With arts funding down, grants become more important

BY THE NUMBERS
2014 Decentralization Awards: Herkimer, Madison, Oneida Counties:


26: Number of programs at least partially funded through decentralization grants.


$1,600: Larg...
» Read more

Sara Tracey 
Posted Feb. 24, 2014 @ 5:00 am 

Funding for the arts in Central New York might not be as accessible as it is for groups in New York City. But grants, such as those recently gifted by CNY Arts, are helping keep local arts programming afloat.

“The majority of arts funding in Central New York is delivered through decentralization grants,” said Steve Butler, executive director of CNY Arts. “We’re hoping this is the beginning of a trend of higher decentralized funding.”

This year, CNY Arts handed out about $160,000 – the most money its been able to dole out in five years – in decentralized grants to schools, individual artists and organizations within its six-county net. Groups within Herkimer, Madison and Oneida counties received nearly $50,000 of that.

Organizations in Manhattan and New York City often get funding directly from the state, and having CNY Arts as a filter can localize more money, Butler said.

Since Herkimer, Madison and Oneida counties were integrated in the New York State Council on the Arts, more money has been doled to programming:

ä 2012: $139,540 given, with applications requesting $249,414.

ä 2013: $142,100 given, with applications requesting $280,590.

ä 2014: $159,950 given, with applications requesting $231,981.

Sculpture Space in Utica knows the importance of grants. The people the collective brings to the area through its residency program aren’t just artists: They’re outreach.

“It’s a funny thing, we want to give them the time to be productive – we don’t want to be intrusive – but they’re also our biggest asset in getting out to the community,” said Executive Director Monika Burczyk. “They’re cultural ambassadors for the Mohawk Valley.”

Most of the community outreach art programs in Utica with these national and international sculptors require money. The $4,000 grant distributed by CNY Arts to Burczyk’s and other art ventures help make such programs possible.

Between 10 and 20 percent of the total funding given in grants are geared toward arts education in schools, said Elizabeth Lane, grants coordinator for CNY Arts. Though some schools in the Mohawk Valley – such as the Mount Markham Central School District and Madison-Oneida BOCES – did receive funding this year, she said she would like to see more applications.

“I think it’s hard for the schools to find artists to work with,” a requirement for those grants, she said.

Many of the applications, such as those from the Oneida Public Library and the village of Herkimer, are vetted to community arts programs, Lane said.

Originally, Sculpture Space received two decentralization grants, Burczyk said, but she added the second $2,100 grant was gifted back to CNY Arts.

“We told CNY they should give the money to one of the individual artists,” she said. “We really want to support individual artists.”

Read more: http://www.uticaod.com/article/20140224/News/140229800#ixzz2uTV0fJ62

Register Now for Nonprofit Revitalization Act Webinars

Complying with the Nonprofit Revitalization Act:  A Practical Webinar Series for New York Nonprofits Presented by David Watson, Esq, Sr. VP of Legal Accountability Services and Michael West, Esq., Legal Advisor, NYCON  Various Dates: February 2014 - June 2014  The Nonprofit Revitalization Act is a landmark change in the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law of the State of New York that will usher in a modern era for the operation and governance of nonprofit corporations starting on July 1, 2014. Here at the New York Council of Nonprofits, Inc. (NYCON) we eagerly anticipated the updated statutes and have prepared two practical webinars (to be repeated from February through June) designed to help address your immediate needs in complying with the new law. We will cover the updating of your bylaws, governance issues, materials and more. We encourage all Members to take advantage of these free webinars. Part 1: New  York Nonprofit Revitalization Act Part- Steps To Compliance - An Overview   This session will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the Act as well as a plenary Q/A portion. Webinar to be held in February, April & June - and will be updated accordingly if there are any changes to the law.  This session will provide you with a practical set of actions to take to amend your bylaws to meet the new standards of the Act. Dates: February 27th, April 24th, June 26th  Cost: FREE for current NYCON Nonprofit Members; $79 for Non-Members  Register       Part 2: New York Nonprofit Revitalization Act: Implementing Your Compliance Checklist - Whistleblower, Conflict of Interest, Committees & Executive Compensation: To be held in March and May, this webinar will be more detailed and will focus on the various topics included in the Act that are new and have implications on compliance and board governance in general and your operations specifically. Dates: March 25th and May 20th   Cost: FREE for current NYCON Nonprofit Members; $79 for Non-Members   Register ________________________________________________________________ What You Can Expect:   Participants for "live" webinars on date(s) selected are provided with the opportunity to get specific questions addressed by legal experts quickly. All webinar attendees will have access to a recording of the event and the webinar slides.  All webinar attendees will have access to a comprehensive overview of the Act, compiled by NYCON's expert staff. A recording of the webinar will be made available to NYCON Members for six months. Additional Documents, Tools & Phone Assistance Available to Members as follows:     Documents & Templates to assist your organization with the compliance process, produced by the NYCON Legal Department, will be available to members for $79. Documents, Tools & Templates plus additional assistance via phone to help with implementation can be purchased by members for $259 (includes two hours of phone assistance.) Direct technical assistance above and beyond this can be provided to members at our normal legal fee-for-service rate. Please contact us with any questions you have about the webinars or the Nonprofit Revitalizaton Act.

