Mohawk Valley NonProfit Leaders Program: Recap and Videos from Community Vision

Thank you for joining us for the December 3rd Mohawk Valley NonProfit Leaders Program:  Community Vision and Mixer! A special thank you to our speakers and to our host, the Utica Public Library. Please find videos from the program and The Community Foundation's 25/25 Goal presentation linked below.  As we look to 2015, the Steering Committee will be looking at your recent feedback and finalizing program plans. Feel free to share any other input, and enjoy the remainder of 2014!  Community Vision Recap Utica Mayor Rob Palmieri Vision for Utica (video) Vision for Utica continued (video) Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Vision for Oneida County (video) The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties' Barbara Henderson, VP for Programs and Community Initiatives Presentation 25/25 Goal (video)

About NYCON:   New York Council of Nonprofits, Inc. (NYCON) Founded in 1927, NYCON is a 501(C)(3) membership-based, mission-driven, statewide association of diverse charitable nonprofit organizations. With over 2,800 members, we work to build the capacity of nonprofits and communities to enhance the quality of life through responsive, cost-effective service. Our mission-based activities are enhanced by two subsidiary corporations: Innovative Charitable Initiatives, Inc., and Council Services Plus.

Greater Hudson Heritage Network Announcement

Today announces the launch of the new  

Connecting to New York's Collections website!

  www.c2cnys.org 

Last fall, Greater Hudson Heritage Network was awarded $250,000 through the fall of 2014, from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to present preservation training  in connection with the collection types identified as "at risk" in New York State: books and paper; photographic collections; digital materials; and historic objects. Training will be provided via:

• webinar series (14 in all), viewable independently or in groups to encourage discussion and networking

• web-based "How-To" video tutorials providing instruction to organizational staff and to a more general audience who may have personal collections

• circuit rider mentoring program where professionals offer 'house calls' to organizations throughout the state

• C2CNYS.org - an interactive cross-disciplinary knowledge portal website website - will serve as the 'go-to' site for collections care best practices, a 'home' for disaster preparedness plans, conservation and preservation resources, the webinar series, and the "How-To" video tutorials

To read more click here.

Nonprofits and the ‘Fiscal Cliff’: What Lies Ahead?

A Chronicle Live Discussion

Nonprofits are scrambling to persuade Congress to avoid making spending cuts and tax changes that would hurt donors and the people charities serve.

But how can your organization make its voice heard during the debate surrounding the fiscal cliff? 

View this live discussion that explains what might happen over the next few weeks and months and show you step by step how to influence budget debates on Capitol Hill and in state capitols across the country.

Click Here for the Discussion

The Guests:

Tim Delaney, is chief executive of the National Council of Nonprofits.

Patrick Lester is director of federal fiscal policy for OMB Watch. Read Mr. Lester's analysis,Mitigating the Impact of a Temporary Sequester.

Mohawk Valley Leaders Oct 10th Program: Keys to a Successful Organization RECAP

The presentation's focus was mainly on Executive Directors and Organizational leaders.  The presenter, Keith Fenstemacher, talked about ideas ranging from good to great, hedging, Shacklton's lessons, and getting to great (which focused on team work and finding your true North). For a recap click below to see the videos taken from the session. Also, there is a link below to Keith's power-point slides.

Video Part One

Video Part Two

Power-Point Slides

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

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.

Partnering for Financial Success Program: John Zogby and Special Panel Discussion Videos

On January 18th, the Mohawk Valley Nonprofit Leaders Group held Partnering for Financial Success. This program focused on different types of nonprofit partnerships, and featured a video message from John Zogby followed by remarks from NY Council of Nonprofits CEO Doug Sauer. The program then featured a panel made up of organizations that have successfully partnered in four ways: merger, coalition, outsourcing and shared services and facility, and regionalization. Video from the program is available below. The panelists were:

Video Welcome: John Zogby, Chairman of the Board and Chief Insights Officer of IBOPE Zogby International

PANELISTS
Merger: Center for Family Life and Recovery (Cassandra Sheets, CEO) and Child Care Council of Cooperative Extension (Lorraine Kinney-Kitchen, Executive Director)

Statewide Trends: Doug Sauer, CEO of New York Council of Nonprofits

Outsourcing/Shared Facility or Services: Parkway Senior Center (Kelly Walters, Executive Director)

Regionalization: Planned Parenthood Mohawk Hudson (Margaret Roberts, CEO)

Fund Development Program Videos Now Available!

