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.

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

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.

Steering Committee Meeting Minutes June 15

South Central New York Executive Directors Group
Steering Committee Meeting
June 15, 2010, 8:30 am
ACCORD Offices, Binghamton, New York

In attendance: Darrell Newvine - Steering Committee Chair, Dick Squire – Vice Chair, Keith Leahey – Committee Member, Deborah Fitzgerald – Committee Member, Cynthia Smith Gordineer – General Member & David Karre, General Member.

1) Steering Committee Membership –
Darrell Newvine expressed his desire to step down from his role as Steering Committee Chair and has offered to take on the role of Membership Chair and to stay active in the Steering Committee.
Deborah Fitzgerald was asked to take on the role of Steering Committee Chair and has accepted.
Dick Squire has agreed to remain as Vice Chair
David Karre and Cynthia Smith Gordineer have agreed to work as Interim Co- Chairs of the programs committee. David has also expressed interest in working as Vice Chair.
Keith Leahey will continue as a Steering Committee Member and will assist with committees as needed.
It is anticipated that Joe Sellepak will continue as Special Project Committee Chair.
The focus of these Steering Committee changes at this time is to keep continuity from initial group and to assist with moving the group forward in its mission and toward development of new steering committee members who will transition into group leadership roles. We will continue to reach out to those members who have expressed an interested in increased involvement.
The Next Steering Committee Meeting is scheduled for September 17th, 8:30 am at Accord, 30 W. State St, Binghamton

2) Program Committee –
It was agreed by all present that the focus of the September meeting be a facilitated discussion/brainstorming session with general membership on how the needs of the ED’s in our community have changed since the group began and how we can be more responsive to those needs. Do we need different types of programming and member interaction or more focus on specific topics to draw greater participation? Sustaining the ED Group – Does it provide something valuable to ED’s? If yes, call out to members to be actively engaged in the process and the increased benefits of involvement.

A Date for the next program was set for September 30th at 8:30 am and will be hosted by the Red Cross at 620 East Main Street, Endicott.

3) Special Projects Committee –
No report from the special projects committee at this time.

Program Committee

September 15 session
Will feature Dan Bonsick at 8:30 AM at Family Enrichment Network. Topic will be non-monetary incentives for motivating and keeping staff.

December 8 session
Topic: A 3 Year Vision of Community Funding (will include a brief overview of the strategic change UW is implementing)

Discussed having Steering Committee put together a survey about how we are doing, what is working, what isn’t, if the group is meeting needs, and soliciting topics for next year’s forums. Survey would go out in September and be reported out at December forum

Next meeting date TBD

South Central New York Nonprofit Executive Directors Group Minutes

Steering Committee Minutes
February 24, 2009

1. Membership Committee Update: We still maintain an active membership list. A couple more names were suggested for membership and we will contact them. We discussed a news article announcing our organization and linking membership to the NYNED website. Everyone thought that was a great idea.

2. Program Committee Update: The programs are tentative set for the coming year and the committee is in the process of selecting presenters. If you do not have a list let us know and we will distribute it. The next program committee is set for March 10th at JCC with the topic, Executive Directors working with the board. The presenter will have a set of questions to begin the presentation.

3. Special Projects Committee: We discussed at length what the plans were for the research project of the value of not for profits to the community. We are looking at collaboration with BU over several years to look at different aspects of our value that will culminate in a very extensive over valuation for the group. Allison Alden is putting together a synopsis of the project. Paid interns will be part of the process and we are looking at ways to fund those interns.

4. Full Group Meeting - The next full group meeting will be March 10th at JCC.45 minutes will be allocated for the training, 5 minutes for JCC presentation and 40 minute to discuss the special project.

5. Feedback on progress of the group: There appears to be overall satisfaction with where we are doing and the subgroups are functioning very well.

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”.

