based collaborative project. Charrettes serve as a way of quickly generating a design solution through collaborative work, integrating the aptitudes and interests of a diverse group of people. For the upcoming "Work/Play/Stay" charrette, each university selected 12 students from a variety of disciplines and schools.
The idea for an entrepreneurial collaboration of the three universities came from Neil Tarallo, assistant professor of clinical entrepreneurship at SU's Whitman School of Management, who had once been an entrepreneur in the Ithaca area.
"Typically, it's industry leaders and government officials that talk about this issue, but as entrepreneurs we know that customers' opinions are very important, so it seems logical that we should ask the students what they think," says Tarallo. Read more here.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
"Statewide Leadership Development Conference"
Highlights:
*Opening Round Table Discussion on Professional Ethics and Standards
Workshops:
The Quality Improvement Team: A Leadership Tool
-Managing Staff Conflict, Team Sabotage and Workplace Drama
-Critical Supervisory Skills
-Grant Management 101
-Supervising clinical and non-clinical cases
-Implementing Recovery and Evidence Based Practices in Housing
Thursday November 12, 2009
8:00am-4:45pm
Radisson Hotel
120 Main Street
Rochester, NY
Who Should Attend?
Program Directors, Managers, Supervisors, Team Leaders and Quality Assurance Staff.
Download registration forms from http://www.homelessservicesrochesterny.org or contact Sara Taylor for more information @(585) 654-9083.
*Opening Round Table Discussion on Professional Ethics and Standards
Workshops:
The Quality Improvement Team: A Leadership Tool
-Managing Staff Conflict, Team Sabotage and Workplace Drama
-Critical Supervisory Skills
-Grant Management 101
-Supervising clinical and non-clinical cases
-Implementing Recovery and Evidence Based Practices in Housing
Thursday November 12, 2009
8:00am-4:45pm
Radisson Hotel
120 Main Street
Rochester, NY
Who Should Attend?
Program Directors, Managers, Supervisors, Team Leaders and Quality Assurance Staff.
Download registration forms from http://www.homelessservicesrochesterny.org or contact Sara Taylor for more information @(585) 654-9083.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
AG: New Information Can Help Consumers with Health Care Costs
In Rochester on Tuesday, New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo announced a reform to the consumer reimbursement system for health care. The state is creating a non-profit is called FAIR Health, an research group headquartered at Syracuse University. The University of Rochester, Cornell University and the University at Buffalo are also part of the group.
Cuomo says FAIR Health will provide an independent system to help consumers find out how much they'll have to pay for health care procedures."
Before the patient goes to the doctor, the patient could say I'm getting reimbursed $140 dollars, is that the right amount?'," Cuomo says. "The doctor will know what they'll be reimbursed. That will be done on a web site operated by this company. Before you leave your house, you punch in your procedure code and you'll know exactly what your reimbursement rate is going to be."
Cuomo says the independent company will set reimbursement rates for out-of-network procedures.
Cuomo say a nearly $1 million settlement with health insurers across the country will fund the new system.
Monday, October 26, 2009
The Interim Executive Director Leadership Program: Offering Assistance for Your Nonprofit
Offered by the New York Council of Nonprofts (NYCON)
Interim Executive Leaders can help manage your Nonprofit's Leadership Transition
In 2006, a study of 2,000 Executive Directors conducted by the Meyer Foundation and CompassPoint Nonprofit Services, noted that 75% of respondents did not plan to be in their current job in five years.
What is the Interim Executive Leadershp (IEL) Program?
The IEL Program is a comprehensive training, placement and support initiative designed to place qualified, experienced nonprofit professional in transitional Executive Director/CEO positions in New York State nonprofits.
The program is designed to help meet the needs of nonprofit agencies as significant numbers of nonprofit executives are expected to retire over the next 5 years.Leaders trained through our program can provide effective transitional leadership to nonprofits in order to strengthen organizational health and effectiveness during a time of transition.
Consider hiring an Interim Executive Leader if your organization:
For additional information please contact:
Jennifer Lockwood, Program Director
Email: jlockwood@nycon.org
Phone: 845.454.5062 ext. 102
Or click here to submit your inquiry online.
Interim Executive Leaders can help manage your Nonprofit's Leadership Transition
In 2006, a study of 2,000 Executive Directors conducted by the Meyer Foundation and CompassPoint Nonprofit Services, noted that 75% of respondents did not plan to be in their current job in five years.
What is the Interim Executive Leadershp (IEL) Program?
The IEL Program is a comprehensive training, placement and support initiative designed to place qualified, experienced nonprofit professional in transitional Executive Director/CEO positions in New York State nonprofits.
The program is designed to help meet the needs of nonprofit agencies as significant numbers of nonprofit executives are expected to retire over the next 5 years.Leaders trained through our program can provide effective transitional leadership to nonprofits in order to strengthen organizational health and effectiveness during a time of transition.
Consider hiring an Interim Executive Leader if your organization:
- Is currently operating without an Executive Director;
- Has experienced Executive Director/CEO turnover in the last few years and the agency requires stabilization;
- Is expecting your Executive Director/CEO to retire or resign, and you require sufficient time to conduct a thorough search process;
- Is seeking an experienced, qualified nonprofit professional trained in transition management to guide the organization through a short-term period of transition
For additional information please contact:
Jennifer Lockwood, Program Director
Email: jlockwood@nycon.org
Phone: 845.454.5062 ext. 102
Or click here to submit your inquiry online.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
"Controlling the Local Tax Burden-A Dialogue" on Oct. 28
Jamestown's The Post-Journal reported that the Robert H. Jackson Center will host a free continuing legal education seminar titled, "Controlling the Local Tax Burden-A Dialogue" on Wednesday, Oct. 28.
Topics to be discussed include The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Progress and Experience with Efforts in Consolidation of Shared Services presented by Stan Lundine, former chair of the Commission on Local Government Efficiency and Competitiveness, A Case Study discussion with Steve Abdella, Chautauqua County Attorney and David V. DiTanna, CPA, shareholder of Buffamante Whipple Buttafaro, P.C.; and School and Municipal Governance for the 21st Century presented by Gregory L. Peterson, Esq., Phillips Lytle LLP, Charles Zettek, Vice President and Director of Government Management Services for the Center for Governmental Research of Rochester and Dr. Kathryn Foster, Director of the University at Buffalo Regional Institute.
The program will be immediately followed by a luncheon featuring guest speaker, Shane P. Conlan, former Buffalo Bills linebacker.
Developed primarily as a continuing legal education seminar for attorneys, the seminar will appeal to a cross-disciplinary audience of lawyers, municipal officials, business leaders, school administrators, bankers, non-profit organizations and their board members. Read more here.
Topics to be discussed include The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Progress and Experience with Efforts in Consolidation of Shared Services presented by Stan Lundine, former chair of the Commission on Local Government Efficiency and Competitiveness, A Case Study discussion with Steve Abdella, Chautauqua County Attorney and David V. DiTanna, CPA, shareholder of Buffamante Whipple Buttafaro, P.C.; and School and Municipal Governance for the 21st Century presented by Gregory L. Peterson, Esq., Phillips Lytle LLP, Charles Zettek, Vice President and Director of Government Management Services for the Center for Governmental Research of Rochester and Dr. Kathryn Foster, Director of the University at Buffalo Regional Institute.
The program will be immediately followed by a luncheon featuring guest speaker, Shane P. Conlan, former Buffalo Bills linebacker.
Developed primarily as a continuing legal education seminar for attorneys, the seminar will appeal to a cross-disciplinary audience of lawyers, municipal officials, business leaders, school administrators, bankers, non-profit organizations and their board members. Read more here.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Ten Behaviors of Managers Who Excel---in tough times
A conference to strengthen the effectiveness of managers & supervisors who work in non-profit organizations
PRESENTED BY HSC Workshops
Management is a demanding job under the best circumstances. During these tough economic times, the tasks of management are especially difficult, particularly for those working in the non-profit sector. With fewer and fewer resources, the role of management can seem overwhelming, requiring you to juggle multiple priorities and demands. You must be able to help staff deal with constant changes, budget cuts, staff reductions and wage freezes. This is in addition to the normal responsibilities of performance management, delegation, team development, coaching and conflict resolution. You balance the roles of leader, coach, cheerleader and score keeper. And do all this in the midst of constant changes and shifting priorities.
You may feel overwhelmed as a supervisor or manager. Perhaps you have had little or no training in how to be a successful manager. Maybe you want a refresher course on management covering all the latest information on essential management strategies. Join us and let us help you learn to excel as a manager.
This one-day, fast-paced, comprehensive seminar will provide you with the knowledge and, most importantly, the skills to improve the productive work of your staff. We will emphasize how we accomplish the same job, or even more, with fewer resources. Whether you supervise a staff of one or 101, we will provide the basic skills training, as well as build on the skills you already have, to enable you to succeed in the many facets of your job. You will leave this program with the confidence and ability to create a strong winning team of competent employees.
