Honor an Outstanding Board Member

2013 Michael H. Urbach, CPA, Community Builders Award Now Accepting Nominations Submission Accepted through August 23rd, 2013 Sponsored by the New York Council of Nonprofits (NYCON) and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA)   Left to right: Doug Sauer, NYCON CEO; Allen Fetterman, CPA; William F. Berardi, CPA, 2012 Urbach Award Recipient; Ellen Kotlow, NYCON Board President 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.    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 501c(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  Nominations addressing the candidate's qualifications must be received by August 23rd, 2013.  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.  To Nominate a CPA:  Email your submission to Melissa Currado at mcurrado@nycon.org or mail two (2) packets of nomination materials to: Urbach Community Builders Award Committee, NYCON, 272 Broadway, Albany NY 12204. For more information, visit NYCON on the web at www.nycon.org or contact us via phone at (800) 515-5012.    Announcement & Presentation  Craig Sickler, CPA receives the Urbach Community Builders Award at the 2006 Annual Meeting The 2013 award will be formally presented at the Annual Member Meeting of NYCON slated for the afternoon of October 10th, 2013at 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, skill and strategy sessions for nonprofit staff and volunteer leaders.     In honor of the late Harold Mandel, a CPA who worked for Urbach, Kahn & Werlin in Albany, NY and retired in West Palm Beach, FL, the 2013 Urbach Honoree has the privilege to award one (1) nonprofit executive of their choice a Camp Finance scholarship in Hal's name.  In 2009, Mr. Mandel's family accepted a posthumous Michael H. Urbach, CPA Community Builders Award in his honor. Thank You to Our Supporters! NYCON and NYSSCPA would like to recognize The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Regionfor their grant contribution towards the Michael H. Urbach, CPA Community Builders Award. Past Urbach Award Honorees Lew Kramer, CPA and Doug Sauer,  NYCON CEO 2012 William F. Berardi, CPA Kingston 2011 Thomas D. Weddell, CPA; Newburgh 2010  Edward S. Mucenski, CPA; Potsdam    2009  Lewis "Lew" Kramer, CPA; Chappaqua    2008 Mel Zachter, CPA; Staten Island       2007 Eugene H. Fleishman, CPA; Poughkeepsie 2006  Craig Sickler, CPA Kingston  2005 Paul Battaglia CPA, Batavia Co-sponsored by The New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants 　 www.nysscpa.org

Mohawk Valley Leaders Group: Community Foundation April 29th

The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, Inc. Announces: Publicity and Grantmaking 101 April 29th Featuring AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR SANDRA BECKWITH  This half-day training for nonprofits will feature  award-winning author Sandra Beckwith in a lecture titled "Publicity for Nonprofits."  Beckwith will provide you with the necessary tools to increase the effectiveness of your public relations and media relations strategies. BIG NEWS IN GRANTMAKING The program also will feature exciting information about The Community Foundation's new role in the community and changes in its grantmaking process. Nonprofits seeking grants from The Foundation won't want to miss out on this announcement and how their programs might benefit with these changes.                        Date: April 29, 2013 Time: 9:00am-12pm Fee: Free Location: Dorothy Smith Center (RCIL) 1607 Genesee St Utica, NY REGISTER HERE Mohawk Valley Nonprofit Leaders Program: Jim Donovan on Major Gifts and Motivating Your Board May 3rd Presented by Jim Donovan Learn how to increase major gifts in a tight economy and motivate your board in participating in major gift fund raising.   Session based on his books: Take the Fear Out of Asking for Major Gifts 50 Ways to Motivate Your Board These will be available the day of the seminar at a discount or can be ordered in advance at http://donovanmanagement.com/wptest/dmi-publications/ Background: Jim Donovan is originally from Chadwicks, New York and the son of the late Senator James H. and Esther Donovan. The Donovan family has a donor-advised fund and a scholarship fund at The Community Foundation, which has provided dozens of scholarships and grants to local students and groups.    More information on the speaker Jim Donovan can be found on his website: http://donovanmanagement.com/wptest/ceo-profile/    Date: May 3rd, 2013 Time: 9:00am-11:30am Fee: Free Location:  Mohawk Valley Community College  (IT/Theatre Bldg: Excellus Blue Cross-Blue Shield Training Room IT 225)  1101 Sherman Drive    Utica, NY 13501 REGISTER HERE Stay Informed about the Sequestration Impact! Resources and Info NYCON's Facebook page Give Voice http://fiscalpolicy.org/sequestration-would-cut-human-service-spending-in-new-york-state http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/sequester-factsheets/New-York.pdf http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/politics/sequestration-state-impact/ http://www.nonprofitquarterly.org/policysocial-context/21889-sequestration-s-impact-the-americorps-case-study.html

