Local nonprofits stump for shrinking funds
By Perry Russom
June 10, 2013Updated Jun 11, 2013 at 12:43 AM EDT
Binghamton, NY (WBNG Binghamton) Leaders of local nonprofits said Monday if their federal funding continues to decline, they will be forced to close.
The city is expected to allocate approximately $1.6 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for 2014. The amount is down from $2.2 million last year.
The Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) met Monday night for public hearings on where the city should allocate the money.
One of the nonprofits that took the podium to plead their case was the YWCA of Binghamton.
"On any given day, you can walk into our building and we're housing approximately 60 women in that building," said Carole Coppens, executive director of YWCA of Binghamton. "I can't imagine what would happen if we have to close."
Coppens said her organization's members aren't fearful for their unpredictable future, but are collaborating to find out what they can do to help secure funds for the YWCA.
The CDAC will meet on June 17 to finalize their recommendation to City Council. On June 19, the council will vote on the recommendation for funding.
CDAC Chairman Martin Dorrey said the council will make sure all of the agencies up for discussion are visited so they can make the best decision for their recommendation.
"They provide vital services," said Dorrey. "Some (of these are) vital links for people who are low and moderate income in the city."
Although there is less money coming through the program this year, Dorrey said more money will be allocated to the city's nonprofits.
Dorrey advised these agencies need to be smarter in their collaboration with other organizations to bring in more money.
(Video and source at WBNG.com)
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