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Showing posts with label Economy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Economy. Show all posts
Monday, May 13, 2013
News from State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Kidney Foundation eliminating staff to cut costs as revenue dries up
This news article is about the National Kidney Foundation of CNY and the economic issues this organization is facing and how they are forced to make cuts.
To read the article CLICK HERE
To read the article CLICK HERE
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
2011 Member Mapping Report from National Council of Nonprofits
2011 Member Mapping Report from National Council of Nonprofits
A unique report that gives your State Association data and analyses that are relevant to every State Association board and staff member in the National Council of Nonprofits' network.
The 2011 report addresses many frequently asked questions, including:
A unique report that gives your State Association data and analyses that are relevant to every State Association board and staff member in the National Council of Nonprofits' network.
The 2011 report addresses many frequently asked questions, including:
- How are State Associations weathering the economy?
- How do State Associations earn revenue other than through member dues?
- Why are the numbers of people trained through our network trending down?
- Why are there lots of new members in State Associations every year, but not a corresponding growth in the network?
Thursday, February 10, 2011
CNY Community Foundation sees spike in contributions as economy, stock market improve
Donations to the Central New York Community Foundation nearly tripled in the last three months of 2010, reflecting an increase in economic optimism, according to a foundation official.
The foundation collected $5.17 million in the fourth quarter of 2010, up from $1.95 million received in the same period of 2009. The final three months of the year, especially December, is often the busiest time of the year for charities.
“There is some more economic optimism,” said Peter Dunn, president and CEO of the foundation.
Many gifts of stock, real estate and other assets to the foundation are motivated by capital gains. People had more capital gains in 2010 because investment markets improved, Dunn said. The foundation received significant gifts of stock in the fourth quarter, he said. Stock gifts had dried up during 2009, he said.
During the fourth quarter the foundation received 800 individual gifts of cash and stock, up from 570 during the same quarter in 2009 and established 19 new donor-advised, field-of-interest and scholarship funds. The foundation has more than 500 funds that are pooled and invested to grow over time. It is the region’s largest endowed philanthropic foundation.
The foundation’s fiscal year ends March 31. It has collected about $7 million so far this fiscal year, about $1 million more than it collected in the last fiscal year.
“It’s a reminder that people here are charitable,” Dunn said. “That will have an impact on the community as a whole.”
The foundation awards about $5 million a year in grants to nonprofit organizations involved in human services, arts and culture, education, environment, health, economic development and civic affairs. “Our grants budget has been stable over the last several years at a time when a lot of other sources of funding have declined or been under pressure,” Dunn said.
The foundation has given more than $100 million to nonprofits since it was established in 1927. At the same time it manages about $110 million in assets.
Dunn said the foundation’s returns on those assets have improved as investment markets have stabilized.
Original article from syracuse.com
Friday, April 23, 2010
United Way of Central New York falls short of its 2009 fundraising goal
Syracuse.com reported that the United Way of Central New York in March put out an unprecedented second call for donations. It needed $1 million more to try to reach its $8.5 million goal for its annual campaign.
The tactic brought in another $364,000, United Way President Frank Lazarski announced Tuesday. That leaves United Way $635,338 shy of its goal, a shortfall likely to mean cuts in money to some or possibly all of the agencies it funds, he said.
The total, $7,864,762, is down 7.44 percent from the $8,497,019 collected the year before. Still, the 2009 campaign brought roughly 93 percent of what it set out to raise, and that’s great, given the poor economy, Lazarski said. The campaign began last fall and ended April 15.
This would be the second consecutive year of cuts in funding. The United Way cut this year’s allocations to agencies by 7 percent across the board.
The United Way of Central New York recognized the exceptional work of companies and individuals with a series of awards announced Tuesday night.
The United Way is considering several options for making the cuts, Lazarski said. It may cut based on the performance of agencies, it may cut across the board or it may work with individual agencies to determine mutually if they could afford a cut greater than 7 percent, Lazarski said. It will decide what to do by April 30, he said. The funding year begins July 1. Read more here.
The tactic brought in another $364,000, United Way President Frank Lazarski announced Tuesday. That leaves United Way $635,338 shy of its goal, a shortfall likely to mean cuts in money to some or possibly all of the agencies it funds, he said.
The total, $7,864,762, is down 7.44 percent from the $8,497,019 collected the year before. Still, the 2009 campaign brought roughly 93 percent of what it set out to raise, and that’s great, given the poor economy, Lazarski said. The campaign began last fall and ended April 15.
This would be the second consecutive year of cuts in funding. The United Way cut this year’s allocations to agencies by 7 percent across the board.
The United Way of Central New York recognized the exceptional work of companies and individuals with a series of awards announced Tuesday night.
The United Way is considering several options for making the cuts, Lazarski said. It may cut based on the performance of agencies, it may cut across the board or it may work with individual agencies to determine mutually if they could afford a cut greater than 7 percent, Lazarski said. It will decide what to do by April 30, he said. The funding year begins July 1. Read more here.
Monday, March 8, 2010
NYS Budget Cuts Proposed for Welfare: Call for Advocacy
http://www.state.ny.us/governor/press/press_0701093.html
We also need to make calls to State legislative leaders: Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (518-455-3791), Senate Democratic Leader John Sampson (518 455-2788), and given the current upheavals, Lt. Governor Richard Ravitch (518 474-8390)
Message: Please raise the state welfare grant as promised and provided $100 Million for jobs for welfare participants and others, using the $638 million in extra federal welfare dollars we are receiving. To balance the budget, raise taxes on Wall St. and the rich."
Background. After 18 years of inaction, state lawmakers agreed to increase the basic welfare grant ($291 a month for a family of 3) by 10% a year for three years. Governor Paterson is proposing to cut this year's increase in half to only 5% ($15 a month).
