SCNY ED Group Membership Meeting Minutes

Minutes of Full Membership Meeting on February 9, 2010
Beginning at 8:30 am and ending at 10:30am
The meeting was located at the Red Cross Offices, Endicott, NY


STEPPING INTO THE FUTURE – A TIME FOR ACTION

• First on the Agenda was a brief overview of the information presented in December by the Special Projects Committee outlining the information collected to date through the Non-Profit Economic Impact Study for Broome County. A Summary of the full report is available on the groups information site – Hosted by NYCON.
• We also distributed to all members present an appeal letter titled
  NON-PROFITS – A POWERFUL MODEL OF FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY! (SEE BELOW)
  This letter details our need for additional funding for production of the final Executive Summary and presentation piece that will tell the compelling story of the important role non-profits play in our community. SEE BELOW FOR THE LETTER- Please take time to read and consider this fantastic opportunity for even the smallest of us to take part in making our message heard.
• Discussion centered on the importance of a professional impact piece that will meet the needs of multiple types of Non-Profits and how information can be broken out to demonstrate the variety of services. Also mentioned was the need to ensure the statement is made that these numbers represent only small percentage of the non-profits operating in Broome County. The Steering Committee will have primary responsibility for the production stages and will bring drafts back to the membership as the project proceeds.

Second we looked at the results of the survey that was sent to our membership in order to help give us a direction for the future. (Attachment #2 SEE BELOW)

• From the information gathered it appeared that our members feel they are receiving benefit from membership and that there is a future role for the group. There was also general support for moving forward with the proposed plan to take the initial steps toward formalizing and implementing a dues structure.
• Third a conversation on the topics was facilitated by the Steering Committee Chair -
  Discussed were the benefits of taking the next step to formalization and engaging a fiscal sponsor for the organization that would manage any monies collected so that none of the member agencies would have the responsibility of holding funds on behalf of the group. This protects both our membership and the organization. A vote was called for by the Steering Committee Chair, Deborah Fitzgerald, of the members present and by a majority vote it was decided that we would proceed with engaging Innovative Charitable Initiatives Inc. (ICI) which is an organizational component of NYCON. This entity has been set up specifically to assist organizations like ours to operate independently without the need to form its own 501(c)3. It allows us to write independent grants for future projects without jeopardizing any other organizations ability to apply for their own benefit.
• The Steering Committee will be in charge of submitting our application for services to ICI and will inform the membership of acceptance of the application.
  

We reviewed the current organizational document (Attachment #3 SEE BELOW)

• Discussed was the option to establish membership dues. These dues would be used to help fund future programs and focus projects selected by the membership. Concerns were raised that we might lose some of our 70 members if a dues structure was put in place. The point was also raised that many of the member organizations are not currently actively participating in organizational activities. It is the intent that this change will allow us to grow a more active and engaged membership and increase our ability to be a more effective group for all members.
• Establishing a dues structure requires a change in the current organizational document. Flat rate dues and tiered dues structures were proposed. Votes were called by the Steering Committee Chair on each option. It was decided by a majority vote to establish a flat rate dues structure for the 1st year in the amount of $35.00. It was proposed that we review this structure next year. A date for the implementation of the dues structure will be determined by the Steering committee and the membership will receive advance notification. The Steering Committee will be responsible for making the necessary modifications to the organizational documents prior to presenting them to ICI with our application form.

For your calendar please note future 2011 full membership meetings are scheduled for May 11th , Sept 14th and Dec 7th . At this point the time is still set for 8:30 am. Watch for more information on Topics and locations. Respectfully submitted by Deb Fitzgerald, Steering Committee Chair.

ATTACHMENT #1 LETTER: NON-PROFITS – A POWERFUL MODEL OF FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY!
Dear Member,
The SCNY-ED Group Special Projects Committee has been working for over two years on the collection and evaluation of financial impact and human services, quality of life data from our local non-profit community and constructing a powerful picture of the amazing value that each of us in our diversity bring to the people who live and work in our area.
We have a powerful message to share with public policy makers, business leaders, funders and the community at large. We can now demonstrate quantitatively that non-profits are an integral component in providing the highest quality services in a cost effective manner.
Yes, this is something those of us in the field already know but now more than ever we need to highlight and celebrate what we accomplish even in the most difficult of times. Those times when our services are need most. We need to act and the time is now while the information gathered is still relevant enough to influence the decisions of policy makers at both the state and federal level.
How do you become a part? We need you to make a contribution to completing the final presentation piece of this project. The estimated cost is $4500.00 to prepare and print materials that will then be available to make our case in a concrete, fact based format that cannot be easily dismissed.
This is a fantastic opportunity for even the smallest of our local organizations to make a huge impact with a contribution toward the completion of the last phase of this important project. No contribution is too small, be it $25.00 or $1000.00 it all comes together to advance the message that Non-Profits are critical to the fabric of every community. We are an important service business model.
Please reply to Joe Sellepack Special Projects Chair at jsellepack@broomecouncil.net .
Remember to indicate your contribution pledge and your contact information. We will follow up with you. Thank You for being involved.
Sincerely,
Deb Fitzgerald, Steering Committee Chair