Nonprofit Revitalization Act Information The Nonprofit Revitalization Actmakes a number of key reforms to New York law in two main areas:    -Enhancing nonprofit governance and oversight to prevent fraud and improve public trust; and    -Reducing unnecessary and outdated burdens on nonprofits. "The Nonprofit Revitalization Act represents significant and much needed reform," according to Doug Sauer, NYCON's CEO. "Everyone involved is to be congratulated for making this landmark piece of legislation happen. Given that the Act does not take effect until July 1, 2014, there is ample time to review and make any necessary amendments. NYCON looks forward to continuing our partnership with the Sponsors of the Act throughout the amendment process."  Upcoming NYCON "Lunch & Learn" Webinars      3/25/2014 Nonprofit Revitalization Act Compliance: Part 2 3/28/2014 "Get to Know Us": NYCON Membership Benefits Orientation [Webinar] 3/28/2014 Conducting a Governance Self Assessment [Webinar]

Best of the Web: February 2014

Best of the Web: February 2014

The Idealware “Best of the Web” is a monthly roundup of the top nonprofit resources from the Idealware blog, our Facebook page, and our Twitter feed to help you make the right technology decisions. Please forward it along to anyone you think might benefit from it. 

How To Handle Your Nonprofit's Technology When Staff Members Leave (The Databank)No matter how many people are at your organization, staff members coming and going is unavoidable. Thankfully, many of the technology headaches associated with it are avoidable. Some basic planning and essential information can go a long way in lessening the impact turnover can have on your tech infrastructure.

Career Reflections: My Biggest Data Fail (NTEN)Going over budget, having heightened expectations, and doing insufficient research are all easy traps to fall into when performing a major system overhaul. Friend of Idealware Peter Campbell wants you to learn from his mistakes in this excerpt from NTEN’sCollected Voices: Data-Informed Nonprofits.

Rethinking the Printed Newsletter: Did You Jump to Email Too Soon? (Nonprofit.About.com)When a communications channel works--when it makes a connection between a nonprofit and its audience--it doesn’t become less effective overnight. When social media came around, people predicted the end of email; when email came around, people predicted the end of pen and paper. You can still get great results from direct mail campaigns, and envelopes still play a big role in many nonprofits' fundraising strategies.

Your Headlines Suck. Here’s What You Can Do About It (Convince & Convert)When it comes to headlines, there are plenty of tricks you can employ to get people clicking, but the article, blog post, or picture has to deliver on the promise of its title or you run the risk of losing a click down the road. This article looks at ways to walk the line between clever headlines and blatant click bait.

Take Advantage of the Gchat Extras (New Organizing Institute)In many offices, Google's chat tool, Gchat, has taken the place of the water cooler. If you love it because you can stay social while keeping a quiet workspace, let the New Organizing Institute show you a few extra features that can extend its usefulness.

Checklist: How to Choose a Design Agency (Capulet Communications)There are a lot of moving pieces to keep track of when embarking upon a website project. Between complex technical issues like migrating your content to a different CMS, and more personal issues like keeping your team on budget and on time, you shouldn’t hastily assume that your designer will be a good fit for your needs. Having a checklist of qualities to go over when considering different design agencies can help--and in this post, the Capulet Communications team does the work for you.

Thanking Your Donors: Q&A (Idealware)Thanking your donors can, quite literally, be an afterthought. In this blog post, our own fundraising champion Andrea Berry talks about why you can never say thank you too much, and how a little extra attention can lead to bigger returns in future campaigns.

18 Ways to Improve Your Facebook News Feed Performance (Social Media Examiner)Many articles have claimed that Facebook is trying make paid content more appealing by limiting the number of views pages organizations get. The good news is, good content will still get your fans talking no matter what Facebook does. This article outlines a few things that have worked for others that you might consider experimenting with to boost your Facebook reach without reaching into your wallet.

What's On Your Phone, Elizabeth Pope? (Arts Management and Technology Laboratory)A familiar name around here, our own Director of Research and Operations spoke to Arts Management and Technology Laboratory about her favorite iPhone apps for Idealware and for home. In her own words, "There are lots of productivity (and time-wasting) apps out there, but your phone should be a source of pleasure and fun, not just work!"

Bring Unicorns Back to Our World: The Problem with Outcomes (Blue Avocado)Measuring your outcomes is important, but the definition of what exactly constitutes an “outcome” can get so blurry that it loses its meaning. This article takes a humorous look at how it feels to be a nonprofit stuck in the constant cycle of showing impact.