New York Council of Nonprofits: What do we offer you?   The Source for Nonprofit Training, Education and One-on-One Assistance The Cost Saving Solution for Nonprofits The Nonprofit Voice for New York State Sign up for our e-mail newsletter and get the latest news impacting NY's nonprofits and learn about solutions and help for your nonprofit. For more info or questions, contact Andrew Marietta at 1-800-515-5012 ext 141 or amarietta@nycon.org. Interested in Employee Benefits for Your Employees? Take a look at three of NYCON's most popular programs, Delta Dental, Flexibile Savings Accounts and Life Insurance Plans. NYCON adminsters each of these programs, answers your questions, and gives you and your employees the customer service and value you deserve! Visit here for more info or contact Andrew Marietta at 436-3124 oramarietta@nycon.org. About the Mohawk Valley Nonprofit Leaders Group  This group, supported by the New York Council of Nonprofits, formerly Council of Community Services of New York State (CCSNYS), offers nonprofit executive directors from Oneida and Herkimer Counties opportunities for peer support, networking and professional development. The group meets on a quarterly basis.

Foundation receives regional award recognizing commitment to Herkimer County

HERKIMER, N.Y. —

The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, Inc. recently was chosen to receive the 2013 Appreciate Herkimer County Award for Community Development. The Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce is honoring The Community Foundation because of their work in advancing development in Herkimer County.

“We looked for an organization that serves the same footprint as the chamber and one that is concerned with the future of this area, not only from an economic development standpoint, but one that appreciates the arts, the importance of health and the protection of our environment,” said John Scarano, executive director at the Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce. “The Community Foundation is all of this and more. It reaches out to help invest in both counties and in many cases to chamber members. For this, the chamber and its membership will always be grateful.”

In 2012 alone, The Community Foundation invested more than $500,000 in nonprofit programming and initiatives in Herkimer County. Recent investments in Herkimer County included grants to Bassett Hospital, Little Falls Hospital and Herkimer County schools in areas ranging from economic development to increasing literacy.

“We are truly honored to receive this award. Through partnership initiatives we will continue to strive to identify and address the area’s most important issues,” said CEO and President Peggy O’Shea. “For more than 60 years, our work toward bettering the community has been made possible by our donors and this award serves to highlight their generosity and passion for this community.”

The Foundation will receive the award at noon Thursday, April 25, at the Knights Inn of Little Falls, 20 Albany St., Little Falls.

The Community Foundation has been a force for improving lives and promoting philanthropy throughout Herkimer and Oneida counties since 1952. The Foundation has made more than 5,200 grants totaling more than $41.3 million in support of causes ranging from education, healthcare, the arts and the environment. Grants are generated by 290 funds that make up The Foundation’s endowment, established and advanced by area residents.

FW: Local Gift Planning Program

Award-Winning Author to Share Findings of Fundraising Book on Saturday at Utica Public Library

Brian M. Sagrestano, JD, CFRE, will be presenting the findings and signing his award-winning book, The Philanthropic Planning Companion: The Fundraisers’ and Professional Advisors’ Guide to Charitable Gift Planning (Wiley 2012) on Saturday, March 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Utica Public Library, 303 Genesee Street, Utica, NY.

The book, called “outstanding” by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Research Council, is a comprehensive guide to the emerging model of philanthropic planning that doesn’t get caught up in the overly technical aspects of trust, wills and legal documents, while mixing in academic research to enhance practical strategies and tactics for fundraisers from all subsectors and causes.

The book was recently awarded the 2013 AFP/Skystone Partners Prize for Research on Fundraising and Philanthropy. Each year, the AFP Research Council awards the Skystone Partners Prize for Research to the author or authors of a book that contributes substantially to the knowledge and understanding of fundraising or philanthropic behavior.