The Mohawk Valley Nonprofit Leaders Group held a program on July 21st that focused on fund development infrastructure. The agenda included an overview of the fund development committee and plan by the NY Council of Nonprofits. A panel discussion followed. Videos from the panel discussion are now available and feature the following topics (click below to watch):

• board engagement in fundraising


• fund development committee


• importance of face to face in fundraising


• role of special events


• board and special events


• board's role in fundraising


• board expectations


• fundraising efforts mix


• fundraising success and impact


• fund development plan


• fundraising ideas


• fundraising mistakes


• fund development partnership


• defining success and lessons learned

The panel featured: Judith Reilly, Executive Director, Compeer of the Mohawk Valley; Frank B. DuRoss, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, Mohawk Valley Community College MVCC; Steve Robinson, Director of Programs and Training, The Peacemaker Program, Inc; and Nancy M. Benz, Vice President for Fund Development, Planned Parenthood Mohawk Hudson, Inc.

See What you Missed: Video from Fund Development Assessment Program

The Development Assessment: A Tool to Enhance Fund Raising Effectiveness

See What You MIssed! Watch the Videos

A Special Thank You for the support of the CORPORATE PARTNERS PROGRAM of The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties: a collaboration of generous area businesses and The Foundation to promote nonprofit excellence and community advocacy.

This special program on the Fund Development Assessment was presented by Michael Stein, Vice President, Development at Bassett Medical Center. Watch here as Mike defines what the Fund Development Assessment is.

Many nonprofit executives are confronted with the challenge of leading organizational fund raising efforts without necessarily having background or experience in this most critical area. The development assessment process provides organizations with a comprehensive analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of existing fund raising programs. Here Mike discusses how to carry out the assessment.

The assessment process focuses on how the organization can maximize current resources and makes recommendations regarding additional resources needed to attain full fund raising potential. Here Mike discusses what to do with the assessment info collected, specifically discussing the role of a board retreat. Mike's presentation wraps up with highlights of the overall trends that the assessment has revealed. Here a couple highlights to watch:

• Role and importance of major gifts


• Special Events and their challenges


• Direct Mail and issues to keep in mind


• The Board's Role
  

Special Panel: Discussing Online Fundraising

Watch as the panel discusses the pros and cons of online fundraising. You can more video from the program here.

Thank You to our Panelists!

• Michael Stein, Vice President, Development at Bassett Medical Center


• Frank B. DuRoss, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement at Mohawk Valley Community College


• Bill Dodge, Executive Director, Rescue Mission of Utica
  
  

Nonprofit Times TV

Nonprofit Times TV has a collection of webcasts and other videos directed specifically to nonprofits and their needs and interests. Videos cover not just current news, but issues such as fundraising, volunteer management, legal issues, and finance. Most videos are less than three minutes, giving necessary information without taking too much time. Users can also submit their own videos to share ideas with others in the sector.

Their current webcast discusses the loss of revenue of national nonprofit organizations and the Jerry Lewis telethon. Check out Nonprofit Times TV here.

"Nonprofit Spark": A Radio Talk Show for New and Emerging Nonprofits

"Nonprofit Spark" is weekly radio talk show through The Voice America hosted by Renee McGivern, a Minnesota-based nonprofit consultant. This show, launched in September, is focused on spurring dialogue on issues of emerging and new organizations. Check out her show live on Thursdays at 8am EST or catch up on past episodes on her show's webpage.

About the Host: Renee McGivern has 30 years of experience working in nonprofits and trade associations. She’s worn the hats of development, communications and executive director and also spent a great deal of her career designing training seminars for the newspaper industry. McGivern’s passion is to facilitate learning, communication and action so life works for people and organizations. “Nonprofit Spark is the first national radio show devoted to new and emerging nonprofits,” says McGivern. “It’s my dream job - to spark learning and action so leaders are effective at making a huge difference in the world.”

October 6 Program ED and the Board Working Together: Watch the Discussion!

Missed the Mohawk Valley Nonprofit Leaders Group October 6th Program? Watch the panel discussion on the ED and the Board Working Together: Keys to Success.



Here's more video from the panel on NYCON's YouTube Channel.

The panel featured:
Facilitator: Kevin Marken, Stanley Center for the Arts

Panelists:
Jan Forte, Homeownership Center
Kelly Blazosky, Oneida County Tourism
Peggy O'Shea, The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, Inc.
Larry Gilroy, Board Member
Jim Stewart, Stewart Consulting

Questions Discussed:
o What is EDs responsibility for board development?
o What is/how do you define the relationship between the board and ED?
o What are the ethics and issues regarding developing a board focused on mission or community politics?
o How do you keep reinforcing mission and focus of board?
o How do you (and who) set board expectations, get commitment, and monitor/facilitate them?
o How do you communicate and convey obligations and other related info to the board and make them understand?
o How do you clarify and emphasize the importance of conflict of interests and priority issues for the board?
o How much involvement should board members have in daily activities?
o What is the nomination process and what works and what doesn't?

