Friday, July 30, 2010

News we need: Expansion Brings Jobs and Saves NY Money

The Daily Star reported on the recent groundbreaking ceremony at Springbrook:
Construction on a $22.5 million expansion at Springbrook is slated to begin next month.

The initiative will change the face of the 77-acre campus off state Route 28 and is expected to create 112 jobs ranging from maintenance positions to teachers, according to the plans.

"This whole campus is going to be affected in one way or another," Springbrook Facilities Director Tom Ford said.

His comment came before a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday afternoon in a field that attracted more than 150 guests and 200 staff and students at the home and school for the developmentally disabled.

The school at Springbrook currently serves 76 children and will be renamed the Tom Golisano School at Springbrook in honor of the philanthropist who pledged $2.5 million for the project.

The expansion will include an autism school for 36 students, including 24 new children from New York state who are either in out-of-state facilities or at risk of leaving the state. New buildings or additions include three duplex-style homes, classrooms, a gymnasium, a kitchen and a cafeteria. Renovations will be done on much of the existing school. Bus stop, parking, driveway and sewer and water improvements are also included in the project, according to the plans. Read more here.

The expansion will also bring an economic impact of $5 million annually to the area, and save the state $900,000 annually by keeping students in NYS.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: 2010 Michael H. Urbach, CPA, Community Builder's Award

Sponsored by the New York Council of Nonprofits (NYCON) and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA)

In recognition of the important role, talents and leadership that a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in New York State can provide as a board member for community-based charities, NYCON and NYSSCPA are pleased to announce the 7th Annual Michael H. Urbach, CPA, Community Builder's Award.

The award is named in honor of the late Michael H. Urbach, CPA, former partner of Urbach, Kahn and Werlin, former NYS Commissioner of Tax and Finance and Chair of the State Employees federated Appeal, and board leader of a number of charities.


Award Criteria & Submission
Candidates must:
  • Be a CPA in good standing and a member of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants;
  • Have served as an Officer on at least 3 different charitable 501(c)(3) community-based nonprofits with service as President/Chair at least once;
  • Have demonstrated exemplary board leadership resulting in significant and positive organizational impact including, but not limited to, financial turn-around, growth, and/or organizational re-structuring; and
  • Preference will be given to nominees whose board leadership accomplishments have been with community-based charities.

Deadline - August 30th, 2010
Nominations addressing the candidate's qualifications must be submitted in writing and received by August 30th, 2010. Nominators are strongly encouraged to include letters of support from the charities who have benefited from the candidate's volunteer leadership.

Send six (6) packets of nomination materials to:
Urbach Community Builder's Award Committee
New York Council of Nonprofits
272 Broadway
Albany NY 12204

Announcement & Presentation
The 2010 award will be formally presented at the Annual Member Meeting of NYCON slated for the afternoon of September 30th at Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, New York.

The Luncheon will take place during CAMP FINANCE, a two-day retreat that provides the very best in knowledge and skill development sessions for fiscal and management staff, as well as board members. New this year, it has expanded to include the popular "Money for Mission" tracks that will focus on fundraising, marketing, social media, grant making (both government and philanthropic) and more!

In honor of the late Harold Mandel, a certified public accountant who worked for Urbach, Kahn & Werlin in Albany, NY and retired in West Palm Beach, FL, the 2010 Urbach Honoree has the privilege to award three (3) nonprofit executives of their choice Camp Finance scholarships in Hal's name. In 2009, Mr. Mandel's family accepted a posthumous Michael H. Urbach, CPA Community Builder's Award in his tribute.

Monday, July 26, 2010

UCCCA struggles with changing times

The Daily Star reported about recent staffing changes at the Upper Catskill Community Council of the Arts. Interim executive Director Scott Ward resigned last week for personal reasons, board President and CEO Linda MacKenzie-Ranc said.