When & Where:
Buffalo (Amherst), NY Friday, December 18, 2009 Holiday Inn 1881 Niagara Falls Blvd. 14228
TIME: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM (Lunch is Noon-1:00)Cost: $135/person. This includes morning coffee and rolls as well as training materials. (NOTE: Funding restraints and cutbacks have affected us all. This is our effort to help by offering this at our 2005 price.)
Certificate of Attendance for 5.5 clock hours will be provided.
Here are just a few of the questions we have addressed in recent workshops:“How do you...”
manage people you previously worked with or are friends with?
manage experienced employees when you are new?
set your priorities when you are busy putting out fires?
delegate work when you know employees are already overworked?
deal with problem employees so other employees don’t feel resentment?
develop commitment in employees in spite of constant changes they face?
motivate with little or no raises possible?
help diverse members of a team work together and value their differences?
know when to be involved and when to let employees work out their own issues?
help employees feel ownership for results?
manage volunteers instead of paid employees?
HSC WORKSHOPS
2631 E. Sierra St.* Phoenix, AZ 85028
Phone: 602-674-0911 Fax: 602-997-5010
info@hscseminars.org
Call or e-mail any questions or to register. May we send you some references?
PRESENTED BY HSC Workshops
Management is a demanding job under the best circumstances. During these tough economic times, the tasks of management are especially difficult, particularly for those working in the non-profit sector. With fewer and fewer resources, the role of management can seem overwhelming, requiring you to juggle multiple priorities and demands. You must be able to help staff deal with constant changes, budget cuts, staff reductions and wage freezes. This is in addition to the normal responsibilities of performance management, delegation, team development, coaching and conflict resolution. You balance the roles of leader, coach, cheerleader and score keeper. And do all this in the midst of constant changes and shifting priorities.
You may feel overwhelmed as a supervisor or manager. Perhaps you have had little or no training in how to be a successful manager. Maybe you want a refresher course on management covering all the latest information on essential management strategies. Join us and let us help you learn to excel as a manager.
This one-day, fast-paced, comprehensive seminar will provide you with the knowledge and, most importantly, the skills to improve the productive work of your staff. We will emphasize how we accomplish the same job, or even more, with fewer resources. Whether you supervise a staff of one or 101, we will provide the basic skills training, as well as build on the skills you already have, to enable you to succeed in the many facets of your job. You will leave this program with the confidence and ability to create a strong winning team of competent employees.
When & Where:
Buffalo (Amherst), NY Friday, December 18, 2009 Holiday Inn 1881 Niagara Falls Blvd. 14228
TIME: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM (Lunch is Noon-1:00)Cost: $135/person. This includes morning coffee and rolls as well as training materials. (NOTE: Funding restraints and cutbacks have affected us all. This is our effort to help by offering this at our 2005 price.)
Certificate of Attendance for 5.5 clock hours will be provided.
Here are just a few of the questions we have addressed in recent workshops:“How do you...”
manage people you previously worked with or are friends with?
manage experienced employees when you are new?
set your priorities when you are busy putting out fires?
delegate work when you know employees are already overworked?
deal with problem employees so other employees don’t feel resentment?
develop commitment in employees in spite of constant changes they face?
motivate with little or no raises possible?
help diverse members of a team work together and value their differences?
know when to be involved and when to let employees work out their own issues?
help employees feel ownership for results?
manage volunteers instead of paid employees?
HSC WORKSHOPS
2631 E. Sierra St.* Phoenix, AZ 85028
Phone: 602-674-0911 Fax: 602-997-5010
info@hscseminars.org
Call or e-mail any questions or to register. May we send you some references?
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Area hospitals to use report to help guide their future plans
The Olean Times Herald reported that a recent report on what consumers think about health care in Western New York is seen by local hospital administrators as a valuable tool.
The report, "Reaching for Excellence: Community Vision and Voices for Western New York Health Care," polled more than 1,700 people from throughout eight Western New York counties. The report reflects what people want in the future from the health-care system and critical needs that currently are not being addressed.
Timothy J. Finan, president and CEO of Olean General Hospital, and Eva Benedict, president and CEO of Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville, both said the report will be a significant part of their future planning on how to make a more patient-centered health-care experience.
The report is a collaborative effort of the Community Health Foundation of Western and Central New York, the John R. Oishei Foundation, The P2 Collaborative and The University of Buffalo Regional Institute. It is the first to conduct such an intensive, widespread and continuing process for engaging and amplifying the consumer perspective, said Ann F. Monroe, president and CEO of the Community Health Foundation.
The report identified five critical areas that consumers felt needed to be addressed: Making a human connection, losing the hassle factor, helping patients understand, making healthy choices and increasing access to care.
Mr. Finan called the report significant and said that it amplified what Olean General knew intuitively about people's perception of the health-care system. The report will help administrators at Olean General and Bradford Regional Medical Center develop a strategic plan as the hospitals soon come together under the Upper Allegheny Health System, he said.
"As we embark upon a strategic plan for the new Upper Allegheny Health System this will be very important information that will factor into the process," he said.
Ms. Benedict said that Jones Memorial will use the information for its own strategic planning.
"We certainly welcome and need that consumer input and their perceptions to help us guide where go in the future," she said.
The report is the result of two years of information gathering. Nearly 115 meetings were held to discuss the future of Western New York health care. Read more here.
The report, "Reaching for Excellence: Community Vision and Voices for Western New York Health Care," polled more than 1,700 people from throughout eight Western New York counties. The report reflects what people want in the future from the health-care system and critical needs that currently are not being addressed.
Timothy J. Finan, president and CEO of Olean General Hospital, and Eva Benedict, president and CEO of Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville, both said the report will be a significant part of their future planning on how to make a more patient-centered health-care experience.
The report is a collaborative effort of the Community Health Foundation of Western and Central New York, the John R. Oishei Foundation, The P2 Collaborative and The University of Buffalo Regional Institute. It is the first to conduct such an intensive, widespread and continuing process for engaging and amplifying the consumer perspective, said Ann F. Monroe, president and CEO of the Community Health Foundation.
The report identified five critical areas that consumers felt needed to be addressed: Making a human connection, losing the hassle factor, helping patients understand, making healthy choices and increasing access to care.
Mr. Finan called the report significant and said that it amplified what Olean General knew intuitively about people's perception of the health-care system. The report will help administrators at Olean General and Bradford Regional Medical Center develop a strategic plan as the hospitals soon come together under the Upper Allegheny Health System, he said.
"As we embark upon a strategic plan for the new Upper Allegheny Health System this will be very important information that will factor into the process," he said.
Ms. Benedict said that Jones Memorial will use the information for its own strategic planning.
"We certainly welcome and need that consumer input and their perceptions to help us guide where go in the future," she said.
The report is the result of two years of information gathering. Nearly 115 meetings were held to discuss the future of Western New York health care. Read more here.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Health Care Forum Set for Thurs and Friday
The Buffalo News reported about the People’s Pharmacy, Joe and Terry Graedon, who offer health information on home remedies, prescription drugs and saving money.
Their health advice column runs Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in the Life & Arts section of The Buffalo News, and their radio show is aired nationally on public radio.
“People think of us as the ‘Pill People,’ said Joe Graedon during a recent phone interview. “We are either talking about prescription or over-the-counter drugs, dietary supplements, herbs, home remedies. We’re talking about stuff—that for the most part—you swallow or smear.”
It may come as a surprise, then, to hear the Graedons speak off-topic Friday, when they present the keynote address during the P2 Collaborative Conference at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center.
“The real question here is: ‘How do you motivate yourself to make those lifestyle changes?’” said Joe Graedon.
With more than 200 member and partner organizations, the P2 Collaborative brings together health care providers, patients and insurers. The initiative— dedicated to improving the health of people in Western New York— is funded by sources including the John R. Oishei Foundation, the New York State Department of Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Read more here.
Seminar at a glance
When: 7:30 a. m. to 6 p. m. Thursday and 7:30 a. m. to 2 p. m. Friday
Where: Buffalo Niagara Convention Center
What:Spend two days with national health experts learning how to improve health care in Western New York.
Keynote Luncheon Address: “Taking Charge of Your Health” with Joe and Terry Graedon from “People’s Pharmacy” at noon Friday. Cost $50. To register, visit: http://tinyurl.com/p209lunch.
Event Schedule: For information and fees, visit http://www.p2wny.org/.
Their health advice column runs Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in the Life & Arts section of The Buffalo News, and their radio show is aired nationally on public radio.
“People think of us as the ‘Pill People,’ said Joe Graedon during a recent phone interview. “We are either talking about prescription or over-the-counter drugs, dietary supplements, herbs, home remedies. We’re talking about stuff—that for the most part—you swallow or smear.”
It may come as a surprise, then, to hear the Graedons speak off-topic Friday, when they present the keynote address during the P2 Collaborative Conference at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center.
“The real question here is: ‘How do you motivate yourself to make those lifestyle changes?’” said Joe Graedon.
With more than 200 member and partner organizations, the P2 Collaborative brings together health care providers, patients and insurers. The initiative— dedicated to improving the health of people in Western New York— is funded by sources including the John R. Oishei Foundation, the New York State Department of Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Read more here.