The federal economic stimulus package gave NYS more than $1 billion over two years in extra funding to help welfare participants. The feds are providing a 4 to 1 match for any funds spent for jobs for welfare participants. Last year we got $70 million for jobs. Governor Paterson is proposing to cut it to $18 million this year, even though we are receiving the second payment of $638 million this year. The Governor instead wants to divert hundreds of millions of these dollars intended to help welfare participants into the general budget.
We also need to make calls to State legislative leaders: Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (518-455-3791), Senate Democratic Leader John Sampson (518 455-2788), and given the current upheavals, Lt. Governor Richard Ravitch (518 474-8390)
Message: Please raise the state welfare grant as promised and provided $100 Million for jobs for welfare participants and others, using the $638 million in extra federal welfare dollars we are receiving. To balance the budget, raise taxes on Wall St. and the rich."
Background. After 18 years of inaction, state lawmakers agreed to increase the basic welfare grant ($291 a month for a family of 3) by 10% a year for three years. Governor Paterson is proposing to cut this year's increase in half to only 5% ($15 a month).
The federal economic stimulus package gave NYS more than $1 billion over two years in extra funding to help welfare participants. The feds are providing a 4 to 1 match for any funds spent for jobs for welfare participants. Last year we got $70 million for jobs. Governor Paterson is proposing to cut it to $18 million this year, even though we are receiving the second payment of $638 million this year. The Governor instead wants to divert hundreds of millions of these dollars intended to help welfare participants into the general budget.
Monday, March 1, 2010
United Way short $1 million, asks community for second round of donations to close the gap
The Syracuse Post-Standard reported that the United Way of Central New York is passing the hat again to offset a more than $1 million shortfall in its 2009 fundraising campaign that supports local food pantries, homeless shelters and other human service programs.
For the first time ever the non-profit will ask individuals and employers again during March to contribute to the campaign which began in the fall and closes April 15.
Many United Way agencies’ budgets are shrinking at the same they are seeing sharp increases in demand for services, according to Frank Lazarski, United Way president. The food pantry at Huntington Family Centers on Syracuse’s West Side, for example, has served as many people in six months as it expected to serve in a full year. Read more here.
For the first time ever the non-profit will ask individuals and employers again during March to contribute to the campaign which began in the fall and closes April 15.
Many United Way agencies’ budgets are shrinking at the same they are seeing sharp increases in demand for services, according to Frank Lazarski, United Way president. The food pantry at Huntington Family Centers on Syracuse’s West Side, for example, has served as many people in six months as it expected to serve in a full year. Read more here.
Friday, February 19, 2010
NY to close parks due to budget gap
The Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) today put forward a recommended list of closures and service reductions in order to achieve its 2010-11 agency savings target and help address the State's historic fiscal difficulties.
Governor David A. Paterson issued the following statement:
"New York faces an historic fiscal crisis of unprecedented magnitude. It has demanded many difficult but necessary decisions to help ensure the fiscal integrity of our State. The unfortunate reality of closing an $8.2 billion deficit is that there is less money available for many worthy services and programs. In an environment when we have to cut funding to schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and social services, no area of State spending, including parks and historic sites, could be exempt from reductions. We cannot mortgage our State's financial future through further gimmicks or avoidance behavior. Spending cuts, however difficult, are needed in order to put New York on the road to fiscal recovery. Going forward through the budget process, I look forward to a productive dialogue with the Legislature on parks and historic sites, as well as other issues."
OPRHP Commissioner Carol Ash issued the following statement:
"The 2010-11 Executive Budget included reductions to every area of State spending. As such, the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation has today put forward proposed closures and service reductions to meet its agency savings target. These actions were not recommended lightly, but they are necessary to address our State's extraordinary fiscal difficulties."
###
A fact sheet on the proposed closures and service reductions is included below:
The Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) today put forward a list of closures and service reductions in order to achieve its proposed 2010-11 agency savings target and help address the State's historic fiscal difficulties. As part of a comprehensive plan to close an $8.2 billion deficit, the 2010-11 Executive Budget included necessary cost reductions to each executive State agency, as well as cuts to education, health care, social services, and every other area of State spending.
OPRHP's plan includes the closure of 41 parks and 14 historic sites, and service reductions at 23 parks and 1 historic site.
The plan also assumes $4 million in park and historic site fee increases that will be identified at a later date, and the use of $5 million in funds from the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) to finance OPRHP operations. These two actions were part of the 21-day amendments to the Executive Budget and are intended to reduce the number of parks and historic sites subject to closures and service reductions.
Specific recommended closures and service reductions are detailed here.
Governor David A. Paterson issued the following statement:
"New York faces an historic fiscal crisis of unprecedented magnitude. It has demanded many difficult but necessary decisions to help ensure the fiscal integrity of our State. The unfortunate reality of closing an $8.2 billion deficit is that there is less money available for many worthy services and programs. In an environment when we have to cut funding to schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and social services, no area of State spending, including parks and historic sites, could be exempt from reductions. We cannot mortgage our State's financial future through further gimmicks or avoidance behavior. Spending cuts, however difficult, are needed in order to put New York on the road to fiscal recovery. Going forward through the budget process, I look forward to a productive dialogue with the Legislature on parks and historic sites, as well as other issues."
OPRHP Commissioner Carol Ash issued the following statement:
"The 2010-11 Executive Budget included reductions to every area of State spending. As such, the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation has today put forward proposed closures and service reductions to meet its agency savings target. These actions were not recommended lightly, but they are necessary to address our State's extraordinary fiscal difficulties."
###
A fact sheet on the proposed closures and service reductions is included below:
The Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) today put forward a list of closures and service reductions in order to achieve its proposed 2010-11 agency savings target and help address the State's historic fiscal difficulties. As part of a comprehensive plan to close an $8.2 billion deficit, the 2010-11 Executive Budget included necessary cost reductions to each executive State agency, as well as cuts to education, health care, social services, and every other area of State spending.
OPRHP's plan includes the closure of 41 parks and 14 historic sites, and service reductions at 23 parks and 1 historic site.