ATTACHEMENT #2
On-line survey conducted 1/24/11 – 2/4/11 to assess level of interest in the development of a more formalized structure for the South Central New York Executive Directors Association
Responses in bold. Total # of respondents = 19
1. What features of the current SCNYEDA organization have you found useful? (check all that apply)
Networking=18
Professional development for executive directors=10
Opportunities available through NYCONN=10
Organizational development=9
Information about funding opportunities=5
Participation in special projects=5
Media & community relations=4
Information received on special projects=1

2. What additional benefits would be useful for your organization? (check all that apply)
3. Operational collaboration & shared services=12
More positive promotion/representation of NFPs in media=11
Collaborative funding for broader community issues=11
Web-based informational clearinghouse=9
Cooperative purchasing=8
Joint comprehensive advocacy=7
Policy & legislative investigation/action=6
Generation of reports for your use=4
Facilitation of process to develop collaborations through mission-matching=4

4. What maximum annual association fee would you be willing to pay to have these additional services and features available?
$0= 2
$50-100=9
$150-$250=3
$300-$500=2
$1,000=1
“already pay fee to NYCON”=2

5. Do you support the development of a more formalized structure for the NFP executive director group? Yes=8 No=2 Not sure=8 please note there was an error in the presentation slide on Feb 9th where it stated that there were 8 No’s. Making it appear all levels were equal.
If not, please explain why:
• “My interest is in a simple format for Executives to share and learn from each other.”
• “A more formal structure will not change our outcomes.”
• “Need more input as to what ‘more formalized structure’ means.”

6. Do you believe the officers of a more formalized association should be elected by its members?
Yes=14 No=0 Maybe=4 NA=1

7. What questions would you like answered?

• “As an individual membership 501(c)(6) organization, our needs are different from many nonprofits. We are interested in cost-sharing/expense reducing opportunities.”
• “I would find it helpful if the group had opportunities for board presidents and officers to take part in some of the workshops and presentations, not only for educational purposes, but to do some outreach and networking.”
• “What are the professional development opps that have been offered in the Binghamton area? If any of the NYCON HR and/or Financial seminars could be held closer than Buffalo, Albany, or NYC, it would be good. Maybe I just have not seen them.”
• “Would group consider meeting late in AM? I commute from Oneonta. I am active in NYCON regional group for Delaware, Otsego, & Chenango and would be interested in participating in your group if later start time.”
• “What is meant by ‘more formalized structure?’”
• “Why not reach out more to Tioga County (i.e., in the nonprofit survey)?”

ATTACHMENT #3
South Central New York Nonprofit
Executive Directors Group
May 2008

• Mission: The mission of the South Central NY Nonprofit Executive Directors Group is to individually and collectively strengthen and empower nonprofit organizations; and to foster a highly valued recognition of the economic and social benefits of the nonprofit sector.
• Vision:- The vision of the Group South Central NY Nonprofit Executive Directors Group is that there will be a place where nonprofit directors look for professional support and will be the place where the community goes to seek answers to questions about the impact of or the impact on nonprofits
• Membership: Group membership will consist of 501(C)3 and organizations with similar missions and philosophies. ◦Other types of nonprofits can attend meetings. Membership is limited to Executive Directors.
• Disclaimer: Group membership does not mean endorsement of a specific position of other members
• Structure: The South Central NY Nonprofit Executive Directors Group will be guided by a steering committee that will be made up of no more than 8 members selected by the entire group. The steering committee will select a Chair and a Vice Chair from the steering committee group.
• Terms: Steering Committee members will serve a 2 year term. The group will have governing principles that will guide the steering committee, membership, and meetings
• Dues: There will be no membership dues but may charge program fees to cover expenses
• Steering Committee Meetings: The steering committee will meet bi-monthly.
• Group Membership Meetings: The group will meet as needed and be invited to all program meetings.
• Group Committees: Standing and ad-hoc committees will be established as determined by the steering committee.
• Meetings Location: The meetings will rotate among member facilities (including other counties) with opportunity for the host organization to spend 5 minutes learning about that organization
• Minutes: Minutes will be taken at every meeting and distributed to the group membership.
• Governing Guidelines: The South Central NY Nonprofit Executive Directors Group will provide an opportunity for networking, sharing, learning, resource development, educational opportunities, community visibility, outreach to elected officials and teamwork.

