Monday, July 29, 2013

WBNG: Goodwill Theatre, rebuilding history, community involvement

Goodwill Theatre: Rebuilding history, community involvement (with photos)

By Brandi Bailey

June 26, 2013Updated Jun 27, 2013 at 1:33 PM EDT
Johnson City, NY (WBNG Binghamton) A local nonprofit organization has reached a significant milestone in its rehabilitation of the Goodwill Theatre.
The theater announced Wednesday it's now safe for people to enter the building by appointment.
The building was constructed in 1920 by George F. Johnson. It was used for shows, concerts and even boxing matches over the years. But after being left vacant, the building deteriorated.
The $20-million dollar project involved a large amount of safety removal, such as asbestos abatement, before any actual restoration could begin.
That phase has begun and Action News was able to take a sneak peak of the building as it's taken down to the bare bones and built back up.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Policy Update & Call to Action


Policy Update & Call to Action:
Inform Our State's Senators, Charitable Giving Incentives Matter to Nonprofits 
 
  
Capitol BuildingOn June 27, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) and Ranking Member Orrin Hatch (R-UT) sent a  letter informing senators that the Committee will start consideration of a tax reform package with a "blank slate," meaning that it contains no deductions or credits, so Senators will have to fight to get their favored tax provisions re-inserted into the bill that is being drafted.

The Committee leaders stressed that the legislation they are drafting on a bi-partisan basis will restore only those deductions, exclusions, credits, and other tax expenditures that:
  • Help grow the economy
  • Make tax laws fairer
  • Effectively promote other policy objectives
They've asked Senators to submit recommendations for provisions that meet these standards by July 26.   
We are hearing that Senators are responding to the request for input with mixed views. Some may be submitting a list of priority tax provisions; others will likely provide a set of guiding principles for the Committee to follow; and still others apparently are refusing to send in anything out of fear that their submission will be made public.

Virtually every lobbyist and interest group is clamoring for the attention of Finance Committee leaders, members, and staff. Some efforts to get their attention include submitting a sign-on letter and sending letters making the case for tax provision that affect their operations.

NYCON has also taken steps in writing a letter to submit to the Senate Finance Committee for this "Blank Slate."

We encourage members and nonprofits statewide to
  • write your own letters to inform the Senate Finance Committee. Please feel free to use our letter as a template to model your own or weigh in as constituentsabout your work and the importance of the charitable giving incentive to your ability to solve problems in their communities
Your stories will help us make clear to federal policy makers that the charitable giving incentive is unique from other tax deductions and credits and must be preserved in tax reform
As always, thank you for your continued involvement with NYCON and for the tremendous work you are doing to make our communities strong and vibrant places to live and work. We truly appreciate your dedication and commitment. If you have any questions about this or any other public policy issue, please feel free to contact me. We look forward to working with you on these important issues.

             Sincerely,

 Doug's Signature
            Doug Sauer, CEO
            New York Council of Nonprofits, Inc.

  
The Charitable Giving Incentive  
Federal tax law currently encourages individuals to give to charitable organizations whose missions they support by providing an itemized deduction. Policymakers in Washington are focusing on how to reduce the federal budget deficit through spending cuts, entitlement reforms, and changes to the tax code.

The President, Senators, Representatives, bi-partisan commissions, and think tanks have all put forward plans to address these issues, and many propose changing the charitable giving incentive in one way or another. No one knows the true impact that any of these proposals will have on the ability of charitable nonprofits to raise the resources needed to provide the programs and services that fulfill their missions.

It is imperative that Congress make no changes to the charitable deduction that threatens the ability of nonprofit organizations to serve those most in need and to continue to strengthen our communities.



Proud Member of
 the National Council of Nonprofits
national council of nonprofits

Monday, July 22, 2013

News from State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli


News From State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli

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For the week ending July 14, 2013 


A.G. Schneiderman & State Comptroller DiNapoli Announce Arrest of Not–For–Profit Executive in Five–Year Public Corruption Scheme

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman and Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli Tuesday announced the arrest of a nonprofit executive accused of pocketing tens of thousands of dollars in taxpayer funds intended for public services in New York City. The joint investigation conducted by the Office of the Attorney General and the State Comptroller–s office revealed that Van R. Holmes —— the president of the Young Leaders Institute, Inc. —— stole more than $85,000 by creating dozens of false records and forged documents which he filed with State and City agencies in order to obtain public money.

DiNapoli: Binghamton Facing Fiscal Challenges, But Outlook Improving

The city of Binghamton is grappling with high rates of unemployment and poverty, but its outlook is improving as it builds up reserve funds, according to a fiscal report issued Thursday by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. The report is part of a series of fiscal profiles on cities across the state.

