May 5th Genesis Discovery Tour: Utica Fire Department

The Genesis Group of the Mohawk Valley Region
Join us for a Genesis Discovery Tour to:
UTICA FIRE DEPARTMENT TRAINING CENTER
1350 Bleecker Street, Utica
www.uticafire.com/training

Tuesday May 5th - 5:00pm

"Discover how men and women from across New York State are training to become firefighters right here in Utca."
The tour is FREE and ALL are welcome to attend including,
Students, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts & Volunteer Fire Departments

For reservations, contact Genesis Executive Director Ray Durso, Jr., by
calling 792-7187 or by email, info@thegenesisgroup.org

More tours are being planned including a tour of “New Life in the Historic the Brewery District! – May 27th”

Thank you for your interest!

Ray Durso, Jr.
Executive Director

Nonprofit Economic Impact Program: Ideas and Next Steps

The Group held their recent program meeting last Wed, April 29th, which was generously hosted by Rescue Mission. The meeting featured a panel discussion about economic impact was attended by over 25 participants. The panel featured:

• David Mathis, Director of Workforce Development
• Frank Elias, Executive Director of Mohawk Valley Chamber of Commerce
• Margaret O'Shea, CEO of The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, Inc.
• Rick Sebastian, CEO of Human Technologies Corporation
• Ron Thiele, Executive Director of CNY Arts/Stanley Center for the Arts

The discussion was truly relevant and drew the attention of The Observer-Dispatch and WKTV, which both featured stories (WKTV story and OD print story). The questions (posted below) resulted in an insightful and dynamic conversation around the need for nonprofits to better communicate their impact and have a more open and collaborative discussion on the topic. As one panelist related, nonprofits can't run away from the idea of making a profit. Nothing is free and there is always a bottom-line. Nonprofits need to be clear about this cost and be viable and sustainable and state their impact.

One of the first points the panel addressed was the idea of an economic impact study for the two-county region. There was agreement in the value of such a study, and the need for it to include the financials and quality of life pieces. Peggy O'Shea related a Michigan nonprofit study, which revealed the significant contributions nonprofits make, including making up 10% of employment in the State. There was agreement that a study of the local region or across NYS could be invaluable.

The discussion continued with a key point made about how nonprofits can say they create wealth. How do nonprofit communicate in terminology and concepts that everyone understands? More importantly, how do nonprofits change the perception that they are taking away from the community? There is an attitude that if an organization isn't making money, it isn't contributing. But this isn't the case. Nonprofits are making money. For example, Ron Thiele related that the arts have a $118 million impact on the region. Take a look at the study the Central NY Community Arts Council carried out in 2002.

The discussion also focused on the need for action, and a couple of ideas were offered. One was to pick a central issue, such as health care, and collect the numbers from nonprofits (and possibly for profit companies) and lobby for change at the local and State levels. Another idea was to raise the visibility of nonprofits and their accomplishments by attending more legislature meetings. As one panelist related, nonprofits need to be speaking with government not just when there are problems or issues, but on a regular basis.

The panel agreed that there is no question about the impact of nonprofits. As one panelist mentioned, just look at inner city Utica and the buildings developed and utilized by nonprofits. The key is for nonprofits to assess what they do, and communicate their mission in terms of impact. For example, an organization should be able to say for every dollar, their impact is (fill in the blank). And if they can't communicate their impact, they may need to think about collaborations or even a merger to strengthen the organization.

Peggy O'Shea summed up the end of the meeting with a great overview of how nonprofits impact each of our lives. Her example of a young boy related how in the course of one day, his life was touched by nonprofits. From the clothing to art classes to the library to visiting a relative in a nursing home, nonprofits surround us all. As Tim Trent stated: They are the "life sector of the community." Nonprofits are not just about life in the community, they are the life of the community.

SURVEY DATA: The Economic Impact Survey Summary is available here. The data collected so far offers a beginning definition of the impact of the nonprofit community in Oneida and Herkimer Counties. For nonprofits who have not completed the survey, click here to add your data.

Feedback about the program was collected and is available to review here. The consensus was that the program was a valuable discussion, but actionable steps need to be taken now. Some participants suggested looking at the upcoming June 12th Mohawk Valley Chamber of Commerce legislators' breakfast as an opportunity.

