Central NY Nonprofit News

Dunbar Association's financial problems deeper than expected

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Marietta) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 18:32:00 +0000

The Post-Standard reported that the Dunbar Association, one of Syracuse’s oldest nonprofits serving the black community, has hired an accounting firm to audit its books after discovering its financial problems are even worse than it imagined.

A representative of Key Bank informed Dunbar last month it had maxed out its $10,000 line of credit and did not have enough money to pay its bills, said Steve Williams, chairman of Dunbar’s board of directors.

Williams said he and other board members did not know the severity of Dunbar’s financial situation until the bank official came to a board meeting Jan. 19.

“We started pulling back the layers on the onion .... and realized there was something wrong,” Williams said.

Dunbar will survive the crisis, the chairman said. The chance of Dunbar closing is “... very, very, very minimal,” he said.

Dunbar is examining all its programs, looking for potential cost savings, Williams said. Dunbar may have to cut some jobs, he said.

The association, founded 93 years ago, operates the Dunbar Center at 1453 S. State St. The organization provides a variety of services to children, families and senior citizens.

Dunbar has hired the Fust Charles Chambers accounting firm to do an audit which should be done in three weeks. It is also getting financial guidance from officials of the Syracuse Community Health Center.

“We realize now we need help and this isn’t something we can undertake ourselves,” Williams said. “We are committed to putting systems in place that will help Dunbar achieve sustainability.”

Dunbar’s financial problems came to light last year when the United Way cut off $200,000 in annual funding to the nonprofit because of concerns about its management.

Dunbar hired Julius Edwards as its new executive director last month. He replaced Louella Williams, a former Dunbar board president who became interim director a year ago after the previous director, Sharon Jack-Williams, left in a cost-saving move. (Steve Williams, Louella Williams and Sharon Jack-Williams are not related.)

Steve Williams said Louella Williams and Sharon Jack Williams consistently told the board spending cuts had been made to offset reductions in funding.

But the board discovered otherwise last month after the bank official’s visit.

“The deeper we looked, the more we found out it was more severe than we anticipated,” said Steve Williams, who added he does not know if the financial problems resulted from mismanagement or fraud. The audit may answer that question, he said.

Neither Louella Williams nor Sharon Jack-Williams could be reached for comment.

Dunbar incurred a budget deficit of about $23,000 in 2010, according to Williams. The financial results for 2011 are not available yet.

Reports filed with the IRS show Dunbar had deficits of $155,500 in 2009 and $50,051 in 2008.

Darla Chase, the vice chair of Dunbar’s board, said the organization is as vital to the community now as it was when it was founded.

“For every youth we have in that building participating in a program, that’s one teen that’s not on the street, hanging around on the corner, getting involved in the wrong things,” she said.

When Dunbar’s financial problems surfaced last year, many older Dunbar alumni rallied to support the nonprofit. They formed a group called “The Friends of Dunbar” dedicated to turning around the center.

Williams said the board has told that group of the latest financial setback.

“They were in shock as much as we were,” he said.

Dunbar continues to meet its payroll, but is not paying all its bills, he said. The nonprofit has been contacting creditors to explain the situation and asking for more time to catch up on its payments, he said.

Dunbar Association
Address: 1453 S. State St., Syracuse
Employees: 22
Purpose: A nonprofit that operates the Dunbar Center, a recreation center and human services agency providing after-school care, emergency food services and other programs for youth, families and senior citizens.
2010 budget: $1.1 million
People served annually: 5,000
History: Founded 93 years ago as a settlement house to help blacks migrating from the South.
Who is it named after? Paul Laurence Dunbar, one of the first African-Americans to gain national prominence as a poet. Born in 1872 in Dayton, Ohio, he was the son of ex-slaves who wrote short stories, novels, librettos, plays, songs, essays and poetry. His style encompassed two distinct voices – the standard English of the classical poet and the dialect of the turn-of-the-century black community in America.

Syracuse New Times Announced Page for Free Postings from Nonprofits

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Marietta) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:49:00 +0000

The Syracuse New Times is excited to announce an unprecedented communication opportunity for all Not-for-Profit organizations in Central New York called the Community Page. This dedicated page in the New Times is reserved exclusively to allow your group to speak to our weekly 90,000+ readers and web viewers, and to inform them of any needs your organization may have, announce upcoming events, or offer specific volunteer opportunities.

We intend to start publishing this page in every fourth issue, and offer it continuously on our web site as soon as the listing is made "live" by our editorial staff. If you have upcoming events that may warrant further editorial coverage, please contact us at editorial@syracusenewtimes.com.

This page is made possible by the generosity of Wegmans. Thanks to them for their introductory sponsorship of this page.

Bill Brod
Publisher/CEO

A.G. SCHNEIDERMAN ANNOUNCES BOLD PLAN TO REVITALIZE AND REFORM NEW YORK’S NONPROFIT SECTOR

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Marietta) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:48:00 +0000

Attorney General Announces Nonprofit Report: Recommendations Guided by the Leadership Committee for Nonprofit Revitalization

New York State Attorney General Schneiderman unveiled a new plan on Thursday to reform and revitalize New York's nonprofit sector.

Announced before an audience of nonprofit and business leaders, the plan includes legislation to eliminate outdated and costly burdens on nonprofits, strengthen oversight and accountability, and reaffirm his office's commitment to policing fraud and abuse.

Acknowledging that organizations throughout New York State face historic financial and strategic challenges, the Attorney General's plan also includes several new partnerships with the business and academic communities to enhance nonprofit governance.

"New York is the proud home of the world's most dynamic and vibrant nonprofit sector, but for too long, our state's regulatory framework has placed unnecessary burdens on these essential organizations. This plan will unlock the full potential of our nonprofit community, and improve the lives of the countless New Yorkers they serve every day," said Attorney General Schneiderman. "In these difficult economic times, it is more important than ever to make New York a hospitable environment so nonprofits can continue to carry out their vital work. At the same time, we must maintain the public's trust by ensuring that nonprofits are governed effectively, and with meaningful oversight."

"NYCON applauds the Attorney General for his leadership in putting forth a positive agenda for reform of state and nonprofit relations," said Doug Sauer, NYCON CEO. "In the spirit of cooperation and partnership, we are hopeful that the AG, Comptroller, Governor and Legislature can work together to further shape and support the recommendations."

In 2011, Attorney General Schneiderman convened a Leadership Committee for Nonprofit Revitalization with 32 nonprofit leaders, including NYCON CEO Doug Sauer, to recommend proposals that would reduce regulatory burdens on nonprofits, while strengthening governance and accountability.

Today's legislative and reform initiatives are responsive to the committee's recommendations.

They include:
The Nonprofit Revitalization Act, to be proposed by the Attorney General;
"New York on BOARD" and;
"Directors U" designed to improve nonprofit governance

More Details & Full Report
http://www.ag.ny.gov/media_center/2012/feb/feb16a_12.html

Hospital affiliations becoming common

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Marietta) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 23:12:00 +0000

Recent article on hospital affiliations:

The Auburn hospital, rebranded last week as Auburn Community Hospital, announced Jan. 25 it will explore pairing with the Rochester General Health System "to further enhance its 120-year tradition of providing compassionate, quality acute and long-term care services."

It chose Rochester General over three other suitors: the University of Rochester Medical Center and St. Joseph's and Upstate University hospitals in Syracuse. Crouse Hospital, also in Syracuse, was asked to submit a proposal but did not.

ACH said in a statement that it chose to continue talks with Rochester General because of its "successful track record of collaboration with smaller standalone hospitals, its reputation for innovation, a sterling record of patient safety and a national reputation for quality."

Neither ACH nor Rochester General would elaborate on those criteria, but the decision to seek a partner is part of a statewide trend among hospitals small and large, rural and urban.

William Van Slyke, a spokesman for the nonprofit advocacy group Healthcare Association of New York State, said reductions in Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement rates have cut into hospitals' margins at the same time that stricter performance measures demand greater accountability and better patient results.