The plan also assumes $4 million in park and historic site fee increases that will be identified at a later date, and the use of $5 million in funds from the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) to finance OPRHP operations. These two actions were part of the 21-day amendments to the Executive Budget and are intended to reduce the number of parks and historic sites subject to closures and service reductions.
Specific recommended closures and service reductions are detailed here.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Former gym building is a sinking boat for Erie Canal Museum
Syracuse.com reported about the Erie Canal Museum's challenges with a $499,000 building they purchased previously for an expansion, now cancelled. Now the building is for sale and the museum owes Onondaga County more than half a million dollars related to the aborted project.
The museum put the building — the old Water Street Gym — on the market six months ago and plans to pay back the county with money from the sale, museum Executive Director Diana Goodsight said.
Once the building is sold, the county will set up a plan for the museum to pay back whatever remains of its $552,105 debt to the county, said Ben Dublin, county director of intergovernmental relations.
“We need to recoup that taxpayer money,” he said.
Dublin was quick to point out that the situation dates back to 2006, before County Executive Joanie Mahoney took office.
It began with a $1.2 million federal grant and the museum’s plan to expand into the building a few doors down in the 300 block of East Water Street.
The county applied for and in 2006 won the federal grant, which came through the state Department of Transportation. The money was to be used by the museum for the expansion.
When the museum killed the expansion — after it bought the building — the grant reverted to the state, but the county was on the hook to pay back the state for the grant money already spent, a total of $431,000, Dublin said.
After the county won the grant, but before the money came in, the county advanced the museum $552,105 for the project, he said. Then County Executive Nick Pirro and the county Legislature agreed in 2006 to advance the museum up to $1.7 million for the project, according to Dublin. The projected cost of the expansion was $1.7 million.
The $1.2 million grant was supposed to buy the building, replace its 1950s facade and ready the interior for use as exhibition galleries, classrooms and hands-on learning space. The museum was responsible for coming up with the other $500,000, Goodsight said.
To actually install the exhibits and finish the project would have cost at least $800,000 on top of the $1.7 million, Goodsight said.
When the economy soured, and given other projects the museum was conducting, its board decided to cancel the expansion to avoid a possible “financial mess,” she said. Read more here.
The museum put the building — the old Water Street Gym — on the market six months ago and plans to pay back the county with money from the sale, museum Executive Director Diana Goodsight said.
Once the building is sold, the county will set up a plan for the museum to pay back whatever remains of its $552,105 debt to the county, said Ben Dublin, county director of intergovernmental relations.
“We need to recoup that taxpayer money,” he said.
Dublin was quick to point out that the situation dates back to 2006, before County Executive Joanie Mahoney took office.
It began with a $1.2 million federal grant and the museum’s plan to expand into the building a few doors down in the 300 block of East Water Street.
The county applied for and in 2006 won the federal grant, which came through the state Department of Transportation. The money was to be used by the museum for the expansion.
When the museum killed the expansion — after it bought the building — the grant reverted to the state, but the county was on the hook to pay back the state for the grant money already spent, a total of $431,000, Dublin said.
After the county won the grant, but before the money came in, the county advanced the museum $552,105 for the project, he said. Then County Executive Nick Pirro and the county Legislature agreed in 2006 to advance the museum up to $1.7 million for the project, according to Dublin. The projected cost of the expansion was $1.7 million.
The $1.2 million grant was supposed to buy the building, replace its 1950s facade and ready the interior for use as exhibition galleries, classrooms and hands-on learning space. The museum was responsible for coming up with the other $500,000, Goodsight said.
To actually install the exhibits and finish the project would have cost at least $800,000 on top of the $1.7 million, Goodsight said.
When the economy soured, and given other projects the museum was conducting, its board decided to cancel the expansion to avoid a possible “financial mess,” she said. Read more here.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Recession delivers a double blow to many charities
The Associated Press reported that for many social-service charities across America, the recession has delivered a staggering one-two punch. Sharp drops in donations and investment income have been coupled by soaring demand for their services.
The casualties so far include countless needy clients losing assistance and thousands of nonprofit workers who've been laid off. Some local charities have shut down; even many of the largest nationwide operations have made painful cutbacks in staff, spending and programs.
"Nonprofits are generally at the whim of the economy ... but we've never seen anything like this," says the Rev. Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA. "Increasing numbers of our own volunteers and employees have been forced to become clients of our services."
The cutbacks are forcing charities to rethink how they operate and make changes that are likely to outlive the recession. Nonprofits, like regular businesses, are learning to do more with less. Those that survive will emerge more efficient. Read more here.
The casualties so far include countless needy clients losing assistance and thousands of nonprofit workers who've been laid off. Some local charities have shut down; even many of the largest nationwide operations have made painful cutbacks in staff, spending and programs.
"Nonprofits are generally at the whim of the economy ... but we've never seen anything like this," says the Rev. Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA. "Increasing numbers of our own volunteers and employees have been forced to become clients of our services."
The cutbacks are forcing charities to rethink how they operate and make changes that are likely to outlive the recession. Nonprofits, like regular businesses, are learning to do more with less. Those that survive will emerge more efficient. Read more here.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Syracuse's Unemployment at 7.9 percent
The Central NY Business Journal reported that New York's unemployment rate climbed to 9 percent in August, up from 8.6 percent in July, according to new data the state Labor Department released today.
August's rate was the highest since April 1983, according to the department. The state's unemployment rate was 5.7 percent in August 2008.
New York's private-sector job count fell by about 2,200 in August, less than 0.1 percent, to about 7.1 million.
In Syracuse, the number of private-sector jobs fell 2.5 percent, about 6,800 jobs, between August 2008 and August 2009. The unemployment rate was 7.9 percent last month, down from 8.1 percent in July and up from 5.5 percent in August 2008.
August's rate was the highest since April 1983, according to the department. The state's unemployment rate was 5.7 percent in August 2008.