Seminar at a glance
When: 7:30 a. m. to 6 p. m. Thursday and 7:30 a. m. to 2 p. m. Friday
Where: Buffalo Niagara Convention Center
What:Spend two days with national health experts learning how to improve health care in Western New York.
Keynote Luncheon Address: “Taking Charge of Your Health” with Joe and Terry Graedon from “People’s Pharmacy” at noon Friday. Cost $50. To register, visit: http://tinyurl.com/p209lunch.
Event Schedule: For information and fees, visit http://www.p2wny.org/.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
With fewer resources, groups opt to give less
The Buffalo News reported how the downturn has impacted local foundations. As the article relates:
Battered by more than $80 million in stock market losses last year, the John R. Oishei Foundation suspended new funding for medical research. The James H. Cummings Foundation, whose assets dropped by about 30 percent, probably will give away $500,000 less in 2009 than in previous years.
The Grigg-Lewis Foundation lost about $12 million and informed charitable organizations it wouldn't award any more grants this year.
"We tell them, 'Come back in January, and we'll take a look,'" said William May, executive director of the Griggs-Lewis Foundation, based in Lockport.
The stock market began turning around in the first half of 2009, but the impact of the 2008 free-fall will be felt in local philanthropic giving for years.
"This is not your daddy's downturn. This is an entirely new animal," noted Paul Hogan, vice president of the Oishei Foundation. "A third of the money has just disappeared. That doesn't come back in a normal cycle."
It took just four months in 2008 to wipe out almost a decade's worth of investment earnings at Western New York's largest private foundation. Oishei had $232.9 million in assets at the end of 2008 — down from $332.9 million at the close of 2007.
In addition to investment losses, overhead costs of $2.6 million and the payout of nearly $16 million in grants — the most in its history — further drained Oishei's net assets.
Other Western New York foundations were in the same boat.
"We will not have the income in 2010 that we had in 2009 or 2008. Nowhere near," said Robert Kresse, a trustee with the Margaret L. Wendt Foundation, where assets fell from about $120 million to $80 million. "We're in a very tight squeeze."
The Wendt Foundation already has sizable grant commitments to pay out from previous years, pinching its ability to award new grants.
Grantmaking hasn't stopped, but foundation representatives said they would have to be more selective than ever. Some foundations acknowledged they're now less inclined to do multiyear grants. Read more here.
With decreased resources, funders will have to cut back on their giving. As these cutbacks impact the sector, nonprofits facing growing deficits and cash flow issues will clearly be facing critical issues. Some nonprofits will go out of business. What does this mean for the sector? How can nonprofits prepare or respond to these funding issues? Share your thoughts here.
Battered by more than $80 million in stock market losses last year, the John R. Oishei Foundation suspended new funding for medical research. The James H. Cummings Foundation, whose assets dropped by about 30 percent, probably will give away $500,000 less in 2009 than in previous years.
The Grigg-Lewis Foundation lost about $12 million and informed charitable organizations it wouldn't award any more grants this year.
"We tell them, 'Come back in January, and we'll take a look,'" said William May, executive director of the Griggs-Lewis Foundation, based in Lockport.
The stock market began turning around in the first half of 2009, but the impact of the 2008 free-fall will be felt in local philanthropic giving for years.
"This is not your daddy's downturn. This is an entirely new animal," noted Paul Hogan, vice president of the Oishei Foundation. "A third of the money has just disappeared. That doesn't come back in a normal cycle."
It took just four months in 2008 to wipe out almost a decade's worth of investment earnings at Western New York's largest private foundation. Oishei had $232.9 million in assets at the end of 2008 — down from $332.9 million at the close of 2007.
In addition to investment losses, overhead costs of $2.6 million and the payout of nearly $16 million in grants — the most in its history — further drained Oishei's net assets.
Other Western New York foundations were in the same boat.
"We will not have the income in 2010 that we had in 2009 or 2008. Nowhere near," said Robert Kresse, a trustee with the Margaret L. Wendt Foundation, where assets fell from about $120 million to $80 million. "We're in a very tight squeeze."
The Wendt Foundation already has sizable grant commitments to pay out from previous years, pinching its ability to award new grants.
Grantmaking hasn't stopped, but foundation representatives said they would have to be more selective than ever. Some foundations acknowledged they're now less inclined to do multiyear grants. Read more here.
With decreased resources, funders will have to cut back on their giving. As these cutbacks impact the sector, nonprofits facing growing deficits and cash flow issues will clearly be facing critical issues. Some nonprofits will go out of business. What does this mean for the sector? How can nonprofits prepare or respond to these funding issues? Share your thoughts here.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Oishei gives $100K grant for jobs program
Business First of Buffalo reported that a new foundation grant will allow three local nonprofit organizations to create a collaborative jobs program.
The $100,000 two-year grant from the John R. Oishei Foundation to Goodwill Industries of Western New York supports the "Parks Careers Pathways Collaboration."
The program is a collaborative effort between Goodwill Industries, the Buffalo City Mission and the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy.
The program is intended to offer training and career exploration opportunities at Olmsted Parks for individuals referred by the other two agencies. Individuals will come through Goodwill's Assessment and Evaluation Clinic and the Mission's long-term recovery programs. Read more here.
The $100,000 two-year grant from the John R. Oishei Foundation to Goodwill Industries of Western New York supports the "Parks Careers Pathways Collaboration."
The program is a collaborative effort between Goodwill Industries, the Buffalo City Mission and the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy.
The program is intended to offer training and career exploration opportunities at Olmsted Parks for individuals referred by the other two agencies. Individuals will come through Goodwill's Assessment and Evaluation Clinic and the Mission's long-term recovery programs. Read more here.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Nonprofit Media Coverage Update
The Minnesota Council on Foundations provided this roundup of media coverage on the world of nonprofit and philanthropy:
5 Tips on How to Stretch Your Charitable Dollars
(The New York Times) Here are some creative strategies from The Times on making your charitable dollar go the extra mile.
Concern Worldwide US Challenged by Gates to Test “Game-changing Ideas”
(OnPhilanthropy) With this week’s announcement that Concern Worldwide US had received a five-year, $41 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the international relief and development agency will embark on a groundbreaking initiative that hopes to identify and test “game-changing ideas” to improve essential health care delivery to mothers, infants and children in Africa and South Asia.
Corporate Collaborators: Siemens Showcases the Power of Non-Traditional Partnerships
(OnPhilanthropy) Take stock of these two statistics. First, according to a recent international study, American 15-year-olds ranked 21st in science compared to their peers in other nations. Second, the U.S. Labor Department predicts that by 2014 there will be more than 2 million job openings in science, technology and engineering, while the number of Americans graduating with degrees in those subject areas will continue to plummet.
Council on Foundations Launches Organization to Administer Standards for U.S. Community Foundations
(PND) The Council on Foundations has announced the launch of the Community Foundations National Standards Board, a new organization that will administer the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations accreditation process.
Mpls. Nonprofit Gets $3M in Stimulus Funds
(The Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded a Minneapolis nonprofit $3 million in stimulus funding to retrofit buses, trucks and other diesel vehicles with pollution-control equipment. The Minnesota Environmental Initiative (MEI) will use the dollars as part of its Project Green Fleet program.
Opinion: The Great Philanthropy Takeover
(The Wall Street Journal) David J. Sanders reflects on rural poverty, how little foundation money goes to address this and other rural issues, and how attendess at the recent conference on rural philanthropy by the national Council on Foundations is hoping to address the needs of rural America.
5 Tips on How to Stretch Your Charitable Dollars
(The New York Times) Here are some creative strategies from The Times on making your charitable dollar go the extra mile.
Concern Worldwide US Challenged by Gates to Test “Game-changing Ideas”
(OnPhilanthropy) With this week’s announcement that Concern Worldwide US had received a five-year, $41 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the international relief and development agency will embark on a groundbreaking initiative that hopes to identify and test “game-changing ideas” to improve essential health care delivery to mothers, infants and children in Africa and South Asia.
Corporate Collaborators: Siemens Showcases the Power of Non-Traditional Partnerships
(OnPhilanthropy) Take stock of these two statistics. First, according to a recent international study, American 15-year-olds ranked 21st in science compared to their peers in other nations. Second, the U.S. Labor Department predicts that by 2014 there will be more than 2 million job openings in science, technology and engineering, while the number of Americans graduating with degrees in those subject areas will continue to plummet.
Council on Foundations Launches Organization to Administer Standards for U.S. Community Foundations
(PND) The Council on Foundations has announced the launch of the Community Foundations National Standards Board, a new organization that will administer the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations accreditation process.
Mpls. Nonprofit Gets $3M in Stimulus Funds
(The Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded a Minneapolis nonprofit $3 million in stimulus funding to retrofit buses, trucks and other diesel vehicles with pollution-control equipment. The Minnesota Environmental Initiative (MEI) will use the dollars as part of its Project Green Fleet program.
