What if someone said to you, “Here’s $20,000 of someone else’s money. Give it away and do it well.” Sounds like fun, right? Certainly giving away money can be fun, but such a privilege can also be a burdensome responsibility balancing unlimited needs with limited resources. [Read more...]
Sieze the chance for a full glass
February 4, 2013 By
Enacted in 1917, the charitable deduction was one of the first tax deductions allowed under law, advanced largely to counter higher taxes imposed during World War I and to encourage private support of charitable efforts at home. When talk of establishing a standard deduction arose during World War II, there was concern among nonprofits, including churches, that it would adversely affect donations. A similar scenario occurred during tax reform legislation in the 1980s. During the months and weeks leading up to the recent “fiscal cliff” discussions, there was much conversation and hand-wringing among nonprofit advocacy groups regarding a potential end to the charitable deduction. [Read more...]
Agencies take steps to plan future
December 16, 2012 By
This fall, a consortium of local organizations took the first tangible step to lead the way to finally walk the walk to make good on the talk. After years of mulling the changing nonprofit sector sustainability landscape, Jefferson Rehabilitation Center, Credo Community Center for the Treatment of Addiction, North Country Children’s Clinic, Watertown Family YMCA, Transitional Living Services of Northern New York, Volunteer Transportation Center and Children’s Home of Jefferson County signed a letter of agreement to participate in a seven-agency operational needs assessment. Under the leadership of Jefferson Rehabilitation Center Executive Director Howard Ganter, the work already has begun.
We must listen effectively to thrive
October 13, 2012 By
Have you ever been in a conversation or at a meeting where you were so focused what you were going to say or what your response would be that you weren’t really listening to those on the other end of the dialogue? I have. There is danger in dialogues becoming monologues.
Plan ahead to bridge generation gap
August 11, 2012 By
I was fortunate. My parents instilled in me early in life the importance of being involved and engaged in one’s community. They introduced me to the various nonprofit organizations they were involved with. They took me to city council and county Board of Supervisors meetings. Even if I didn’t fully comprehend the work that was being done, I gained an appreciation for committed individuals who were willing to step forward so that important facets of our community were well grown and stewarded. I knew that was something I wanted to be part of.
Collective ownership a positive force
June 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Marvel’s “The Avengers” has launched the summer movie season with a superhero bang. Yes, it is fantasy, however, embedded in the plot is a real message that anyone can cheer for. Behind the visual effects, are forces for good working together to overcome challenges they could never handle alone. Although their individual approaches and tools are different, the team’s ultimate objective is a shared one. It isn’t until the “a-ha” teamwork moment occurs that the movie really gets good.
Charting a course for the future of nonprofits
April 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment
New York State leads the nation in nonprofit activity. In 2011, New York nonprofits generated more than $200 billion in revenue and in the previous year employed roughly 18 percent, or 1.2 million paid workers, of New York’s non-governmental work force.
Partnerships will drive future success
February 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment
The Chronicle of Philanthropy, the “newspaper of the nonprofit world” recently published its Outlook 2012 edition. Collaboration remains a consistent theme. Strategic partnerships of all types will be critical moving forward.
Maximize year-end charitable giving
January 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Although north country residents generously support the work and mission of nonprofit organizations throughout the year, it is usually in December that many look to make year-end contributions. ‘Tis the season for appeals arriving in your mailbox. Americans are among the most giving on the planet, contributing more than $290 billion to charitable and philanthropic organizations last year.