"Really what's happening is the whole health care system is transitioning from a fee-for-service model to a coordinated care management system, where you're paid by an insurance company to provide care for a person," he said. "Definitely the squeeze is on. Hospitals across the state are having to find new ways and build new relationships to provide care."

One common way forward has been collaborations, from clinical affiliations to full mergers and purchases. Those discussions have taken place in every corner of the state, from New York City and the Albany area to central and western New York, Van Slyke said.

Rochester General already has a partnership with Newark-Wayne Community Hospital, a 120-bed facility in Wayne County. It also spent two years working with Auburn's neurology unit to attain Stroke Center designation, something AMH achieved last August.

In Syracuse, Upstate took over Community General Hospital last July, combining to create the largest hospital in the region.

Upstate also made a strong pitch to partner with ACH. Its CEO, John McCabe, said the majority of Cayuga County patients who can't be treated at ACH end up at Upstate, including many visits for cardiology, orthopedics, trauma and cancer services.

Upstate's offer included financial help in adding specialists, clinics and infrastructure and paying for a study to decide what sort of health care presence Auburn needs, now and in the future.

The Syracuse hospital put forward five possible business models, ranging from "franchising" as an affiliate to a full purchase, McCabe said.

ACH would not comment on why it chose Rochester General over the other offers, but McCabe said he believed Upstate lost out because he would not promise that Auburn could retain a traditional hospital in the future.

"Clearly other people who responded to the (request for proposals) said you can always have a hospital in Auburn and here's $10 million for capital improvements," he said. "(I was unwilling) to make an absolute commitment that nothing would change in Auburn. I think that's unrealistic with what's going around."

Part of the difficulty for small, rural hospitals like ACH has been attracting doctors in the most profitable sub-specialty practices. Without those lucrative services, they often struggle to generate enough revenue to reinvest in their practice and facilities.

"More and more in New York, people will be asking, 'What's the right configuration of services? What should be regional and what should be left local?'" he said. "I think it may be difficult for (ACH) to still be a full-service, 100-bed hospital.

"That doesn't mean there can't be a medical campus that takes care of the needs of the people of Auburn to a certain level. ... Rather than saying, 'Will there be a building that's a hospital as we know it today?,' people should say, 'What services do we need?'"

A spokeswoman for the University of Rochester Medical Center said that hospital's proposal to ACH "did not offer a capital investment but maintained local ownership and control." St. Joseph's declined to comment.

Van Slyke, of the Healthcare Association of New York State, speaking about hospital affiliations in general but not Auburn in particular, said it's important to be transparent and communicate clearly, and not to be afraid to change.

"More and more providers and hospitals, if they continue to operate under the old model, they won't be able to sustain," he said. "It's very natural for communities to want to hold onto their facilities as they know them. But if there's a transparent discussion centered around meeting community needs under this new era of decreased reimbursement, that will lead to a solution. ... We need to figure out how those services - in-patient beds, OB-GYNs, cancer services, pediatrics - can be sustained in whatever model is the most efficient and most likely to succeed into the future."

ACH and Rochester General plan to provide an update on their discussions at the end of May.

Staff writer Justin Murphy can be reached at 282-2237 or justin.murphy@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter at

CitizenMurphy.

Read more: http://auburnpub.com/news/local/hospital-affiliations-becoming-common/article_fc387244-5aa9-11e1-b042-001871e3ce6c.html#ixzz1ms8xtmVa

Philanthropists bet big on Auburn theater fest

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Marietta) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:06:00 +0000

Jerry Bisgrove could have set up a charitable fund to feed the poor when he decided to share some of his financial fortune in 2007 with his hometown of Auburn.

But he wanted a bigger bang for his buck.

So the Arizona philanthropist’s charitable foundation plowed more than $4 million into the fledgling Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival. Organizers of the multivenue summer festival, which debuts this year, hope to turn Auburn into a musical theater mecca that draws more than 150,000 visitors annually, creates jobs and revives the city’s economy.

Bisgrove said the potential economic payoff to the community from backing the festival is much greater than it would be with a traditional charitable cause, such as feeding the poor.

“This can generate jobs and millions of dollars,” Bisgrove said. “I like my upside better.”

Bisgrove, 66, has helped spark a wave of entrepreneurial philanthropy that’s having a big impact on Auburn. His Stardust Foundation and two other private foundations with Auburn roots — the Fred L. Emerson Foundation and the Schwartz Family Foundation —have put up more than half of the $10 million raised so far in startup funding for the festival.

The philanthropic activity surrounding the festival bears little resemblance to traditional charitable giving.

For one thing the festival is a riskier-than-usual investment for foundations.

Dan Fessenden, executive director of the Emerson Foundation, which has put nearly $1.5 million into the festival, said foundations are taking that risk because of the project’s potential economic impact.

“In a community like Auburn we need some double-digit returns,” he said.

The wave of philanthropy also is different because the foundations are doing much more than writing checks. They are active participants in the project, not passive spectators.

“It’s not just about writing a check and looking across the table at the organization you’re funding,” Fessenden said. “It’s about rolling up your sleeves, sitting on the same side of the table and saying, ‘How do we make this successful?’”

Guy Cosentino, Auburn’s former mayor, serves as Stardust’s executive director. “We connect the dots,” he said. “We’re always looking for strategic partnerships which can develop jobs and deal with pressing issues of the community.”

Private foundations put up the money to bring in experts from the University of North Carolina to evaluate the feasibility of the festival. The study estimated the festival could create more than 400 new jobs and generate an annual economic impact of $30 million.

Stardust snapped up vacant buildings in downtown Auburn along State Street to make way for redevelopment of an area where many of the shows will be staged.

When Auburn razed the vacant city-owned former Kalet’s department store building on State Street in April, Stardust and Emerson paid half the cost.

Construction is expected to begin on that site this spring on a $7.8 million, 384-seat performance center scheduled to open in 2013. The Schwartz Family Foundation of Pittsford, founded by the family of former Auburn Mayor Maurice Schwartz, donated more than $1 million for the center, a key component of the festival.

Stardust and Emerson officials also persuaded the State University of New York to become involved in the downtown performance center project. SUNY has agreed to pick up half of the project’s cost so Cayuga Community College can use the building during the festival’s off-season.

“They are using their boards and their connections to leverage more support for this,” said Meg O'Connell, of the Allyn Foundation in Skaneateles, which chipped in $50,000 toward the cost of the festival feasibility study. “They are very much the leaders and drivers behind this, and they are getting people to collaborate, convening people around the issues and trying to pull partners together.”

The festival also is spurring commercial development. Syracuse-based Pioneer Cos. is building an $11 million Hilton Garden Inn hotel and conference center on the edge of downtown Auburn to help accommodate the anticipated influx of tourists.

Stephen D. Cannerelli / The Post-Standard The Hilton Garden Inn is being built at the intersection of State Street and Route 5 in Auburn in anticipation of the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival.
The type of philanthropy under way in Auburn is not unprecedented, said Peter Dunn, president and chief executive officer of the Central New York Community Foundation.

Other foundations have served as catalysts for community change. In Syracuse, for example, the Gifford Foundation provided startup funding for the Near West Side Initiative, an effort by Syracuse University and other parties to revitalize the poor neighborhood on the edge of downtown Syracuse.

What makes the Auburn situation different is that several foundations are working together on the same project for maximum impact, he said.

“Auburn is fortunate to have a number of foundations with resources to execute on an opportunity like this,” Dunn said.

Emerson, with assets of $75 million, is one of the largest and oldest private foundations in Central New York. It was founded by Fred Light Emerson, whose family owned the former Dunn & McCarthy shoe factory in Auburn.

Emerson donated the land on the north end of Owasco Lake to Cayuga County in the 1940s to create Emerson Park. The Emerson Foundation is paying $4 million for an expansion and modernization of the park’s historic pavilion.

The Schwartz Family Foundation was created with money the Schwartz family made in the scrap metal business.

Jerry Bisgrove’s Stardust Foundation, the biggest philanthropic force behind the festival, is a relative newcomer to the area.