Would you like to suggest a link for Best of the Web? Email it toinfo@idealware.org. 

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MAYOR ROBERT PALMIERI ANNOUNCES 2014-2015 BUDGET PROPOSAL

MAYOR ROBERT PALMIERI ANNOUNCES 2014-2015 BUDGET PROPOSAL

Mayor Robert Palmieri today laid out his proposal for the 2014-2015 budget.  The proposed budget includes a tax increase of $9.25 dollars per month for the average Utica homeowner. 

The Mayor’s Message is attached. 

Due to a number of expenses that are mandated, contractual and beyond the City’s control, a tax increase is necessary to ensure the implementation of a structurally sound and balanced budget. 

The proposed budget addresses settled union contracts, our debt payment obligations and the purchase of new ambulances, DPW trucks, IT equipment and police vehicles.   The proposed budget will provide the services residents of Utica deserve, such as effective and efficient plowing, green waste pick up and proactive public safety.

“While our City has grown and is moving in the right direction, we are still fixing the financial problems we inherited,” Mayor Palmieri said.  “When we ran the initial numbers for the budget; it would have taken a 26.5% tax increase to balance the budget.  That was unacceptable to me, and in working with my department heads we found ways to cut back and lower the proposed tax increase as much as possible, without reducing the services that are vital to continuing our economic growth. Any reduction to this budget will have an impact on the health and safety of our City”

Over the past two years, the City reduced its workforce, consolidated departments and implemented two balanced budgets for the first time in four years.  These efforts led to a $4 million swing in budget operations and stabilized the City’s financial situation.   

Even with this proposed tax increase, Utica’s budget is one of the leanest in New York as Utica spends less money per resident than nearly every other City in the State. 

Palmieri added, “When I took office two years ago I was contemplating whether a state control board would be the only solution to fix our financial problems.  Today, on the heels of two balanced budgets and high levels of economic growth, we are doing what is necessary to keep Utica moving in the right direction.  I am not happy with any tax increase, but we cannot be oblivious to our financial reality and we must do what is rational and responsible. 

The Mayors Proposed Budget Message

Presented to the Board of Estimate and Apportionment

City of Utica, New York

February 20^th, 2014

As Mayor of the City of Utica, it is my responsibility to govern in what is the best interest of our residents.  I will continue my steadfast commitment to overcoming Utica’s historic financial struggles and ensure a prosperous and promising future for our City.

Over the past two years, the City reduced its workforce, consolidated departments and implemented two balanced budgets for the first time in four years.  These efforts led to a $4 million swing in budget operations and stabilized the City’s financial situation.   

While our City has grown and is moving in the right direction, we are still fixing the financial problems we inherited. 

In years past, the Capital Improvement Trust (Water Authority Money) was used to supplement unrealistic and unbalanced budgets.  The percentage of our debt that was covered by the Capital Improvement Trust averaged nearly 40 percent per year over the course of a decade (2002-2012).  This “kick the can down the road” practice was irresponsible and drained our Trust fund from $12 million to virtually nothing.

In addition to the Capital Improvement Trust, it was an accepted practice to also use the City’s fund balance to supplement budgets.  Our fund balance was nearly $5 million in 2009 and was in the negative when I took office.  Today, our fund balance is up to approximately $1 million, and while we have seen a positive turnaround we are not yet out of the woods.

In recognizing this reality, I submit the Mayor’s 2014-2015 Budget for the City of Utica.

For the third consecutive year, I am submitting a Budget that is structurally sound, does not use any fund balance and provides levels of service that our residents expect and deserve at the lowest cost possible.   

As state and federal aid continues to remain flat or decrease, there are less outside resources available to offset the increase in expenditures that are mandated and/or contractual and beyond the City’s control. 

Over 86% of the expenditures in my proposed Budget are mandated items that the City is contractually obligated to pay.

When running the initial numbers for the upcoming Budget; a 26.5 percent tax increase would be necessary for it to be balanced.

A 26.5% tax increase is unacceptable.

In working with staff we cut millions in spending from the initial budget.

However, the settled union contract with the Utica Police Benevolent Association, increase of our debt obligations and the necessary lease purchase agreement for new ambulances, DPW trucks, IT equipment and police vehicles alone increased this year’s Budget by nearly $1.9 million compared to last year.

In order to responsibly address these expenses and ensure the financial security of our City I am proposing an 8.73 percent tax increase which equates to a $9.25 per month cost for the average Utica homeowner (average Utica home is assessed at $55,000). 

After reviewing the initial budget; our goal was to lower any tax increase as much as possible, without reducing the services that are vital to continuing our economic growth.  This is the most we can cut without taking the muscle out of the body.  Any reduction to this budget will have a direct impact on the health and safety of our City.