Steering Committee Membership:
• Annette J. Schweiger, Tioga County Council on the Arts
• Darrell R. Newvine, Family Enrichment Network
• Deborah Fitzgerald, Recess Resources, Inc.
• Dick Squire, ACCORD, A Center for Dispute Resolution, Inc.
• Jennifer Lesko, Broome County Urban League
• Joseph Sellepack, Broome County Council of Churches
• Keith W. Leahey, MSW, Mental Health Association
• Martha C. Brennan, REAP
• Ralph E. Hall, KNOW Theatre
• Robert K. Hanye, A.V.R.E.

Summary of December 2010 Meeting Presentation

After the completion of the first stages of the economic impact study we are left with
some important questions to consider

• What do these projects say about the economic value of nonprofits in the Broome County area?
• How should the information be used to benefit SCNYED members?
• In what format(s) should these studies be presented and to whom?
• Who will take responsibility for creating the reports and public products needed to distribute these important findings?

Brief History of the Special Projects Committee
Two years ago, in reaction to the proposed Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program that was being recommended by two mayoral candidates, the Special Projects Committee was given the task of gathering information on the economic impact of non-profits on the South Central New York area. Because of the diverse area that we serve and the amount of available information, we decided to focus on Broome County and expand into other counties in future years.

Additionally we decided that it was not enough to simply study the budgetary strength of non-profits. In many ways we could see that if we were to focus just on the economic impact side of the equation that we would be merely making the argument for PILOT to be imposed on non-profits. Instead we decided to focus on the economic impact, the way that non-profits provide mandated services that local municipalities would have to provide at additional expense to the taxpayer, and how non-profits help elevate the quality of life in our area and raise revenue for the areas they serve.

In 2008 we entered in an agreement with Binghamton University School of Public Administration and sponsored three different capstone projects. These students would supply the majority of the labor to complete the study. They were placed in four different placement sites and required us to raise $3,000 to pay the stipend of the student for a total of $12,000. We raised $11,000 of this through the generous contributions of the members of the South Central New York Executive Director’s Group. We also received a capacity building grant from NYCON for $1,000. We also applied for two additional grants that were not awarded.

Brief Summary of the Economic Data Collected from NFPs in 2010
Even with a small sample of non-profits organizations participating, it is apparent that the financial impact to the local community is significant. The data from 31 local organizations reveals that local non-profits generated over $80 million in revenue of which over half were funds imported into the local economy from sources outside Broome County. These 31 organizations reinvested nearly $65 million of that Revenue back into the local economy including $47 million in salaries. It is clear to see that in addition to the critical services our local non-profits provide to support the education, health, and improve the quality of life of our communities, they also have a positive financial impact as well.

Please join us in telling our story and consider adding your organizations financial information to this very important financial analysis. Without you information, it's not a complete story.

Summary of MPA Capstone Projects 2009-10
Two capstones, which conducted empirical research and analysis, studied the economic value and positive impact of nonprofits on the community. The first focused on “Volunteer Resources, Gaps and Recruitment”. Volunteers serve as a vital economic resource within our community, which saves public monies. Many nonprofit organizations depend on volunteers to accomplish their missions as efficiently and cost effectively as possible.

While the study examined the current practices within BC Council of Churches, the recommendations on how to effectively attract and enlist volunteers can be applied within many other organizational settings. Organization must first know the specific tasks to be accomplished by volunteers and the types of skills and interests needed. The recruitment appeals should be targeted, specific, and personal. Volunteer databases need to be kept up to date and include volunteer skill sets so that they can be matched with organizational needs (especially as needs change). Current volunteers can be retained and used more effectively if they are provided with development and training opportunities. To effectively target potential volunteers and provide clear expectations, volunteer position descriptions must be updated often and outline specific skills and aptitudes needed to complete tasks. Lastly, volunteers are more likely to be attracted to, satisfied with, and retained if they feel respected, can experience pride about their work, and understand how their contributions support the organizational mission.


The second capstone project examined “Nonprofit Collaboration and Contracting in Broome County” and contained two different foci. The first studied the views on collaboration held by nonprofit leaders in Broome County. The students found that attitudes about collaboration were similar across nonprofit organizations in the Broome County area, regardless of other factors. However, there were important differences in perceived benefits and disadvantages between collaborators and non-collaborators. A majority of nonprofit leaders felt that having another organization’s perspective in working through problems is a benefit of collaboration and improves the problem solving process. Recommendations from the study include: 1) conducting an additional investigation to discover why non-collaborators have negative perceptions of collaboration, 2) developing a best practices factsheet or collaboration model, and 3) forming a collaboration working group to discuss current issues and challenges encountered and serve as a vehicle to develop collaborative solutions.