New York's private-sector job count fell by about 2,200 in August, less than 0.1 percent, to about 7.1 million.
In Syracuse, the number of private-sector jobs fell 2.5 percent, about 6,800 jobs, between August 2008 and August 2009. The unemployment rate was 7.9 percent last month, down from 8.1 percent in July and up from 5.5 percent in August 2008.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Getting A Foundation's Perspective
Looking for insight into what foundations will be talking about this year? Take a look at the following announcement for the Private Foundation Summit set for September 17-18.
The Private Foundation Summit, sponsored by PESI Law & Accounting, will take place on September 17th and 18th in Seattle, WA. At the Summit, eleven of the nation's leading experts on private foundations will present effective solutions and ideas to cope with the additional demands and burdens of tough economic times!
The Private Foundation Summit will feature true thought leaders in philanthropy, including the Keynote speaker, Mr. Alex Friedman, CFO of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Also featured is Mr. Matthew Bishop, Chief Business Writer, The Economist and co-author of Philanthrocapitalism: How the Rich Can Save the World. Matthew Bishop is looking forward to being a part of the Summit and stated, "As the problems facing society grow, private foundations are needed - and needed to be effective - more than ever."
Jody Blazek, CPA and co-author with Bruce Hopkins of Private Foundations: Tax Law and Compliance 3rd Edition, welcomes the resurgence of private foundations, as advisors and philanthropists realize the former advantages of donor advised funds and supporting organizations that were removed by the Pension Protection Act of 2006.
This two-day summit promises to be practical, innovative and insightful for private foundation leaders, payout and investment strategists, management and operations officers, grant makers, grantee assessors, accountants, attorneys and financial institutions. Faculty from The Gates Foundation, Clark Nuber, Blazek & Vetterling, Adler & Colvin, Foundation Source, Polsinelli Shughart, The Seattle Foundation, the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, and Davis, Wright and Tremaine, will present current issues and offer practical solutions for private foundations. They will address complex strategic issues confronting private foundations during these tough economic times.
The Private Foundation Summit offers a unique opportunity to learn, network and gain the needed tools to strategically propel private foundations forward. Jane Searing, shareholder of Clark Nuber commented, "This summit is one of a kind. It is a rare occurrence to have access to this level of private foundation thought leaders at one event."
To register for the Summit visit www.pesilaw.com or call 800-844-8260 for more information. Please call for group rates.
The Private Foundation Summit, sponsored by PESI Law & Accounting, will take place on September 17th and 18th in Seattle, WA. At the Summit, eleven of the nation's leading experts on private foundations will present effective solutions and ideas to cope with the additional demands and burdens of tough economic times!
The Private Foundation Summit will feature true thought leaders in philanthropy, including the Keynote speaker, Mr. Alex Friedman, CFO of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Also featured is Mr. Matthew Bishop, Chief Business Writer, The Economist and co-author of Philanthrocapitalism: How the Rich Can Save the World. Matthew Bishop is looking forward to being a part of the Summit and stated, "As the problems facing society grow, private foundations are needed - and needed to be effective - more than ever."
Jody Blazek, CPA and co-author with Bruce Hopkins of Private Foundations: Tax Law and Compliance 3rd Edition, welcomes the resurgence of private foundations, as advisors and philanthropists realize the former advantages of donor advised funds and supporting organizations that were removed by the Pension Protection Act of 2006.
This two-day summit promises to be practical, innovative and insightful for private foundation leaders, payout and investment strategists, management and operations officers, grant makers, grantee assessors, accountants, attorneys and financial institutions. Faculty from The Gates Foundation, Clark Nuber, Blazek & Vetterling, Adler & Colvin, Foundation Source, Polsinelli Shughart, The Seattle Foundation, the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, and Davis, Wright and Tremaine, will present current issues and offer practical solutions for private foundations. They will address complex strategic issues confronting private foundations during these tough economic times.
The Private Foundation Summit offers a unique opportunity to learn, network and gain the needed tools to strategically propel private foundations forward. Jane Searing, shareholder of Clark Nuber commented, "This summit is one of a kind. It is a rare occurrence to have access to this level of private foundation thought leaders at one event."
To register for the Summit visit www.pesilaw.com or call 800-844-8260 for more information. Please call for group rates.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Community Foundation Offers Stimulus Funds Networking Forum
Dear member of the Central New York Community,
Federal stimulus funds, both directly from Federal departments and through NYS, are being made available rapidly and often with little time between requests for proposals and due dates. Many of these funds require extensive collaborations between organizations adding further complexity to the application process.
To assist in the process of applying for funding, and to increase the overall competitiveness of CNY applicants, the Central New York Community Foundation is offering a networking forum in response to feedback we have received about the need for a medium for seeking out potential collaborators.
Federal government officials involved in the stimulus funding process have repeatedly emphasized that collaborative and focused grant applications with a regional approach will compete better than individual applications from a single city or county. One way to foster such collaboration is to offer a forum in which organizations can make their interests known to each other.
The object of this initiative is to offer a neutral space for organizations to communicate about which funding opportunities interest them and a means for identifying other organizations with which they might collaborate and or coordinate to maximize the amount of resources received by Central New York.
We invite all nonprofit, for profit and governmental organizations that are interested in pursuing stimulus funds and other federal and state monies to participate by completing the web survey at the link below by August 7th. We will then forward to you the contact information of community organizations with similar grant interests so that you may connect with each other at your convenience.
The Central New York Community Foundation will not seek to arbitrate between groups with regard to project or application choice. Rather, we seek to offer a medium for interested parties to connect with each other and find ways to collaborate.
To participate, simply click here and complete the short survey.
An extensive listing of current grants can be found at the following website (click here).
Finally, as this is an open service offered to the community, please feel free to forward this email to organizations that you feel would be interested in participating.
Sincerely,
The Central New York Community Foundation
Federal stimulus funds, both directly from Federal departments and through NYS, are being made available rapidly and often with little time between requests for proposals and due dates. Many of these funds require extensive collaborations between organizations adding further complexity to the application process.
