Thursday, August 26, 2010

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SIDS PREVENTION GRANT

August 26, 2010 (Syracuse, NY) - The Central New York Community Foundation is accepting applications for a Syracuse SIDS Prevention Fund grant. The deadline for submitting applications is October 1, 2010.

The Syracuse SIDS Prevention Fund provides grants to organizations addressing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome through medical research or increased community awareness, including local parent support programs, risk reduction education and approved SIDS research. Eligibility is limited to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that strive to prevent and eliminate Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in Onondaga and Madison Counties. Grants cannot exceed a maximum of $3,600.

To learn more about the grant and how to apply, visit www.cnycf.org/grants for details and application guidelines.

The Central New York Community Foundation has served Central New York for over 80 years, receiving, managing and distributing charitable funds for the benefit of nonprofit organizations. Grants are awarded for programs in the areas of human services, arts and culture, education, environment, health, economic development and civic affairs. The region’s largest endowed philanthropic foundation, the Central New York Community Foundation awards over $5 million in grants to nonprofit organizations annually. The Community Foundation, of 500 South Salina Street, Syracuse, NY 13202, can be reached at (315) 422-9538 or www.cnycf.org.

Human Services Leadership Council: New Meeting Date October 1st

The next meeting of the Human Services Leadership Council will be
Friday, October 1, 2010
(Please note new date!)
8:00 – 9:30 AM
United Way Building
518 James Street


Human Services Leadership Council
AGENDA
October 1, 2010
518 James Street; Rosamond Gifford Conference Room in basement
(enter from rear of building)

8 – 9:30 a.m.

Upcoming meetings: November 12, January 14, March 11, May 13
Introductions (with announcements)

Chair’s report: Randi Bregman

Brief Announcements regarding Federal Health Care Reform Program and American Institutes for Research Focus Group

Treasurer’s Report: Mason Kaufman

Main Program – Guest: Police Chief Frank Fowler

Program Committee Co-Chairs Susan Horn and Marsha Weissman will facilitate a discussion with Chief Fowler on his vision for the Syracuse Police Department and on the interface between the role of police and the work of human service agencies.

Discussion on Possible Meeting with Funders
The HSLC Steering Committee would like to propose a meeting with local funders to discuss several key questions about new initiatives, funding priorities and the role of human service agencies in the process and would like to hear from HSLC members about their thoughts and experiences.

Committee announcements:

Advocacy:
Liz Nolan
Mike Melara

Community/ Business Communications:
Sara Wall-Bollinger
Michael Crinnin

Internal Communications and Networking:
Aggie Glavin

Program and Training:
Susan Horn
Marsha Weissman

Monday, August 23, 2010

comm.UNITY offers 2 forums Sept 8 and Sept 9 on how they can help nonprofits

Hi there!

My name is Jackie Piccolo and I am this year’s Community Relations Chair for Communications for the Community, also known as comm.UNITY. I am a senior public relations major at Syracuse University and have been involved with comm.UNITY since the organization was formed two years ago.

For those of you who may not know, comm.UNITY is a student run organization at Syracuse University that is devoted to helping non-profits enhance their communications practices. Our large, talented, and experienced group strives to bridge the gap between Syracuse University and the Central New York non-profit sector by helping non-profits design and implement new communications plans and materials. We can help your organization with anything from website design, event planning, promotional videos to brochures and more! 



This year, comm.UNITY will be holding two forums on Wednesday September 8th from 5:00-6:30 pm and Thursday September 9th from 9-10:30 am. At the forum, the executive board of comm.UNITY and I will tell you more about who we are and what we’ve done in the past few years, and we’ll discuss how you think our organization can help yours. 

We look forward to showing you what our organization is about, and hearing about what your non-profit needs the most. For more information, please see the event flyer attached to this e-mail, or visit our website at www.comm.unity.syr.edu!

Thanks and hope to see you there,

Jackie Piccolo
Public Relations- Syracuse University 2011
2010 comm.UNITY Community Relations Chair
commrelations@gmail.com
www.comm.unity.syr.edu

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

GuideStar Offers Report on Economic Impact on Nonprofits

More than 7,000 people responded to our June 2010 economic survey, which measured the impact of these difficult economic times on the nonprofit sector. Among respondents, nearly half were CEOs, executive directors, or presidents—our leaders in the nonprofit industry. The results are compelling:

Some 40 percent of participants reported that contributions to their organizations dropped between January 1 and May 31, 2010, compared to the same period a year earlier.
Eight percent indicated that their organizations were in imminent danger of closing.
Sixty-three percent reported a total increase in demand for their organization's services between January 1, 2010 and May 31, 2010, compared to the same period a year prior.