Agree or disagree with this feedback? Want to share your thoughts? Post them here.

Panel Discussion Questions:

• 1) How do you define economic impact? How would you define the economic impact of nonprofits? Could we help nonprofits by better educating the public about their economic impact in the community?
• 2) Do you think there is value in nonprofits carrying out an economic impact study and would this information be helpful to your organization?
• 3) Have you encountered the attitude that nonprofits take funding from the community rather than giving back? How can nonprofits showcase the ways in which they generate more money for the community?
• 4) In the area of economic development and business attraction/retention, why are nonprofits not included in discussions of economic development (such as those run by EDGE)?
• 5) How can nonprofits position themselves as a vital part of the community and an asset rather than a burden?

Communicate Your Economic Impact Statement

The American Association of Museums has created a online form that will send out an e-mail communicating a museum's economic impact to political officials. The form asks for information, which is then translated into the letter template below. A simple and easy way for a nonprofit to get the word out about their economic impact on the region. Take a look at the questions here. Is this something that nonprofits in Oneida and Herkimer could use? Share your thoughts here.


Message Preview
[Your information will be inserted here]
Prefix Firstname Lastname
123 Street AddressMyCity, St 12345

April 28, 2009
[The Official's information will appear here]
The Honorable Firstname Lastname
123 Street Address
Washington, DC 12345

Dear [Official's Title and Name will be inserted here]:I am writing to express my disappointment about a recent amendment (S. Amendment. No. 309, offered by Sen. Tom Coburn) barring any museums, zoos, and aquariums from receiving any funds through the economic stimulus bill.

Museums employ more than a half-million Americans, spend an estimated $14.5 billion annually, and rank among the top three family vacation destinations. In fact, visitors to cultural and heritage destinations stay 53% longer and spend 36% more money than other kinds of tourists. Unfortunately, the economic downturn has forced museums to struggle just to maintain essential services.

I would like to provide for you a Community and Economic Impact Statement for my institution, the [UserField3]:
- [UserField3] employs [MergeField1] people in our community;
- Each year, [UserField3] spends $[MergeField2] on goods and services in our community;
- [UserField3] serves [MergeField3] visitors each year, including [MergeField4]% from out of town;
- [UserField3] serves [MergeField5] schoolchildren each year through school visits to museums;
- Admission fee: [MergeField6].

Museums are also critical partners to school districts. Many work with school districts to both train educators and help teach the curriculum. Many offer after-school programs for at-risk youth. Zoos and aquariums have tremendous public benefit for environmental education and wildlife conservation.

Please consider the economic impact that museums, zoos, and aquariums have on our community. They are in fact economic engines and a vital part of our nation's educational infrastructure, and will be critical in the economic recovery of cities and localities.I look forward to hearing your views on this issue.

Sincerely,
[Your name will appear here.]

Nonprofit ED Group Program Reminder

The Oneida and Herkimer Nonprofit Executive Directors Group will be meeting on Wed, April 29th. The program, Impact of Nonprofit Businesses on the Local Economy, will feature a panel discussing and helping defining economic impact. The panel includes:

• David Mathis, Director of Workforce Development
• Frank Elias, Executive Director of Mohawk Valley Chamber of Commerce
• Margaret O'Shea, CEO of The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, Inc.
• Matthew D. Babcock, JD, FACHE, Chief Operating Officer of St. Elizabeth Medical Center
• Rick Sebastian, CEO of Human Technologies Corporation
• Ron Thiele, Executive Director of CNY Arts/Stanley Center for the Arts

The panel will discuss the following questions:
1) How do you define economic impact? How would you define the economic impact of nonprofits? Could we help nonprofits by better educating the public about their economic impact in the community?
2) Do you think there is value in nonprofits carrying out an economic impact study and would this information be helpful to your organization?
3) Have you encountered the attitude that nonprofits take funding from the community rather than giving back? How can nonprofits showcase the ways in which they generate more money for the community?
4) In the area of economic development and business attraction/retention, why are nonprofits not included in discussions of economic development (such as those run by EDGE)?
5) How can nonprofits position themselves as a vital part of the community and an asset rather than a burden?

A follow up from the program will be posted shortly.