DiNapoli: Lax Board Oversight Allowed Former Village of Old Field Treasurer to Steal Nearly $60,000

Poor oversight by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Old Field allowed its former Treasurer Andrea Brosnan to steal nearly $60,000 in village funds without detection, according to an audit released Wednesday by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. The findings of the audit were shared with Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas J. Spota whose office charged Brosnan with second–degree grand larceny, first–degree falsifying business records, defrauding the government and official misconduct on May 22. Criminal proceedings are pending.

DiNapoli: State Tax Receipts Down in June, but Overall State Fiscal Picture Positive

Personal Income Tax and business tax collections were down in June compared to last year, but the state’s General Fund balance ended the month higher than anticipated, in part because of a $250 million regulatory settlement, according to the June cash report released Wednesday by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

DiNapoli Finds Questionable Charges for Rochester Special Education Provider

The Norman Howard School, a Rochester–based special education provider, submitted more than $200,000 in improper charges over a three–year period, mostly for salaries that went to uncertified teachers, according to anaudit released Tuesday by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

DiNapoli Finds Budgeting Problems at East Ramapo Central School District

Poor financial practices by the East Ramapo Central School District, including inaccurate budget estimates, have left the district with operating deficits for the past two years and could jeopardize future district operations, according to an audit released Friday by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

DiNapoli: State Improperly Overpaid Oneonta Dentist $66,000

The state Department of Health improperly paid an Oneonta dentist $66,402 for 2,361 inflated or questionable Medicaid claims he submitted for unwarranted services, including “behavior management,” and dentures that were not delivered to the recipients, according to an audit released Monday by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

DiNapoli Urges President Obama To Direct Federal Agencies To Adopt “Place Of Celebration” Standard For Recognition Of Same–Sex Marriages

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli Friday released a letter to President Barack Obama calling on him, in light of the recent Supreme Court decision overturning the Defense of Marriage Act, to direct all federal agencies under his control to adopt a marriage “Place of Celebration” standard. This would require federal agencies and programs to recognize all valid same–sex marriages, regardless of the current residence of the same–sex spouses.

Comptroller DiNapoli Releases Municipal Audits

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli Friday announced his office completed audits of the Jefferson Fire District and the Town of Lagrange.

Also in the News

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National Volunteer Week Mini-Grants Available to Qualifying Applicants


Institute for Human Services


  

National Volunteer Week Mini Grants Are Now Available!



Learn about 2-1-1 HELPLINE Give Help

2-1-1 HELPLINE Give Help works to connect organizations and volunteers in order to increase volunteerism in our region. 
  

Learn more about
2-1-1 HELPLINE

2-1-1 HELPLINE is a free and confidential information and referral service that connects individuals with resources in their community.
Or dial 2-1-1!
  

Learn about the Institute for Human Services

IHS is a nonprofit member organization providing management support services, information and referral, technology administration and capacity building services for the regional nonprofit sector.
Learn more>

The National Day of Service and Remembrance is Wednesday September 11, 2013. In support of the National Day of Service we are offering mini-grants for service projects taking place between Friday September 6, 2013 and Friday September 13, 2013. Mini-grants of up to $250 are available to support local service projects in Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Delaware, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga, and Tompkins Counties. To be considered for mini-grant simply complete this short application. Applications are due by the close of business on Friday August 2, 2013 with applicants being notified by Friday August 16, 2013.

Please note, preference will be given to organizations which have not received a mini-grant in the past 12 months. Mini-grants may not be used for fundraising or any activity prohibited by the Corporation for National and Community Service such as lobbying, entertainment, or religious instruction.

Mini-grants are provided on a reimbursement basis once the service project has been completed.

  
If you have any questions, please contact Tess McKinley at mckinleyt@ihsnet.org or at (607) 776-9467, ext. 217

2-1-1 HELPLINE Give Help coordinates volunteer support services, by serving as a volunteer clearinghouse and resource center that is supported by United Way of the Southern Tier to increase civic engagement in our area.  Interested in volunteering?  Want to add your volunteer opportunities to our database?  Learn more here.

The Regional Volunteer Center of the Southern Tier is a collaboration designed to promote and enhance local volunteer efforts in our community. Under the leadership of the Institute for Human Services, United Way of Broome County, and United Way of Tompkins County, local non-profits are coming together to create a dynamic regional partnership to enhance and strengthen local volunteer efforts.  The Regional Volunteer Center of the Southern Tier is one of ten regional volunteer centers in New York State.  These centers are a service ofNew Yorkers Volunteer which is a part of the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Institute for Human Services
6666 County Road 11
Bath, NY 14810



Thursday, July 18, 2013

MHAST: Men Who Cook, Sponsorship for Mental Health, and More



Please click on the images to enlarge.