The Research Prize Judging Committee lauded the Companion, saying it presents a wide range of tactical suggestions for fundraisers within an integrated framework that provides theoretical depth.  The committee stated that “the book’s contents are extensive… [and] the organization makes its resources immediately accessible for the busy fundraising professional.”

The book was co-authored by Robert E. Wahlers, MS, CFRE, senior director of development and gift planned at Meridian Health Affiliated Foundations in Neptune, NJ. He also serves on the Adjunct Faculty for the Masters of Fundraising Management Program at Columbia University in New York City. The two have been long-time friends and colleagues with a combined 40 years of fundraising experience. In many ways, The Philanthropic Planning Companion is the culmination of the experience and knowledge they have gained thus far in their careers.

“We wanted to write a book that applied philanthropic planning concepts to all prospects—from the most sophisticated, high-net worth donor to the first-time contributor—but that avoided the technical and complicated jargon typically found in books about charitable gift planning so that it would be accessible to both fundraisers and professional advisors,” says Brian. “Even though this book is about a new approach to philanthropy, it needed to remain simple and readable.”

“Receiving the prize is a wonderful recognition of hard work,” says Robert. “To be selected out of all of the books written about fundraising in 2012 is humbling for both of us and a tremendous honor.”

Brian is the Founder and CEO of Gift Planning Development, a gift planning consulting firm providing services around the world. Prior to forming the firm in 2007, he led the gift planning efforts for the University of Pennsylvania, Middlebury College and Meridian Health Affiliated Foundations, following major gift and gift planning positions at Clarkson University and Hamilton College. The gift planning programs under Brian’s direction raised over $400 million in complex outright gifts, life-income gifts and realized estate gifts during his tenure. Regional clients of the firm include The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, Inc., Mohawk Valley Community College, Friends of Bassett, New York State Historical Association, Farmers Museum, Le Moyne College and Finger Lakes Community College. He can be reached at (315) 292-1335 or brian@giftplanningdevelopment.com. To learn more about the firm, visit www.giftplanningdevelopment.com.

Special 4-Day Bonus Issue from the Blue Avocado`

A special 4-Day Bonus Issue from the Blue Avocado

Free Webinar! Google Analytics for the Enthusiastic Beginner
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 3:00 pm eastern /12:00 noon Pacific

Speaker:  Bonnie Massa, Massa & Company

Wonder what all the hype is about around web analytics? Thanks to Blue Avocado and American Nonprofits, you can join this overview of Google Analytics, a free web analytics tool that shows you how visitors are using your site. We will start with how to capture data on visitors and then hit the highlights of using Google Analytics to improve your website. This overview is for beginners and executives that want to know the value of the tool but not necessarily how to operate it . . . Click here to register free . . . offer closes March 15, 2013.

Another Free Webinar! Nonprofit Sustainability:  Making Strategic Decisions for Financial Viability 
April 12, 2013  12:00 pm eastern/9:00 am pacific

Speakers:  Jan Masaoka, Blue Avocado and CEO of CalNonprofits, and Steve Zimmerman, Spectrum Nonprofit Services

Too often program goals are discussed separately from financial means, although we all know that both must be discussed together. Jan and Steve will present the methodology for doing so from the book they co-authored with Jeanne Bell: Nonprofit Sustainability: Making Strategic Decisions for Financial Viability. This model can be used as an adjunct to or substitute for traditional strategic planning. Click here to register free. Offer ends March 15.

Board Recruitment Time? Learn the Blue Ribbon Nominating Committee Technique
Wednesday, April 10, 2013 3:00 pm eastern/12:00 pm pacific

Speaker:  Jan Masaoka, Blue Avocado and CEO of CalNonprofits

Board recruitment discussions usually start with the tired question, "Who do we know?" Instead, let's start with "What are the three most important things for the board to accomplish this year, and what kind of board members do we need in order to do so?" Tested successfully with hundreds of nonprofits, we'll also tackle some difficult questions such as whether and how to recruit people of different races or educational backgrounds, whether to have clients or parents (or other direct beneficiaries) on the board, and whether to have fundraising or donation requirements. Based on the tested and popular Blue Ribbon Nominating Committee technique. Click here to register free . . . through March 15 only.