Opinion: The Great Philanthropy Takeover
(The Wall Street Journal) David J. Sanders reflects on rural poverty, how little foundation money goes to address this and other rural issues, and how attendess at the recent conference on rural philanthropy by the national Council on Foundations is hoping to address the needs of rural America.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Oishei grant lifts Meals on Wheels & Strengthens Community Collaborations
Oishei grant lifts Meals on Wheels
from Business First of Buffalo - by Tracey Drury
A Meals on Wheels for WNY commissary project received a $1.2 million boost from the John R. Oishei Foundation.
The funds, a program related investment, are dedicated toward helping to fund the new commissary adjacent to the Meals on Wheels facility on James E. Casey Drive in Buffalo. The site will become the new meal preparation and distribution site for the agency.
Meals on Wheels annually provides more than 865,000 home-delivered meals to frail elderly and special needs individuals. The agency currently has a lease for commissary services at Sodexho’s East Ferry facility.
Benjamin Gair III, Meals on Wheels CEO, said the $7.5 million commissary is on target to open early this fall. Another $2 million remains to be raised to fully fund the project.
A capital campaign continues, led by the Meals on Wheels Foundation and chairman Wayne Hawk, a board member at the foundation and retired CEO of Moog.
The new site will also provide services to disaster victims and first responders through a partnership with the American Red Cross Greater Buffalo Chapter, the Food Bank of WNY, Erie County Department of Emergency Services and the city of Buffalo.
Click here for the full article from Business First of Buffalo
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Getting started with the New York State Cultural Data Project
Dear Arts and Cultural Colleagues,
Since the June 1, 2009 launch of the New York State Cultural Data Project (New York State CDP), more than 400 organizations statewide have started using the CDP! This powerful management tool will, at no cost, allow arts managers and artistic leaders to understand and analyze their organization’s financial performance through easy-to-run reports. By participating in the New York State CDP, you will be part of a successful and growing project that will allow researchers and the arts community as a whole to better articulate and provide evidence for the sector’s assets and needs, as well as its contributions to the state and the country. By completing the online form annually, you will also be able to generate reports to be submitted to grantmakers with the click of a button.
Learn more about the New York State CDP at www.nysculturaldata.org. We hope you will join us for a demonstration and discussion and learn about how the CDP can provide valuable tools for your organization. Please review the schedule below and register for one of the upcoming sessions in your area.
Feel free to contact the New York State CDP Help Desk at help@nysculturaldata.org or 1-888-NYSCDP-1 (1-888-697-2371).
Get the most from the New York State CDP.Attend a free demonstration and discussion.
In these 90-minute demonstration and discussion sessions we will give you an overview of the New York State CDP and everything you need to get started using it. Refreshments will be served.
August 17, 2009, Western New York
Buffalo August 17, 2:00 pm
Canisius Amherst Conference Center
August 18 - 21, 2009, Central New York & the Southern Tier
Ithaca August 18, 9:30 am
Holiday Inn Ithaca Downtown Hotel
Binghamton August 19, 9:30 am
Broome County Public Library
Utica August 20, 2:00 pm
Location to be announced
Syracuse August 21, 9:30 am
Le Moyne College,Coyne Center for the Performing Arts
Upcoming Demonstrations and Discussions
September 23, 2009
NYS ARTS Summit 2009, Schenectady
September 24 - 25, 2009
Mid-Hudson Region
October, 2009
New York City
November, 2009
Adirondack Region
Since the June 1, 2009 launch of the New York State Cultural Data Project (New York State CDP), more than 400 organizations statewide have started using the CDP! This powerful management tool will, at no cost, allow arts managers and artistic leaders to understand and analyze their organization’s financial performance through easy-to-run reports. By participating in the New York State CDP, you will be part of a successful and growing project that will allow researchers and the arts community as a whole to better articulate and provide evidence for the sector’s assets and needs, as well as its contributions to the state and the country. By completing the online form annually, you will also be able to generate reports to be submitted to grantmakers with the click of a button.
Learn more about the New York State CDP at www.nysculturaldata.org. We hope you will join us for a demonstration and discussion and learn about how the CDP can provide valuable tools for your organization. Please review the schedule below and register for one of the upcoming sessions in your area.
Feel free to contact the New York State CDP Help Desk at help@nysculturaldata.org or 1-888-NYSCDP-1 (1-888-697-2371).
Get the most from the New York State CDP.Attend a free demonstration and discussion.
In these 90-minute demonstration and discussion sessions we will give you an overview of the New York State CDP and everything you need to get started using it. Refreshments will be served.
August 17, 2009, Western New York
Buffalo August 17, 2:00 pm
Canisius Amherst Conference Center
August 18 - 21, 2009, Central New York & the Southern Tier
Ithaca August 18, 9:30 am
Holiday Inn Ithaca Downtown Hotel
Binghamton August 19, 9:30 am
Broome County Public Library
Utica August 20, 2:00 pm
Location to be announced
Syracuse August 21, 9:30 am
Le Moyne College,Coyne Center for the Performing Arts
Upcoming Demonstrations and Discussions
September 23, 2009
NYS ARTS Summit 2009, Schenectady
September 24 - 25, 2009
Mid-Hudson Region
October, 2009
New York City
November, 2009
Adirondack Region
Friday, July 31, 2009
Community Health Foundation Implements Health Insurance Survey
The Buffalo News reported that when 1,700 Western New Yorkers were questioned by local health care reformers, their top concerns centered around how they are treated by medical professionals and how to get broader access to care.
In Washington, the top concern is how to pay for changes in a system that consumes an astounding 17 percent of gross domestic product—far more than any competitor nation—without covering everyone and with no commensurate benefit for the extra money.
That disconnect underlines the health care crisis of 2009, where patients worry about quality, politicians worry about costs, and conservatives try to use both concerns to kill reform—again.
That’s why it’s noteworthy that controlling costs was not among the top five concerns that came out of 114 community meetings to hear what Western New Yorkers want.
That may be because many on public programs or who have good employer coverage don’t feel costs very directly, said Ann F. Monroe, president of the Community Health Foundation of Western and Central New York, one of the organizers of this unprecedented project. Read more here.
In Washington, the top concern is how to pay for changes in a system that consumes an astounding 17 percent of gross domestic product—far more than any competitor nation—without covering everyone and with no commensurate benefit for the extra money.
That disconnect underlines the health care crisis of 2009, where patients worry about quality, politicians worry about costs, and conservatives try to use both concerns to kill reform—again.
That’s why it’s noteworthy that controlling costs was not among the top five concerns that came out of 114 community meetings to hear what Western New Yorkers want.
That may be because many on public programs or who have good employer coverage don’t feel costs very directly, said Ann F. Monroe, president of the Community Health Foundation of Western and Central New York, one of the organizers of this unprecedented project. Read more here.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Erie County SPCA gets $5 million "no kill" grant
The Buffalo News reported that the Erie County SPCA and its partners — public and private shelters countywide—have been awarded a $5 million grant that will be used to help pets and pet owners, making all shelters no-kill facilities within five years.
“We should be proud of this,“ said Carr. “Maybe we can’t get the Stanley Cup or win the big football games, but we have a community that’s going to make sure all healthy and treatable animals have a home.”
“I never thought, that in my professional lifetime, that I would be able to make an announcement like this,” said Carr, the SPCA’s executive director. “The grant is a tremendous testament to our fabulous community.”
Special programs will be developed to deal with the feral cat and pit bull terrier populations.
Already, the SPCA is well on its way to the no-kill goal.
At the Tuesday afternoon news conference where the grant was announced, Carr said: “We picked this day for this news conference . . . because today marks one year at the SPCA where no healthy animal has been euthanized.”
Maddie’s Fund, the Pet Rescue Foundation, was created in 1999 in memory of Dave and Cheryl Duffield’s miniature schnauzer, with the goal of creating a “no-kill nation” for all healthy shelter dogs and cats.
The grant to the SPCA is only the 10th community collaborative award since the fund was established.
Partnering with the SPCA are Buffalo Humane, City of Buffalo Animal Shelter, HEART, Operation PETS: The Spay/Neuter Clinic of Western New York, Second Chance Sheltering Network and Ten Lives Club. Read more here.
“We should be proud of this,“ said Carr. “Maybe we can’t get the Stanley Cup or win the big football games, but we have a community that’s going to make sure all healthy and treatable animals have a home.”
“I never thought, that in my professional lifetime, that I would be able to make an announcement like this,” said Carr, the SPCA’s executive director. “The grant is a tremendous testament to our fabulous community.”
Special programs will be developed to deal with the feral cat and pit bull terrier populations.
Already, the SPCA is well on its way to the no-kill goal.
At the Tuesday afternoon news conference where the grant was announced, Carr said: “We picked this day for this news conference . . . because today marks one year at the SPCA where no healthy animal has been euthanized.”
Maddie’s Fund, the Pet Rescue Foundation, was created in 1999 in memory of Dave and Cheryl Duffield’s miniature schnauzer, with the goal of creating a “no-kill nation” for all healthy shelter dogs and cats.