Funding cuts offer opportunity

The OD reported that anticipating a projected increase in uncollectable pledges from individuals and corporate donors, officials from the United Way of the Valley & Greater Utica area announced Monday that the agency plans to reduce some of its current program agreements and the funding for some of its upcoming awards by 20 percent beginning July 1.

United Way Executive Director Philip N. Hayne said the agency has encouraged organizations receiving money from United Way to get rid of duplication and seek ways to economize and partner with other groups in the community if possible.

With nonprofit fundraising efforts increasingly competing with each other and funders across the nation projecting future reductions in grants, nonprofits need to give serious consideration to new ways of doing business and supporting their mission. Now is the time to look at increasing capacity with new partnerships. For example, is there an opportunity for organizations to share backroom operations? Could organizations implement joint fundraisers? Should some nonprofits consider collaborating more closely or even merging with another organization?

There is no easy solution, but with any challenge comes an opportunity to rethink the nonprofit's usual reaction.

Economy prompting regional cooperation

The Utica OD reported that recent conversations are focusing on regional cooperation, according to Rome Mayor James Brown said Wednesday during a visit with the O-D Editorial Board.

And the economy is shining the flashlight, he said.

Ideas about consolidation and a willingness to work together might have existed before, but the current state of the economy seems to be forcing efforts to become more serious, Brown said.

“There’s a glimmer there,” he said.

A two-hour meeting on Jan. 26 with Brown, Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, Utica Mayor David Roefaro and officials from the city of Sherrill serves as an example of consolidation initiatives that have started to move forward, Brown said.
But real change will require more than just officials, he said.

Residents of Upstate New York need to ban together and create a voice that will bring more attention to economic development and other upstate issues, Brown said.

The kind of regional unity that fought the proposed New York Regional Interconnect power line could make a real difference on other issues often ignored by downstate officials, he said.
“If we had a force like that, maybe we could be listened to,” Brown said.

During a later phone interview, Picente said he agrees that the economy is pushing the need for consolidation and cooperation to the forefront.

Picente said he talks regularly with Brown and Roefaro, but even more communication is needed. And following the Jan. 26 meeting, Picente has been looking into possible consolidation in the areas of law enforcement, technology, purchasing and tax collection, he said.

Taxpayers banding together to push for the consolidation would help with the efforts that “we need now more than ever,” Picente said. An effective consolidation that saves money needs to take place before the end of the year, he said.“I think we’re heading down that path,” he said. “But I think people need to realize – it’s a lot more than flipping the switch and making it happen.”

Upcoming Genesis Events: Save the Date

April 25th - 9:00am, Clean & Green Initiative, (various locations around the region)
May 14th - 12:00pm, Regional Healthcare Recognition at Hotel Utica (nominations at Genesis website)
May 21st - 7:30am, Genesis General Meeting

For more information, visit our website at www.thegenesisgroup.org

NYSCA to administer NEA stimulus funds

NYSCA has been awarded $399,900 by the NEA to administer American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds in New York State. These funds are to be used exclusively for the preservation of specific positions that are threatened due to the economic downturn.

Given that the funds available are limited, NYSCA will target the funding to support cultural organizations with service and support-oriented positions-at-risk that serve a broad range of artists and cultural organizations. By preserving jobs that are service and support-oriented, NYSCA will touch the maximum number of artists and arts organizations possible.

Who is eligible?
Non-profit cultural organizations with service and support-oriented positions-at-risk, including but not limited to service organizations and local arts councils.

What will be funded?
NYSCA will prioritize support for positions at-risk within eligible organizations that are charged with managing critical services that reach a broad number of artists/arts organizations, including but not limited to re-grant programs, technical assistance, subsidized space programs, or other such services for which is there is a great need.

What is the grant award?
NYSCA will provide grants of $10,000-$25,000 to support 14 to 35 such positions throughout the state. Organizations are limited to one request for support for one position.

Can organizations apply to multiple sources for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) cultural funding?
Yes. The ARRA allocated $50 million to the National Endowment for the Arts, which is administering the funds through an extensive array of State Arts Agencies, Regional Arts Organizations and designated local arts agencies. A list of these organizations is available at www.nea.gov/recovery. Each of these organizations will be developing distinct guidelines and eligibility requirements and New York arts and cultural organizations may be able to apply. Organizations may apply to as many sources of ARRA arts funding as they are eligible, but may only accept funding from one source.