Free "Gift of Learning" online courses from Cornerstone

This was such a hit in the last Bonus Issue, we’re pleased to offer this again. And we’re grateful to Cornerstone to offer this once more to Blue Avocado readers and American Nonprofit members!

The Cornerstone OnDemand Foundation established the “Gift of Learning” program to over 40 classes of downloadable e-learning content -- such as leadership training, effective communication, project management, and desktop product tutorials -- to nonprofit professionals at no cost.

The Foundation is offering this to five individuals per organization...and 300 organizations will be selelcted to receive the access to the Gift of Learning library. How do you become eligible? The first 300 Blue Avocado readers that respond on March 15, 2013 (starting 9 am Pacific/12 noon Eastern) are eligble.  Send an email to Blue Avocado's Susan Sanow at blueavocado@hotmail.com with the subject line "Gift of Learning” will be awarded the opportunity to access thousands of courses. Your e-mail must include the following information:

• Your organization's name
• Nonprofit tax ID number: you must have U.S. 501(c)(3) status to qualify
• Name of the contact person, and contact person's e-mail address and phone number

Once we reach 300 interested organizations, this offer will expire.

If your organization is chosen to participate, you will receive an introductory email directly from the Cornerstone OnDemand Foundation no later than March 29, 2013. Selected nonprofits will have access to the Gift of Learning for a three month period (April 1, 2013-July 1, 2013.)

(And if you were awarded the "Gift of Learning" last fall, please step aside and let another organization benefit!)

April 1? No Foolin'… It’s a Blue Avocado Contest!

As April Fool's Day approaches, we wonder what our best April Fool's joke news headlines would be for the nonprofit community. So give it a try. Submit your headline with a 2-to-3 sentence opening paragraph. Here is a sample to get you started:

AmeriCorps to Exclusively Serve Businesses in 2014
The AmeriCorps program announced that beginning in 2014, AmeriCorps Volunteers will only be placed in small for-profit businesses.  While historically placed with nonprofits, it is clear that nonprofits are better managed and there is a greater need to support the small business community.

Submit your April 1 headline and 2-3 opening sentences tosusan@blueavocado.org.  Use the subject line April Fool's. Send in your entry by Friday, March 22, 2013.  You may be featured in our special April Fool's Day issue!  What's in it for our top 10 favorite/funniest entries? You'll win a copy of Jan Masaoka’s book, The Nonprofit’s Guide to Human Resources. Good luck!

Broker News

Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Tax Update

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W-2 Reporting Requirement for Employers Update

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Did You Know...You Can Get Dedicated Client Consulting Through the New Blue Honors Program?

If your agency qualifies for the Blue Honors program, you will be eligible to utilize Excellus BlueCross BlueShield's Information Connection. Information Connection is an online tool that allows brokers to pull specific information, whether it be by book of business or individual groups.
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Creditable Drug Coverage and Medicare Part D – What It Means to Employer Groups

Creditable coverage is non-Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage that is at least as good as (i.e., pays, on average, as much as or more than) standard Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. When a person becomes eligible for Medicare Part D, they must maintain creditable drug coverage, and not have a break in coverage for 63 or more days.
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Excellus BCBS Awards Hospitals $26 Million for Quality Improvements

Fifty-four upstate New York hospitals and health centers last year earned $26 million in quality improvement incentive payments from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield as part of their Hospital Performance Incentive Program (HPIP). In the past nine years, quality performance incentives from Excellus BCBS have exceeded $145 million.
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Neighbors Helping Neighbors Build Healthier Communities – Learn More About Our Service to the Community

Neighbors Helping Neighbors Build Healthier Communities - 2012 Annual Report of Caring tells how we collaborate with other nonprofits, providers and government and civic agencies to make a difference where we work and live.
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2012 Regional Economic Development Council Awards

Regional Economic Development Council Awards

A list with descriptions of 2012's council awards.

Click Here

Nominate Someone for the 2013 Early Childhood Recognition Awards

The nomination period for the 2013 Early Childhood Recognition Awards has begun.
Complete a nomination NOW for a 2013 award!

Is there someone you know who makes a difference in the lives of our children?  Nominate your favorite "Friend of Children" for one of our awards and show your appreciation.  Just click below to make a nomination.

CLICK 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