His late father, John Bisgrove Sr., started the trucking company Red Star Express Lines in Auburn in 1932.

Jerry Bisgrove originally wanted to be a Catholic priest. He enrolled in a seminary, but left after six months.

“One of the reasons I was going to go into the priesthood was to make the world a better place, but there were other plans in store for me,” he said.

He and his older brother, Jack, both ended up working in the family business. Jerry Bisgrove eventually bought out his brother’s share of the Red Star.

The company grew to a fleet of 2,000 trucks before Jerry Bisgrove sold it in the 1980s for more than $100 million to an Australian company. He moved to Arizona in 1991 and started a real estate company, which made money buying up land for housing development on the cheap from failed savings and loan associations. Bisgrove plowed all of the profits from the real estate company into the Stardust Foundation, which has since given away more than $100 million, most of it in Arizona.

“My foundation was founded on the basis that in order to do systemic change, you had to require of the nonprofits and the community you work with accountability to a business plan, measurable results, leverage and sustainability,” Jerry Bisgrove said. “I don’t make grants, I make investments.”

In Arizona, Bisgrove’s foundation has forged a reputation for taking risks and doing things differently.

He was the catalyst behind South Ranch, a 200-home affordable housing community a few miles outside of Phoenix. It is the largest Habitat for Humanity community in the country.

Bisgrove said Habitat officials were initially skeptical about his idea of developing a Habitat project of that size.

“They said, ‘You can’t put all these people in one place,’” he said.

The project turned out to be so successful it has been touted as a national model for affordable housing.

“That sort of changed their mindset,” he said. “If we do something that is crazy and it works, then everybody wants to jump on board.”

In 2007 the Bisgrove brothers started the Stardust Foundation of Central New York, funded with money from Jerry Bisgrove’s Arizona foundation.

Jerry Bisgrove said their motivation in starting the foundation here came from a lesson they learned as children. “To whom much is given, much is expected,” he said.

Stardust has pledged $15 million in the Auburn area. Money has gone to many organizations including Auburn Hospital, Champions for Life sports center and the Central New York Community Foundation.

It also has funded the Stardust Entrepreneurial Institute, a business incubator and training center for entrepreneurs; it’s housed in a remodeled historic building on State Street in downtown Auburn across the street from the proposed 382-performance center. The institute is a partnership between Stardust and Cayuga Community College.

Jack Bisgrove, who lives in Auburn, is president of Stardust Foundation of Central New York. Jerry Bisgrove said he takes a hands-off role. He’s familiar with the foundation’s activities here, but said he only offers his advice when asked.

“I’m 3,000 miles away, so I don’t try to control everything,” he said.

The musical theater festival is the brainchild of Ed Sayles, producing director of Merry-Go-Round Playhouse and the festival’s artistic director.

Merry-Go-Round produces a series of large-scale musical theater shows in its 501-seat playhouse in Emerson Park during the summer and early fall. It also operates a touring youth theater program that performs at schools.

Stephen D. Cannerelli / The Post-StandardEd Sayles, producing director for Merry-Go-Round Playhouse and producing artistic director for the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival.
Sayles’ idea was to expand by staging a variety of musicals simultaneously in four different theaters. He was inspired by the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. That festival produces plays of George Bernard Shaw and other playwrights of Shaw’s era in four theaters.

The Shaw festival of plays attracts about 200,000 people a year to a community smaller than Auburn.

Sayles said there is no other musical theater festival in the nation, so Auburn’s would be the first.

Sayles pitched his idea in late 2006 during a brainstorming session of community leaders representing nonprofits and businesses. The goal of the meeting, convened by state Sen. Michael Nozzolio, R-Fayette, was to identify ways to improve Auburn.

Sayles’ idea was well received, said Fessenden, of the Emerson Foundation, who was at the meeting.

“It was quickly understood that it wasn’t simply about art and culture, but something much bigger and stronger ... that could catalyze a whole new level of prosperity for the community,” Fessenden said.

Sayles’ timing was perfect because Stardust had arrived in town and was looking for philanthropic opportunities.

Stardust and the other foundations quickly jumped on board.

In addition to the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, the festival this year will use two other theaters within walking distance of each other downtown — the 199-seat Auburn Public Theater at 108 Genesee St. and the 125-seat Theater Mack at the Cayuga Museum at 203 Genesee St. The nearby 384-seat performing arts center will give the festival a fourth venue in 2013.

Organizers say between shows theatergoers will visit local restaurants, shops and other attractions.

Initially the festival expects to draw theatergoers from this region. The goal over time is to draw people from a much broader geographic area and get them to stay three or four days.

Without the philanthropic backing, Sayles said the festival may not have ever gotten off the ground.

“What I was going to try to do, we probably could not have afforded to do,” he said. “This is divine intervention.”

SNCC Executive Director Position Opening

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Marietta) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:03:00 +0000

Syracuse Northeast Community Center, Inc., a local non-profit human services agency is
seeking to hire a full-time Executive Director.

The mission of Syracuse Northeast Community Center is to work with area residents to
provide services and programs to address the changing needs and interests of the City of
Syracuse’s north and northeast neighborhoods.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Executive Director, under the guidance of the Board of Directors is responsible for the
strategic leadership and management of all services and operations of the facility in order to
promote and accomplish the agency mission and goals.

QUALIFIED CANDIDATES
A qualified candidate will possess:
i A degree in public or business administration, social work or related field
preferred;
i Five or more years experience in a non-profit environment required;
i Management experience in administration, finance and planning;
i Familiarity with public and private funding environments
i Knowledge of Social Services programs, regulations and other disciplines
related to individuals and families in need;
i Experience in developing and overseeing agency financial management,
budgeting and vouchering;
i Experience in development, fundraising, and grant applications;
i Demonstrated ability to build coalitions and forge cooperative arrangements
with other agencies;
i Experience in human resources and personnel management;
i Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills;
i Enthusiasm for working with diverse groups of people;
i Ability to think strategically and creatively.
MAJOR FUNCTIONS
i Advocate, initiate, and lead the development of program innovations in keeping
with expressed neighborhood needs and the efficient provision of services;
i In conjunction with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is
accountable for the development and implementation of agency goals and
objectives in accordance with the agency’s mission;
i Ensure rigorous accountability and long-term stability through sound
management of fiscal resources;
i Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, and attend all Board
meetings;
i Recruit, hire, direct, and manage staff to ensure compliance with agency
policies and procedures, funding sources and regulatory agencies;
i Negotiate and administer lease agreements and maintain cooperative
relationships with component agencies;
i Initiate a management system to evaluate the programs and services provided by
the Center to ensure they are responsive to neighborhood needs and adhere to
the agency mission;
i Implement Board policies and strategies for financial management including all
revenues, expenses, investments, and a working balanced budget.
i Ensure agency representation at neighborhood meetings in the identified service
area;
i Facilitate formal and informal partnerships with local groups and programs in
support of the agency mission;
i Guide all development activities and solicitation of funding sources, including
grant writing and special events;
i Act as primary spokesperson and advocate for the agency and the people it
serves to other local, statewide and national organizations;
i Attend all meetings, workshops, and trainings that support the efficient and
effective operation of the agency.
Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental and retirement options.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and three professional references by
March 2, 2012 to director@snccsyr.org. No calls please.
Syracuse Northeast Community Center, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Women, people
of color, individuals with a disability, veterans and others who would enrich the diversity of
Syracuse Northeast Community Center, Inc. are encouraged to apply

NYCON CEO Doug Sauer Testifies at Public Hearing on Executive Compensation at Not-for-Profits

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Marietta) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:45:00 +0000

Public Hearing: To examine executive compensation at not-for-profit organizations receiving State funding and the actions needed to prevent State tax dollars from being wasted on excessive salaries
Senate Standing Committee on Investigations and Government Operations
Chair: Senator Carl L. Marcellino

NY Council of Nonprofits CEO Doug Sauer shares feedback and testimony on the Governor's Executive Order addressing Executive Compensation for Not-for-Profits. You can hear Doug's comments beginning at 49:30. Watch for more from NYCON shortly. Interested in joining the NYCON mailing list? Subscribe here.