The second focus of this capstone was on cost variation of social services delivered by government, as compared to those delivered by nonprofits through Broome County contracts. Their most significant finding was that from 2003-2008, contracted NFP agencies have provided roughly 85% of all county mental health and substance abuse services at a considerably lower cost per client rate, therefore helping to use tax dollars more efficiently. Recommendations include: 1) communicating cost analysis findings to community leaders, local government representatives, and general public to help disprove the myth that nonprofit organizations use tax dollars inefficiently; and 2) developing an ongoing relationship with the Binghamton University Public Administration Program, which will ultimately help tell the story of nonprofits in the region and improve ways that nonprofits relate to the community.

SCNY-ED Group Steering Committee Meeting Minutes

September 17, 2010, 8:30 am –At Accord Conf Room, State St., Binghamton
In Attendance: Richard Squire, Joseph Sellepack, Cynthia Gordineer, David Karre, Darrell Newvine, Deborah Fitzgerald.

Next meeting scheduled for Friday, November 5, 2010 @ 8:30 am
Location – Accord Conf Room. State St., Binghamton

MEMBERSHIP
We have recently added several new members to the organization and there continues to be new interest. Darrell Newvine will work on updating the Steering & Sub committee lists.

We continue to look for members who are interested in sitting on the Special Projects, Programs and Membership committee. Cynthia will reach out to individuals who have expressed interest in becoming more active.

The Steering committee is looking for 1 to 2 new members. (The Steering is comprised of the heads of each sub committee and officers).

To be eligible individuals must be actively participating in a sub-committee.

PROGRAMS
Next program to be held on December 1st @ 8:30 am. Darrell has offered to host at FEN and provide refreshments.

Program content will be focused on highlighting the significant accomplishments of the Special Projects committee.
- Breaking down the data collected to date
- What does the data tell us about our community?
- How do we use this information to benefit the Non-profits in our community?
- Does it make our case for the important impact we have?
- The committee’s suggestions & recommendations for building on this foundation.

Darrell will send a new survey to membership for input on future topic interest areas as we have addressed most topics previously indicated.
David & Cynthia will be scheduling a program committee meeting prior to the December 1st presentation.

SPECIAL PROJECTS
The committee will be ready with an overview/summary of the data collected by the Special Projects committee “Non-Profit Economic Impact Study” for the Dec 1st program.

After initial review of the raw data the committee has expressed their interest in extending this project to give the report additional balance. Several options are being explored for community partnerships to further the study and give our NP community more useful and tangible tools.

The special project committee will be scheduling a meeting in October.

NEW BUSINESS
Discussion of the future of the ED Group and potential affiliations
Considering full membership meeting in January to explore further.

Special Projects Committee Offers Insight to Other ED Groups on Ecnomic Impact

A joint meeting was held by the Oneida and Herkimer Nonprofit Executive Directors Group Steering Committee and the South Central NY Nonprofit Executive Directors Special Projects Committee to discuss the SCNY Group’s recent efforts around an economic impact study. The meeting, hosted by the Central New York Community Foundation, was attended by representatives from the SCNY ED Group, Oneida and Herkimer ED Group, and the Human Services Leadership Council in Syracuse. The main presenter and chair of the SCNY Special Projects committee was Joe Sellepack, Broome County Council of Churches Executive Director. Also, presenting was Katie McDonald, a Binghamton University master’s student working to help implement the study.

The discussion began with an understanding of why nonprofits were focusing on economic impact. In recent years, taxing nonprofits (whether by PILOT, a snow assessment fee, etc) has become an issue. With the downturn, nonprofits will be facing in more scrutiny and possible tax proposals. In response, the SCNY ED Group saw a need to communicate the economic impact of nonprofits on the local community and region. As Joe related, they also saw a need to make it more than about the numbers, and make a comparison to what the real costs would be if their services weren’t provided. The Special Projects Committee was formed, and is examining how the nonprofit sector in the Broome region shapes the community and environment through social and human services, arts and culture, and environmental services.

The Committee has been spending a great deal of time and effort looking at past studies, not only locally but nationally. Hospitals have been a good source, and two state studies, in Michigan and New Hampshire, have been good models.

