NYCON Brings You Upcoming Webinars, News & Nonprofit Notes

Expand Your Employee (and Volunteer) Benefits Packages at an Affordable PriceGive employees and volunteers what they want with the NYCON Visioncare Plan through Humana! We know that the Employe Benefits "Market" can be complicated.  Our job is to help make that world more simple, and affordable for nonprofits. To help you understand each type of benefit, it's coverage features and it's costs we are rolling out a series of short 30-minute webinar spotlights on our administered programs: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts and our Vision Program - which is new for 2013!  [Thursday!] 3/21/2013 [Benefit Spotlight Webinar] Vision Insurance    4/11/2013  [Benefit Spotlight Webinar] Dental Insurance Plans & Administration through NYCON  Stay tuned for our Flexible Spending Account & Life Insurance Webinars in the Spring....

Upcoming NYCON Membership Orientation    Great information for new and returning members!

3/22/2013 [Please note the date change] Membership Benefits Orientation [Webinar]  In our "Get to Know Us" Sessions, NYCON staff will tell you a lot more about our membership benefits - and answer all the questions you have regarding our process, costs and what you get for FREE.      We will be talking about these benefits. Nonprofit Training, Education and Professional Assistance NYCON empowers our members with the best practices, policies, and procedures as well as information on ever-changing regulations, funding, accountability and more. Cost Savings Solutions for Nonprofits NYCON leverages the purchasing power of thousands of nonprofits to bring you economies of scale on everything from Office Supplies to Fundraising Software. The Nonprofit Voice in New York State NYCON represents our members on the local, state and national level, giving voice to small and medium sized nonprofits everywhere.

Nonprofit Audits in a Nutshell   [Free Members Only Webinar] March 28th, 2013    3:30pm to 4:30pm  Register Today!   Like yours, many nonprofit organizations often find themselves   wondering... Do we need to have an independent audit? (And what does that entail anyway?) Are there special rules for us because we receive government grants? How can we prepare so that the process goes smoothly?    What's the board's role? To answer these questions and more, the New York Council of Nonprofits (NYCON) is excited to bring you Nonprofit Audits in a Nutshell, a free webinar on March 28th at 3:30pm Eastern, hosted by our national network, the National Council of Nonprofits. This webinar features practical tips from nonprofits about their audit practices, as well as experts from BoardSource and Raffa and is designed to give you background on everything you need to know about the independent audit process (from legal requirements to practical advice).     Thanks to the support of First Nonprofit Foundation, this exclusive webinar is available, free of charge, to all members of NYCON Don't miss this opportunity - Register Today! Free and Open to Current NYCON Members Only (click here to renew your membership for 2013 before registering.)

[Corporate Member Spotlight] DoGoodBuyUs Webinar April 11th, 2013  2:00pm to 2:30pm Register Now As nonprofits around the country look for ways to bolster their fundraising, hundreds of organizations have turned toDoGoodBuyUs as a way to bridge the gap between causes and the consumer market.DoGoodBuyUs works with nonprofits around the world, helping them sell the products they (and now they) have created. AtDoGoodBuyUs (http://www.dogoodbuy.us) they believe consumerism can change the world so, they created the largest marketplace of charity made products. Now anyone can "do good" just by buying beautiful, often handmade items that support the worthiest causes. From tea to t-shirts, from rain boots to coffee, from jewelry to soaps, the list of amazing products go on. DoGoodBuyUs is the newest Corproate Member* of NYCON. On this spotlight webinar you will learn:  Why products have become a successful part of many NPO's strategy How to get started, what the process is like, services offered and more.. The long term benefits Join us on April 11th at 2pm for a quick 30 minute overview on just how DoGoodBuyUs can Do Good by your nonprofit & community. *Please note that this company is not a NYCON Endorsed Corporate Partner.

Building a Powerful Grants Calender! [Lunch & Learn Webinar]  Presented by Cynthia Adams, Founder, Grantstation.com April 12th, 2013 Free for current NYCON Members  $50 for Non-members  Register Now This webinar will take participants through the processof establishing a grants calendar for the next 12 to 18 months. Fast-paced, and filled with action steps, Cynthia Adams will discuss how to design and adopt a Grant Decision Matrix before beginning the process of building a specific grants strategy for each project. All participants will also receive a set of worksheets that they can use to create their own approach to building grants calendars and grants strategies for their organizations. This webinar is for beginning, intermediate and advanced grantwriters.

Cayuga Fund Accepting Grant Applications

February 20, 2012 (Syracuse, NY) - The Cayuga Community Fund is now accepting grant applications from tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations [501 (c)(3) or other publicly supported organizations] that reside within, or serve residents of Cayuga County.