The grant to the SPCA is only the 10th community collaborative award since the fund was established.
Partnering with the SPCA are Buffalo Humane, City of Buffalo Animal Shelter, HEART, Operation PETS: The Spay/Neuter Clinic of Western New York, Second Chance Sheltering Network and Ten Lives Club. Read more here.
Monday, July 20, 2009
NYSERDA Grant Opportunity for NYS Nonprofits
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announces a new grant opportunity through the Energy Conservation Study ARRA Assistance Program. This opportunity provides funding to complete Energy Conservation Studies, which can be used to support applications to upcoming project implementation funding opportunities through NYSERDA's administration of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds. All New York State non-profits [501(c)3] will be eligible participants. The studies can address the following topics: energy efficiency; renewable energy; and alternative fuel vehicles. Under this program, each applicant will be eligible to receive funding of 100% of the study cost up to $30,000. The completed study can then be used as supplemental material for future ARRA grant applications.
For the full PON description and application, visit the website here: http://www.nyserda.org/funding/0004pon.pdf
For the full PON description and application, visit the website here: http://www.nyserda.org/funding/0004pon.pdf
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Getting started with the New York State Cultural Data Project
Dear Arts and Cultural Colleagues,
Since the June 1, 2009 launch of the New York State Cultural Data Project (New York State CDP), more than 375 organizations statewide have started using the CDP! This powerful management tool will, at no cost, allow arts managers and artistic leaders to understand and analyze their organization’s financial performance through easy-to-run reports. By participating in the New York State CDP, you will be part of a successful and growing project that will allow researchers and the arts community as a whole to better articulate and provide evidence for the sector’s assets and needs, as well as its contributions to the state and the country. By completing the online form annually, you will also be able to generate reports to be submitted to grantmakers with the click of a button.
Learn more about the New York State CDP at www.nysculturaldata.org. We hope you will join us for a demonstration and discussion and learn about how the CDP can provide valuable tools for your organization. Please review the schedule below and register for one of the upcoming sessions in your area.
Feel free to contact the New York State CDP Help Desk at help@nysculturaldata.org or 1-888-NYSCDP-1 (1-888-697-2371).
Get the most from the New York State CDP.
Attend a free demonstration and discussion.
Since the June 1, 2009 launch of the New York State Cultural Data Project (New York State CDP), more than 375 organizations statewide have started using the CDP! This powerful management tool will, at no cost, allow arts managers and artistic leaders to understand and analyze their organization’s financial performance through easy-to-run reports. By participating in the New York State CDP, you will be part of a successful and growing project that will allow researchers and the arts community as a whole to better articulate and provide evidence for the sector’s assets and needs, as well as its contributions to the state and the country. By completing the online form annually, you will also be able to generate reports to be submitted to grantmakers with the click of a button.
Learn more about the New York State CDP at www.nysculturaldata.org. We hope you will join us for a demonstration and discussion and learn about how the CDP can provide valuable tools for your organization. Please review the schedule below and register for one of the upcoming sessions in your area.
Feel free to contact the New York State CDP Help Desk at help@nysculturaldata.org or 1-888-NYSCDP-1 (1-888-697-2371).
Get the most from the New York State CDP.
Attend a free demonstration and discussion.
In these 90-minute demonstration and discussion sessions we will give you an overview of the New York State CDP and everything you need to get started using it. Refreshments will be served.
July 20 - 23, 2009, Western New York
- Olean July 20, 9:30 am, St. Bonaventure University,William F. Walsh Science Center
- Ellicottville July 20, 2:00 pm, Holiday Valley Resort, Creekside Lodge
- Buffalo July 21, 9:30 am, Canisius Amherst Conference Center SOLD OUT
- Geneseo July 22, 2:00 pm, Wadsworth Library
- Rochester July 23, 2:00 pm, Brighton Town Hall
August 17, 2009, Western New York
August 18 - 21, 2009, Central New York & the Southern Tier
- Ithaca, August 18, 9:30 am Location to be announced
- Binghamton, August 19, 9:30 am, Broome County Public Library
- Utica, August 20, 2:00 pm Location to be announced
- Syracuse, August 21, 9:30 am, Le Moyne College, Coyne Center for the Performing Arts
Upcoming Demonstrations and Discussions
September 23, 2009
NYS ARTS Summit 2009, Schenectady
September 24 - 25, 2009
Mid-Hudson Region
October, 2009
New York City
November, 2009
Adirondack Region
Monday, July 13, 2009
NYCON Launches Interim ED Program
Are You Looking for an Exciting Opportunity to Lead a Nonprofit Organization?
Consider becoming an Interim Executive Director!
What is the Interim Executive Director Leadership (IEL) Program? The Interim Executive Director Leadership (IEL) Program is designed to help meet the needs of nonprofit agencies as significant numbers of nonprofit executives are expected to retire over the next 5 years. The Interim Executive Director Leadership (IEL) Program is a comprehensive training, placement and support initiative designed for qualified, experienced nonprofit professionals in transitional nonprofit Executive Director/CEO positions in New York State. Interim Executive Directors trained through our program will provide effective transitional leadership to nonprofits in order to strengthen organizational health and effectiveness during a time of transition.
Consider Becoming an Interim Executive Director if you are a:
Current and/or former executive director with successful experience in nonprofit executive management;
Nonprofit professional who is currently or have already served as an Interim Executive Leader who would like to be involved with this initiative and receive specialized training to augment and build upon their current skills;
Nonprofit Professional or consultant who clearly demonstrates executive leadership knowledge, abilities, maturity and effectiveness.
Program Dates & Locations: Please note that space in the training sessions listed below is limited. Registrants must complete an application process that includes submission of a writing sample and at least one reference. Candidates who successfully complete the training and secondary evaluation process may be placed into Interim Executive Director positions through this program.
Dates:
August 18th, 2009 - Albany, NY NYCON Main Office, 272 Broadway, Albany, NYTime: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Cost: $150, Training Materials & Lunch Provided
August 20th, 2009 - Rochester, NY United Way of Greater Rochester, 75 College Avenue, Rochester, NY Time: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Cost: $150, Training Materials & Lunch Provided
For more information click here or please contact: Jennifer Lockwood, Program Director jlockwood@nycon.org(845) 454-5062 x. 102
Consider becoming an Interim Executive Director!
What is the Interim Executive Director Leadership (IEL) Program? The Interim Executive Director Leadership (IEL) Program is designed to help meet the needs of nonprofit agencies as significant numbers of nonprofit executives are expected to retire over the next 5 years. The Interim Executive Director Leadership (IEL) Program is a comprehensive training, placement and support initiative designed for qualified, experienced nonprofit professionals in transitional nonprofit Executive Director/CEO positions in New York State. Interim Executive Directors trained through our program will provide effective transitional leadership to nonprofits in order to strengthen organizational health and effectiveness during a time of transition.
Consider Becoming an Interim Executive Director if you are a:
Current and/or former executive director with successful experience in nonprofit executive management;
Nonprofit professional who is currently or have already served as an Interim Executive Leader who would like to be involved with this initiative and receive specialized training to augment and build upon their current skills;
Nonprofit Professional or consultant who clearly demonstrates executive leadership knowledge, abilities, maturity and effectiveness.
Program Dates & Locations: Please note that space in the training sessions listed below is limited. Registrants must complete an application process that includes submission of a writing sample and at least one reference. Candidates who successfully complete the training and secondary evaluation process may be placed into Interim Executive Director positions through this program.
Dates:
August 18th, 2009 - Albany, NY NYCON Main Office, 272 Broadway, Albany, NYTime: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Cost: $150, Training Materials & Lunch Provided
August 20th, 2009 - Rochester, NY United Way of Greater Rochester, 75 College Avenue, Rochester, NY Time: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Cost: $150, Training Materials & Lunch Provided
For more information click here or please contact: Jennifer Lockwood, Program Director jlockwood@nycon.org(845) 454-5062 x. 102
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Cattaraugus County Arts Council takes a stand by making artistic seats
The Buffalo News reported about an Arts Council's response to the widespread state budget cuts that have impacted nonprofits everywhere. As the article relates:
Arts programs run through the Cattaraugus County Arts Council at the Allegany State Park received massive cutbacks, putting in jeopardy many of the classes, workshops and exhibits that are made available each year to enthusiasts of all ages.
For Heidi Tschopp and Anne Conroy Baiter, that wasn’t acceptable.
Tschopp, a park and recreation aide, and Baiter, executive director of the arts council, both jumped at an idea Tschopp had seen in Lake Placid—a fundraiser that involves auctioning off specifically designed Adirondack chairs that could be displayed in the park.
The exhibit, “Art and the Adirondack Chair,” features 18 chairs that can be found at nine locations, starting at the administration building in the Quaker rental office. The three styles of chairs (adult, children’s and a new “throne-ish” style called “breakdown” that was built without nails or screws) can be seen at the 65,000-acre state park through Aug. 18. Read more here.