Read all of the survey's findings here, for free:"The Effect of the Economy on the Nonprofit Sector."

Thursday, August 12, 2010

40 Below Update: Civic Engagement, Marketing and Public Arts Task Forces

40 Belowers,

The Civic Engagement, Marketing and Public Arts task forces are at it again...planning some fun, casual and exciting things for you! Check out all the options below!

Best,
Rory

Civic Engagement:
Social Networking Event: Monday August 16th from 5:30pm - 8:30pm at Dolce Vita (907 East Genesee Street, Syracuse 13210). Come out for a drink or two...bring some friends or come and meet some new people!

Marketing:
MarCom (It’s All Here) Task Force Meeting
8/19 @ 5:30
The OnCenter – State St., Syracuse
RSVP to info@itsallheresyracuse.com

Don’t forget about the 40 Below / It’s All Here partnership with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra (SSO)! Make sure to join us for “4 for 40,” a new program to be launched in the SSO’s 2010-11 season, which gives you access to 4 shows for only 40 dollars!

Three shows - A Day In the Life...Three Phantoms In Concert Return!; Best of the Big Bands; and Beyond the Score: The Miraculous Mandarin – are pre-identified, and you select the fourth show. Special perks are included, such as receptions following the shows. For concert tickets, please stop by the SSO box office, or call them at (315) 424-8200 or toll free (800) 724-3810. Tell them you’re a member of 40 Below to get the 4 for 40 deal. Tickets may also be purchased online at http://www.syracusesymphony.org. Visit http://itsallheresyracuse.com for more information.

Public Arts:
Concrete Jungle Jam - Saturday, August 28, 7pm, meet in a designated parking lot under I-81 on the Connective Corridor (you'll see us!) Using our car stereos, boom boxes, voices and congo drums, we will drown out the hum of the highway with jungle sounds! Jungle sounds will be available to download by Monday, August 23rd on the PATF website or get a cd at the jam. Costumes encouraged and BYOB.

You should be a part Syracuse's 4th annual participation in PARK(ing) Day by creating your own park in a parking space in downtown Syracuse!

Reserve your spot by Sept 7th, by contacting Carlota Deseda-Coon via email chdeseda@syr.edu or phone 315.443.1476.

What: PARK(ing) day is an annual, one day, global event, where artistis, activists, and citizens independently but simultaneously transform metered parking spots into PARK(ing) spaces to create temporary parks.

Who: Any organization, individual, teacher, student, citizen
When: Friday September 17th
Where: Various metered parking spaces around Syracuse
Why: To promote creativity, civic engagement, critical thinking, unscripted social interactions, generocity and play!
Ideas: www.parkingday.org or www.colab.syr.edu

Monday, August 2, 2010

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION, CENTRAL NEW YORK CHAPTER POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION: Mission Engagement Specialist
DEPARTMENT: Programs and Services
REPORTS TO: Chief Programs Officer
GENERAL SUMMARY:
The Mission Engagement Specialist reports to the Chief Programs Officer and is responsible for planning, budgeting, and implementing a strong volunteer program to enhance and expand the involvement of donors, community leaders, friends of the Alzheimer’s Association and families caring for individuals with dementing illnesses, with the Association. The Mission Engagement Specialist must coordinate a flexible program that is altered based on environment and changes in the disease to make best use of volunteer time and other resources.
The Mission Engagement Specialist will maintain an active travel schedule. Travel and support of weekend and evening work is required.
GENERAL DUTIES INCLUDE:
Recruit, interview and facilitate training of volunteers for the Chapter in fourteen counties including but not limited to: office, special events, speaker’s bureau, health fairs and day program. Work in partnership with regional staff to support this task.
Coordinate and schedule volunteer hours and activities. Ensure jobs are ready for volunteers prior to their arrival and that all supplies needed are available.
Develop volunteer position descriptions with staff assistance. Update as necessary.
Develop volunteer manual, brochures and policies with staff assistance. Update as necessary
Maintain the Association’s presence on relevant volunteer recruitment websites, including but not limited to, 800volunteer.org and www.volunteermatch.com.
Responsible for any volunteer grievance and/or issues with the support of your supervisor. Record any issues, processes used to rectify said issue and any next steps into The Raiser’s Edge.
Develop and facilitate both formal and informal volunteer recognition programs.
Act as a liaison to voluntary associations, local government and community organizations.
Responsible for keeping up-to-date with Association news, disease informant and other information that will assist in completing job tasks.
Supervises the organization and completion of all “in-house” bulk mailings.
Work with relevant staff to develop, implement and maintain a system which insures that all volunteer data is being tracked and recorded appropriately. Update as necessary.
Responsible for complete and accurate data input of all volunteer activity including volunteer personal data, hours volunteered, jobs assigned, etc. into The Raiser’s Edge database.
2
Coordinate major updates to The Raiser’s Edge so that the system can be used to its fullest potential. Coordinate updates as necessary.
Responsible for Chapter volunteer communications to keep volunteers engaged in the mission.
Responsible for overseeing volunteer module of Chapter “blog”.
Other duties as required.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
The Mission Engagement Specialist must have an Associate’s degree and 2+ years of non-profit experience. Experience with volunteer programs a plus. Other attributes needed are: excellent communication and organizational skills; the ability to meet deadlines and work effectively with volunteers, community leaders, friends and Association administration; and the enthusiasm to represent the Alzheimer’s Association effectively to all constituents.
Must have working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (including Word, Excel and PowerPoint). Experience using The Raiser’s Edge a plus. Must have a clean NYS driver’s license, access to a vehicle, and availability to travel throughout coverage area.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to represent the Association in a professional manner Ability to interact with diverse groups Ability to work with and train volunteers Ability to present information clearly and respond to questions Ability to travel extensively Ability to work independently on a variety of projects, prioritize and meet deadlines Strong organizational skills Excellent writing skills Ability to accept supervision Ability to self-motivate and work independently on projects Ability to multi-task
WORKING CONDITIONS: Small, not-for-profit environment May share office space Local and regional travel Work may be stressful during periods of high volume or tight deadlines High volume of public contact Independent working conditions