Do you need to be a NYSCA grantee to apply for funds?
No. You do not have to have previously applied for or received a grant from NYSCA in order to receive these funds.

Guidelines and Applications will be available Monday, May 4th at www.nysca.org.
Application deadline: Monday, June 1st. No exceptions.
Notification: Mid-July.

Some CNY agencies are forced to make cuts while waiting for state money

The Syracuse Post-Standard and Utica OD reported that late payments have become such a problem that some nonprofits have had to lay off workers.

This is the case with Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency, which covers Oneida and Herkimer counties. Workers who were hired there to do weatherization work through a state contract were cut when the promised money was delayed.

"That contract was supposed to start April 1," said agency Executive Director Amy Turner.

"The weatherization contract is late, so we ended up laying off 15 guys last week. We hope to have them back within a month," she said.

Expanded NYS Government Accountability Website

The OD reported on Sunlight 2.0, the revamped, expanded government accountability Web site by Attorney General Andrew Cuomo’s office.

“We feel that all of you will have a real connection to Project Sunlight,” Marmelstein said.
The new Web site — sunlightny.org — is more comprehensive than its predecessor, including adding information about state authorities and campaign contributions.

For instance, Oneida County has 350 levels of local government, according to an interactive map on the Web site. The map also offers a breakdown of those levels. Each search offers the following categories to explore:

• NYS Campaign Finance
• Lobbyist State Corporations
• Member Items
• Charities
• State Contracts

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente attended the session and praised the Web site’s effort at increased government transparency.

Job losses continue in Utica and across NY

The Central New York Business Journal reported that New York and Upstate continued to lose jobs in March, with the Syracuse, Utica, and Binghamton areas all posting declines in private-sector jobs last month.

New York lost 33,000 private-sector jobs in March. The unemployment rate was 7.8 percent, the same as February after seasonal adjustments. Unemployment was 4.8 percent in March 2008.

In the Binghamton region, the unemployment rate decreased from 9 percent in February to 8.6 percent in March. The rate was 5.7 percent a year ago. The number of private-sector jobs decreased by 2,100.

Syracuse's unemployment rate also dropped from 8.9 percent in February to 8.5 percent in March, compared to 5.7 percent a year ago. The number of private-sector jobs decreased by 3,000.

The unemployment rate in the Utica-Rome area was 8.3 percent in March, down from 8.8 percent in February and up from 5.9 percent a year ago. The number of private-sector jobs dropped by 600.

Unemployment rates declined in all three regions after seasonal adjustments.

"Although New York State's unemployment rate held steady in March 2009, current evidence suggests that the national economic downturn will likely continue to negatively affect the state's labor market in the coming months," Peter Neenan, director of the Division of Research and Statistics with the State Labor Department, said in a news release.

The nation's unemployment rate was 8.5 percent in March, up from 8.1 percent in February, and 5.1 percent a year ago.

New President and Goals for Munson Williams Proctors Art Institute

The Utica OD featured a look at the new president's goals for Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute.

Daniel O’Leary, who took the helm this week after a months-long search to replace former president Milton Bloch, said a key goal he wants to achieve is strengthening ties between the museum and the Stanley Center for the Arts and other local arts organizations.

Other goals include increasing museum membership and focusing on student enrollment. “I’m very interested in membership,” O’Leary said during a news conference Tuesday morning.“I think it’s always about winning trust and support and making people think of Munson Williams-Proctor more frequently with better memories of the last time they were here. Opportunities are so great here.”

Ron Thiele, executive director of the Stanley, said he is excited about working with O’Leary.
“Any time you get new leadership, it brings a fresh perspective on what is possible,” Thiele said. “I invite him and look forward to working with him to create a strategic alliance that can help the community.”

O’Leary said that the museum already has a strong foundation, and that he’d like to build upon that foundation by enlisting some help from younger generations.

“Students are the best way to escape from the status quo,” O’Leary said. “You can’t just parade students in and show them what you want to show them. They have more imagination and creativity; they are certainly going to show you the next interesting thing in the arts.”