The idea for the study will incorporate two streams. The first is the financial information taken from nonprofits’ 990s, while the second will be the “social capital” they contribute. The study will show how nonprofits shape and contribute to the community narrative. The study will incorporate personal interviews to help demonstrate this piece. The study will hopefully subvert the forces that want to tax nonprofits, and show their clout, but also the rest of the story. The message will be much clearer and powerful as a group.

Joe Sellepack related that the Committee under the guidance of Binghamton University and two interns has spent much time developing their study protocol. They have decided to focus on range of nonprofits, which would include only organizations that file 990s and exclude very large nonprofits (hospitals, universities, etc) that would skew the study (and already do their own studies). In a sense, the study will give a voice to the small to medium-sized organizations.

The study is slated to take about 2 years. Much of the work is being driven by Binghamton University’s interns in the Public Administration Master’s Program.

A question was asked by Darlene Ford, ED for the Mid-York Library System, concerning the target audience and overall purpose for this effort. A number of reasons were offered by Joe and other participants: showing return on investment, advocacy, use for collaboration, joint funding projects, etc. The qualitative analysis will help show gaps and overlaps in funding and can figure in ways to help address and form partnerships.

In looking at why the Oneida and Herkimer ED Group should undertake such an effort, the Steering Committee members related a number of reasons. One was the conflicting messages in the Oneida and Herkimer communities coming from nonprofits. There needs to be a clear message and story around how nonprofits help and impact the community. Also, a study would show what would happen if nonprofits disappeared.

A part of the discussion was spent on recent efforts of the Human Services Leadership Council (HSLC) on an economic impact study. Susan Horn, the ED from Hiscock Legal Aid Society, offered some of the lessons they learned in a group study. A discussion continued about the different data involved with nonprofits, including how things are reported (outcome vs outputs). Joe offered that using personal stories will help illuminate some of the challenges of data that won’t mesh. Katie McDonald added that being clear about the data collection and analysis is key. She has been developing the study’s introduction and methodology. She also is gathering social and cultural impact pieces (social network and social capital). She related that the study will include the history of nonprofits in the Broome County region (for example, what happened when IBM left), and how they’ve developed.
Overall, there was agreement that the study could be a template for other nonprofits, and the Oneida and Herkimer ED Group plans to follow up with Joe in the fall about the protocol and info they develop.

Program Meeting Focuses on Saftey and Emergency Planning

The recent SCNY ED Group meeting drew over 27 participants to hear Richard D. Keehle Jr., the Manager of Safety and Security Services/Emergency Preparedness Coordinator from United Health Services. Mr. Keehle's presentation (available here) was all inclusive and covered the core areas of:
•Safety Planning
•Police/Fire Involvement
•Emergency Planning
•Evacuation Planning
•Actual Events
•Personal Protection

The program highlighted the need for nonprofits and their staff to carry out a risk assessment and have a plan in place to deal with emergencies (such as flooding, workplace violence, or even loss of power). Many nonprofits believe they don't have the expertise and resources available to address the areas outlined in this program, but the speaker highlighted some invaluable resources and related online free training available for any sized nonprofit.

Suggested resources:

• Link for NIMS ICS Courses: http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/crslist.asp
• www.ready.gov: a source for emergency templates and plans

Have other suggestions? Add them here or e-mail us.

Special Projects Committee
The Program ended with business meeting, which featured an update from the Special Projects Committee about the planned nonprofit economic impact study. Joe Sellepack, the Committee Chair, introduced the two Binghamton University interns, Katie McDonald and Mike Kvassay, who will be helping develop this effort. Joe also introduced a letter that will be going out to area nonprofit directors about this project, which will ask for their support. The meeting ended with a request from Katie to send thoughts and feedback about misperceptions/misconception/myths about their particular nonprofit organization and/or nonprofits organizations in general to her at kmcdona1@binghamton.edu. The information will be compiled and used to inform the qualitative portion of the Special Projects Committee project regarding the social and cultural benefits of nonprofit organizations.

SCNYED Special Projects Committee Meeting Notes

5/15/09
Present: Joe Sellepack, Allison Alden, Joe Slavik, Daryl Newvine,David Karre, Ron Charsky, Katie McDonald, Mike Kvassay

Joe provided an update from the last meeting of the entire group. He reviewed basic information concerning our interns – Katie and Mike. He noted that it is important for both Katie and Mike to be working together with our group and their projects. Darrel began a conversation about research. What needs to be considered and what might be included in the results. Also, how will this information beshared with the entire group and how can methodology be made useful for smaller NPOs.

We discussed classification schemes. Katie has researched some information and shared that electronically with the group. We again discussed some of the issues relating to the New Hampshire and Michigan studies, noting that the NH study is likely very similar towhat we’d like to do.