To assist in the process of applying for funding, and to increase the overall competitiveness of CNY applicants, the Central New York Community Foundation is offering a networking forum in response to feedback we have received about the need for a medium for seeking out potential collaborators.
Federal government officials involved in the stimulus funding process have repeatedly emphasized that collaborative and focused grant applications with a regional approach will compete better than individual applications from a single city or county. One way to foster such collaboration is to offer a forum in which organizations can make their interests known to each other.
The object of this initiative is to offer a neutral space for organizations to communicate about which funding opportunities interest them and a means for identifying other organizations with which they might collaborate and or coordinate to maximize the amount of resources received by Central New York.
We invite all nonprofit, for profit and governmental organizations that are interested in pursuing stimulus funds and other federal and state monies to participate by completing the web survey at the link below by August 7th. We will then forward to you the contact information of community organizations with similar grant interests so that you may connect with each other at your convenience.
The Central New York Community Foundation will not seek to arbitrate between groups with regard to project or application choice. Rather, we seek to offer a medium for interested parties to connect with each other and find ways to collaborate.
To participate, simply click here and complete the short survey.
An extensive listing of current grants can be found at the following website (click here).
Finally, as this is an open service offered to the community, please feel free to forward this email to organizations that you feel would be interested in participating.
Sincerely,
The Central New York Community Foundation
Monday, July 27, 2009
New rules for accountants, effective Sunday, catch some CPAs by surprise
Syracus.com reported that about one-third of New York's 60,000 certified public accounts may miss Sunday's deadline to register with the state.
As part of new accounting profession regulatory reforms signed into law in January, all CPAs must register with the state Education Department and take classes each year to keep up to date.
"It's the CPA's ethical responsibility to see that they get registered," said David Moynihan, president of the state Society of Certified Public Accountants and a partner in Testone, Marshall & Discenza, a Syracuse accounting firm.
Under the state's existing law, only CPAs who do audit work must register. The new law expands the requirement to all CPAs who provide accounting, management, tax and financial advisory services. It represents the first major overhaul of the law since 1897, Moynihan said.
Read a Q&A on the changes for accountants in New York state here.
"There wasn't even a national income tax in 1897," he said. "All the other avenues CPAs have gotten into have been unregulated."
Moynihan said many CPAs are unaware of the change because they are retired or no longer living in New York state. Even retired CPAs who provide their services for free to nonprofits must register, he said.
As part of the new law, CPAs must take up to 40 hours of continuing professional education annually. Read more here.
This is an important change for nonprofits to acknowledge, especially as they explore audit services. Have additional comments? Post them here.
As part of new accounting profession regulatory reforms signed into law in January, all CPAs must register with the state Education Department and take classes each year to keep up to date.
"It's the CPA's ethical responsibility to see that they get registered," said David Moynihan, president of the state Society of Certified Public Accountants and a partner in Testone, Marshall & Discenza, a Syracuse accounting firm.
Under the state's existing law, only CPAs who do audit work must register. The new law expands the requirement to all CPAs who provide accounting, management, tax and financial advisory services. It represents the first major overhaul of the law since 1897, Moynihan said.
Read a Q&A on the changes for accountants in New York state here.
"There wasn't even a national income tax in 1897," he said. "All the other avenues CPAs have gotten into have been unregulated."
Moynihan said many CPAs are unaware of the change because they are retired or no longer living in New York state. Even retired CPAs who provide their services for free to nonprofits must register, he said.
As part of the new law, CPAs must take up to 40 hours of continuing professional education annually. Read more here.
This is an important change for nonprofits to acknowledge, especially as they explore audit services. Have additional comments? Post them here.
Monday, July 20, 2009
NYS Unemployment Continues Increase
The Central NY Business Journal related that in June, the state's unemployment rate increased to its highest level since October 1992.
June's unemployment rate was 8.7 percent, up from 8.2 percent in May and 5.3 percent a year ago. For the month, the number of unemployed state residents jumped to more than 854,000, the largest number on records dating back to 1976.
After seasonal adjustment, New York State's private-sector job count decreased over the month by nearly 18,000, or 0.2 percent, to about 7.08 million. The job total has now dropped for 10 consecutive months.
Since the state's private-sector job count peaked in August 2008, New York has lost nearly 236,000 private-sector jobs, erasing more than half of the 400,000 jobs added during the last economic expansion from 2003 to 2008, according to the Labor Department.
In the Syracuse region, the number of nonfarm jobs fell by 4,900, or 1.5 percent, and the number of private-sector jobs dropped 5,600, or 2.1 percent since June 2008. The area's unemployment rate was 8.6 percent in June 2009, compared with 8 percent in May and 5.4 percent in June 2008. Read more here.
June's unemployment rate was 8.7 percent, up from 8.2 percent in May and 5.3 percent a year ago. For the month, the number of unemployed state residents jumped to more than 854,000, the largest number on records dating back to 1976.
After seasonal adjustment, New York State's private-sector job count decreased over the month by nearly 18,000, or 0.2 percent, to about 7.08 million. The job total has now dropped for 10 consecutive months.
Since the state's private-sector job count peaked in August 2008, New York has lost nearly 236,000 private-sector jobs, erasing more than half of the 400,000 jobs added during the last economic expansion from 2003 to 2008, according to the Labor Department.
In the Syracuse region, the number of nonfarm jobs fell by 4,900, or 1.5 percent, and the number of private-sector jobs dropped 5,600, or 2.1 percent since June 2008. The area's unemployment rate was 8.6 percent in June 2009, compared with 8 percent in May and 5.4 percent in June 2008. Read more here.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
How stimulus works for Central New York
Governor David Paterson offered the following editorial published by the Syracuse Post-Standard:
In the early years of the Great Depression, New York's economy was devastated. The unemployment rate soared to nearly 40 percent. Central New York was hit especially hard. From 1929 to 1933, Syracuse lost half its manufacturing jobs.
