How America Gives

Check out this great new interactive tool that can help nonprofit directors get information about the giving patterns in every state, county, city and ZIP code in the United States. This is an exciting new tool that can help  you out with fundraising. 

How America Gives is a free resource that spotlights giving statistics across a variety of income levels and allows users to compare and share data about charitable contributions. You can access it here:http://philanthropy.com/givingmap 

You are also invited to check out our exclusive How America Gives special report, which includes rankings, analysis, and much more: http://philanthropy.com/americagives 

Funding Opportunity: Ready or Not, Here it Comes: Preparing for Success in Rapidly Changing Times

Funding Opportunity: Ready or Not, Here it Comes: Preparing for Success in Rapidly Changing Times 8/16/2012 The Health Foundation for Western and Central New York recognizes the challenges many health and human service organizations face in maintaining the quality of the services they provide to young children and seniors during turbulent times. The economic recession, Medicaid redesign in New York State, the Affordable Care Act, Accountable Care Organizations and meaningful use are just a few examples of profound changes that are impacting not only the health care system, but also the communities served by the Health Foundation.  For the organizations within our two regions that serve young children and frail elders, keeping up with these changes and their impact is challenging, but essential.  The Foundation announced a funding opportunity to help eligible organizations successfully plan for and respond strategically to the ever-changing economic and policy environment on Thursday, August 16, 2012.  The Foundation expects that with this one-time infusion of funds, organizations will be better able to provide effective programs and supports to those they serve, and in the long term, ultimately improve health outcomes for children in poverty and/or frail elders. The Foundation expects to make awards ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 to 12 to 15 organizations for up to an 18-month period beginning in December 2012. Eligible applicants must: Currently offer programming, services or care to children ages birth to five living in communities of poverty, or frail elders living in the community. Currently be located in and serve one of these populations in one or more of the 16 counties in HFWCNY’s funding region. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m., Friday, September 14, 2012. For more information, details on eligibility and how to apply, please see the attached Funding Opportunity announcement. Documents Ready or Not Funding Opportunity  (373.8 KB, application/pdf)

American Red Cross Chapter Executive: Utica

The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. It does this through services that are consistent with its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The American Red Cross is the foremost volunteer emergency service organization in the United States with more than 590 chapters nationwide. 

Our Mohawk Valley Chapter is seeking a Community Chapter Executive. This position will be located in Utica, New York.

As a Community Chapter Executive, you will focus externally on core mission delivery, fundraising and being the face of the Red Cross for the media, donors and their communities.  You will have oversight of Red Cross service delivery, external relations, and fundraising within an assigned community. As a Community Chapter Executive, you will be accountable for achieving performance targets for the Community Chapter, including service delivery, fundraising/revenue and expense targets.  Responsibilities also include achieving fundraising goals.  You will also utilize the support activities of HR, IT, Finance, Communications and Marketing through a matrix project management system to ensure that all operating units have the necessary resources to execute on their community mission. You will act as the chapter’s chief fundraiser.    

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:  Four year college degree (BS/BA) in Business, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Finance or non-profit administration or equivalent experience required.  Prefer Master’s degree in the field of community organization, public or business administration or nonprofit management.

Experience: Minimum 3 years related experience in the profit or not-for-profit sector, business, sales or corporate administration.  Proven track record in raising significant financial resources.  Minimum 1 year experience directing a workforce and program management responsibilities.  Demonstrated ability to develop effective work teams and build consensus within the organization and community. If this sounds like the kind of opportunity you’ve been waiting for, please visit our website at

www.americanredcross.apply2jobs.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=mExternal.showJob&RID=26075   

The American Red is a nonprofit organization that offers employees growth and development; team spirit; a competitive salary; a comprehensive benefits package and free parking.  We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  EOE/AA and M/F/D/V.

MVLA hosting the Annual Hispanic Heritage Celebrations, kickoff event is the 7th Annual Latino American Festival

MVLA Executive Board and Members, are proud to announce the 7th Annual Hispanic Heritage Latino American Festival activities, schedule to be held on Sunday, August 26, 11 am - 6 pm, Hanna Park, One Kennedy Plaza, Utica.

The festival is filled with activities for all to to enjoy and participate throughout the day, please see attach flyer with detailed information.

Funding decreases from CDBG face Utica nonprofits

The Utica OD reported that:

This year, the Young Scholars Program at Utica College received a $43,000 federal grant to help local students graduate from high school.

Next year, that program and nearly two dozen other nonprofits may not receive any money due to a change in how the city will distribute its yearly allotment of Community Development Block Grant funds.

Nonprofit leaders and community members say taking money away from these programs will hurt residents the grant is meant to serve.