The position of program coordinator, held by Corrine Armstrong, was eliminated as the organization has downsized "in a last attempt to survive, she said. The telephone number of neither one was in the phone book and they could not be reached. Ward replaced executive director Sara Hammonds, who was in the position for a short time.

Since 1970, the Arts Council has served communities in the region by supporting and creating opportunities for area artists and arts organizations, according to the UCCCA website. Last year this included giving out more than $63,000 in support and grant money received from state agencies, according to an UCCCA media release. Most of the state funding comes from the New York State Council on the Arts, an UCCCA official said.

The board of directors will be discussing replacing Ward at a Tuesday meeting, she said. The job of the program coordinator will be filled by board, staff and volunteers as "we are looking at what we keep and what must go," she said. The current budget is about $350,000, she said. Most of that is redistributed as part of the nonprofit mission, she said. Exact figures were not available Friday afternoon.

The board will also be discussing its options at the meeting, these include further scaling back or going on hiatus until a solution is worked out. Read more here.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Two FREE Idealware Seminars

NYCON endorsed vendor, Idealware, is pleased to announce three free seminars in the month of July!

Website Domains: Getting, Keeping and Working with a Website Address
Thursday, July 22, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Eastern. FREE!
In this free one-hour seminar, we'll talk through the important things you need to know about setting up and maintaining control over a website domain, as well as how to use it for your website and email needs. This seminar is funded by the Pierce Family Foundation.
Read more or register >

Raising Your Network's Technology IQ
Thursday, July 29, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm Eastern. FREE!
Are you a membership organization, grantmaker, or affiliate group? Are you trying to figure out affordable ways to help your network use technology more effectively? We'll talk through the types of technology support your network is most likely to need, and the methods -- from free to inexpensive to more comprehensive -- that are likely to help.
Read more or register >

Monday, July 19, 2010

Attorney General's Workshop on Fundraising Requirements: Thursday, July 22nd

Strength Through Partnership
Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo Invites you to attend a Charities Workshop on Fundraising

In Partnership with United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties

Please join us in a discussion on:
• Legal Requirements
• Selecting a Fundraiser
• Negotiating a Contract
• Monitoring a Campaign
• BBB Charity Standards

Foxcare Center
1 Foxcare Drive, Route 7, Oneonta, NY 13820
Thursday, July 22, 2010 - 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM

Friday, August 20, 2010, 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at Delaware County Public Safety Building, 280 Phoebe Lane, Delhi

RSVP Contact:
(607) 721-8771
Visit Our Website:
www.charitiesnys.com

*Limited Space Available*

Friday, July 16, 2010

Groundbreaking ceremony for the Tom Golisano School at Springbrook

Who Says You Can't Go Home?
Home. Funny how four little letters can carry such a powerful meaning. Songs, stories, poems and movies have been written about it. People have devoted untold numbers of hours reminiscing about it. What we have concluded is that for all of us, "home" means something different but equally powerful – and the thought of being separated from home is just too much to bear.

For too many children with developmental disabilities, however, being separated was not a choice. For them, home is in New York – but that is hundreds and thousands of miles and several states away.
Until now.

Join Springbrook’s students, families, staff and Trustees at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Tom Golisano School at Springbrook on Thursday, July 29th at 12:30pm.

Thanks to your generosity, for these children, home and family will be only a few minutes’ drive away - a few hours at most – right here in their home state of New York.

Come together for the beginning of a new era. Celebrate as we kick off construction on our $22 million autism school, houses, gymnasium and renovations. Stand with us as we proudly proclaim, "Yes! We CAN go home!"

Details
Invitation
When: Thursday, July 29, 2010 • 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Ceremony promptly at 12:30 p.m. • Free and open to the public
Tours available after ceremony

Luncheon at 1:00 p.m. for guests and press

Where: Springbrook
2705 State Highway 28
Oneonta, NY 13820

RSVP: Beth Peterson • (607) 286-7171 ext. 283 • petersonb@springbrookny.org

Friday, July 9, 2010

Nonprofit Leaders Speak Up to Stop Charitable Deduction Changes

NYCON has added it's voice to those of other nonprofit leaders taking a stand against the proposed change to charitable deducations for high income individuals in New York State.