Chairs can viewed at www.myartscouncil.net. How is your nonprofit responding to funding cuts or donation decreases? Share your thoughts here.
Arts programs run through the Cattaraugus County Arts Council at the Allegany State Park received massive cutbacks, putting in jeopardy many of the classes, workshops and exhibits that are made available each year to enthusiasts of all ages.
For Heidi Tschopp and Anne Conroy Baiter, that wasn’t acceptable.
Tschopp, a park and recreation aide, and Baiter, executive director of the arts council, both jumped at an idea Tschopp had seen in Lake Placid—a fundraiser that involves auctioning off specifically designed Adirondack chairs that could be displayed in the park.
The exhibit, “Art and the Adirondack Chair,” features 18 chairs that can be found at nine locations, starting at the administration building in the Quaker rental office. The three styles of chairs (adult, children’s and a new “throne-ish” style called “breakdown” that was built without nails or screws) can be seen at the 65,000-acre state park through Aug. 18. Read more here.
Chairs can viewed at www.myartscouncil.net. How is your nonprofit responding to funding cuts or donation decreases? Share your thoughts here.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Area small businesses back ‘public option’ in health insurance
The Buffalo News featured an article about an informal survey by an advocacy coalition that found small business owners in New York state overwhelmingly support the idea of a “public option” as part of a national health insurance reform effort, and are willing to pay to make “quality, affordable coverage” available.
The survey by New York Small Business United for Health Care reported that 73 percent of the business owners surveyed preferred a proposal with a public, government-run alternative to private insurance, versus 19 percent favoring an expansion of private market options.
The owners said they are willing to pay a portion of their payroll towards supporting such an option, with 64 percent saying they would pay at least 4 percent to 7 percent to “guarantee quality affordable coverage for themselves and employees.” Read more here.
The survey by New York Small Business United for Health Care reported that 73 percent of the business owners surveyed preferred a proposal with a public, government-run alternative to private insurance, versus 19 percent favoring an expansion of private market options.
The owners said they are willing to pay a portion of their payroll towards supporting such an option, with 64 percent saying they would pay at least 4 percent to 7 percent to “guarantee quality affordable coverage for themselves and employees.” Read more here.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
A.P. in Deal to Deliver Nonprofits’ Journalism
The NY Times reported that four nonprofit groups devoted to investigative journalism will have their work distributed by The Associated Press, greatly expanding their potential audience and helping newspapers fill the gap left by their own shrinking resources.
Starting on July 1, the A.P. will deliver work by the Center for Public Integrity, the Investigative Reporting Workshop at American University, the Center for Investigative Reporting, and ProPublica to the 1,500 American newspapers that are A.P. members, which will be free to publish the material.
The A.P. called the arrangement a six-month experiment that could later be broadened to include other investigative nonprofits, and to serve its nonmember clients, which include broadcast and Internet outlets.
“It’s something we’ve talked about for a long time, since part of our mission is to enable our members to share material with each other,” said Sue Cross, a senior vice president of The A.P. She said the development in 2006 of an Internet-based system for members to receive A.P. material made it easier to do that kind of sharing, and to offer new products like the investigative service.
As they sharply reduce their staffs, many newspapers have cut back on investigations or given them up entirely. When there are barely enough reporters to cover the daily news from the local courthouse and the school board, it is harder to justify assigning someone to an in-depth project that might take weeks or months. Read more here.
Starting on July 1, the A.P. will deliver work by the Center for Public Integrity, the Investigative Reporting Workshop at American University, the Center for Investigative Reporting, and ProPublica to the 1,500 American newspapers that are A.P. members, which will be free to publish the material.
The A.P. called the arrangement a six-month experiment that could later be broadened to include other investigative nonprofits, and to serve its nonmember clients, which include broadcast and Internet outlets.
“It’s something we’ve talked about for a long time, since part of our mission is to enable our members to share material with each other,” said Sue Cross, a senior vice president of The A.P. She said the development in 2006 of an Internet-based system for members to receive A.P. material made it easier to do that kind of sharing, and to offer new products like the investigative service.
As they sharply reduce their staffs, many newspapers have cut back on investigations or given them up entirely. When there are barely enough reporters to cover the daily news from the local courthouse and the school board, it is harder to justify assigning someone to an in-depth project that might take weeks or months. Read more here.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
New Statewide Tool for Arts and Cultural Organizations
The New York State Council on the Arts has joined to help launch the New York State Cultural Data Project (New York State CDP), a powerful management tool for arts and cultural organizations. This unique system will, at no cost, allow arts managers and artistic leaders to understand and analyze their organization’s financial performance through easy-to-run reports. By participating in the New York State CDP, you will be part of a successful and growing project that will allow researchers and the arts community as a whole to better articulate and provide evidence for the sector’s assets and needs, as well as its contributions to the state and the country. By completing the online form annually, you will also be able to generate reports to be submitted to grantmakers with the click of a button.
Organizations can participate and benefit from the system regardless of whether they are a recipient of support from any of the participating funders. Additionally, there is a full-time Help Desk/hotline available to guide organizations in entering and understanding the data.
NYSCA is interested in your feedback in terms of how CDP can be most useful to your organization, how NYSCA can best incorporate it into our grantmaking process, and how it can help shape policy and advocacy efforts. Please read the letter from the CDP Taskforce, go online and learn about the system at www.nysculturaldata.org, and, most importantly, attend a free demonstration and discussion (see below). Please direct your feedback either to NYSCA program staff or cdp@nysca.org.
Get the most from the New York State CDP.
Attend a free demonstration and discussion.
Register for a demonstration and discussion by visiting www.nysculturaldata.org and clicking on "Attend a Demonstration and Discussion."
July 20 - 23, 2009, Western New York
Olean
July 20, 9:30 am
Location to be announced
Ellicottville
July 20, 2:00 pm
Holiday Valley Resort,
Creekside Lodge
Buffalo
July 21, 9:30 am
Canisius Amherst Conference Center
Geneseo
July 22, 2:00 pm
Wadsworth Library
Rochester
July 23, 2:00 pm
Location to be announced
Organizations can participate and benefit from the system regardless of whether they are a recipient of support from any of the participating funders. Additionally, there is a full-time Help Desk/hotline available to guide organizations in entering and understanding the data.
NYSCA is interested in your feedback in terms of how CDP can be most useful to your organization, how NYSCA can best incorporate it into our grantmaking process, and how it can help shape policy and advocacy efforts. Please read the letter from the CDP Taskforce, go online and learn about the system at www.nysculturaldata.org, and, most importantly, attend a free demonstration and discussion (see below). Please direct your feedback either to NYSCA program staff or cdp@nysca.org.
Get the most from the New York State CDP.
Attend a free demonstration and discussion.
Register for a demonstration and discussion by visiting www.nysculturaldata.org and clicking on "Attend a Demonstration and Discussion."
July 20 - 23, 2009, Western New York
Olean
July 20, 9:30 am
Location to be announced
Ellicottville
July 20, 2:00 pm
Holiday Valley Resort,
Creekside Lodge
Buffalo
July 21, 9:30 am
Canisius Amherst Conference Center
Geneseo
July 22, 2:00 pm
Wadsworth Library
Rochester
July 23, 2:00 pm
Location to be announced
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Leadership director is long on experience
The Buffalo News reported on the new executive director, Molly Fitzpatrick, of Leadership Niagara, named by its board of directors. In her new job, Fitzpatrick directs the community leadership nonprofit, which has graduated more than 700 men and women— in county business, labor, education, arts, religious, government and cultural groups— since its inception a quarter-century ago.
Fitzpatrick is backed by two decades of working with leadership and youth education nonprofit organizations in Western New York, beginning as a senior staff member to the American Management Association’s entrepreneurship program and Junior Achievement. She’s the former executive director of Kids Voting New York, which encompassed all of Erie and Niagara counties. During her tenure at Kids Voting, she led the largest community volunteer effort in Western New York and achieved the highest student voter turnout in the nation.
“Molly brings a wealth of experience in executive leadership and community development,” said Leadership Chairwoman Christine S. O’Hara of Niagara University. “We look forward to her leadership and the energy she’ll bring to this dynamic organization in Niagara County.”
Fitzpatrick served on numerous boards of directors in the community including King Urban Life Center and Mount St. Joseph Academy. She’s also been the interim executive director of the Buffalo Alliance for Education and director of marketing and development for Houghton College.
Fitzpatrick volunteered for a few years in AmeriCorps, focusing on literacy and development.
For more than a decade, she partnered with an economic education center in Ryazan, Russia, and connected community leaders in both countries during Russia’s transition to a market economy.
She calls Leadership, “a first-rate program with enormous potential for developing our region,” and adds she’s honored “to work with the movers and shakers of Niagara County.”
Part of Leadership Niagara’s aim is to bring together current and emerging leaders in an annual forum that expands their knowledge of Niagara County. Read more here.
