CommonKindness.com is accepting nominations from the general public to enter their favorite “do-gooders” in a contest to win a 5-night Caribbean Cruise, sponsored in conjunction with Cabot Creamery Cooperative and Celebrity Cruises. Nominations are being accepted through October 31st, 2009.
Seven winners making a profound difference in their communities and the world through their good deeds will be announced on Nov. 15th to win a cruise to the Caribbean for themselves and one guest, including airfare, in January 2010.
CommonKindness.com, Cabot and Celebrity Cruises would like to encourage and reward everyday “unsung heroes” who work so hard and selflessly to make the world a better place.
Send Your Favorite “Do-Gooder” on a Caribbean Cruise for two!
(Who knows, maybe they’ll choose to bring you along!)
In every community, there are unsung heroes who quietly work behind the scenes to improve our communities and the world.
The reward for these special people usually resides in the good work they do, not in the recognition they receive. But today you can reward your favorite “do-gooder” by nominating them to win a 5-night Caribbean cruise for two!
Simply visit CommonKindness.com to enter them into a contest to win a 5-night Caribbean cruise for two, including airfare, sponsored by CommonKindness, Cabot Creamery Cooperative and Celebrity Cruises.
Entries must be received by 11:59 pm on Oct. 31st, 2009 so act now!
Seven lucky winners will be chosen on the merit of their community service and the impact it has on their community or the world.
Nominations are being accepted at CommonKindness.com through 11:59 pm October 31st, 2009. Winners will be announced on November 15th, 2009. Valued at approximately $3,244, the cruise is scheduled for January 23rd – 28th, 2010.
Remember to visit CommonKindness.com every week to save an average of $1,300 a year for your family on your groceries and other purchases. CommonKindness offers thousands of online coupons and discounts accepted at most supermarkets and retailers near you.
Best of all, every time you use a coupon or discount with CommonKindness, funds are generated to help support the charities and causes you are passionate about - at no cost to you!
Each time you use a coupon or online discount with CommonKindness, companies posting their offers pay advertising fees. CommonKindness shares 60% of its income with the causes and charities you choose from more than a million non-profit organizations already included on the site.
CommonKindness supports the charities and causes you are passionate about by putting money into your pockets instead of taking it out!
Dana Valdez
Director of Operations
CommonKindness
845-254-4535 ph
845-254-4549 fax
Monday, October 26, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Oct 14th: What's the Best Way for Your Non-profit to Market its Message?
Join us at HSC's October 14th Forum for "Media Update: the Best Way for Non-profits to Market their Message." The fact is, we will have several experts on this topic sitting in the same room at the same time:
Bruce Estes, The Ithaca Journal
Geoff Dunn, Cayuga Radio Group, and
Jim Bilinski /Rob Montana, The Ithaca Times.
Speakers will share information and invite discussion with others about the topic. The Forum is held at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca, from 8:45 to 10:15AM.
Forum members will also have the opportunity to make brief announcements and share items of interest to the local human service community. The Human Services Coalition, acting in its role as the umbrella agency for local health and human service providers and planners, sponsors this monthly forum to provide the opportunity for an open exchange of ideas and information. A variety of topics and speakers are featured and all who are interested in human services and their efficient delivery are urged to attend.
-- Carol M. FarkasAdministrative Coordinator
Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County, Inc.
100 W. Seneca Street, Suite 300
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-273-8686 Coalition Main Number
607-272-9331 I & R Help Line
607-273-3002 FAX
www.hsctc.org
Bruce Estes, The Ithaca Journal
Geoff Dunn, Cayuga Radio Group, and
Jim Bilinski /Rob Montana, The Ithaca Times.
Speakers will share information and invite discussion with others about the topic. The Forum is held at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca, from 8:45 to 10:15AM.
Forum members will also have the opportunity to make brief announcements and share items of interest to the local human service community. The Human Services Coalition, acting in its role as the umbrella agency for local health and human service providers and planners, sponsors this monthly forum to provide the opportunity for an open exchange of ideas and information. A variety of topics and speakers are featured and all who are interested in human services and their efficient delivery are urged to attend.
-- Carol M. FarkasAdministrative Coordinator
Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County, Inc.
100 W. Seneca Street, Suite 300
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-273-8686 Coalition Main Number
607-272-9331 I & R Help Line
607-273-3002 FAX
www.hsctc.org
Monday, October 5, 2009
Governance Mistakes You Should Keep In Mind
The Charity Lawyer blog has a great post about governance mistakes, which has been mentioned by the Chronicle of Philanthropy, the Nonprofit Quarterly, and numerous others. The list was also expanded by San Francisco tax-exempt organizations lawyer and publisher of the Nonprofit Law Blog, Gene Takagi.Here is excerpt. We would encourage you to view the entire list and details here.
1. Failing to Understand Fiduciary Duties. When you volunteer to serve as a director or officer of a non-profit, you accept the responsibility to act with the duties of good faith, due care and loyalty. You also accept the potential liability for failing to fulfill those duties. Increased scrutiny from the I.R.S., Congress, state attorneys general, the Department of Justice, donors and the media require vigilance at every step. It is no longer sufficient to rubber stamp committee or staff recommendations or to simply “abstain” from dicey decisions. Today, board service comes with real responsibilities and real consequences for those that fail to live up to them.
Read about the next two points and more.
2. Failing to Provide Effective Oversight.
3. Deference to the Executive Committee, Board Chair or the Organization’s Founder.
1. Failing to Understand Fiduciary Duties. When you volunteer to serve as a director or officer of a non-profit, you accept the responsibility to act with the duties of good faith, due care and loyalty. You also accept the potential liability for failing to fulfill those duties. Increased scrutiny from the I.R.S., Congress, state attorneys general, the Department of Justice, donors and the media require vigilance at every step. It is no longer sufficient to rubber stamp committee or staff recommendations or to simply “abstain” from dicey decisions. Today, board service comes with real responsibilities and real consequences for those that fail to live up to them.