We also wondered – have we defined what our “service area” is? NO! Considered it to be 4 counties – Broome, Tioga, Chenango and Delaware

Allison mentioned topics we need to be certain re included: benefits to individual; benefits to organizations, and benefits / inputs to larger social issues, such as short-term and long-term solutions to hunger. Ron mentioned we also need to consider “who is our customer”.Joe S. noted this is important, but we also need to balance “customer wants” with the concept of “public good”. Allison noted we also need to have a “face” to represent the public good. She also noted we need to identify our assets that help us meet our goals. Joe S. mentionedwe need to look at Community events that help us meet our goals, such as SpeidieFest and CHOW walk, etc. It was noted that the Harwood document relates to this issue.

ITEMS TO DO:

• a draft of a 1-page “flyer” outlining the program (David will do)
• a draft of an “ask letter” for financial and organizational support(Joe S. will do)

Allison began a conversation about the funding issue for the project... It was noted that Jerry Putman from Decker noted that foundations will be looking for impact. The idea was also discussed with Donna Hill. She felt it might be a tougher sell than we thought, as foundation’s are more focused on the outcome that might identify where there’s duplication of services which could lead to possible consolidation. She did note however that foundations were open to additional information gathering. Allison noted that it is critical to remember that “shared services” does not mean the same as consolidation. Darrel noted that we may not need foundation funding if enough participants help underwrite the cost of the entire project. David mentioned we also need to look a6t corporate funding, the way NH did.

Darrel began a conversation of the project, noting we have 2 internsfor 300 hours. And he asked – what do we want them to produce? Joe S.mentioned that Broome Council of Churches is looking for Katie to create a framework / design plan to pass on to the next person. Allison noted that Katie’s project is more “qualitative” while Mike’s project with Darrel and Family Enrichment Network is more “quantitative”. It is anticipated that we will need 1 intern in the fall, 1 intern in the spring and 3 interns in the summer to “complete”the project

Darrel asked – what do we want Mike to do re: financial impact? We will need local demographics (population, homes, ethnicity, etc). Allison noted we need to see what has been done and is available sothat we might borrow methodology from that and determine what might be consistent with what we want. Ron noted we need to have interim reports to be sure we’re all moving forward together. Allison wondered what local data might be currently available, and Katie will followup.

Katie noted she’s been reading lots of information / articles and will be posting some to the group next week. Some of these will relate to a “philosophical overview” of such studies.

Next meeting of the Special Projects group will be 6/2 at 2pm atBroome County Council of Churches. The next meeting of the entire group will be 6/16 at 8:30am at AVRE.

SCNY ED Group Special Projects Committee Invites Participation

The Special Projects Committee recently announced at the March 10th SCNY ED Group program meeting the goal of developing an economic impact study (click here for an overview) of nonprofits in the region. The chair, Dr. Joseph Sellepack, has invited any nonprofits interested in participating to contact the Special Projects Committee. E-mail the committee here. The next Special Projects Committee is set for 10:30am on April 8th at Broome County Council of Churches.

March 10th Program Summary: Discussion and Committee Report

The SCNY ED Group program meeting was held on Tuesday, March 10th and was hosted by the Jewish Community Center. Thirty-one directors attended the program that featured Teri Goodall Komar facilitating a discussion about the relationship between the executive director and board of directors. The program focused on positive examples and input from directors. The conversation covered a number of topics, which will be highlighted here.

The discussion first started with the role of the ED and the board. Directors discussed how to define the role or expectations of the board. A few organizations have developed a board expectation document (click here for example) that they give to new board members. By-laws also help set expectations by outlining attendance policies and committee participation.

The Group next discussed board involvement in fundraising. The consensus among the EDs was that they would like the board engaged and concerned about raising funds. The board needs to recognize this role, but EDs also would like to put the right board members in the correct roles for fund development activities. Not every board member can effectively ask for a donation. Carole Coppens from YWCA remarked that a fund development committee and plan have given clear direction to her board. As a part of this discussion, the Group addressed the question of having board giving requirements. EDS agreed that there should be 100% giving, but most nonprofits don't set a number. They expect board members to give to their best ability or personal significance. By setting a specific goal for each board member, many times a board member won't give above this number and may even think they have fulfilled their responsibility.

The program conversation moved to board engagement and recognition. The main point related was that the board must be given the opportunity to solve problems. Asking board members to just write checks is a quick way to lose their involvement.