Regional Funders Perspective on Collaboration: Watch the Video

Colgate University offered the following funders' conversation:

Dunn says that Central New York has a modest foundation community, with only $400 million in assets and $20 million in annual grants. With those funds, how can we have the most impact. He has seen many encouraging conversations about sustainability in not for profit organizations in the community, and discussions about merging, sharing objectives, and regionalization. OShea says that, as the largest funder in their area, several smaller foundations have come under their umbrella as donor advised or designated funds. This enables them to have a conversation about their interests and the impact of their charitable dollars. She also stresses the importance of the indicator study as a way to articulate the needs of the community to themselves and the community. Brown does the same thing by relying on other agencies to give them this information. They are concerned with the power differential and remind themselves to remain sensitive about this. She shares an example of a cultural organization that has systemic issues. They also discuss the definition of philanthropy and the creation of the Center for Philanthropy by the Central New York Community Foundation.

Strategic Management in Tough Times Recap

Almost 30 participants attended Strategic Management in Tough Times offered by NY Council of Nonprofit's CEO Doug Sauer on the November 10th. The discussion centered around how nonprofits can better plan and respond to the current economic challenges faced. There was a group dialogue and Executive Directors shared their feedback about the status of their organization. They discussed how they've been impacted by the downturn; strategic planning concepts in the recessionary environment; and strategies and their implications for developing a Short-Term Strategic Action Plan. There a number of video clips from the program available here. Below you will also find feedback from the evaluations collected.




At the program, an evaluation also asked participants for ideas for future trainings as we look ahead to 2010. Here is the quick list:

• Managing leadership anxiety- leadership wellness- succession planning- board and executive director leading the agency together.
• Specifically how to get strategic planning done.
• Educational session for board members- topic: roles and responsibilities as a board member
• Perhaps: fiduciary responsibilities for board members. A primer on fundraising for your organization.
• Opportunities in this area for sharing back office operations.
• I'd still like to see the creation of a "training swap" service among us- so we can train staff and volunteers together or swap expertise.
• Communication regarding possible changes, which instill sight of opportunity and decrease fear.
• More emphasis in Board training and dynamics
• Managing staff, conflict resolution
• Collaboration with other similar n/p to save money.
• Successful entrepreneurial ventures
• More applied to practical application beyond planning. Hold one on ones instead of doing one on one with 30 others.
• one specifically on relationship between ED and board- maintaining open, productive communcation
• Succession planning
• Sharing services.
• How to identify and foster possible partnerships- types of contracts, overcoming autonomy issues; board development- duties and responsibilities

Have other ideas, share them here. Other feedback from the program that may be helpful to other directors were the answers to the following two questions below. See a couple of the answers, or share your own.

How have the changing economic conditions impacted your organization this year?

• Be more clear on mission and core activities right now financially ok. Asking questions on whatever can do for future- set strategies
• We must now consider trimming staff costs.
• Some services that both funder and provider agree are needed, not provided
• Decrease services, elminating services
• Sense of insecurity regarding funding, although funding is still ok
• Cuts in funding, lower utilization of fee for service
• Not everything rosy but not really affecting us
• We are preparing a new business plan with a 3-5 year look. We are also doing a profit and loss plan.
• Lay off of staff (1.5 out of 12); cut back on volunteer training, increase energy on fee for service activities.

How do you see the economy and possible cuts in government funding impacting your agency next year?

• We receive little government funding- fee for service is unclear. Agency ready for growth and there will not be additional funding to seek.
• If we lose gov't funding, we will need to consider cutting jobs and possibly programming.
  1st step might be reduced or no compensation increases for staff, which exacerbates an already hardy turnover problem. Reduction of services next step.
• Further service cuts, re-analyze each service line and be more efficient
• The arts continue to be funded on national level (NEA) which also subsidizes state art, so am continously optimistic
• We are planning on less government funding and working on 5 new fundraisers.
• Further staff cuts. It's the only thing left we can cut! This means reduced ability to supervise volunteers, therefore we will serve less people. In doing so, we'll be saved for the "most difficult cases" and our outcomes will look different too.
• We will need to continue reviewing all expenses and development
• Possible staff lay-offs; outsourcing some services and consolidating others. Increasing fees for services.
• We are looking for new grants.
• When NYS holds grant $ so they can get additional interest, it costs us $. Should be illegal for them to do so.
• Services have been meticulous reviewed for viability and some positions will need to be cut as we do not even plan on stable fudning in 2010 and 2011.
• Staff layoff, salary freeze

Have comments or additional thoughts? E-mail us.