Flossie Mitchell, director of the Young Scholars program, said the loss combined with a $150,000 cut this year in funding from the Utica City School District could prove extremely difficult to handle.

“The overwhelming majority of our students live within the CDBG zone and meet the income guidelines,” she said. “If we lose two significant funding sources that could prove extremely difficult.”

The changes are based on what the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development wants and will focus the funds on areas that need it to produce visible results, Mayor Robert Palmieri said.

“It is a substantial change but it doesn't mean there won't be funding,” he said. “It just won't be open-ended like in the past.”

Instead, the money will likely go to programs that focus on combating blight and revitalizing neighborhoods, he said.

The funding

On July 2, the Community Development Block Grant Citizens' Advisory Committee wrote a letter to Palmieri asking him to clarify his policy on giving grants to nonprofits.

Last week, Palmieri responded, writing that most, if not all, of the funding will go toward helping neighborhoods around the city. Any money for nonprofits will be limited to those that support city-sponsored activities, such as senior centers.

“In my discussions with (HUD), they indicated that they're looking for a strategic plan and results,” he said. “We're trying to get the most bang for our buck.”

In the past, the city typically set aside 15 percent of the grant funds for local nonprofits.

The committee, which was created by the Common Council, reviews the applications and makes recommendations to the council, said Gene Allen, the committee's former chairman.

The city's yearly grant has been slashed by nearly 25 percent in the last two years, Allen said. This year it received $2.3 million. The city will not know for several months how much money it received for the 2013-14 grant year.

A large chunk of the funding goes toward paying loans for previous projects. The rest of the allotment goes toward the funding and staff of the Urban and Economic Development office.

Read more here.

Nominate an Outstanding CPA; Join the NYCON Board

2012 Michael H. Urbach, CPA, Community Builders Award Now Accepting Nominations Submission Accepted through August 24th, 2012 Sponsored by the New York Council of Nonprofits (NYCON) and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA) Lewis Kramer, Urbach Award Recipient and Doug Sauer, CEO, NYCON The New York Council of Nonprofits, Inc. (NYCON) and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA) are pleased to announce this call for nominations for the Ninth Annual Michael H. Urbach, CPA Community Builders 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. This award is 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. Award Criteria & Submission Candidates must: Be a CPA in good standing and a member of NYSSCPA. 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. Preference will be given to nominees whose board leadership accomplishments have been with community-based charities. Deadline - August 24th, 2012 Nominations addressing the candidate's qualifications must be received by August 24th. Nominators are strongly encouraged to address the qualifications related to the four (4) criteria mentioned above and to include at least three (3) letters of support from the charities who have benefited from the candidate's volunteer leadership. Send two (2) packets of nomination materials to: Urbach Community Builders Award Committee New York Council of Nonprofits 272 Broadway Albany NY 12204 or email the packet to Melissa Currado, Executive Assistant to the CEO at mcurrado@nycon.org. NYCON Now Accepting Applications for Board Membership A great opportunity to volunteer your time and lend your expertise to help nonprofits of all types improve the quality of life in New York State. The New York Council of Nonprofits' Board Development Committee is now accepting applications for nominees for its Board of Directors. Terms are for three years, starting January 1, 2013, with a three consecutive term limit. Successful nominees will be presented for election to our Membership at NYCON's Annual Meeting on October 4th in New Paltz. Applicants must be individuals of high integrity, demonstrate commitment to our state's nonprofit sector, and be willing to invest the time, effort, expertise and influence necessary on a regional and statewide basis to further NYCON's mission. All applications will be considered by the Board Development Committee however priority consideration will be given to individuals who meet more than one of the following characteristics: Resides in Hudson Valley, Metro New York or Central New York regions Has public policy knowledge & expertise, particularly with respect to state government Has marketing & Media Relations expertise Is affiliated with Organized Philanthropy Has Banking & Corporate Business expertise & affiliations Is a racial or ethnic minority Applications are due by August 27th, 2012. If you are interested we encourage you to review the NYCON "Board Brief" document and complete the application below: Download an application Download the NYCON "Board Brief" Candidates are recommended to the Board by the Committee and the Board in turn recommends a slate to the NYCON Membership which convenes for our Annual Meeting at Mohonk Mountain House on October 4th during Camp Finance. Board members elected by the members begin service in January 2012. Questions?Please contact us.

All About the Board Members... Nominate an Outstanding CPA Board Member by August 24th Are You Interested in Joining the NYCON Board? Thank You to Our Supporters! NYCON and NYSSCPA would like to recognize The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region for their grant contribution towards the Michael H. Urbach, CPA Community Builders Award. For More Information visit NYCON at WWW.NYCON.ORG or contact Melissa Currado at (800) 515-5012 or mcurrado@nycon.org Co-sponsored by The New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants 　 www.nysscpa.org