Yet New Yorkers did not give up. We banded together to create jobs and get our economy moving again. And, slowly but surely, we succeeded.
Federal, state and city efforts - including President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Works Progress Administration - created thousands of jobs. In Syracuse, workers elevated the New York Central Railroad's tracks above street level, built the former MacArthur Stadium, restored Elmwood and Burnet Parks and more.
Today, we face the worst economic crisis our state has seen since the Great Depression. And, just like we did then, we have banded together in an historic effort to get our economy moving again.
As governor, my highest priority is to create jobs and put New Yorkers back to work - and we are succeeding.
Last Wednesday - the 100th day since Congress passed President Obama's economic stimulus package - we reached a significant milestone. We have allocated more than half of the economic stimulus funding we received for highway construction - and we have done so a full month ahead of the federally-mandated deadline.
Here in Central New York, in the weeks ahead, workers will begin resurfacing I-690, reconstructing Warren Road and repairing the bridge that carries Bartell Road over I-81.
Not only are we allocating this funding quickly, we are allocating it effectively. Funds are only being spent on shovel-ready projects - those for which work can begin immediately. Moreover, these projects have been selected by experts, such as the members of the Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council, who know the infrastructure needs of this region best.
Finally, we are upholding the highest principles of transparency and accountability. The stimulus dollars are your dollars, and you deserve to know exactly how they are being spent. Through our Web site - www.recovery.ny.gov
- New Yorkers can monitor how every dollar of stimulus funds has been spent and how many jobs have been created. We will not tolerate waste, fraud or abuse at any level of this process.
Overall, President Obama's economic stimulus plan will preserve or create 215,000 jobs in New York. Our state's management of the stimulus plan has been a model for the rest of the nation to follow. In fact, in a report released last week, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities held out New York as a model for effective management of economic stimulus funds.
In addition to projects that will create jobs in the short term, we are moving forward with a number of initiatives that will transform New York's economy and create jobs over the long term.
For example, thanks to stimulus funding, we are moving forward with a plan to build one of the nation's first high-speed rail lines in New York with a stop in Syracuse.
Stimulus funds are also bolstering our effort to make New York a global leader in the new clean energy economy. We have set one of the nation's most ambitious clean energy goals. By investing in greater energy efficiency and clean, renewable energy, we expect to create 50,000 jobs in New York by 2015.
And we are working to make New York more affordable. Earlier this month, I proposed a cap on state spending, and this week, I will submit legislation to cap property taxes. We must force government to live within its means, so families and businesses can afford to stay here, and new families and businesses can afford to locate here.
In the weeks and months ahead, we will continue allocating stimulus funding quickly, efficiently and transparently so we can create jobs and put people back to work as fast as possible. And we will lay the foundation for a new economy for New York, so we can revitalize our state for decades to come.
I am proud to be leading New York through this crisis, and I am confident that just as we have done in the past we will overcome it together.
In the early years of the Great Depression, New York's economy was devastated. The unemployment rate soared to nearly 40 percent. Central New York was hit especially hard. From 1929 to 1933, Syracuse lost half its manufacturing jobs.
Yet New Yorkers did not give up. We banded together to create jobs and get our economy moving again. And, slowly but surely, we succeeded.
Federal, state and city efforts - including President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Works Progress Administration - created thousands of jobs. In Syracuse, workers elevated the New York Central Railroad's tracks above street level, built the former MacArthur Stadium, restored Elmwood and Burnet Parks and more.
Today, we face the worst economic crisis our state has seen since the Great Depression. And, just like we did then, we have banded together in an historic effort to get our economy moving again.
As governor, my highest priority is to create jobs and put New Yorkers back to work - and we are succeeding.
Last Wednesday - the 100th day since Congress passed President Obama's economic stimulus package - we reached a significant milestone. We have allocated more than half of the economic stimulus funding we received for highway construction - and we have done so a full month ahead of the federally-mandated deadline.
Here in Central New York, in the weeks ahead, workers will begin resurfacing I-690, reconstructing Warren Road and repairing the bridge that carries Bartell Road over I-81.
Not only are we allocating this funding quickly, we are allocating it effectively. Funds are only being spent on shovel-ready projects - those for which work can begin immediately. Moreover, these projects have been selected by experts, such as the members of the Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council, who know the infrastructure needs of this region best.
Finally, we are upholding the highest principles of transparency and accountability. The stimulus dollars are your dollars, and you deserve to know exactly how they are being spent. Through our Web site - www.recovery.ny.gov
- New Yorkers can monitor how every dollar of stimulus funds has been spent and how many jobs have been created. We will not tolerate waste, fraud or abuse at any level of this process.
Overall, President Obama's economic stimulus plan will preserve or create 215,000 jobs in New York. Our state's management of the stimulus plan has been a model for the rest of the nation to follow. In fact, in a report released last week, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities held out New York as a model for effective management of economic stimulus funds.
In addition to projects that will create jobs in the short term, we are moving forward with a number of initiatives that will transform New York's economy and create jobs over the long term.
For example, thanks to stimulus funding, we are moving forward with a plan to build one of the nation's first high-speed rail lines in New York with a stop in Syracuse.
Stimulus funds are also bolstering our effort to make New York a global leader in the new clean energy economy. We have set one of the nation's most ambitious clean energy goals. By investing in greater energy efficiency and clean, renewable energy, we expect to create 50,000 jobs in New York by 2015.
And we are working to make New York more affordable. Earlier this month, I proposed a cap on state spending, and this week, I will submit legislation to cap property taxes. We must force government to live within its means, so families and businesses can afford to stay here, and new families and businesses can afford to locate here.
In the weeks and months ahead, we will continue allocating stimulus funding quickly, efficiently and transparently so we can create jobs and put people back to work as fast as possible. And we will lay the foundation for a new economy for New York, so we can revitalize our state for decades to come.