And, despite a tough economy, he said he did not anticipate needing to make any major cuts to any part of the institute.

The State of Nonprofit Transparency

Guidestar has offered a new report, “The State of Nonprofit Transparency, 2008: Voluntary Disclosure Practices.”

Do you know how often nonprofits describe their programs and accomplishments on their Web sites? Do you know how often they post their annual reports? GuideStar’s new report is the first-ever systematic review of the information nonprofits make available to the public on the Internet. The report analyzes the on-line disclosure practices of more than 1,800 nonprofits and gives GuideStar’s recommendations for taking nonprofit transparency to the next level. (Read the Executive Summary.)

Some findings:

• More than nine in 10 nonprofits have a website, and almost half post their annual reports
• Only 13 percent post their audited financial statements and only three percent post their IRS letters of determination, both of which GuideStar recommends making available online.

SeeThroughNY website offers nonprofits information

SeeThroughNY gives New Yorkers a clearer view of how their state and local tax dollars are spent. This site is sponsored by the Empire Center for New York State Policy, part of the non-partisan and non-profit Manhattan Institute for Policy Research.

SeeThroughNY is a web portal designed to become the hub of a statewide network through which taxpayers can share, analyze and compare data from counties, cities, towns, villages, school districts and public authorities throughout New York. You can search government payrolls, contracts, expenditures, and links to additional information and supporting material on other websites. For example, search your village or city to see what member items were awarded or benchmark your village, city or county against others. This is a great resource for nonprofits, and could be helpful in articulating region-specific needs.

Nonprofit Economic Impact Panel Announced for April 29th Program

The program, titled the Impact of Nonprofit Businesses on the Local Economy, now scheduled for Wed, April 29th, will feature the following panelists:

• David Mathis, Director of Workforce Development
• Frank Elias, Executive Director of Mohawk Valley Chamber of Commerce
• Margaret O'Shea, CEO of The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, Inc.
• Rick Sebastian, President/CEO of Human Technologies Corporation
• Ron Thiele, Executive Director of CNY Arts/Stanley Center for the Arts

More panelists to be announced. The program panel will discuss the following questions:

1. How do you define economic impact? How would you define the economic impact of nonprofits? Could we help nonprofits by better educating the public about their economic impact in the community?
2. Do you think there is value in nonprofits carrying out an economic impact study and would this information be helpful to your organization?
3. Have you encountered the attitude that nonprofits take funding from the community rather than giving back? How can nonprofits showcase the ways in which they generate more money for the community?
4. In the area of economic development and business attraction/retention, why are nonprofits not included in discussions of economic development such as those run by EDGE?
5. How can nonprofits position themselves as a vital part of the community and an asset rather than a burden?

REMINDER: In preparation for this program, a survey capturing nonprofit economic info will be circulated. CLICK HERE FOR THE SURVEY. This survey data will be very helpful for this program, and the Steering Committee hopes you will join in supporting this important effort. Sixteen nonprofits have completed the survey so far.

Date: Wednesday, April 29th, 2009
Time: 8:30am - 10:30am
Cost: $5.00 for breakfast
Location:
Rescue Mission
Rescue Mission Chapel
201 Rutger Street
Utica, NY 13501
Register Here

The New York Council of Nonprofits wishes to extend its sincerest sympathies to the victims and families of the recent tragedy in Binghamton, NY. We commend the Binghamton nonprofit community for their immediate and compassionate response to this event. To learn more about the nonprofit and community response in Binghamton and how you can help, please click here.

Avoiding Conflicts of Interest in the Nonprofit Sector

CharityNet USA offered a helpful article about conflicts of interest regarding nonprofits, which also features additional resources. As the article relates, to help the board of directors understand and avoid conflicts of interest, the board should develop or adopt a written expression of its intentions. Board members should remember that a written code serves as a guideline. It cannot replace careful consideration and an ethical approach. Each member of the Board should be required to acknowledge acceptance of the policy on an annual basis, and the policy should be reviewed at the initiation of all Board meetings. Finally, keep these things in mind to help you assure that your organization does not face potential conflict:

• Full Disclosure to the board - Since when most conflict situations arise only a couple of people in an organization know, full disclosure can establish good faith among boards.
• Distancing Oneself From Potential Conflicts - A Board member should excuse himself from portions of the meeting that may lead to any potential conflict, in addition to abstaining from voting on matters that may pose a conflict.
• Best Interests In the Forefront - Create an arrangement that decides with out ones′ involvement in certain discussions, that the best interests of the organization, not that board member, will be emphasized.
• Compensation - If a board member is compensated in any way by a nonprofit, make sure their pay is either fair market value or less, a common mistake among boards.