SCNYED Program Committee Update

Committee chair Dick Squire provided the following update from the SCNYED Program Committee, which met on January 14:

Meeting with Press-Sun & Bulletin

• Jennifer contacted Calvin Stovall he is canvassing his staff to determine date in late January early Feb.
• She will notify all and ask Andrew to forward to all SCNYED members for RSVP.

March 10 Forum on Executive Director working with the board:

• Dick confirmed Jewish Community Center as site.
• Bob still trying to follow-up with his consultant (not available till 1/19/09)

Back-ups suggested include:

• Phil Ginter
• Jim O’Hara
• Pete McGinn
• We will talk with presenter about format. Discussed was soliciting questions in advance, possible use of panel discussion moderated by presenter, or tips and suggestions by presenter. Challenge is the 45-minute time limit of Forum.

June 9 Forum on Motivators for Staff other than Cash:

• Site will be AVRE
• Bob to get name and contact HR person at Lourdes as possible presenter
• Sharon Chesna mentioned as possible back-up. Noted that we may specifically want an HR trained person

September 8 Forum on Going Green

• Possible resource NYSERTA or Assembly person Donna Lupardo
• Jennifer to check with Donna for ideas for a presenter
• Focus will be on beginning steps in going green in office and facility operations (not things like building renovations / construction, etc.)

December 8 Forum on Foundation Funding

• Bob’s initial contact with Judy Peckham, she discouraged idea of panel

Next meeting: Brief follow-up after Steering committee on 2/10 (Dick will not be present); Next full meeting 2/24/09 at 9:00 AM at Urban League

Program Committee Update 2009

The Program Committee met on Monday, November 24th at ACCORD. The meeting was productive, and the Committee outlined four possible program areas for next year as follows:

1. How to improve executive skills in working with a board. Program date: March 10
2. Finding unique employee motivators (other than money); how to develop a positive working environment. Program date: June 9
3. Going Green-Being environmentally responsible-everything from recycling to energy efficiency. Program date: September 8
4. Foundation forum- A panel of the leading foundations in the region to talk about grantsmanship and other issues. Program date: December 8

Share your feedback with the Committee co-chairs: Bob Hanye, AVRE and Dick Squire, ACCORD

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

September 23 Group Meeting Minutes

South Central New York Nonprofit
Executive Directors Group
24 Cherry Street
Johnson City, New York 13790
Minutes
Full Group Meting
September 23, 2008
1. Introductions: The meeting started about 8:30 am and was attended by 20 directors. Each member introduced themselves.
2. What we have done so far: Andrew discussed what we have accomplished over the past several months and the challenges ahead. He invited everyone to get more information and updates on this and other ED groups by logging onto www.nyned.org.
3. Lists: Darrell distributes the current Steering Committee and full group lists. These lists will be updated and distributed as needed. Anyone wanting a new list can contact Darrell.
4. The Future: We discussed at length what the plans are for the future the group. We discussed the possibility of a list serve. We also discussed ideas for program and special projects.
In addition to the Executive Committee there are three subcommittees. A member ship committee chaired by Keith Leahy, a program committee chair by Dick Squires and Bob Hanye and a special projects committee chaired by Joe Sellepack. These committees will be meeting periodically as needed.
Suggested future program ideas are training for board members, marketing and promotion of the group, tax and audit compliance, personnel issues, fundraising, energy conservation at facilities, agency presentations and training executives on how to work with boards.
A survey will be distributed to the membership for input for program topics for upcoming meetings.
5. Setting Meeting Schedule for the year: The executive committee will meet as needed, primarily before full group meetings. The full group meetings will be scheduled quarterly beginning December 9th. The next full group meeting will be hosted by the Brome County Council of Churches.
The full group meetings are tentatively scheduled as follows:
12.9.08 – at Broome County Council of Churches
3.10.09 – site to be determined
6.9.08 – site to be determined
9.8.09 – site to be determined
12.8.09 – site to be determined
Meetings will last approximately 1.5 hours and start at 8:30 AM. The first half will be the outside presenter. The second half will be a short agency presentation, networking and a regular business meeting.
The meeting adjourned at about10:00 AM.