Executive Director for Health Planning

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Marietta) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:49:00 +0000

ADDRESS INQUIRIES IN CONFIDENCE TO:
Carol Fletcher, President CRFletcher Associates
1126 N. Salina Street, Suite 107
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 471-1000
carol.fletcher@crfletcher.com

POSITION: Executive Director for Health Planning

POSITION SUMMARY: The Executive Director for Health Planning (ED) is responsible for
developing and managing a sustainable health planning initiative in Central New York. The
Executive Director gives direction and leadership in crafting the vision, strategy, goals, and
objectives for a renewed health planning capacity in the region. S/he will also assume direction
of the implementation of a $950,000 State grant for infrastructure development and completion of three studies. Specific responsibilities include program planning, management and
administration; fiscal and grant management; board and committee support, business plan development, and community/stakeholder relations. The ED will have a high level of independence and reports to the board president of a newly consolidated organization spanning
health planning and clinical health information exchange functions.

RESPONSIBILITIES
 Lead process to develop a vision, goals and objectives for health planning, working with
health planning committee and board of directors.
 Create and implement sustainability plan and generate revenue from grants, contributions,
contracts, and other sources to build and maintain a robust health planning.
 Implement $950,000 New York State grant to build health planning infrastructure, carry out three studies, and develop strong collaborative relationships with stakeholders regionally.
 Develop and manage annual health planning budget, consistent with organizational policies
and internal controls.
 Manage certificate of need process and organizational role to inform and advise on local
projects requiring State approval,
 Manage current staff (4) in research, analysis, and professional development. Source, hire,
support, supervise, and evaluate staff consistent with organizational policies.
 Oversee all programs, services and daily activities to meet program and grant objectives and
ensure compliance with funding sources and regulatory requirements.
 Serve as liaison for all participating organizations/stakeholders, the New York State
Department of Health and other State agencies, government officials, and the media.
 Develop and implement evaluations of program goals and objectives.
 Work in close collaboration with Executive Director, Regional Health Information
Organization in support of the mission and coordination of program and administrative
functions.
 Maintain in-depth knowledge of developments and trends in the field.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS: Demonstrated leadership experience in building and/or
directing a health-related or comparable organization/initiative. Ability to use appropriate
responsibility, authority and entrepreneurial spirit to shape and secure funding for a regional
health planning program.

EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES
 Advanced degree preferred (e.g. MPH, MBA, MPA, or PhD); relevant experience may be
substituted.
 3+ year’s experience in a leadership position in the health or comparable field;
 Strong financial management, control, analytical, and communication skills.
 Leadership ability and adaptability; able to grasp difficult issues and manage conflict.
 Demonstrated success in revenue generation.
 Experience working with a range of non-profit, government, business, health care, and
consumer leaders and organizations.

SUPPLEMENTAL FACT SHEET
Executive Director for Health Planning
Background: The executive director for health planning position was created through the
collaboration between two separate 501 (c) 3 organizations, the Central New York Health
Systems Agency (CNYHSA) and the Health Advancement Collaborative of Central New York
(HAC-CNY), the Regional Health Information Organization (RHIO) for Central New York. The
collaboration represents a functionally integrated organization with a single identify that draws
on the complementary strengths of HAC-CNY and CNYHSA in building Central New York’s
capacity for local, sustainable health planning. The collaboration is the first in New York State
to bring together health planning and the operations of a RHIO, creating the opportunity for
synergies such as integrating RHIO clinical data into health studies and identifying technology
solutions that can improve the efficiency of, and access to, community services.
The new organization has two primary lines of business, the RHIO and community health
planning. The RHIO is a four million dollar annual enterprise supported by grants,
contributions, and a locally funded sustainability pilot. CNYHSA operates through grants and
contracts with an average annual budget of over $800,000. Each line of business is directed by
an executive director; one directing health planning (open position) and one directing the RHIO
(currently in place). Each is solely responsible for their line of business and reports directly to
the Chair of the board. The executive directors will work in close collaboration in support of the
mission of the organization and to ensure the successful administration of financial, human
resource, and other administrative functions that support the RHIO and health planning
programs.

The executive director for health planning will direct the implementation and sustainability of
community health planning initiatives in an eleven county Central New York region.

Community health planning is defined as a systematic process which:
 identifies community health care needs and develops recommendations and strategies to
promote and improve the health of individuals and communities,
 facilitates access to affordable health care,
 matches health care resources to meet community needs and,
 aligns the health care delivery system with those needs.

The current priority is to implement a New York State grant to develop a health planning
infrastructure and conduct three studies: emergency room use, long term care assessment, and
regional community health and health services assessment. The grant also supports the
development of a ‘community table’ concept for engaging stakeholders across the region in
health planning activities.

Current Resources: The executive director and health planning staff (4) will be supported by a
two-year $950,000 State planning grant. A major focus of the new position will be to develop a
sustainability plan and secure funds to realize the vision of building and maintaining a regional
health planning program well beyond the current grant period. The board is committed, with a
demonstrated track record of successful revenue generation and will work closely with the
executive director to leverage its support in implementing a longer-term sustainability plan.

SIDS prevention Fund awards $3,600 grant

noreply@blogger.com (Central New York Community Foundation) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:30:00 +0000

(February 3, 2011) - The Syracuse SIDS Prevention Fund, a component fund of the Central New York Community Foundation, recently awarded a $3,600 grant to Child Care Solutions and Spanish Action League. This collaboration project will bring education and training programs to the Latino Community through child care agencies and professional providers.

Child Care Solutions is a nonprofit organization that promotes early learning, healthy development, and high quality care through education, advocacy, and support. The Spanish Action League supports the Latino Community through advocacy, counseling, and education. These two agencies will utilize this grant to train child care providers on the use of the Safe Sleep for Babies curriculum and incorporating the messages of SIDS prevention to a target audience of single Latina women on the West Side of Syracuse. Additionally, Spanish Action League employees will be trained to deliver a Spanish language version of Safe Sleep for Babies to La Liga clients.

The Syracuse SIDS Prevention Fund, administered by the Central New York Community Foundation, was formed in 2007 as a permanent field-of-interest fund. It was established with the accumulated earnings from the Syracuse SIDS Golf Classic to support the elimination of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome through increased community awareness, including parent support programs and risk reduction education, as well as medical research.

The Central New York Community Foundation has served Central New York for 85 years, receiving, managing and distributing charitable funds for the benefit of nonprofit organizations. Grants are awarded for programs in the areas of human services, arts and culture, education, environment, health, economic development and civic affairs. The region’s largest endowed philanthropic foundation, the Central New York Community Foundation awards more than $5 million in grants to nonprofit organizations annually. The Community Foundation, of 431 East Fayette Street, Syracuse, NY 13202, can be reached at (315) 422-9538 or www.cnycf.org.

Future Fund Seeking Grant Applicants

noreply@blogger.com (Central New York Community Foundation) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:32:00 +0000

February 1, 2012 - The Future Fund of Central New York is requesting grant applicant letters of intent from nonprofits that provide art-enrichment programs to low-income youth or promote the arts to an underserved population. The letter of intent deadline is February 17, 2012. One grant of up to $5,000 will be awarded in May 2012. Tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations serving Onondaga or Madison counties are encouraged to apply.

More information about the Future Fund and a letter of intent form is available at www.futurefundofcny.org. If you have any questions, please contact Danielle Gill at 315-883-5554 or DGill@cnycf.org.

The Future Fund of Central New York is a member-driven giving circle administered by the Central New York Community Foundation. Its mission is to involve and empower emerging philanthropists to make our community a better place to live and work. Annual membership dues are contributed to an endowment at the Community Foundation, and members vote on the grant topic and projects. While the endowment builds, matching donors provide the funding for immediate grantmaking.