The proposal would result in a 50% decrease in the deductibility of charitable gifts from higher income donors. Already, earners of $1 million or more can only claim 50% of their contribution as a deduction. This proposal would allow donors earning $10 million or more to claim just 25% of their contribution. NYCON is also concerned that this may potentially be the start of eroding charitable deductions in general.

We are urging our members to learn more about this proposal by reading the following articles by the New York Nonprofit Press, The Daily News, and the Chronicle of Philanthropy.

Then, please join us in adding your voice to the memo of opposition by contacting us via email or calling Doug Sauer, CEO at (800) 515-5012 ext. 103.

Contact NYCON and sign onto the Memo of Opposition.
Contact your Senator. Click here for a searchable database of representatives.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

OFO Offers Transitional Employment and Wage Subsidy Programs

What Is Employment Services?
Opportunities for Otsego Employment Services offers two partnership programs with local businesses and organizations to provide job opportunities for Otsego County’s low-income population.

Transitional Employment provides fully subsidized work experiences with local employers for up to 90 days. Through this program companies serve as a “training ground” for employees by offering the opportunity to learn the customs and routines of work while developing practical skills and gaining experience. As there is no obligation for companies to hire the program participant at the end of 90 days, there is virtually no risk. However, companies are encouraged to hire employees at the end of the training period.

Wage Subsidy facilitates partially subsidized job placement with local employers. Through this program companies can hire employees for up to 90 days. During this time employees become accustomed to the company culture and have the opportunity to develop their employability skills. The goal is that at the end of the 90-day period, companies will retain a qualified, well adjusted permanent employee with promise and company loyalty.

Through both employment models, employees have the support of a case manager to assist them with any work issues that arise during the try out period, facilitate access to community resources to ensure reliability, and offer training opportunities to
enhance productivity.

What Are The Benefits For Employers?
Subsidized Wages
• Transitional Employment wages are fully subsidized for 90 days
• Wage Subsidy wages are subsidized on a graduated system - 100% for the first 30 days, 75% for the next 30 days, and 50% for the last 30 days

Pre-Screened Employees through participation in a two week pre-placement workshop, candidates are assessed for interests, aptitude, and employability skills, thus ensuring an
appropriate placement in local companies.

Optimized Work Experiences for employers and employees through intensive job coaching and mentoring.

Increased Productivity through supplemental training and facilitating linkages to community resources that eliminate barriers to maintaining employment.

Economic Growth and Vitality for both the company and community.

An Opportunity To Make A Difference in the lives of Otsego County residents.

What Is Expected Of Employers?
• Consider program participants full-fledged employees
• Provide employment for a minimum of 30 hours per week
• Play an active role in employee mentoring and evaluation
• Provide complete payroll documentation to receive reimbursement

What Is Expected of Employees?
• Punctuality
• Appropriate work attire
• Respect
• Positive attitude
• Good work ethic

For more information:
607.433.8335 or 800.986.5463
Monday – Friday
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Monday, July 5, 2010

The Smithy in Cooperstown Will Be Bustling This Summer

The Smithy is thrilled to announce an exciting new slate of classes, concerts, and events that will be starting this week! As part of her mission for The Smithy, new executive director, Danielle Newell, has been hard at work to schedule a wide variety of programming so that, inevitably, there will be something for everyone.

For those who are musically inclined, there is a Summer Concert Series in the beautiful sculpture garden every Saturday at 7 pm. It kicks off July 10th with The Bassett Hounds, a popular acoustic group that covers the classics. Looking forward, Reggae Vision will be playing on July 17th. Subsequent weeks cover bluegrass, punk (Overmind), folk (Mary Doherty), and rock (Eric Erickson). Tickets are only $10 and include a free drink.