The last portion of the program discussion was about how EDs educate their boards. The following were examples from the Group:

• Give board info (board manual, minutes, financials, etc) upfront and set expectations
• Ask each board member to chair committee
• Periodically send them to training
• Try to have a mini-retreat
• Invite board to come and work in the office
• Board orientation
• Board web page or blog (American Red Cross and BCCC Foundation both have blogs in place for their boards)
• E-mail communication (Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park uses e-mail to educate board by sending trivia and animal updates)
• Require potential board members to attend 1 to 3 meetings before joining the board
• Having staff present to board about programs and activities

SCNY ED Group Special Projects Committee Update

The second portion of the ED program featured an overview of the Special Projects Committee's efforts by the chair, Dr. Joseph Sellepack. The Committee is proposing a multi-year economic impact study (overview) of nonprofits in the region. The ED Group will partner with Binghamton University for assistance and development of this study. The Group discussed the need to get broad engagement and some ideas of what the study would cover. The Group also discussed what the uses for the study info could be. Overall, the study will show the economic impact of nonprofits on the community; change perceptions; and show what the cost would be if the city or county had to provide services covered by nonprofits. The next Special Projects Committee is set for 10:30am on April 8th at Broome County Council of Churches.

Jewish Community Center Introduction

The program ended with a presentation by Sheryl Brumer about her agency, the Jewish Community Center. She related that there are many misconceptions about the JCC. The agency serves everybody and has been around for over 80 years.

Next program meeting is set for June 9th.

Special Projects Committee Update

SCNYED Special Projects Committee
Meeting Notes – 1/9/09

Present: Joe Sellepack, Cindy Gordineer, Joe Slavik, Allison Alden, David Karre, Michelle Napolitano, Ron Charsky

Group discussed specific issues relating to doing a study on the “economic and social issues of Broome County”. Joe S. mentioned that it was important to quantify services and their value to citizens, as well as savings to local governments. Allison discussed issues that relate to these factors, including:
- Direct employment
- Purchasing by organizations
- Value-added services
- Quality of life
- Savings to governments
- Social impact
A significant discussion ensued concerning the possibility of using graduate student interns from BU’s Public Administration program, of which Allison is a member. Students should be paid a “modest stipend” for their work and it was agreed that there seemed to be significant interest from several local foundations to support such an effort. It was also noted that the project, when finished, would community co-owned so that all could use it. It was also agreed that it was a significant project, requiring much in depth work and likely a good amount of time (i.e. – it won’t be a one-semester, fast job).

It was agreed that the project is very worthwhile and needed and should go forth. Next steps identified were:
- put together project outline / concepts. Need to develop:
o goals
o purpose
o timeframe
o budget
- need a student involved in the planning process (Katie McDonald was mentioned as being very interested in this).
- we need to work on framing the “right questions”
- quantify basic data from Form 990
- identify question we want answered by the study
- get BU buy-in – Allison will work on this by around Feb. 2
- Joe S. – will talk with Andrew Marietta about using CCSNYS for blogs and consultant help for further discussion

Next meeting of the group has been scheduled for Feb. 13 at 8:30am at Broome County Council of Churches.

David Karre, “reluctant temporary recorder”.

Issues Aplenty: How do nonprofits respond?

As the SCNY ED committees look to the new year, there are plenty of challenges facing nonprofits. But, how should nonprofits respond? A recent website, http://www.helpyourhospital.org, launched by the Healthcare Association of New York State offers an interesting model. This advocacy website was started in response to Governor Paterson's proposed budget cuts. When you visit the site, you are prompted to enter your zip code. The website then relates how much your regional hospitals stand to lose in funding cuts. The website delivers an immediate and powerful message. What do you think about developing a website like this for the SCNY ED Group? Can you see the value in this resource as a response to proposed tax or service fees by the city of Binghamton or Broome or Tioga county government? Share your thoughts here.

Special Project Committee

Joe Slavik, Michelle Napolitano and Joe Sellepack met on Nov. 21 to discuss
a few questions that would help shape some of the projects that our
committee will consider. The questions that we wanted to discuss are "What
is the purpose or mission of our committee?" "What are some projects that
we want to consider?" "How do we want to complete these projects?" "How
often should we meet?" and "When should we meet next?"

It was realized by the three people who met that we did not represent enough
of our committee to do anything but offer recommendations. What is offered
here is merely our attempt at beginning a conversation that might be
continued at the next meeting: time, date and venue listed below.
To answer the first question, we want to propose that the purpose of the
special projects committee is to advocate for non-profits and to conduct
projects that would assist non-profits to better communicate what their role
is in the community.

