It's a hard time to be a charity

Recent USA Today article by Kevin McCoy and Oren Dorell discusses some the issues confronting nonprofits as a result of the economic downturn. Below are some facts that the article relates that provide some picture of the issue:

• Catholic Charities USA reports that January-to October contributions fell to $7.6 million, down 4% or $300,000 from the same period last year.
• The Meals on Wheels Association of America says roughly two-thirds of its members surveyed recently reported drops in both corporate and individual donations. Programs in Texas, Minnesota and California were forced to close this year.
• The Salvation Army reports its western territory suffered a 9% drop in overall fundraising since August alone. Data for the organization's other territories weren't available.
• Goodwill Industries International says public support from cash donations, bequests and special events fell 2.3% for the first eight months of 2008 in comparison with the same period last year.

As nonprofits are presented with hard times, organizations will respond with passion and creativity. Can you share examples of how your nonprofit is trying something new during these hard times in the Mid-Hudson Valley?

The new face of giving

A recent article in USA TODAY highlights the growth in donations in the US, and the unique and new ways that Millennials and Generation Xers (20- and 30-somethings) are helping charities raise money. Can anyone say web 2.0? That's right, YouTube and Facebook.

“I’m Not Rockefeller”: 33 High Net Worth Philanthropists Discuss Their Approach to Giving

A recent report from University of Pennsylvania's The Center for High Impact Philanthropy offers an interesting perspective from a group of "high net worth individual philanthropists (defined by the Center as having the capacity to give $1 million per year)" that were interviewed about their approach to giving.

Article Round Up: Economy Impact on Nonprofits

Interested in what the possible impact the economy will have on nonprofits? Take a look at some recent articles:
Implications for philanthropy following news about Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
Implications following news about Merrill Lynch and Lehman Brothers (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
Charities Brace for Wall St. Fallout (Crain’s New York)
U.S. Charities Feel Chill from Weak Economy (Reuters)
Arts Groups Fret the Woes of Big Donors (Washington Post)
How Bad Is It? Economy’s Downturn Prompts New Challenges for CharitiesChronicle of Philanthropy
Financial Mayhem Hurts Nonprofits, FoundationsUSA Today
Nonprofits Brace for Slowdown in GivingWall Street Journal
What the Financial Sector Meltdown Really Means for Nonprofits and PhilanthropyThe Cohen Report / Nonprofit Quarterly
Nonprofit Pessimism In Need of Philanthropic BoostPhilanthroMedia

Recruiting The Next Generation of Nonprofit Professionals

The Center for Civil Society Studies at Johns Hopkins University recently collaborated with the Alliance for Nonprofit Management and the National Council of Nonprofit Associations to create a report on recruitment, focused specifically on the hiring of "Millennials," the generation now entering the workforce. Professionals in the nonprofit community are familiar with the difficulties of recruiting and retaining staff, so instead of discussing these problems, the report highlights positive strategies for overcoming them.

Some key strategies for recruiting qualified young people include establishing internships (allowing you to provide potential employees with the skills that your organization needs), using online job postings and participating in job fairs. "Re-thinking positions" might also be an option. For example, if your organization is having trouble hiring for an upper-level position, it may be possible to hire a younger person for a lower position and then train them for the higher position over time. Check out the report for more information and ideas.

Update from April 18th Meeting

In April, the MHV Executive Directors Group discussed and revised our Mission Statement and Non-Profit Ad. The Ad is planned for publishing in relevant local media in the early Fall of 2008, and is aimed at improving community awareness of the impact non-profits have on the quality of life of residents in the area. The group welcomes involvement and input from local agencies interested in this activity. Our next meeting will be held on May 16th, Join Us!

Mid-Hudson Valley Executive Director Group May Meeting

Mid-Hudson Valley Executive Director Group CCSNYS would like to invite you our next meeting. This invitation is extended to all Mid-Hudson Valley non-profit Executives interested in strenghtening the sector in their community. Our next meeting is scheduled for Friday, May 16th at 9:00 am at the Council´s Mid-Hudson Valley Office, 85 Cannon Street, Poughkeepsie. We will continue discussions relative to marketing and media relations for non-profits. To inquire please call Jennifer Lockwood, CCSNYS Mid-Hudson Valley Regional Coordinator, 845-454-5062 x. 102.