The application deadline is March 29, 2013. Requests may range from $500 - $5,000. Grants must directly benefit the residents of Cayuga County. Visit www.cnycf.org/cayuga to access the grant application and guidelines.

The Cayuga Community Fund, created in 2008, is a geographically specific fund created to serve as a source of permanent charitable dollars available to nonprofits serving residents of Cayuga County. Grants are awarded from endowment funds annually to aid vital programs in education, health, social services, the arts, civic and environmental concerns, as well as the preservation of historic resources in Cayuga County. The Cayuga Community Fund has granted $89,485 to nonprofit groups since 2010.
Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of a permanent charitable endowment for the betterment of the region.  The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $130 million. It awards close to $6.7 million in grants to nonprofit organizations annually and has invested more than $100 million in the community since its inception. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and corporations through the administration of nearly 600 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen nonprofits that address the region’s most pressing challenges. For more information, visit www.cnycf.org

Biggest Mistakes Boards Make, Founding Fathers Write a Grant Proposal and more

Practical, Provocative and Fun Food-For-Thought for Non-Profits

The Trouble with "Passion for the Mission" . . . editor notes issue #84

"Passion for the mission is a must" . . . so say many job announcements and board member requirement lists. Wait a minute. Let's examine this sacred cow cliche a little more. Read More>

Surprisingly Uncomplicated Path for Developing Leaders

Kirk Kramer of The Bridgespan Groupsuggests some new approaches to leadership development in his recent papers. For Blue Avocado readers, he cuts right to the chase: Read More>

In the Swirling Dust of Change, Life Still Goes On for an ED

It just makes sense that the founder of the Center for Digital Storytelling would tell his own story in a remarkably compelling way. Here's Joe Lambert with a thoughtful First Person Nonprofit account of how organizational problems can bring out the creativity and best in people and how, through it all, life goes on, though it's your choice how to embrace its everchanging moods: Read More>

The Founding Fathers Write a Grant Proposal

"Just look at this second sentence!" groaned Samuel Adams. "'We hold these truths to be self-evident  .  .' This flies in the face of 'evidence-based practice'! We'llnever get funded!" Read More>

Ten Biggest Mistakes Boards and Executives Make

"To err is human," and as we all ruefully know, nonprofit board members and executive directors are typically human. Here are some of the biggest mistakes we make: Read More>

Take a 3-Minute Vacation to an Oscar-Nominated Film Starring Avocados

Has anyone else seen an avocado in an Oscar nominated film this year? Read More>

To see it online Click Here

Grantseeking & Grantwriting Resource for NYCON Members

[New Benefit] Take A Free Tour of GrantStation.com  

Thursday, February 28th 10:00am to 11:00am

Register Today  

As a new benefit for NYCON Members, we can now offer you a huge discount onGrantstation.com Membership - which gets you full access to GS.com - for only $75 - the lowest price you'll find anywhere.

GrantStation provides access to a searchable database of private grantmakers that accept inquiries and proposals from a variety of organizations; federal deadlines; links to state funding agencies; and a growing database of international grantmakers.

You can learn more about Grantstation.com by joining Ellen Mowrer, GrantStation's Business Development Advisor, for a free webinar that offers a short tour of the GrantStation website. This tour will provide tips on the most effective way to use all of the valuable resources the website offers; including the extensive funder databases that can help you identify the right grantmaker for any program or project. During this webinar we will also introduce GrantStation's new interactive Grants2020 visioning tool! There will be plenty of time for questions.

Register Today

Pros and Cons of  Restructuring a Nonprofit: What it Means for your Staff and Board 

A Webinar Presented by Doug Sauer CEO of NYCON
February 13^th, 2013  10:00am to 12:00pm
RegisterThis thought provoking, insightful event will provide you with knowledge gleaned from decades of Doug's work with hundreds of nonprofits in various stages of formal restructuring, shared service models and, certainly, merger. Doug, perhaps more than anyone on the national nonprofit "scene," knows first-hand that merger (or any type of structural "re-engineering" of your organization) is a serious solution to the very complex issues facing today's nonprofits. 

 Register

Dollars through the Door: Who Does What in Nonprofit Fundraising & Revenue Generation 

A Webinar Presented by NYCON
March 13^th, 2013     10:00am to 12:00pm

Register 

This session provides an introduction to the diverse strategies nonprofits can use to generate revenue for their organizations with an emphasis on planning, sustainability and the role of Executive Staff and Board Members in fundraising efforts. We will be covering four key topics that typically arise when discussions of "fundraising" occur.

Register

[Limited Quantity Still Available]   

Free Membership to NTEN Offered to NYCON Members! 