The City of Utica is one of the leanest in New York as Utica spends less money per resident than nearly every other City in the State. 

When I took office two years ago I was contemplating whether a state control board would be the only solution to fix our financial problems.  Today, on the heels of two balanced budgets and high levels of economic growth, we are moving Utica in the right direction.  I am not happy with any tax increase, but I cannot be oblivious to our financial reality. 

Upcoming Webinars & Events

Budgeting Process Best Practices for the Small Nonprofit [Lunch & Learn Webinar]  Presented by Michelle Jarvais, CFO and Elizabeth Mathews, Sr. Accountant, NYCON February 21st, 2014    11:00am to 12:30pm EST Free for NYCON Members Only; $50 for Non-Members Register A good budgeting process engages everyone who is responsible for that budget and implementing its priorities. Even in a small nonprofit this process can get complicated. As budgeting decisions are, of course, driven both by mission and by financial need, both fiscal; and senior program staff participation is a necessity. The process should include enough time for review of the strategic priorities and goals of the organization and also allow for review, feedback, revisions, etc. Managing this process is a serious responsibility across different "teams" within your organization - or for a small nonprofit - may include everyone on staff!  Then - once a budget is in place - how do you manage this "living, breathing" document? Because as we all know, things change frequently in the world of a nonprofit. Participants in this workshop will learn practical tips to start, manage and stay on task during this critical process and throughout the year. "Get to Know Us": NYCON Membership Benefits Orientation [Webinar]  Presented by Valerie Venezia, VP of Membership & Marketing, NYCON  February 21st 10:00am - 11:00am  Free & Open to All  Register Today  In our "Get to Know Us" Sessions, NYCON staff will tell you a lot more about our membership benefits - and answer all the questions you have regarding our process, costs and what you get for FREE.     We will be talking about these benefits... Nonprofit Training, Education and Professional Assistance NYCON empowers our members with the best practices, policies, and procedures as well as information on ever-changing regulations, funding, accountability and more.  Cost Savings Solutions for Nonprofits NYCON leverages the purchasing power of thousands of nonprofits to bring you economies of scale on everything from Office Supplies to Fundraising Software. The Nonprofit Voice in New York State NYCON represents our members on the local, state and national level, giving voice to small and medium sized nonprofits everywhere. Find out how NYCON Membership will benefit you by attending this 1-hour session. Complying with the Nonprofit Revitalization Act:  Practical Webinars for New York NonprofitsPresented by David Watson, Esq, Sr. VP of Legal Accountability Services, NYCON and Michael West, Esq., Legal Advisor, NYCON  Various Dates: February 2014 - June 2014 .Webinars are held from 11am to 12:30pm.   Register Today The Nonprofit Revitalization Act is a landmark change in the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law of the State of New York and will usher in a modern era for the operation and governance of nonprofit corporations starting July 1, 2014. As always, here at the New York Council of Nonprofits, Inc. (NYCON) your one-stop tool box and soap box we eagerly anticipated the updated statutes and have prepared a practical webinar series to address your immediate needs in the updating of your bylaws and governance materials. We encourage all of our Members to take advantage of these webinars. Part 1: New York Nonprofit Revitalization Act Part- Steps To Compliance - An Overview A comprehensive overview of the Act to take place with a plenary Q/A portion to be held in February, April & June. This offering will provide you with an overview and a practical set of actions to take to amend your bylaws to meet the new standards of the Act. Dates: February 27th, April 24th, June 26th Part 2:  New York Nonprofit Revitalization Act: Implementing YourCompliance Checklist - Whistleblower, Conflict of Interest, Committees & Executive Compensation: These webinars will be held In March and May will be a more detailed and focused on the various topics included in the Act that are new and have implications on Board governance in general and your operations specifically. Click here to register. Dates: March 25th and May 20th    Cost: FREE for current NYCON Nonprofit Members; $79 for Non-Members. All webinars are from 11:00am to 12:30pm.   Your Spring "Check Up": Conducting a Governance Self-Assessment [Lunch & Learn Webinar] Presented by Susan Weinrich, Vice President of Organizational Development Services, NYCON March 28th, 2014   11:00am to 12:30pm EST Register  Organizational assessments, in general, provide an overview of a nonprofit's status and capabilities with respect to successfully meeting current obligations and potential to more effectively and efficiently accomplish its mission. It is an evaluation of a nonprofit's condition or situation within a multi-faceted and continually evolving context. Assessments can identify areas and provide recommendations where corrective actions, improvements or other changes are necessary and/or will yield the greatest benefit to the health and success of the nonprofit. In this NYCON webinar our presenter will be focusing specifically on how to assess your organization's Governance structure and process to ensure compliance and to ensure that these mechanisms are delivering the maximum return on your staff and board members' investment of time and resources -- and ultimately making the most impact on your nonprofit's mission.