The Central New York Community Foundation has served Central New York for 85 years, receiving, managing and distributing charitable funds for the benefit of not-for-profit organizations. Grants are awarded for programs in the areas of human services, arts and culture, education, environment, health, economic development and civic affairs. The region’s largest endowed philanthropic foundation, the Central New York Community Foundation awards over $5 million in grants to not-for-profit organizations annually. The Community Foundation, of 431 East Fayette Street, Syracuse, NY 13202 can be reached at (315) 422-9538 or www.cnycf.org.

Special Session on Website Design and Strategies

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Marietta) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:05:00 +0000

Ted Hart Returns to CNY

Special Session on Website Design and Strategies

Thursday, February 9, 2012
CNY Philanthropy Center
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Special Session -- Open to All

We are thrilled that international fundraising and ePhilanthropy expert Ted Hart is coming back to Syracuse to provide an intensive session focused on effective website design and strategies.

Those who attended the session with Mr. Hart on Fundraising Day in June are aware of his incredible range of expertise and his dynamic presentation style.

Thursday, February 9, 2012
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
CNY Philanthropy Center
431 East Fayette Street
Syracuse, New York

Cost:
$35 for AFP Members
$50 for non-members (if space is available)
RSVP to
Beverly Mack
mackafpcny@twcny.rr.com

Research shows that a majority of people check out an organization’s website prior to making a first gift to the organization, regardless of whether they make the gift online. Therefore, an effective website that leads the potential donor to make that important first gift is more crucial than ever.

Many organizations pay thousands of dollars for advice on their website design. This special session will include live website review and is sure to give every participant important information that can be used immediately (and without significant cost) to make your website better support your mission and your bottom line.

www.afpcny.org

Announcing our next NEWS Workshop! Nonprofits Going Green: Practical Steps and Resources

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Marietta) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 01:35:00 +0000

As people and corporations around the world become more "green" they in turn expect the nonprofits they support to also take proactive steps to protect the environment. While a vast majority of charities want to be more green, they often feel they lack the expertise and knowledge base to kick off a successful, budget-conscious approach to this initiative.

This afternoon workshop will help provide a road map to successfully lower costs and increase environmental awareness while providing access to industry leaders who can help get it all done. Our environment will benefit as a result of the nonprofit/NGO sector taking action. This session will provide real-life steps and information to increase your organization’s green profile in a cultural climate that demands ecological responsibility from organizations.

Due to limited space, this workshop is limited to two representatives per organization. Attendees should be affiliated with a nonprofit organization in a board, staff, or long term volunteer capacity.

Register now by clicking here

Facilitated by:

Ted Hart
Founder & CEO of GreenNonprofits and author of The Nonprofit Guide to Going Green

WHEN:
February 8, 2012
2:00pm- 5:00 pm

WHERE:
Central New York Philanthropy Center
431 E. Fayette Street
Syracuse, NY 13202

COST:
$20 per person

Additional Event featuring Ted Hart:
sponsored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals

Website Design and Strategies
Thursday, February 9, 2012
CNY Philanthropy Center
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cost:
$35 for AFP members
$50 for non-members
(if space is available)

RSVP to:
mackafpcny@twcny.rr.com
(subject line: Ted Hart)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Central New York Community Foundation invites you to celebrate 85 years of giving to the region we love. Over the course of the year, The CNY85 Giving Project will award grants to projects addressing Central New York's greatest needs. Winners will be decided by public vote.

Central New York Community Foundation
431 East Fayette Street, Suite 100
Syracuse, NY 13202
www.cnycf.org* 315-422-9538 * info@cnycf.org

American Red Cross Job Openings

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Marietta) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:13:00 +0000

The American Red Cross is still actively recruiting candidates for Regional Executive Officer (located in Syracuse), Regional Operations Officer (located in Binghamton), Regional Fund Development Officer, Regional Communications Officer, a Community Chapter Executive for Northern New York (located in Watertown), and a few select Fund Development and Program positions across the Central New York Region that will be posted at the end of January. All active jobs can be located at www.redcross.org. Click on Working with the Red Cross, Become an Employee, and “Chapter”.

Hiring Practices Trainings in January

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Marietta) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:34:00 +0000

A Program for Employers and Unions
HIRING PRACTICES THAT PROMOTE A STRONGER WORKFORCE AND COMMUNITY
This program will discuss considerations of hiring people with criminal records and best practices for the use of criminal background checks for employment, including recommendations for interviewing.

Learn how hiring individuals with a criminal record can:
• build a safer community
• create a more diverse work environment
• lead to tax benefits for your business
• produce protections from negligent hiring claims
• promote New York State public policy

This 2 hour program will be offered the following dates, times and locations:
THIS PROGRAM IS FREE.
REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED.

Tuesday, January 10, 7:30 am - 9:30 am at
SUNY EOC, LIBBA COTTON ROOM, 1 New St., Syracuse

Friday, January 13, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm at
CNY WORKS, 443 N.FRANKLIN ST./FRANKLIN SQUARE, SYRACUSE

Wednesday, January 18, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm at
SUNY EOC, LIBBA COTTON ROOM 1 New St., Syracuse

Friday, January 20, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm at
CNY WORKS, 443 N.FRANKLIN ST./FRANKLIN SQUARE , SYRACUSE
Register By Emailing
Patricia Warth at:
pwarth@communityalternatives.org

Any questions call:
315.422.5638 ext. 229

Westcott Community Center ED Job Posting

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Marietta) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:13:00 +0000

The Westcott Community Center (WCC) is seeking a full time Executive Director. The WCC is a not for profit agency which serves the extended Westcott and Syracuse community.
The Center provides public education projects, social service programs, and multi program events to a diverse constituency. The Executive Director is responsible for management,
organization and operation of the Center and supervision of the staff and activities under the direction of the Board of Directors of the WCC. The Executive Director is a liaison to
neighborhood groups. Applicant must demonstrate prior successful managerial, grant writing and administrative experience. Non-profit managerial experience is a plus.
BA degree or equivalent required. Some evening and weekend responsibilities. Competitive salary.

A more detailed job description can be found at: http://www.westcottcc.org/ (after Sunday, Jan. 8th).

To apply for the position please submit a resume together with a cover letter by email or hard copy to: search@westcottcc.org or mail to Search Committee, 826 Euclid Ave., Syracuse, NY 13210.

Deadline for receiving resumes is February 3, 2012.

No phone calls please

HSLC meeting on January 13th

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Marietta) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:23:00 +0000

The next meeting of the Human Services Leadership Council will be

Friday, January 13th, 2012
8:00 – 9:30 AM
United Way Building, Rosamond Gifford Conference Room, 518 James Street

Agenda:

Introductions and Announcements

Chair’s Update – Strategic Planning Next Steps…

Treasurer’s Update

Program – Information Sharing – Beth Broadway, Facilitator
During our strategic planning process, many HSLC members asked for opportunities to find out more about one another’s programs and services. Thanks to Beth Broadway for agreeing to facilitate an information sharing program to help HSLC members learn about one another’s agencies.

Commentary: Through microgiving, you can make more than a dime's worth of difference

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Marietta) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:51:00 +0000

Great editorial offered by J. Naples, M&T Bank's Syracuse regional president, chairman of the Onondaga Community College Foundation and chairman of the board of directors of CenterState CEO:

Syracuse, it’s time for a paradigm change in the way we give. Syracuse and Onondaga County’s arts and sciences, educational programs and nonprofits rely on us to survive. Times are tough, though. And some of these organizations, as well as the donors they count on, are coming up short. Some organizations have failed.

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to work with a group of local business leaders to head the Onondaga Community College Capital Campaign. We raised several million dollars over a year and a half, exceeding our initial monetary goal and beating our targeted deadline date by over four months.

The people — whom our team knew personally and professionally — were asked to give, and they gave generously. But a campaign like ours cannot be repeated easily over and over again without a change. Like many campaigns, we focused a lot of our attention on a small number of individuals and corporations. As you know, in small cities like Syracuse there are a limited number of large donors to reach out to.

Therefore, we fundraisers and donors must think differently.