Click here early & grab your NTEN Membership for FREE this year

NTEN: Nonprofit Technology Network, NTEN is a 501(c)3 nonprofit membership organization for nonprofit and technology professionals who put technology to use for the nonprofit sector. NTEN connects their members to each other, provides professional development opportunities, educates their constituency on issues of technology use in nonprofits, and spearheads groundbreaking research, advocacy, and education on technology issues affecting our entire community.  NYCON is pleased to provide 100 of our members with NTEN membership for the calendar year.  

To get the "Members Only" link to activate your NTEN membershipplease email the NYCON Membership Office today.

SIDS Prevention Fund Awards $3,600 Grant

February 1, 2013 (Syracuse, NY) - The Syracuse SIDS Prevention Fund, a component fund of the Central New York Community Foundation, recently awarded a $3,600 grant to The Children’s Consortium. The grant will be used to expand the SIDS prevention materials offered through the Baby Beginnings program at Crouse Hospital.

The Children’s Consortium Baby Beginnings program addresses SIDS prevention through increased community education and outreach. The program is designed for all parents of newborns through age three, with special attention given to parents in Onondaga County. It has three key components: Parenting, Literacy and Health and Wellness. Baby Beginnings is offered at Crouse Hospital and annually reaches more than 2,000 parents within 48 hours of delivering their babies. During room visits, Parent Educators provide important information on safe sleep, car safety and child development.

The Syracuse SIDS Prevention Fund, administered by the Central New York Community Foundation, was formed in 2007 as a permanent field-of-interest fund. It was established with the accumulated earnings from the Syracuse SIDS Golf Classic to support the elimination of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome through increased community awareness, including parent support programs and risk reduction education, as well as medical research.

Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of a permanent charitable endowment for the betterment of the region. The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $130 million. It awards close to $6.7 million in grants to nonprofit organizations annually and has invested more than $100 million in the community since its inception. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and businesses through the administration of nearly 600 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen nonprofits that address the region’s most pressing challenges. For more information, visit www.cnycf.org.

Pulaski Fund Awards $8,400 in Local Grants

February 1, 2013 (Pulaski, NY) - The Greater Pulaski Community Endowment Fund awarded $8,400 in grants to Pulaski-area nonprofit organizations.

Pulaski Academy & Central Schools received $2,400 to support the Alternative Energy Club’s project to create a biodiesel vehicle and processing station. The project aims to teach students engineering and science application skills to make the students more competitive in the workforce and as they enter college.

Preservation & Revitalization of Pulaski (PROP) received $3,000 in support of new village welcome signs.The project aims to enhance the impression of Pulaski as a welcoming community.

Pulaski Congregational Church received $3,000 to support the Rhea LaVeck Memorial Classical Music Concert Series. The concert series honors longtime Pulaski church organist and public school teacher Rhea LaVeck by providing a series of five classical music concerts throughout the year.

The Greater Pulaski Community Endowment Fund is a union of gifts contributed by the people of the Pulaski community that makes grants to support programs and projects of importance to the area.  The Pulaski Fund is a component fund of the Central New York Community Foundation. Since its inception in 1992, the Fund has provided over $200,000 in grants to benefit the Pulaski community. People can learn more about the fund and contribute at www.cnycf.org/Pulaski.

Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of a permanent charitable endowment for the betterment of the region.  The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $130 million. It awards close to $6.7 million in grants to nonprofit organizations annually and has invested more than $100 million in the community since its inception. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and corporations through the administration of nearly 600 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen nonprofits that address the region’s most pressing challenges. For more information, visit www.cnycf.org.

Future Fund of Central New York Seeks Grant Applicants

January 7, 2013 (Syracuse, NY) - The Future Fund of Central New York is requesting grant applicant letters of intent from nonprofits programs that provide assistance to veterans and their families. The letter of intent deadline is January 31, 2013. One grant of up to $5,000 will be awarded in May 2013. Tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations serving Onondaga or Madison counties are encouraged to apply.

More information about the Future Fund and a letter of intent form is available at www.futurefundofcny.org.  If you have any questions, please contact Danielle Hurley at 315-883-5554 or DHurley@cnycf.org.

The Future Fund of Central New York is a member-driven giving circle administered by the Central New York Community Foundation. Its mission is to involve and empower emerging philanthropists to make our community a better place to live and work. Annual membership dues are contributed to an endowment at the Community Foundation, and members vote on the grant topic and projects. While the endowment builds, matching donors provide the funding for immediate grantmaking.  

Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of a permanent charitable endowment for the betterment of the region.  The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $130 million. It awards close to $6.7 million in grants to nonprofit organizations annually and has invested more than $100 million in the community since its inception. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and corporations through the administration of nearly 600 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen nonprofits that address the region’s most pressing challenges. For more information, visit www.cnycf.org.