I am proud to be leading New York through this crisis, and I am confident that just as we have done in the past we will overcome it together.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Regional Cooperation: A Pathway to Economic Recovery
This is the third in NLC’s “An Economic View from Main Street” series of articles on topics and issues relating to cities and towns in the economic crisis.
Regional cooperation is a proven way to reduce costs, increase economic competitiveness, manage development impacts and create new opportunities and synergies between communities. This was true before the present economic crisis and is even more critical in a time of economic recession.
The long-term strength and stability of local jurisdictions depends on an economic region with a climate for growth, cultivated local assets and healthy, productive residents and businesses. As part of the national economic recovery strategy, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) supports these critical investments in regional development.
Significant funding is being made available for innovation, workforce development and education, infrastructure, energy efficiency and neighborhood stabilization. While not explicitly requiring a coordinated approach, ARRA presents an opportunity to local officials and other regional stakeholders to utilize and enhance current regional governance, or where networks are not in place, to develop new relationships across jurisdictions and sectors.
For example, in the Birmingham-Hoover, Ala. region, local elected officials formed the Alabama Green Initiative (AGI) to jointly pursue federal stimulus funding for projects that enhance sustainable community development, including: recycling; bio-fuel conversion; Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification; infrastructure improvements; and energy conservation.
Leaders in the Mahoning Valley, Ohio region collaborated for a $20 million federal stimulus grant to expand a rail line; a project that regional leaders say is critical to their future economic success and one that could not have moved forward without a joint effort.
Cities also cooperate with each other and other sectors as a way to share costs for services, particularly given decreases in their tax base as a result of the recession.
Suburban municipalities in southeastern Michigan have joined with a non profit organization specializing in weatherization and a local energy provider to develop the Regional Energy Office. The purpose of the office is to help smaller communities in the region identify and implement efficiency improvements on their aging municipal infrastructure. Aggregated purchasing and centralized administrative support allow the communities to take steps toward energy efficiency more affordably than they could on their own.
Other regions have been promoting regional cooperation for many years as a way to increase their competitive positions and to restructure their economies. For example, since 1959 the Metropolitan Development Association of Syracuse and Central New York Inc., (MDA) has been a catalyst for redevelopment of the region by working with local governments and the private sector to attract and create industries with high growth potential.
Robert Simpson, president and CEO of MDA, offered several “lessons learned” to local officials based on the success of MDA’s regional economic development plan, the Essential New York Initiative, including:
Regional cooperation is a proven way to reduce costs, increase economic competitiveness, manage development impacts and create new opportunities and synergies between communities. This was true before the present economic crisis and is even more critical in a time of economic recession.
The long-term strength and stability of local jurisdictions depends on an economic region with a climate for growth, cultivated local assets and healthy, productive residents and businesses. As part of the national economic recovery strategy, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) supports these critical investments in regional development.
Significant funding is being made available for innovation, workforce development and education, infrastructure, energy efficiency and neighborhood stabilization. While not explicitly requiring a coordinated approach, ARRA presents an opportunity to local officials and other regional stakeholders to utilize and enhance current regional governance, or where networks are not in place, to develop new relationships across jurisdictions and sectors.
For example, in the Birmingham-Hoover, Ala. region, local elected officials formed the Alabama Green Initiative (AGI) to jointly pursue federal stimulus funding for projects that enhance sustainable community development, including: recycling; bio-fuel conversion; Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification; infrastructure improvements; and energy conservation.
Leaders in the Mahoning Valley, Ohio region collaborated for a $20 million federal stimulus grant to expand a rail line; a project that regional leaders say is critical to their future economic success and one that could not have moved forward without a joint effort.
Cities also cooperate with each other and other sectors as a way to share costs for services, particularly given decreases in their tax base as a result of the recession.
Suburban municipalities in southeastern Michigan have joined with a non profit organization specializing in weatherization and a local energy provider to develop the Regional Energy Office. The purpose of the office is to help smaller communities in the region identify and implement efficiency improvements on their aging municipal infrastructure. Aggregated purchasing and centralized administrative support allow the communities to take steps toward energy efficiency more affordably than they could on their own.
Other regions have been promoting regional cooperation for many years as a way to increase their competitive positions and to restructure their economies. For example, since 1959 the Metropolitan Development Association of Syracuse and Central New York Inc., (MDA) has been a catalyst for redevelopment of the region by working with local governments and the private sector to attract and create industries with high growth potential.
Robert Simpson, president and CEO of MDA, offered several “lessons learned” to local officials based on the success of MDA’s regional economic development plan, the Essential New York Initiative, including:
- Forge a unified vision for the region;
- Foster an entrepreneurial climate that encourages innovation and adaptation;
- Leverage educational assets, including colleges and universities;
- Facilitate collaboration within industry sectors;
- Participate in regional organizations even if they cannot or do not drive the regional economic development agenda; participation builds trust and respect; and
- Take advantage of the credibility and visibility of your local government by supporting the regional initiatives, even if that means following rather than leading.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Jobs decrease, but Syracuse unemployment down
Private-sector employers continued to cut jobs across the Empire State, but the unemployment rate improved slightly from March to April, according to the latest monthly report issued today by the New York State Department of Labor.
The state's seasonally adjusted private-sector job count decreased over the month by 15,600, or 0.2 percent, to 7,125,200 in April 2009. Since the state's private-sector job count peaked in August 2008, New York has lost 189,000 private-sector positions, erasing almost half of the 400,000 jobs added during the state's last economic expansion from 2003 to 2008.
The unemployment rate improved slightly from 7.8 percent in March to 7.7 in April. That compares to 5 percent in April 2008.
The job picture was similar in Central New York's main cities in April, but with unemployment rates improving by larger margins compared to the March numbers.
In Syracuse, the number of private-sector jobs fell by 4,200 in the past year. The area's unemployment rate was 7.7 percent in April, compared with 8.5 percent in March and 4.8 percent a year ago.