First, our civic organizations and nonprofits should engage us with clear-cut goals and concise statements of how donations will positively impact their strategic well-being. Donors need to feel as if they’re investing in something that makes a difference, rather than simply writing a check to keep a nonprofit afloat. Receiving regular, coordinated messages from an organization about how it puts contributions to work makes donors feel like their investments are paying off. Keeping people informed via various media (including emails, letters or social media sites) about the way donor dollars are being used for the success of the organization can help spur more giving.

In a business book called “The Dragonfly Effect,” the co-authors describe how a young South Asian student at Stanford University in need of a bone marrow transplant was given a one-in-20,000 chance of finding a donor. His friends, undaunted by such odds, put in place a plan using social media tools to register 24,611 donors in a matter of weeks. A clear-cut goal plus a compelling story brought people from all over the world together to solve this problem.

Second, Syracuse’s nonprofits need to “democratize” their relationship with the community. More specifically, they need to understand that communications are a two-way street. In addition to dollars, organizations should also solicit ideas from the greater community. For example, what if a local museum reached out to local schools for suggestions and ideas on how best to tailor an exhibit for children? By seeking “personal” involvement from people, one often finds that they will be more likely to contribute their time and also their money.

My employer, M&T Bank, regularly sponsors local events and programs like New York’s Creative Core Emerging Business Competition, as well as On Point for College, which opens doors to higher education for inner city youth. In the past year, our company has given to hundreds of organizations both within and outside of Upstate New York. By participating with these organizations, we have seen firsthand how they improve the community and impact the lives of individuals. We are compelled to give because we understand the mission and see the “return.”

This brings me to my last point. Corporate giving is not enough. Each and every Syracusan must think about personal giving. According to the U.S. Census, there are 111,737 people 18 or older in Syracuse, another 248,034 people in the surrounding areas of Onondaga County.

Given the current economic times, people often don’t feel they are in a position to “write a check” for a good cause. Therefore, I propose we begin to focus on the importance of “microgiving,” or small donations from everyone. If each of those 359,771 adults gave just 10 cents a day ($36.50 per year) to one of Syracuse’s nonprofits, collectively they would raise more than $12.5 million. Ten cents often represents the change one puts on the counter after grabbing a cup of coffee or a burger. What a difference this would make!

In that same light, there are about 35,000 businesses in Onondaga County. If each just gave $100 to a cause, we could raise another $3.5 million. “Microgiving” works, and every small donation helps.

In fact, small donations continue to play an increasing role in all campaigns. For OCC, the Reach Beyond campaign would not have been as successful without the small contributions from close to 1,000 donors who collectively contributed upwards of $500,000. There is no gift too small.

I hope everyone in Central New York makes it their New Year’s resolution to begin the practice of “microgiving” for the “macrobenefit” of our greater community.

Charities get last-minute boost from donors

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Marietta) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:26:00 +0000

CNNMoney report -- Chalk it up to the holiday spirit -- or just smart tax planning -- but charitable giving is looking up this month.

Giving in December is already up 15% from 2010, according to the latest tally by Network for Good, a site that enables donors to contribute to more than 10,000 charities across the country. In November, donations rose 20% over the same month last year.

"This year looks a little better, but not back to pre-recession levels yet," said Katya Andresen, Network for Good's chief strategy officer.

But the best is yet to come. While one-third of all online giving for the year occurs in December, a whopping 22% happens in the last two days of the year, according to Network for Good's online giving study. That end-of-year rush can mainly be attributed to donors looking for some last-minute tax savings.

"It's traditional to think about charity in December and of course, it's the end of the tax year," Andresen said.

Still, with less than 48 hours left in the calendar year, it's unlikely this will be a substantially better year for charities after three years in a row of lackluster giving.

Largest donations of 2011
After sinking in 2008 and 2009, donations still lag far behind pre-recession levels. Total charitable contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations increased slightly in 2010 to $290.9 billion -- but remained below 2007's $310.6 billion, according to Giving USA, a foundation that tracks charitable contributions.

Although Geoffrey Brown, executive director of the organization, says it's still too early to say how 2011 will fare in comparison to last year, "giving is probably going to be flat, if anything," he noted.

Stagnant wage growth, high unemployment, Europe's debt crisis and uncertainty about the economy have weighed on donors, while the government has drawn down support substantially, explained Daniel Borochoff, president of the American Institute of Philanthropy.

"This year was a little better than last year, but, of course, last year wasn't so good," he said.

In a survey by the Chronicle of Philanthropy, 54% of 152 organizations said they raised more money in November and during the first part of December than they had at the same time last year. Nearly 60% of charities predicted they would have an overall gain in donations in 2011, while 28% said donations would fall this year.

"This was a year in which there were certainly disasters both at home and abroad, but not at the scale that we have seen in the past," explained Stacy Palmer, editor of the Chronicle of Philanthropy.

"Even Japan giving was small, it was nothing like the crisis in Haiti," she said referring to the earthquake and tsunami that rocked the Asian nation in March.

Central NY Community Foundation Announces Special Grant Opportunity

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Marietta) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:42:00 +0000

Nonprofit Organizations Invited to Enter The CNY85 Giving Project

The Central New York Community Foundation is excited to announce the opportunity for local nonprofit organizations to win an $8,500 grant in support of a program that addresses the region's greatest needs.

About The CNY85 Giving Project
In celebration of its 85-year anniversary, the Central New York Community Foundation will be hosting The CNY85 Giving Project - a grant competition based on public vote - that will run through 2012. Over the course of the year, The CNY85 Giving Project will award grants to four nonprofit organizations working to improve the quality of life in Central New York. The project that receives the most public votes through our website at the end of each quarter will receive $8,500.

How to Enter
Nonprofit organizations that serve Onondaga or Madison Counties are invited to enter The CNY85 Giving Projectonce during the 2012 calendar year. To view the full Rules & Guidelines and submit your project for consideration in the online public vote, visit www.cny85.org. You must submit your information during one of the four open application periods in January, April, July or October.

An organization can only submit one application during the year, so choose your quarter carefully!

We are currently accepting online entries for projects that promote vitality in Central New York through economic development, transportation, planning and/or environment work.

Calendar & Themes
The CNY85 Giving Project’s four project themes are based on the greatest needs of our community, as demonstrated by our collaborative community indicators project, CNYVitals. For more on the indicators, visit www.cnyvitals.org.

Round 1: Economic Development, Planning & Environment Projects
Entry: 01/01-01/31/12 - NOW ACCEPTING ENTRIES!
Voting: 03/01-03/31/12

Upcoming Rounds:
Round 2: Housing, Health & Human Service Projects
Entry: 04/01-04/30/2012
Voting: 06/01-06/30/12

Round 3: Education & Technology Projects
Entry: 07/01-07/31/2012
Voting: 09/01-09/30/12

Round 4: Arts, Culture, Recreation & Civic Engagement Projects
Entry: 10/01-10/31/2012
Voting: 12/01-12/31/12

Learn More and Enter Now!

2012 brings new focus for 40 Below

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Marietta) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:26:00 +0000

The Syracuse Post-Standard reported about 40 Below:
They've never before put on a big concert, so the New Year's Eve party featuring Joe Driscoll at the Landmark Theatre represents a bold new splash for 40 Below, the seven-year-old Syracuse young professionals group.

That's not all that's new: Leaders say the organization will seek a permanent downtown presence in 2012, while charting a slightly altered course, based on the recognition that hard times have withered its demographic base.

"Six months ago, we saw 40 percent unemployment with young professionals in this community," said Benjamin M. Sio, manager at 40 Below. "We have all these students that are graduating from colleges and the universities in this area, but they're not staying here as much as they could be. .. Supporting them has become a main focus."

Formed in late 2004 after a high-profile summit attracted 600 people to the Oncenter, the nonprofit group has sought to stop or slow the exodus of young professionals from Central New York. It has a membership list of 3,000 but an active base of a few hundred volunteers, who work on projects ranging from building restorations to public art.

Next year, organizers hope to open a "co-working space" somewhere downtown. The space, a concept modeled in other cities, would host group functions and serve as a shared office location for members.