Steering Committee Planning Meeting Minutes, July 15

Below are the notes and proposed plan for Fall/Winter 2013-2014 Winter/Spring.

October - Candidates Forum (looking into teaming with the Rotary Club event already scheduled, with the ED's as invited guests)

The format allows questions from the group to be posed to the candidates by those in attendance.

Early December - Health Care Bill impact on Non-profits - Are you ready for January implementation? - Held a BC Library 

Similar presentation hosted by Chamber - Lourdes presentation

Feb/Early March - Community Spot Light/Mixer - Opportunity to spot light a local non-profit (Goodwill Theater suggested) and to come together in a Mixer format.

Also suggested to have a brief presentation on the impact of the Charities Bill (Maybe Doug Saur - NYCON)  if it has been passed or another timely topic that will draw interest.
                             
April/Early May - Fiscal Accountability/Theft Prevention Focus presentation - Who holds the keys to your cash box? (not official title)  presented by auditor/lawyer etc...
Hosted at BC library or potential web based presentation.


Also Discussed -

Joe spoke to Tina Barber of the Community Foundation and she offered to provide the areas of interest covered in mini grants over the last few years giving us an idea of the needs of local NP's. This can help guide some or our planning for the rest of 2014.

Andrew suggested a mini grant application for the development of a simple web site that could allow us to list information about upcoming events and allow local non-profit ED's to list their organizations mission statements,  contact information, and areas of interest in collaborating, to assist with mission matching for grants or other programs.  It would be the responsibility of the individual organizations to maintain their information.  Potential internship opportunity or project for BU class group focused on Website design.  Joe is putting together the mini grant application.

Creation of a standard press release for upcoming SCNY-ED events to encourage participation.

Should have next set of 4 events scheduled to present at the Feb Mixer.

Next meeting scheduled for Sept 5th 12:30 pm - Meeting Room - Denny's Vestal Parkway by BU.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

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)
 
Berardi Award 2012
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:

  1. Be a CPA in good standing and a member of NYSSCPA
     
  1. Have served as an Officer on at least 3 different charitable 501c(3) community-based nonprofits with service as President/Chair at least once
     
  1. 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
     
  1. 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 Builder Award
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
Lewis Kramer, Urbach Award Recipient and Doug Sauer, CEO, NYCON
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  
nysscpa

  

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

NYCON Free Training July 24: "Sustainability and Critical Decisions in Tough Times," in Binghamton


Attend Special, Free July 24 Training and Qualify for Mini-Grants!

"Sustainability and Critical Decisions in Tough Times" Program in Binghamton

Presented by Kelly Matthews, Chief Operating Officer; Sr. VP; Financial Accountability & Compliance Services; 
New York Council of Nonprofits

Offered as a part of the Southern Tier Capacity Building Program. Sponsored by United Way of Broome County, The Stewart W. and Willma C. Hoyt Foundation, The Community Foundation for South Central New York, and Conrad and Virginia Klee Foundation

Although the economy is slowly rebounding, times are still tough for local nonprofits. Past assumptions and the way we've always operated are driving organizations out of business. Are you, like others, finding key elements of your strategic plan are basically out the window in this downhill and uncertain economic environment? Are you finding that your strategic direction is quickly becoming one of crisis rather than growth and development? Tough times call for tough, but informed choices and the will to execute them. This lively session will explore the factors influencing and options available for nonprofits to stay afloat, navigate and perhaps change directions in these challenging waters. Although retrenchment and managing risks are the buzz words for survival these days, these strategies should not be done in isolation of what the future may bring. 

Date: Wednesday, July 24th, 2013
Time: 9:30am to 12:30pm
Cost: Free to nonprofit directors, board and staff
(Board Member must register and attend in order to qualify for Capacity Building Mini-Grant and Assessment Programs)
Location: Broome County Public Library
               Decker Room
               185 Court Street
               Binghamton, NY 13901


This workshop is supported by United Way of Broome County, The Stewart W. and Willma C. Hoyt Foundation, The Community Foundation for South Central New York, and Conrad and Virginia Klee Foundation.
  