Fitzpatrick is backed by two decades of working with leadership and youth education nonprofit organizations in Western New York, beginning as a senior staff member to the American Management Association’s entrepreneurship program and Junior Achievement. She’s the former executive director of Kids Voting New York, which encompassed all of Erie and Niagara counties. During her tenure at Kids Voting, she led the largest community volunteer effort in Western New York and achieved the highest student voter turnout in the nation.
“Molly brings a wealth of experience in executive leadership and community development,” said Leadership Chairwoman Christine S. O’Hara of Niagara University. “We look forward to her leadership and the energy she’ll bring to this dynamic organization in Niagara County.”
Fitzpatrick served on numerous boards of directors in the community including King Urban Life Center and Mount St. Joseph Academy. She’s also been the interim executive director of the Buffalo Alliance for Education and director of marketing and development for Houghton College.
Fitzpatrick volunteered for a few years in AmeriCorps, focusing on literacy and development.
For more than a decade, she partnered with an economic education center in Ryazan, Russia, and connected community leaders in both countries during Russia’s transition to a market economy.
She calls Leadership, “a first-rate program with enormous potential for developing our region,” and adds she’s honored “to work with the movers and shakers of Niagara County.”
Part of Leadership Niagara’s aim is to bring together current and emerging leaders in an annual forum that expands their knowledge of Niagara County. Read more here.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Lack of resources is challenge to online fundraising
The Philanthropy Journal reported that while many nonprofits have built their staffs and processes around traditional marketing and fundraising activities, a lack of resources is preventing them from adequately pursuing online activities. This is according to a new study.
About nine in 10 nonprofits, regardless of their size, say their greatest barrier to success is a lack of money, staff or online expertise, says the report from Convio, which provides constituent-relationship-management software to the nonprofit sector.
More than a quarter of nonprofits have no online marketing plan, while almost two in 10 either don't know if they have a plan, or review their plan only every few years.
Groups with less than $20 million in revenue employ one to three staffers who are focused on online programs, while nonprofits with revenue of $100 million or more average seven full-time staff working on online efforts each week.
About nine in 10 nonprofits, regardless of their size, say their greatest barrier to success is a lack of money, staff or online expertise, says the report from Convio, which provides constituent-relationship-management software to the nonprofit sector.
More than a quarter of nonprofits have no online marketing plan, while almost two in 10 either don't know if they have a plan, or review their plan only every few years.
Groups with less than $20 million in revenue employ one to three staffers who are focused on online programs, while nonprofits with revenue of $100 million or more average seven full-time staff working on online efforts each week.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Webcast Your Brain Surgery? Hospitals See Marketing Tool
The NY Times explored the increasing use of online marketing tools in hospitals. As the article relates:
The point of Shila Renee Mullins’s brain surgery was to remove a malignant tumor threatening to paralyze her left side.
But Methodist University Hospital in Memphis also saw an opportunity to promote the hospital to prospective patients.
So, a video Webcast of Ms. Mullins’s awake craniotomy, in which the patient remains conscious and talking while surgeons prod and cut inside her brain, was promoted with infomercials and newspaper advertisements featuring a photograph of a beautiful model, not Ms. Mullins.
This time, Methodist did not use billboards as it has with other operations, deeming this procedure too sensitive. But its marketing department monitors how many people have watched the Webcast (2,212), seen a preview on YouTube (21,555) and requested appointments (3).
“The goal is to further our reputation as well as to educate the community, who will ask their physicians about our care,” said Jill Fazakerly, Methodist’s marketing director.
Faced with economic pressures and patients with abundant choices, hospitals are using unconventional, even audacious, ways of connecting directly with the public. Seeking to attract or educate patients, entice donors, gain recognition and recruit or retain top doctors, hospitals are using Twitter from operating rooms, showing surgery on YouTube and having patients blog about their procedures.
They consider the methods inexpensive ways to stand out in an era of reality TV and voluminous medical information available online.
Some ethicists and physicians say the practices raise questions about patient privacy and could paint overly-rosy medical pictures, leaving the hospitals and patients vulnerable if things go awry.
Jeffrey P. Kahn, a University of Minnesota bioethicist, sees “value in demystifying medical care,” but said this “creates an aura of sophistication and high-tech ability” that may not represent “quality of care at a hospital.”
“Do we really want to treat health care like other consumer goods?” he asked.
Tony Cotrupi, a health care marketing consultant, said hospitals “have come to marketing dragging and kicking, but because things are so competitive they have to.” Patients “used to go like sheep wherever the doctor sent us,” he said, and spent “more time researching what kind of toaster to buy.”
“But now, you have the curious consumer,” Mr. Cotrupi said, “and hospitals are doing all they can to open up the kimono.”
Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit uses Twitter from the operating room.
Bill Ferris, the hospital’s Web services manager, said that during an operation to remove a man’s kidney tumor, the surgeon, Dr. Craig Rogers, worried that the unexpectedly large tumor would require total kidney removal.
“Gosh, this is big,” Dr. Rogers said. “Could I have picked a harder case for this?” So an observing chief resident tweeted: “Dr. Rogers is saying because the tumor is large he may have to do a radical (total) nephrectomy.”
Then, “some bleeding needed to be controlled,” but “we just tweeted right through it,” Mr. Ferris said. Other Twitter-casts included a hysterectomy and a craniotomy, during which the hospital posted video on YouTube and photos, and the surgeon would “literally scrub out for an hour and twitter.” Hospitals say patients give consent and are not compensated.
Mr. Ferris said: “One concern is what happens if something goes wrong — you’re making this public in a very real-time way. Our general plan is we would gently take a break from the twittering if the situation became very dire. You don’t necessarily want to be tweeting that somebody might be dying on the table, and God forbid the patient’s family learns about it that way.”
Methodist Hospital records an identical surgery on another patient, so if “something unforeseen happens and you need the camera to cut away from the surgery, you can fall back on your previous surgery,” Ms. Fazakerly said.
E. Haavi Morreim, an ethicist at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, said “If you don’t show the bad along with the good, people can end up misinformed or with excessively optimistic expectations.”
More than 250 hospitals now use YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or blogs, said Ed Bennett, Web strategy director for the University of Maryland Medical System. Read more here.
The point of Shila Renee Mullins’s brain surgery was to remove a malignant tumor threatening to paralyze her left side.
But Methodist University Hospital in Memphis also saw an opportunity to promote the hospital to prospective patients.
So, a video Webcast of Ms. Mullins’s awake craniotomy, in which the patient remains conscious and talking while surgeons prod and cut inside her brain, was promoted with infomercials and newspaper advertisements featuring a photograph of a beautiful model, not Ms. Mullins.
This time, Methodist did not use billboards as it has with other operations, deeming this procedure too sensitive. But its marketing department monitors how many people have watched the Webcast (2,212), seen a preview on YouTube (21,555) and requested appointments (3).
“The goal is to further our reputation as well as to educate the community, who will ask their physicians about our care,” said Jill Fazakerly, Methodist’s marketing director.
Faced with economic pressures and patients with abundant choices, hospitals are using unconventional, even audacious, ways of connecting directly with the public. Seeking to attract or educate patients, entice donors, gain recognition and recruit or retain top doctors, hospitals are using Twitter from operating rooms, showing surgery on YouTube and having patients blog about their procedures.
They consider the methods inexpensive ways to stand out in an era of reality TV and voluminous medical information available online.
Some ethicists and physicians say the practices raise questions about patient privacy and could paint overly-rosy medical pictures, leaving the hospitals and patients vulnerable if things go awry.
Jeffrey P. Kahn, a University of Minnesota bioethicist, sees “value in demystifying medical care,” but said this “creates an aura of sophistication and high-tech ability” that may not represent “quality of care at a hospital.”
“Do we really want to treat health care like other consumer goods?” he asked.
Tony Cotrupi, a health care marketing consultant, said hospitals “have come to marketing dragging and kicking, but because things are so competitive they have to.” Patients “used to go like sheep wherever the doctor sent us,” he said, and spent “more time researching what kind of toaster to buy.”
“But now, you have the curious consumer,” Mr. Cotrupi said, “and hospitals are doing all they can to open up the kimono.”
Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit uses Twitter from the operating room.
Bill Ferris, the hospital’s Web services manager, said that during an operation to remove a man’s kidney tumor, the surgeon, Dr. Craig Rogers, worried that the unexpectedly large tumor would require total kidney removal.
“Gosh, this is big,” Dr. Rogers said. “Could I have picked a harder case for this?” So an observing chief resident tweeted: “Dr. Rogers is saying because the tumor is large he may have to do a radical (total) nephrectomy.”
Then, “some bleeding needed to be controlled,” but “we just tweeted right through it,” Mr. Ferris said. Other Twitter-casts included a hysterectomy and a craniotomy, during which the hospital posted video on YouTube and photos, and the surgeon would “literally scrub out for an hour and twitter.” Hospitals say patients give consent and are not compensated.
Mr. Ferris said: “One concern is what happens if something goes wrong — you’re making this public in a very real-time way. Our general plan is we would gently take a break from the twittering if the situation became very dire. You don’t necessarily want to be tweeting that somebody might be dying on the table, and God forbid the patient’s family learns about it that way.”