"We're gearing it as a place where individuals and professionals can come," said R.J. Sherman, a member of the location search committee. "If they don't have an office downtown, they can use it to meet with a customer or a client. We're looking to partition it, but also keep more of a modular space, so 40 Below can hold events there."

Sherman said the group has narrowed its search to a few places, based on the usual concerns: Location and expense. The group believes it has something else to bring a landlord.

"We're looking for a low-cost or no-cost kind of lease agreement, in exchange for bettering that space for the building owners and offering something for the community," said Ashlyn Maguire, a fellow committee member.

Since its launch, 40 Below has seen a relatively constant turnover of members, a situation described by its leadership as a natural consequence of the people it seeks to tap. By nature, young professionals are less settled and more prone to move between cities. The goal is to grow the Syracuse community and thus spur more young professionals to establish roots.

"People often first get involved as singles," Sio said. "They get married, they have kids, and they're not able to give 20 hours a week of volunteer time, as they did in the past. We're experienced in having people pass through. That's part of the organization. That's part of the nature of our leadership."

He said the Syracuse group, during its seven years, has run about 75 steering committees on various projects, and hosts a monthly series of speed networking sessions and speakers. The group receives grant money from CNY Works, a local nonprofit, which draws federal funds.

Sio said there is no age requirement for membership: Anyone can join -- even if 40 or above.

"We don't have a 'graduation,'" he said, with a smile.

Still, 2012 will have a commencement of sorts: The first-annual New Year's Eve BeLOW OUT party. Headlining will be Driscoll, a Syracuse native whose beatbox rap has gained an international following. A full house at the Landmark could generate $20,000 to $40,000 for the nonprofit, a huge boost to plans.

"We're really excited about it," Sio said. "We're hoping for a great year."

Community Foundation Awards $506,837 in Community Grants

noreply@blogger.com (Central New York Community Foundation) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:07:00 +0000

Syracuse, NY (December 19, 2011) - The Central New York Community Foundation awarded $506,837 in grants to 21 charitable organizations in Onondaga and Madison Counties from its unrestricted and field of interest funds.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Syracuse, in partnership with the Salvation Army, received $54,104 to deploy research-based teen services focused on youth development and job readiness skills at two Club locations.

CenterState CEO received $20,000 to assist in the production of the Metropolitan Business Plan in collaboration with the Brookings Institution and regional partners. The plan will address economic development and community revitalization, including concerns of low employment growth, high poverty rates in the center city and low median household income in the area.

CONTACT Community Services received $30,000 to furnish and purchase technology for its new headquarters, which will provide safe, accessible and comfortable rooms conducive to effective training of people with diverse learning styles and physical needs.

CORA Foundation received $5,000 to support In our View: A Community Perspective, a project that will recruit residents of Syracuse’s Northside neighborhood to become documentary photographers and tell their stories, culminating in an exhibition at the ArtRage Gallery.

Everson Museum received $50,000 to provide a catalog of exhibitions, educational programs and equipment for TONY2012, a community-wide biennial exhibition featuring local artists and partners.

Jewish Home of Central New York received $13,000 to implement the Project upBEAT program to build teamwork and lower stress among long-term caregivers. This grant was funded by the Carriage House Foundation Fund.

Madison Hall Association in Morrisville received $20,000 to enhance access to the building for special events and group gatherings. A number of improvements will be made, including a new staircase, lighting, and the installation of signage at the rear entrance.

Most Holy Rosary School received $2,673 to enhance its literacy program with the purchase of a leveled literacy intervention kit for third graders.

Oneida Community Mansion House received $20,000 for the restoration and painting of the building’s exterior. These improvements will prevent further deterioration, water leakage and damage to the interior of the building.

Open Hand Theater received $11,000 to partner with area communities and artists to design puppets and performances that showcase diversity.

PEACE, Inc. received $40,000 to conduct structural renovations on the DeFrancisco Eastwood Community Center, which houses senior services and other programs.

Prevention Network received $19,200 to expand its underage drinking prevention programming with the implementation of Honor the Code, aimed to reduce alcohol and drug use among high school athletes by offering public awareness, education and recognition about how important it is to follow their codes of conduct.

Syracuse City School District Adult Education received $40,000 to enhance the Points of Entry project by providing innovative supports and incentives that assist newly released justice center inmates with the transition to continuing education and vocational training.

Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School received $25,000 to upgrade the biology laboratory room which will help students in grades 8-12 expand their knowledge in zoology and environmental science. The space is also used for science and math fairs, Olympiads and other STEM competitions.

Syracuse Children’s Chorus received $15,000 in support of its Visions for Peace Spring Concert. The event is being designed in collaboration with Imagine Syracuse’s Young Musicians Project, and will bring together a diverse group of peers around the subject of peace.

Syracuse Stage received $34,900 to support the Arts Emerging education program, which will provide free tickets to the award-winning musical Caroline, or Change. Students will work with local musicians and artists to explore the impact of music on their cultural identity.

The Salvation Army received $31,710 to develop an effective anti-gang strategy for the Syracuse area on behalf of the Community Intervention Committee, which is a subcommittee of Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods and New York State’s Operation Impact Task Force. The collaborative project will include primary data collection, community perception research and the pooling of community resources.

Toomey Residential received $10,500 to renovate a bathroom in the Allen Street Agency Boarding Home, a youth foster care home accommodating teenage boys who have been separated from their families and community due to mental health or emotional difficulties.

Visions for Change received $45,000 to assist families in creating their own personal paths out of poverty by expanding the Circles program. The addition of a Circles Coach will assist more individuals in gaining financial stability by learning to take leadership roles in their lives and in their community.

YMCA of Greater Syracuse received $10,000 to expand the Downtown Writer’s Center programming, which provides new and established writers with the opportunity to take workshops, meet peers and encounter new writing on a regular basis.

YWCA Syracuse & Onondaga County received $9,750 to expand to an integrated online development and client tracking database. The database will be made available to other nonprofits in the community who are seeking to increase diversity on their boards.

The Central New York Community Foundation has served Central New York for 85 years, receiving, managing and distributing charitable funds for the benefit of nonprofit organizations. Grants are awarded for programs in the areas of human services, arts and culture, education, environment, health, economic development and civic affairs. The region’s largest endowed philanthropic foundation, the Central New York Community Foundation awards more than $5 million in grants to nonprofit organizations annually. The Community Foundation, of 431 East Fayette Street, Syracuse, NY 13202, can be reached at (315) 422-9538 or www.cnycf.org.

Central New York lands $103.7 million in state economic development money

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Marietta) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:46:00 +0000

The Post-Standard reported that the region’s economic development officials got more than they hoped for from a trip to Albany Thursday, bringing home $103.7 million in state economic development funds.

Rob Simpson, president of CenterState CEO and co-chair of the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council, said he was “thrilled” with the announcement. Members of the council have been meeting since July hammering out a list of projects that they thought could best improve the region that includes Onondaga, Oswego, Cayuga, Madison and Cortland counties.

The council’s plan included 30 projects and requests for $40 million in state funding. The state delivered $63.7 million more, including $14 million to renovate apartments in Lysander.

The extra millions came as a surprise. Council members had heard there was more money available from other state sources, but didn’t know the other projects were going to be included Thursday, said Syracuse University Chancellor Nancy Cantor, co-chair of the CNYREDC.

The announcement came at an Albany ceremony capping a process Gov. Andrew Cuomo laid out earlier this year.

The state was divided into 10 regions with an economic development council for each. The councils reviewed projects and chose which to include in a plan. The separate regional plans were presented last month to a state committee that chose four as “best plan awardees.”

The North Country, Western New York and Long Island were chosen, along with Central New York, as the best.

Cuomo had said each of the winners would get $40 million while the remaining six regions would split $40 million between them.

Financial news host Maria Bartiromo, emcee for Thursday’s event, introduced videos for each region, then announced that each had been awarded millions in grants, far more than the $200 million Cuomo had talked of. In all, awards of $785 million were announced.