Some possible projects we would like to consider are: 1) The social and
economic impact of non-profits on the community - it was determined that we
should tell the story of non-profits in the community - try to put a face on
what we do what we do... We also want to tell the story behind the numbers,
demonstrating how much it costs non-profits to do the work they do and how
much that saves the average tax payer, 2) Conduct a community needs
assessment and find gaps and overlaps in services among non-profits - part
of this study would be to talk to foundations and funding sources, 3) A
media impact study - to collaborate on ways that we might help communicate
the story of non-profits and the role various media play in helping shape
the message, and 4) Ways that non-profits can network with the University.
The breadth of these subjects suggests that they will not be studies that
are easily done. Rather it requires broad participation from member
non-profits and might benefit from students from BU to help shape and move
the project to completion. It was agreed that we would talk to Jennifer
Marshall of BU's school of Social Work about having interns do the initial
studies. We also talked about whether a Master's thesis from the BU school
of Public Admin. might be a better option. If it is a MA thesis, it might
help if we were to help fund a project or a scholarship for a student. This
will require further discussion.

We also agreed that initially we may need to meet more frequently than once
a quarter, but that ultimately quarterly meetings that mirror our larger
meetings would be optimal (unless it is determined by the group that more
are needed for a specific project).

The next meeting is scheduled for 8:30 Jan. 9 at the Broome County Council
of Churches. We are contacting Allison Alden and Jennifer Marshall to be at
the meeting. It was further recommended that we contact Andrew Marietta to
find out if there are similar long range projects (especially the economic
and social impact study) that we could peruse.

If you have any suggestions or questions, please do not hesitate to hit
reply.

Best,
Joe Sellepack

Hard Times in NY: Press & Sun-Bulletin Opinion Letter

The following editorial piece, Hard Times: Lots of things have to change in New York, appeared on the Press & Sun-Bulletin's website recently. The article covers a broad range of ideas related to the economic challenges and proposed budget cuts NY faces. The article also mentions nonprofits. Like many media outlets and other groups, the Press & Sun-Bulletin is asking for your ideas. As they relate:

Send us a letter detailing your cuts or new sources of revenue. Mail them to
Letters, c/o Press & Sun-Bulletin, P.O. Box 1270, Binghamton, N.Y.
13902-1270 or use the e-mail form at www.pressconnects.com/letters.

Should a group of nonprofits consider responding with their idea or even to this article? What are your ideas? Feel free to post here or e-mail us to post.

Employee Compensation Template

In response to the recent request for examples or templates on communicating overall employee compensation, AVRE has offered this example for consideration. If there are any other suggestions, please post them here or e-mail amarietta@ccsnys.org.

New Study Released on Rural Economic Development

The Carsey Institute at the University of New Hampshire published Measures and Methods: Four Tenets for Rural Economic Development in the New Economy. The studies authors, Anita Brown-Graham and William Lambe, examine how rural communities are creating jobs, business and wealth in the face of economic challenges. As they relate:

In the past, much of rural economic development relied on exploiting natural
resources or recruiting industry, often marketing cheap land and labor as
community assets. In an era of global competition, those old approaches no
longer yield sustainable results. This article offers four tenets for rethinking
methods and measures that promote effective economic development in the
twenty-first century.

• Innovation is key to driving growth and prosperity in today’s global economy
• Significant capital investments are required to put innovations to use
• Development efforts must seek to protect valuable natural assets
• Development is a “contact sport,” best pursued through dense networks of personal contacts.

Read more here.

"The Power of Measuring Social Benefits"

Social spending has always been a controversial topic. There have been countless debates at the federal and state level on the allocation of funding to social programs. Recent controversy over the tax-exempt status of nonprofits and the backlash on state funding here in NY are just two more examples of the troubled politics of social spending. We vote for government officials based on their stance on social programs; it's clearly a pervasive issue. That's where "The Power of Measuring Social Benefits" comes in.

The MacArthur Foundation in Chicago, Illinois has launched a $35 million dollar grant project which will fund research initiatives that are engaging in social cost-benefit analyses of domestic social policy. During the first 18 months of the project, the Foundation has already awarded $12 million to these analyses. The Foundation's hope is that policymakers and politicians will base their creation and support of social programs on the evidence that sound research has produced rather than on personal and party politics. Good social policy benefits not just the recipients of assistance, but society as a whole as well.

The Perry Preschool study inspired this focus on cost-benefit analysis. The Perry study, which began in 1962, was an analysis of the costs and benefits of early childhood education which showed that for each dollar invested by the government into a "carefully designed preschool experience" $16 was paid back through taxes and an individual's contributions to society. The MacArthur Foundation's goal is to saturate the policy arena with cost-benefit analyses in order to create the best social policy possible.