Methodist Hospital records an identical surgery on another patient, so if “something unforeseen happens and you need the camera to cut away from the surgery, you can fall back on your previous surgery,” Ms. Fazakerly said.
E. Haavi Morreim, an ethicist at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, said “If you don’t show the bad along with the good, people can end up misinformed or with excessively optimistic expectations.”
More than 250 hospitals now use YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or blogs, said Ed Bennett, Web strategy director for the University of Maryland Medical System. Read more here.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
WNY Ready to Welcome Yahoo! Data Center
From Business First Buffalo - May 19th, 2009
Gov. David Paterson announced Tuesday that the New York Power Authority has approved a proposal designed to develop a regional data center operated by Yahoo! Inc. in Western New York.
State officials said if the proposal is accepted by the company, Yahoo! would invest at least $150 million for the construction of a new East Coast Regional Datacenter and create 125 new high-tech jobs in Western New York.
The project was initially discussed a few weeks ago by U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer who said the company was considering a site, still to be determined, in Western New York for such a facility.
According to the governor's office, Yahoo!’s new facility is expected to be located in either Niagara or Genesee counties. The company has indicated the average wage and benefits of the new data center jobs will be approximately $65,000.
Click here to see Senator Schumer discussing the state of negotiations with Yahoo to build a new data center in Western New York and detail his conversation with Yahoo CEO Carol Bartz.
Gov. David Paterson announced Tuesday that the New York Power Authority has approved a proposal designed to develop a regional data center operated by Yahoo! Inc. in Western New York.
State officials said if the proposal is accepted by the company, Yahoo! would invest at least $150 million for the construction of a new East Coast Regional Datacenter and create 125 new high-tech jobs in Western New York.
The project was initially discussed a few weeks ago by U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer who said the company was considering a site, still to be determined, in Western New York for such a facility.
According to the governor's office, Yahoo!’s new facility is expected to be located in either Niagara or Genesee counties. The company has indicated the average wage and benefits of the new data center jobs will be approximately $65,000.
Click here to see Senator Schumer discussing the state of negotiations with Yahoo to build a new data center in Western New York and detail his conversation with Yahoo CEO Carol Bartz.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Free Training Opportunity for Nonprofit Board Members
The State Board Training Consortium (SBTC) is a collaborative effort between five state agencies to improve governance of state–funded non-profits by providing a comprehensive series of trainings to board members of these organizations. SBTC trainings are conducted by the New York Council of Nonprofit, Inc. (formerly the Council of Community Services of New York State Inc.). NYCON offers 12 different trainings tailored to meet the unique needs of board members. Topics covered include: duties and responsibilities of board members; legal obligations; fiscal accountability; nonprofit accounting basics; human resource issues; quality assurance; board recruitment and retention; strategic planning; and ethics.
SBTC is pleased to announce that NYCON will offer the following workshops in Buffalo on June 11th & 12th, 2009
SBTC is pleased to announce that NYCON will offer the following workshops in Buffalo on June 11th & 12th, 2009
June 11th - Buffalo
- The New Form 990: A Focus on Board Governance 9:00am – 12:00pm
- Developing a Fiscally Accountable Nonprofit Board 1:00pm – 4:00pm
- Duties & Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards 5:30pm – 8:30pm
June 12th – Buffalo
- Nonprofit Board Member Responsibilities for Governance of Medicaid-Supported Programs 9:00am – 12:00pm
- Recruiting, Developing & Retaining a Motivated Board of Directors 1:00pm – 4:00pm
- Fund Development for Nonprofit Boards 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Buffalo Location:
Holiday Inn
1881 Niagara Falls Blvd
Amherst, NY 14228
To register: Please visit http://www.nycon.org/ and click on the “State Board Training” logo on the homepage.
Questions? Please contact the New York Council of Nonprofits, Inc. at (800) 515-5012 ext. 126 or email jmontalvo@ccsnys.org
$10M fund to help entrepreneurs create new companies
A recent article offers some food for thought concerning a group of foundations partnering together to support new ways to respond to the present economy:
The New Economy Initiative for Southeast Michigan and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation are expected to announce Monday afternoon that they have formed a partnership to be based at TechTown to help spur entrepreneurship and create 400 new companies each year in Southeast Michigan.
On Thursday, the board of directors at the NEI, made up of 10 private, mostly Michigan-based foundations, approved the initiative and more than $9 million in funding to begin several economic development programs.
It is expected that TechTown, the technology park and business incubator affiliated with Wayne State University, will receive about $4.5 million of NEI’s second-round funding over three years to scale up its entrepreneurial support projects.
Shorebank, a Chicago-based bank that focuses on community development and has a branch in Detroit, will receive about $1.5 million to provide seed funding for new companies, and minority auto suppliers will receive about $3 million.
“Our programming is definitely coming to Detroit,” said Joy Torchia, director of communications for the Kansas City, Mo.-based Kauffman Foundation. “We’re coming because NEI has asked us to help with their initiative.”
With an endowment of nearly $2.1 billion, according to its Web site, the Kauffman Foundation is one of the 30 largest foundations in the U.S. and regarded as the world’s largest foundation devoted to entrepreneurship. It will become an 11th member in the New Economy Initiative, contributing expertise in entrepreneurial training. “Over the next three years, we are setting out to establish…new companies, and to do so we will utilize every resource — Wayne State, the Henry Ford Health System, Wayne County, the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Spark, Michigan State and Automation Alley,” Randal Charlton, TechTown’s executive director, said on Friday.
“The details have yet to be worked out, but the building blocks are in place and the work starts tomorrow.”
Launched in 2007, the New Economy Initiative is funded by contributions from 10 local and national foundations: Detroit-based Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Southfield-based Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation, New York-based Ford Foundation, Detroit-based Hudson-Webber Foundation, Battle Creek-based W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Miami-based John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Troy-based Kresge Foundation, McGregor Fund in Detroit, Flint-based Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and Skillman Foundation in Detroit.
“I am absolutely delighted to see the Kauffman Foundation bringing their program on urban development to Detroit,” said Tom Anderson, a senior vice president at Troy-based Automation Alley, who was on a conference call Thursday afternoon when the NEI spelled out details to local economic development officials, including Mike Finney, president and CEO of Ann Arbor Spark and Turkia Mullin, Wayne County’s assistant county executive and chief development officer.
“It’s a wonderful thing NEI is doing, deciding to make this significant commitment of resources to transform the community through entrepreneurial resources,” said Finney. “It’s great they are basing it at TechTown. It puts it absolutely at ground zero."
The New Economy Initiative for Southeast Michigan and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation are expected to announce Monday afternoon that they have formed a partnership to be based at TechTown to help spur entrepreneurship and create 400 new companies each year in Southeast Michigan.
On Thursday, the board of directors at the NEI, made up of 10 private, mostly Michigan-based foundations, approved the initiative and more than $9 million in funding to begin several economic development programs.
It is expected that TechTown, the technology park and business incubator affiliated with Wayne State University, will receive about $4.5 million of NEI’s second-round funding over three years to scale up its entrepreneurial support projects.
Shorebank, a Chicago-based bank that focuses on community development and has a branch in Detroit, will receive about $1.5 million to provide seed funding for new companies, and minority auto suppliers will receive about $3 million.
“Our programming is definitely coming to Detroit,” said Joy Torchia, director of communications for the Kansas City, Mo.-based Kauffman Foundation. “We’re coming because NEI has asked us to help with their initiative.”
With an endowment of nearly $2.1 billion, according to its Web site, the Kauffman Foundation is one of the 30 largest foundations in the U.S. and regarded as the world’s largest foundation devoted to entrepreneurship. It will become an 11th member in the New Economy Initiative, contributing expertise in entrepreneurial training. “Over the next three years, we are setting out to establish…new companies, and to do so we will utilize every resource — Wayne State, the Henry Ford Health System, Wayne County, the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Spark, Michigan State and Automation Alley,” Randal Charlton, TechTown’s executive director, said on Friday.
“The details have yet to be worked out, but the building blocks are in place and the work starts tomorrow.”
Launched in 2007, the New Economy Initiative is funded by contributions from 10 local and national foundations: Detroit-based Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Southfield-based Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation, New York-based Ford Foundation, Detroit-based Hudson-Webber Foundation, Battle Creek-based W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Miami-based John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Troy-based Kresge Foundation, McGregor Fund in Detroit, Flint-based Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and Skillman Foundation in Detroit.
“I am absolutely delighted to see the Kauffman Foundation bringing their program on urban development to Detroit,” said Tom Anderson, a senior vice president at Troy-based Automation Alley, who was on a conference call Thursday afternoon when the NEI spelled out details to local economic development officials, including Mike Finney, president and CEO of Ann Arbor Spark and Turkia Mullin, Wayne County’s assistant county executive and chief development officer.
“It’s a wonderful thing NEI is doing, deciding to make this significant commitment of resources to transform the community through entrepreneurial resources,” said Finney. “It’s great they are basing it at TechTown. It puts it absolutely at ground zero."
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