The money came from the $200 million in targeted regional money and from an additional $800 million in money for which companies, housing authorities, non-profits and others had filed state consolidated funding applications.

Good as the news was for Central New York, it appeared that not every project chosen by the local council received state funding. Five projects — including those that would have renovated the Abbott House in Aurora and assisted in expansions at Dupli Envelope and Graphics, Ephesus Technologies, Champlain Valley Specialty Food and Healthway Home Products — did not make the final list.

The Central New York Regional Economic Development Council's largest single money request is for more than $5 million to complete work at the CNY Biotechnology Research Center at the former Kennedy Square apartments.
“If the project is not on there, it means it isn’t funded,” said Austin Shafran, spokesman for Empire State Development. Shafran said regional technical factors could keep a project from getting funding, even it was part of a winning plan.

One factor was how quickly the project would yield new jobs. “We’re ready to create jobs in the short term, for the long term,” he said.

Among the projects that were backed by the regional council and did land funding were:

•3 million for work to the Syracuse’s Inner Harbor.
•$3 million to equip space at the Syracuse Center of Excellence.
•$1.95 million to continue work at the Central New York Biotechnology Research Center and the nearby land.
•$150,000 to build a demonstration greenhouse in Madison County.
•$994,000 to help expand a winery in Cazenovia.
•More than $4 million in support for a dairy cooperative’s plan to build a plant in Cayuga County.
•$349,000 for expansion at the Fulton Companies in Oswego Counties.

Projects that had not been announced before included $14 million — the largest single award in Central New York — to renovate 208 apartments at Greenway in Radisson.

Greenway Apartments rents to people who make less than 80 percent of the area’s median income. Many tenants make less than 60 percent, said Arthur Loomis, a consultant for Liberty Affordable Housing, a Rome-based non-profit taking control of the facility.

“It’s shovel ready,” Loomis said. “The complex, while in good shape, is tired and needs updating. It’s going to be like a brand-new project.” Improvements include new siding, windows and sidewalks, as well as renovated kitchens and bathrooms, Loomis said. Much of the infrastructure hasn’t been updated since the complex was built in the mid-1970s, he said. The residents’ income doesn’t make it possible to renovate extensively without public help, he said.

Renovations to Centerville Court Apartments in North Syracuse won $3,349,255 in state support while efforts to buy and renovate James Street Apartments in Syracuse got $9 million.

In Cayuga County, some $400,000 was announced for the Howland Stone Store Museum in the hamlet of Sherwood. That money is to restore “Opendore,” once home to the Howland family.

In Madison County, the state added $75,000 to provide emergency repairs to the homes of low-income, elderly residents.

In Oswego County, Grassman Energy was awarded $716,500 toward its efforts to begin design and manufacturing of wind turbines of the sort that can be seen at Carousel Center and atop the State University College at Oswego.

Before the winners were announced, Cuomo explained that the regional approach was part of a two-part effort to create jobs in New York.

The first part, he said, was improving the state’s image by improving the reality for business. That meant removing obstacles to job creation.

The second was giving the state’s region more say over what sort of development should be encouraged. “There is no single New York economy,” he said. “You know your strengths; you know your niche.”

Cuomo was joined at the ceremony by Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. The three said separately that they were so pleased with how the process worked that they had already agreed to fund a similar effort next year.

“Three minutes — I’ve never had as short a conversation to get anything done,” Cuomo said of the backstage discussion with Skelos and Silver.

Community Foundation Awards Sabbatical Grants

noreply@blogger.com (Central New York Community Foundation) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:42:00 +0000

December 1, 2011 – The Central New York Community Foundation has announced this year’s Marsellus Sabbatical grant recipients. The John F. Marsellus Sabbatical Program awards grants each year to nonprofit executives seeking personal and professional growth. The program provides executives with a stipend to research, study and reflect for a period of two or four weeks.

This year’s recipients are:

Kathleen Harter, Executive Director, Junior Achievement of Central New York. Kathleen will is the first recipient of the program’s two-week option and will attend a Women in the Woods program at The Sagamore in Raquette Lake, NY, and a professional development seminar, JA’s National Leadership Conference, at the Junior Achievement University.

“Participation in Junior Achievement’s National Leadership Conference will give JA of CNY new tools and information about the latest research in financial literacy skills and how best to deliver them to our students,” said Harter. “Working, as we do, to give children a bright future carries the weight of knowing how much there is to do and how much is at stake.”

Harter’s leadership has greatly benefited the Junior Achievement of CNY and allowed the organization to achieve its goals of increased students served, balance budgets with decreasing expenses, and new initiatives that serve the community. The organization has expanded its student service area from three to six counties in CNY.

“These accomplishments are good examples of the commitment and dedication Mrs. Harter has shown to Junior Achievement in the past eight years,” said Andrew Picco, Board Chair of Junior Achievement of Central New York. “We look forward to what she will accomplish in the future.”

Sally Roesch Wagner, Executive Director, Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation. Sally will take a Spirit Springs Retreat in Middletown, California and visit museums and exhibitions to gain ideas for the Gage Center.

“At the end of the month, the Board would like me to have for them a planning document outlining my vision for the staff and foundation based on my month’s reflection and learning,” Dr. Wagner said.

Wagner will visit the Skirball Museum, Getty Museum, and the Pacific Standard Time exhibitions.

“I extend my wholehearted support to the sabbatical of our Executive Director and Founder, Dr. Sally Roesch Wagner,” said Loretta Zolkowski, President of Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation Board of Directors. “Our future plans include official accrediting from the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience, which will give our site international recognition and strongly enhance our tourism potential.”

The Marsellus Sabbatical program was created in 2000 to provide nonprofit executives with a unique opportunity for reflection, revitalization and growth. It was established in memory of the late John F. Marsellus, president and owner of the Syracuse-based Marsellus Casket Company for more than thirty years, to honor his commitment to enhancing the leadership capacity of nonprofit organizations in Central New York.

Applicants must have served in a management position of a nonprofit agency in Onondaga or Madison Counties for at least five consecutive years in order to qualify. Twenty three executives have participated in the program since its inception.

The Central New York Community Foundation has served Central New York for 85 years, receiving, managing and distributing charitable funds for the benefit of not-for-profit organizations. Grants are awarded for programs in the areas of human services, arts and culture, education, environment, health, economic development and civic affairs. The region’s largest endowed philanthropic foundation, the Central New York Community Foundation awards over $5 million in grants to not-for-profit organizations annually. The Community Foundation, of 431 East Fayette Street, Syracuse, NY 13202, can be reached at (315) 422-9538 or www.cnycf.org.

##

Charting a Decade of Online Donations

noreply@blogger.com (Alanna Sakovits) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 20:41:00 +0000

Charting a Decade of Online Donations
November 23, 2011, 11:04 am
By Cody Switzer
Only 4 percent of donors had given online in 2001. This year, about 65 percent have given to charity through the Internet.

That’s one of the comparisons made in a new graphic from Network for Good, a fund-raising and volunteerism Web site that celebrates its 10th anniversary this month.

In 2001, the average donation through the site was $226. But this year the average gift is $73, a change that Network for Good interprets as a sign that online giving has “gone mainstream.”

Here’s the full graphic:

NY comptroller says late checks hurt nonprofits

noreply@blogger.com (Alanna Sakovits) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 01:24:00 +0000

NY comptroller says late checks hurt nonprofits
Nov. 15, 2011, 3:01 a.m. EST
AP
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli says late contract approvals and payments by the state are hurting nonprofit providers and jeopardizing services.

DiNapoli says state agencies last year were on average six months late in approving nine out of 10 contracts valued at $50,000 or more, often after services were provided.

An analysis of the first half of 2011 shows nearly 90 percent of contracts approved by the comptroller were submitted late by state agencies.

DiNapoli says nonprofits operate on thin margins and provide basic services ranging from health care clinics to work programs, with 22,000 active grant contracts totaling $16.8 billion.

The nonprofit sector employed 1.25 million people statewide last year.

You can access the article by Clicking Here.