In the Utica-Rome area, the number of private-sector jobs decreased by 1,100 over the last 12 months. The area's unemployment rate was 7.4 percent, down from 8.3 percent in March, and up from 5.1 percent a year ago.
In the Binghamton region, the number of private-sector jobs decreased by 2,500 over the last year. The area's unemployment rate was 7.7 percent in April, compared with 8.6 percent in March and 4.8 percent a year ago.
The nation's unemployment rate was 8.9 percent in April, up from 8.5 percent in March and 5 percent a year ago.
The state's seasonally adjusted private-sector job count decreased over the month by 15,600, or 0.2 percent, to 7,125,200 in April 2009. Since the state's private-sector job count peaked in August 2008, New York has lost 189,000 private-sector positions, erasing almost half of the 400,000 jobs added during the state's last economic expansion from 2003 to 2008.
The unemployment rate improved slightly from 7.8 percent in March to 7.7 in April. That compares to 5 percent in April 2008.
The job picture was similar in Central New York's main cities in April, but with unemployment rates improving by larger margins compared to the March numbers.
In Syracuse, the number of private-sector jobs fell by 4,200 in the past year. The area's unemployment rate was 7.7 percent in April, compared with 8.5 percent in March and 4.8 percent a year ago.
In the Utica-Rome area, the number of private-sector jobs decreased by 1,100 over the last 12 months. The area's unemployment rate was 7.4 percent, down from 8.3 percent in March, and up from 5.1 percent a year ago.
In the Binghamton region, the number of private-sector jobs decreased by 2,500 over the last year. The area's unemployment rate was 7.7 percent in April, compared with 8.6 percent in March and 4.8 percent a year ago.
The nation's unemployment rate was 8.9 percent in April, up from 8.5 percent in March and 5 percent a year ago.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
CNY child care sites report falling enrollments
The Post-Standard reported on the economy's impact on child care providers across the country and in Central New York, as parents face furloughs, pay cuts and layoffs.
Nationwide, nearly half the home-based providers and 27 percent of child care centers are feeling a drop in business, according to a survey by the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies.
The impact of the recession is widespread throughout Cayuga, Madison, Onondaga and Oswego counties.
"Anecdotally, we have had several programs tell us that they have had parents who have gone from full time to part time, and they are using family members to supplement. They are doing that to reduce their child care costs," said Peggy Liuzzi, executive director of Child Care Solutions, Onondaga County's nonprofit child care referral agency.
The Post-Standard's Gina Chen has more on how daycare providers in CNY are coping in the recession.
Nationwide, nearly half the home-based providers and 27 percent of child care centers are feeling a drop in business, according to a survey by the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies.
The impact of the recession is widespread throughout Cayuga, Madison, Onondaga and Oswego counties.
"Anecdotally, we have had several programs tell us that they have had parents who have gone from full time to part time, and they are using family members to supplement. They are doing that to reduce their child care costs," said Peggy Liuzzi, executive director of Child Care Solutions, Onondaga County's nonprofit child care referral agency.
The Post-Standard's Gina Chen has more on how daycare providers in CNY are coping in the recession.
Monday, April 20, 2009
NYS Health Foundation 2009 Economic Recovery Fund
The NYS Health Foundation has announced a funding opportunity regarding nonprofit reorganizations or mergers for 2009. As the Foundation relates:
According to the Nonprofit Finance Fund, only 12% of nonprofits nationally expect to end this year with an operating surplus compared with 40% in previous years. The effect is felt disproportionately in New York State where sinking revenues from Wall Street have led to budget deficits projected to rise as much as $20 billion in a single year. Such pressures will force organizations to scale back programs, decrease the number of people they serve, and in some cases, close their doors. In addition to service-providing organizations, a range of nonprofit organizations help shape and advocate for effective health services in New York State and they too are at risk.
The turbulent economy creates new incentives for organizations to cooperate. As nonprofit mergers and acquisitions become more common—even among organizations that previously resisted them—other organizations will develop new partnerships to generate efficiencies and share administrative costs, and will engage in internal restructurings to reduce spending on operations, cut administrative costs, and reshape program service delivery.In this time of increased need, NYSHealth will dedicate a portion of its funding to assist New York State’s nonprofit health sector in responding to the economic crisis. NYSHealth will allocate $2 million to finance this economic recovery request for proposals. We will make grants that will help sustain vital organizations while facilitating their transition to new and reorganized forms that should be more sustainable over time. We seek to promote fundamental, lasting changes in organizations that comprise New York’s health services delivery system.
Please click here to download the detailed 2009 Economic Recovery Fund Request for Proposals (RFP).
According to the Nonprofit Finance Fund, only 12% of nonprofits nationally expect to end this year with an operating surplus compared with 40% in previous years. The effect is felt disproportionately in New York State where sinking revenues from Wall Street have led to budget deficits projected to rise as much as $20 billion in a single year. Such pressures will force organizations to scale back programs, decrease the number of people they serve, and in some cases, close their doors. In addition to service-providing organizations, a range of nonprofit organizations help shape and advocate for effective health services in New York State and they too are at risk.
The turbulent economy creates new incentives for organizations to cooperate. As nonprofit mergers and acquisitions become more common—even among organizations that previously resisted them—other organizations will develop new partnerships to generate efficiencies and share administrative costs, and will engage in internal restructurings to reduce spending on operations, cut administrative costs, and reshape program service delivery.In this time of increased need, NYSHealth will dedicate a portion of its funding to assist New York State’s nonprofit health sector in responding to the economic crisis. NYSHealth will allocate $2 million to finance this economic recovery request for proposals. We will make grants that will help sustain vital organizations while facilitating their transition to new and reorganized forms that should be more sustainable over time. We seek to promote fundamental, lasting changes in organizations that comprise New York’s health services delivery system.
Please click here to download the detailed 2009 Economic Recovery Fund Request for Proposals (RFP).
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