New Video Donor Tool Features Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation



We are thrilled to announce the launch of a short, motivational video about how women today are making history through their giving. The Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation, Great Plains Productions and Chicken & Egg Pictures partnered to develop this fun, 4-minute video with support from The Sister Fund. The video is designed to inspire new donors to join a hands-on/hands-with funding movement dedicated to equity, justice and the strategic use of money for women and girls.

Click here to watch the short video. And after you've watched it, pass it on to help it go viral! This new donor cultivation tool can also be uploaded onto your own organizational website and downloaded and shared on hand-held items such as an iPhone or iPad. We hope it will be the beginning of a new body of evidence that women of wealth can change history through bold and focused giving.

T
his short video was inspired by historian Dr. Sally Roesch Wagner who brilliantly determined to preserve and document the writings of suffragist Matilda Joslyn Gage. In the 19th century, Gage recognized that women of means funded their husbands' alma maters, churches and the ballet, but rarely stepped forward to fund their suffragist sisters. Imagine how different the world would be today if women had begun funding women sooner!

The video features original animation designed by award winning animator Emily Hubley and was directed by Peabody award winning filmmaker and Chicken & Egg Pictures Co-Founder, Judith Helfand. Fast-paced, animated yet urgent, it shows how today's women's funding movement, and new giving trends like Women Moving Millions (WMM), are literally changing the course of history.

A new form of feminism has emerged: Bold philanthropy for women and girls. Let's celebrate--Women are making history-Matilda would be so proud! For more information, contact the WMM Donor Office at (212) 337-3343.

Sincerely,

Helen LaKelly Hunt and Chris Grumm

The video's partners:

The Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation incorporated as a NYS educational foundation in 2000, and the following year received non-profit status under the leadership of Dr. Sally Roesch Wagner. Within nine short months, the Gage Foundation raised the money to purchase the Gage Home in 2002. They are currently in the midst of a capital campaign to create programs and exhibits for the restored Gage Home as the Matilda Joslyn Gage Center of Education and Dialogue. The house will hold the grand opening of the Matilda Joslyn Gage Center on October 8-10, 2010.

Chicken & Egg Pictures is a hybrid film fund and non-profit production company, founded in 2005 by award winning independent producer/directors Julie Parker Benello, Wendy Ettinger and Judith Helfand. This unique philanthropic organization matches strategically timed financial support with mentorship, creative collaboration and community-building opportunities. Over the past five years, they've provided over $1.5 million in grants and 3,000 mentorship hours to women filmmakers whose diverse voices represent a range of lived experiences and realities that have the power to change the world as we know it.

Great Plains Productions is a communications company formed by Carey Graeber in 2001 that produces broadcast documentaries and communications for corporations, government entities and non-profit organizations. Graeber is currently working with Dr. Sally Roesch Wagner and the Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation on a documentary that will help bring Gage's life and works to the world.

The Sister Fund is a private foundation that supports and gives voice to women working for justice from a religious framework.