SCNYED Meeting and Program Minutes: Recap on Foundations' Presentation

SCNYED MEETING
12/14/11 – Family Enrichment Network

Chair Deb Fitzgerald called the meeting to order at 8:40am. She welcomed all present and asked for introductions

The Business Meeting was called to order. Deb noted that we have significantly formalized our structure this year through NYCON which affords us 501(c)(3) status. We now have a minimal dues structure which will allow us to pursue more substantial activities. We currently have 19 formal members who paid dues for 2011. If dues were paid in 2011, there will be a modest reduction in dues for 2012. For renewing members the rate will remain reduced to $25.00 and for those formally joining this year the full rate agreed upon by the group is $35.00. Our goal was to keep the dues attainable by all organizations and their Executive Directors. More importantly, membership is vital to demonstrate to potential funders and partners that the non-profits of the Southern Tier are working together as a group.

Deb asked Joe Sellepack to provide an update on our fund raising effort for printing of our “Special Projects” Non-Profit Economic Impact Study which documents the value of non-profits in our area. Joe noted that we had received about $2,500 in pledges towards a goal of $4,000, of which about $1,850 has actually received to date. The money raised will cover the cost of printing an executive summary and copies of the hefty report. We need to raise the rest soon before our data becomes dated. It was also noted that the project summary is on our website.
Deb discussed our programs during the year and that suggestions for program topics as well as participation in the programs. A good response to a forthcoming survey in January is essential in assisting us as we’re working towards providing relevant programs for all.

David Karre introduced our presenters for the day – Judy Peckham, Executive Director of the Klee Foundation, and Diane Brown, Executive Director of the Community Foundation for South Central New York. Their broad topic was the state of philanthropy in the Southern Tier and the forthcoming common application form for many local foundations.

Judy began by noting that while local foundations meet as a group about every 8 weeks, she and Diane were certainly not speaking today for the group as a whole, but rather speaking as individuals because not all foundations are alike!

Trends and Observations: Judy reiterated that there are increasingly scarce dollars, increasing demands for these dollars, and increased scrutiny by the federal government and others in how dollars are spent and their outcomes. All foundations are taking a closer look at agencies and their practices in an effort to ensure maximum outcomes. Frankly, foundations are looking for what they will receive in return for their expenditures – specifically, what is returned to the community! Diane noted that the Community Foundation (CF) “needs assessment” has given the CF an opportunity for a closer look at what their funding priorities should be over the next 18 months. With that in mind, she mentioned that the spring grant cycle for the CF will allocate $100,000 to flood-related activities only. They will be waiving some of the normal requirements in order to help agencies (such as not waiting 2 years to apply for funds) and that they will reimburse retroactively for expenses made by agencies during the flood. After that, the CF will continue to evaluate how funds should be spent among various areas of community concern. CF will also continue, in cooperation with Klee, Hoyt and other foundations, to sponsor the “capacity building” programs with NYCON. Once again, there will be a requirement to attend one of the free training programs in order to apply for the grants. They will provide the first workshop on “capacity building” and a follow-up program on “evaluation and outcomes”. Judy mentioned that Klee has given $300,000 to United Way in an effort to help individuals in the area. It is also important to remember that foundations have a specific spending policy concerning the amount of funds they may spend as well as the areas they support, so it’s important to check websites and contact the foundation before filing an application to determine applicability. For example, Klee is now looking at healthy childhood programs (specifically, childhood obesity) as a topic. They are also looking for strong partnership programs, and she discussed a partnership between BU and WSKG as an example. She also noted Klee will provide support for operating funds to “build capacity or sustainability”.

Partnerships: Both Judy and Diane mentioned they are looking for organizations to form partnerships, especially focusing on “creative partnerships’ whereby an organization’s outlook is expanded though new or uncommon partnerships. Diane noted that the CF will work to help develop these partnerships, particularly as they will further the CF “needs assessment” results. They briefly discussed the “Saving Philanthropy” film, which relates to developing outcomes. Specifically, foundations are concerned that organizations are doing things that are in line with their mission. They both felt it’s important for organizations to look at and understand their business models, which sometimes means that Boards need to make painful decisions about programs and services.

The “Common Application”: They noted that a “common application” for many local foundations will be unveiled in January, 2012. Developing this has been no small task! However, they felt it will simplify the application process, despite the 6-page introduction and instructions. It will officially be known as the “Uniform Grant Application” and should be available on the websites of the Klee and CF early in January. They felt it will require less material and be less complicated. However, it was noted that each foundation will still have specific and perhaps unique requirements so special attention needs to be paid to the details. It is also important to note that it is not a single application to all foundations simultaneously! It is not yet an interactive form. They intend to pilot the program for a year and are seeking feedback on the form for possible changes in 2013 (the form will not change during 2012). Lastly, Diane noted that CF will hold a program on CF guidelines and the new form at 1pm on January 24, 2012 in the Decker Room at BCPL

Q&A:
Q: Will there still be a dollar amount available for “capacity building” grants? A: Mini-grants will be available again through the NYCON program. They may also be able to provide technical assistance grants. Klee is also looking for capacity-building projects.

Q:Is there any prospect of a unified data collection project, such as a repository of all local 990’s? A: A great idea but not sure how to make it happen with limited staffing at foundations.

Deb thanked Judy and Diane for all the information they shared and reminded everyone to fill out the survey in the new year. She noted our next meeting will be in the spring (likely March).

Before concluding David Karre noted that we all need to give a significant thanks to Deb for all her efforts this year in making our formalized structure a reality. (applause for Deb!)

David Karre, Secretary