Read more here.

Daniel E. O’Leary Named New President of MWPAI

Daniel E. O’Leary, Ph.D., director of the Winslow Homer Studio Project in Scarborough, Maine, has been named president of Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute by a unanimous vote of the MWPAI board of trustees.

O’Leary will begin his duties April 6, 2009. He succeeds Milton Bloch who retired at the end of 2008 after 18 years at the Institute.

O’Leary was chosen after an extensive national search which began in spring 2008. John Stetson, MWPAI board of trustees member and chairman of the search committee, said nine candidates were interviewed before O’Leary was chosen. Stetson cited O’Leary’s successful work at other art institutions, particularly in the area of development. “He has all of the experience and qualifications we were seeking,” Stetson said. “He is the perfect fit for our staff, the community and all the constituencies we serve.”

O’Leary said he was drawn to the position by the diversity and scope of the Institute’s programming and resources. “The chance to play a role in Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute's future represents an opportunity that comes only once in a lifetime,” he said. “There are very few places in America where one cultural institution achieves such a full and diverse mission.”

O’Leary has more than 24 years experience managing arts institutions. He is currently pursuing completion of an $8.3 million campaign to acquire, preserve, and interpret the studio and home of Winslow Homer at Prouts Neck, Maine.

Prior to that, he served 15 years leading the Portland Museum of Art in Maine. Over his tenure he strengthened staff and increased the endowment significantly. He raised $13 million for the restoration of two of the Museum’s historic buildings.

As assistant director of the Minneapolis Institute of the Arts, he coordinated a four-year effort that increased annual attendance from 280,000 to 575,000 and completed a major capital campaign. While serving as director of Artrain USA in Ann Arbor Michigan, he raised corporate donations 250% and doubled national attendance.

“This is an exciting time for the Institute,” Michael Cominsky, chairman of the MWPAI board of trustees, said. “Dan has a long history of successes and we look forward to what his many strengths will bring to us.”

“MWPAI offers extraordinary opportunities for many thousands of people,” O’Leary added. “I look forward to finding ways that these great assets can be even more widely shared and celebrated.”

After exploring the greater Utica region with his wife, artist Kathy Bouchard, O’Leary became enthusiastic about the area. “In addition to the cultural resources of MWPAI and the extensive natural resources of the area, we have found the warmth and appeal of the people here to be extraordinary,” he said. “We look forward to becoming very active and caring members of this community."

O’Leary holds a Ph.D. in history of art from the University of Michigan; an M.B.A. in marketing and management, an M.A. in history of art and an M.A. in English literature, all from the University of Michigan; and a B.A. in history of art from Princeton University.

CNY SPCA Struggles to Stay Afloat

The Post-Standard carried the following update on Wednesday's story about the CNY SPCA's struggles to stay afloat. The article related that CNY SPCA received an outpouring of support from the community, executive director Paul Morgan said.

By 7 a.m. Wednesday, more than 100 people had donated a total of $3,000 to the animal shelter, which is in danger of closing because of financial problems.

"Wow! The public response has been enormous -- much more than we ever imagined," Morgan said. "And it's been heartwarming to see how much people care about animals."
By the end of the day, the agency had collected:

• 28 bags of cat food
• 25 bags of dog food
• 24 bags of cat litter
• 10 packages of dog and cat treats
• 15 cases of canned food
• 20 applications for prospective volunteers
• $3,193 in cash and checks at the front desk
• $9,790 in donations through the agency's online website.

If the public continues to help, the agency can likely continue operating, he said, "But we also have a responsibility as an organization to never get in this position again."

Buying extra time through the donations will help shelter officials more aggressively market the agency through fundraisers, corporate sponsorship and promotions, he said. "We have to start being more proactive so we don't end up in trouble down the road." Read more here.