Training Recaps:    
As a recap from the recent program, "Building a Dynamic Leadership Team: Leveraging your Management and Governance Assets," please find the presentation and support materials below.  Here is the presentation and supporting documents from  June 19th's "Building a Dynamic Leadership Team":

Here is a recap of the presentation and supporting documents from April's "Infusing Value into your Board Structure":
  
Southern Tier Capacity Building Mini-Grant and Assessment Programs:
Nonprofits who have a Board Member attend will qualify to apply for the 2013 Southern Tier Capacity Building Mini-Grant, Assessment, and Quick Assistance Programs, as well as direct support and assistance offered by the New York Council of Nonprofits. The  Mini-Grant Program, Assessment, and Quick Assistance Programs are supported by United Way of Broome County, The Stewart W. and Willma C. Hoyt Foundation, The Community Foundation for South Central New York, Conrad and Virginia Klee Foundation, George A. and Margaret Mee Charitable Foundation, and United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties, Inc.
  
Apply Here:



About the Southern Tier Capacity Building 
Program Partners:
 
New York Council of Nonprofits is the premier governance, management, and support services organization serving charities in the state. NYCON has a membership of 3,200 charities of all types and has offices in Albany, New York City, Rochester, Poughkeepsie, and Oneonta.  For more Information visit www.nycon.org or contact Andrew Marietta at 607-436-3124, or at amarietta@nycon.org.
United Way of Broome County works to improve people's lives in our community by focusing on the building blocks for a good life: education, income and health. As the largest non-government funder of human services in Broome County, United Way assesses the overall needs of the community and mobilizes resources to efficiently address them. This is accomplished through the direct management of several critical services, including the Susquehanna River Region 2-1-1 Call Center, and the financial support of more than 50 local health and human service programs. More information about United Way of Broome County is available at www.uwbroome.org.
The Stewart W. and Willma C. Hoyt Foundation, Inc. was created to perpetuate the Hoyts' charitable interest and to use its resources to enhance the quality of life of the people of Broome County, primarily through judicious grantmaking. Stewart and Willma Hoyt's vision and funding, coupled with the prudent management afforded by a dedicated Board, has created a strong mechanism to seek solutions to critical issues facing our community. More information about the Stewart W. and Willma C. Hoyt Foundation is available at www.hoytfoundation.org
The Community Foundation for South Central New York is now in its 16th year of encouraging and facilitating philanthropy in the region, and serves five counties including Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego and Tioga. Dedicated to being a flexible endowment fund for its communities, it receives both large and small contributions from donors (including individuals, businesses and other foundations) to form the endowment from which grants are made. Since its inception in 1997 the Community Foundation has awarded more than $7.2 million in grants to not-for-profit organizations in the fields of health, human services, education, arts and humanities and has received over $17 million in contributions. More information about the Community Foundation may be found on its website at www.cfscny.org.
The Conrad and Virginia Klee Foundation is a private charitable foundation created in 1957 by Conrad Klee and his wife. Since that time it has made charitable grants to various qualified nonprofit organizations, primarily in Broome County, NY. The Klee Foundation is committed to promoting, nurturing and educating a healthy community.  Accordingly, particular focus is placed upon grant proposals seeking funding to support sustainable programs that can demonstrate how they can help to achieve that goal. More information about the Klee Foundation may be found on its website at http://kleefoundation.org.  
George A. and Margaret Mee Charitable Foundation

invests in projects and programs of qualified nonprofit organizations that support the communities of Delaware County, New York, Cameron County, Pennsylvania and Broome County, New York and occasionally the surrounding areas. The general categories of funding are Education, Community and Recreation, Health and Human Services and Arts and Culture. It is the Foundation's intent through such investments to assist and support the nonprofit organizations in addressing the current issues and challenges within these communities, thereby working towards positive change and impact in the lives of those they serve.  More information about the Mee Foundation may be found at http://www.meefoundation.org.
United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties, Inc.
covers two large, rural Counties and assumes a pro-active role in working collaboratively with organizations to maximize the effects of limited resources in meeting Health and Human Service needs. The United Way seeks to be the leader in improving the quality of life in Delaware and Otsego Counties, particularly in terms of addressing the health and human service needs of people. Priority areas are a Community-wide needs assessment, the advocacy of issues, support for the needed programs that serve the poor and working poor, and the on-going evaluation of United Way funded programs and services. More information about the United Way may be found athttp://www.unitedwaydo.org/








Board Scan Now Available
In advance of theApril 10th training, aBoard Scan is being offered to help participants make the most of their participation.  TheScan offers 20 questions to help you assess your Board's functioning. Use this Scan, attend the training and strengthen your Board. 
Stay Informed. Connect with your peers. Post your questions. NYNED is your resource

About the SCNY Nonprofit ED Group 
This Groupis supported by theNew York Council of Nonprofits and offers nonprofit executive directors opportunities for networking and professional development.