For movers and shakers, a fun new concept called a “Dance Party Class” is launching on Fridays from 5:30-7. A dance instructor will be on hand to teach a different style each week at this informal class. July 9th, experienced teacher, performer, and director of the dance troupe "Main Street Caravan" Maureen Broeking will teach Egyptian Fusion Belly Dance. Week two features swing dance and week three will be tango! Wonderful for all ages and stages to have fun, socialize, and learn something new. $5 to cover the instructor and refreshments.

Children and adults alike will love the weekly interactive puppet show, “The Time Traveler”, about a grouchy inventor determined to prove that Abner Doubleday did not invent baseball. Every Saturday at 2 pm, there will be a new adventure. Don’t miss it! $5 for kids and $3 for adults.

If you’re eager to learn a new craft or develop the skills you have, a whole host of workshops and classes is available. The ever popular Pottery Studio is running adult and children’s classes, as well as open studio. Glimmer Globe Acting Studio is holding acting for kids and teens, costume design (taught by the designer for Orpheus Theatre), and set design (taught by designers with Glimmerglass Opera). Photography also makes its debut with a workshop series in August. Fine arts are covered too: Oil painting with Mary Nolan, landscape drawing, figure drawing, and mold making with Ben Ayers.

Finally, every Sunday at 4 pm, a Writer’s Circle will convene, offering writers the opportunity to share, discuss, and develop their work. Late July and August will feature performances by The Catskill Poetry Theatre and their new work, “Crumbs From Under Love’s Table” (written/edited and directed by Susan Melchior).

The Smithy Gallery continues to flourish, this month featuring the work of ceramics artist Normandy Alden and painters Amy McKinnon and Susan Jones Kenyon. On July 29th, the next show opens with a gala reception at 5 pm and features the innovative work of Joshua Ray Stevens and ceramics artist Marcie Schwartzman, as well as the more classical paintings of Elizabeth Apgar Smith.

The Smithy aims to be a hub of activity and creativity for the community. They extend this invitation: Whatever your passion or inclination, whether student, spectator, or artist, please come collaborate! The Smithy is located at 55 Pioneer Street in Cooperstown, NY. For a complete schedule and details, see below, visit www.smithypioneer.org or email smithypioneer@gmail.com.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Soccer Hall president to leave post

Plans for the future of the National Soccer Hall of Fame outside of Oneonta continue, with President and Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Ullman leaving his post today, according to a news release.

The final paid employee of the facility will continue to act in an advisory capacity, the release said, but Ullman will pursue other career opportunities.

No replacement will be sought, according to the release from the Hall of Fame.

As part of a new operating model, the U.S. Soccer Federation will assume responsibility for the relocation of archives, planning for the annual induction event and other administrative functions.

The Soccer Hall was closed to the public after Labor Day as it searched for a new business model to address its fiscal problems while continuing its mission of promoting the game and its history.

In February, the plan was announced. It included signing a management agreement with the Otsego County Development Corporation, a private nonprofit development group.

If the proper state agencies approve, the 62-acre facility would be transferred to the OCDC, which would seek to find a use for the building and fields.

The Hall of Fame — which will continue as a private, not-for-profit entity governed by an independent board of directors — has begun to relocate the collections and archives, the release said.

RECAP: Online Volunteer Management Tools and Resources

Twelve participants attended the recent Leatherstocking AEA program meeting, but if you weren't able to attend, don't worry. You will find the presentation from NYCON's regional manager, Andrew Marietta, below. The program offered an overview of possible online tools and resources for nonprofits to use to manage and work with their volunteers. Program topic areas included management, communication, online tools for all areas of volunteer management and defining virtual volunteers. The presentation also offers some suggested next steps for nonprofits looking at doing more with volunteers and hoping to use more online tools.

In order to facilitate more sharing amongst the participants, please post your comments on your nonprofit's volunteer program and what online tools you may be using or are hoping to use. You can also e-mail your input to amarietta@nycon.org.