Read about the next two points and more.
2. Failing to Provide Effective Oversight.
3. Deference to the Executive Committee, Board Chair or the Organization’s Founder.
Friday, September 25, 2009
United Way of the Southern Tier Kickoff
The Evening Tribune reported that around 40 area business owners, executives and government officials came out to show their support for the United Way of the Southern Tier at the group’s annual kickoff dinner Tuesday thanking leaders in the community for support.
Stephen Hughes, vice-president of resource development for the United Way of the Southern Tier, spoke to the group about the need for assistance locally.
“I don’t have to tell anyone in this room the difficult climate we are in,” Hughes said.
The United Way hopes to raise $316,500 locally this year, according to agency officials, and the major sponsors of the campaign this year are Steuben Trust Company and Five Star Bank.
Jeffrey Kenefick, president of Five Star Bank, said donations are needed to help support the group.
“Without everyone here, the United Way, this great organization, would not be here,” Kenefick said.
The keynote speaker at the dinner was was Mary LaRowe, chief executive officer of St. James Mercy Health Systems.
“We have each others’ back in the community,” she said. “This is our community, and if there’s ever been a time for your donation to count, that time is now.”
Money raised for the United Way of the Southern Tier — including $4.5 million raised in the last year — fund several programs throughout the region, LaRowe said.
A new program sponsored by the organization is the Finger Lakes Region 211 help line, which offers a toll-free number to receive non-emergency assistance from non-profit organizations, health care providers and government agencies.
Another important program, the Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope program, which gives those needing help time to sit down with a financial planner for help with taxes, debt reduction and saving. Funds also are disbursed to area agencies, like the Hornell Area Concern For Youth, in forms of community investment grants.
The United Way of the Southern Tier was formed in 1993 by the merger of the South East Steuben United Way, Central Steuben United Way, the Hornell Area United Way and the United Way of Chemung County. This year, according to the United Way’s Web site, the goal was set at $4.5 million at the group’s annual kickoff event at Wings of Eagles Discovery Center at the Elmira-Corning Regional Airport.
For more information on the United Way of the Southern Tier, visit www.uwst.org.
Stephen Hughes, vice-president of resource development for the United Way of the Southern Tier, spoke to the group about the need for assistance locally.
“I don’t have to tell anyone in this room the difficult climate we are in,” Hughes said.
The United Way hopes to raise $316,500 locally this year, according to agency officials, and the major sponsors of the campaign this year are Steuben Trust Company and Five Star Bank.
Jeffrey Kenefick, president of Five Star Bank, said donations are needed to help support the group.
“Without everyone here, the United Way, this great organization, would not be here,” Kenefick said.
The keynote speaker at the dinner was was Mary LaRowe, chief executive officer of St. James Mercy Health Systems.
“We have each others’ back in the community,” she said. “This is our community, and if there’s ever been a time for your donation to count, that time is now.”
Money raised for the United Way of the Southern Tier — including $4.5 million raised in the last year — fund several programs throughout the region, LaRowe said.
A new program sponsored by the organization is the Finger Lakes Region 211 help line, which offers a toll-free number to receive non-emergency assistance from non-profit organizations, health care providers and government agencies.
Another important program, the Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope program, which gives those needing help time to sit down with a financial planner for help with taxes, debt reduction and saving. Funds also are disbursed to area agencies, like the Hornell Area Concern For Youth, in forms of community investment grants.
The United Way of the Southern Tier was formed in 1993 by the merger of the South East Steuben United Way, Central Steuben United Way, the Hornell Area United Way and the United Way of Chemung County. This year, according to the United Way’s Web site, the goal was set at $4.5 million at the group’s annual kickoff event at Wings of Eagles Discovery Center at the Elmira-Corning Regional Airport.
For more information on the United Way of the Southern Tier, visit www.uwst.org.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Economic woes take toll on nonprofits
The Corning Leader reported that just as in other parts of the U.S., job losses and hard economic times are forcing more local residents to go without health insurance.
That’s putting a straining on nonprofit groups such as the Health Ministry of the Southern Tier, which offers free medical services to residents of Steuben, Chemung and Schuyler counties.
“There are 22,000 residents in Steuben, Schuyler and Chemung counties without health insurance,” said Ray Defendorf, community relations contact with the health ministry. “Using our current volunteers, we’re reaching about 4.5 percent of the 22,000. We’re putting our finger in the dike. We’re dependent on volunteers stepping forth.”
In 2008, the health ministry saw 2,700 patient visits at its facilities in Corning, Elmira, Bath and Watkins Glen, which represented a 24 percent increase from 2007. Read more here.
That’s putting a straining on nonprofit groups such as the Health Ministry of the Southern Tier, which offers free medical services to residents of Steuben, Chemung and Schuyler counties.
“There are 22,000 residents in Steuben, Schuyler and Chemung counties without health insurance,” said Ray Defendorf, community relations contact with the health ministry. “Using our current volunteers, we’re reaching about 4.5 percent of the 22,000. We’re putting our finger in the dike. We’re dependent on volunteers stepping forth.”
In 2008, the health ministry saw 2,700 patient visits at its facilities in Corning, Elmira, Bath and Watkins Glen, which represented a 24 percent increase from 2007. Read more here.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Robert Egger To Present October 13th
“Grabbing the Future by the Face: Purpose and Power in 21st Century Non-profit Organizations”
A presentation by
Robert Egger
Founder and President, DC Central Kitchen
Author, Begging for Change
Founder, V3 Campaign
www.robertegger.org
For the fourth year in a row, Robert Egger, founder and president of DC Central Kitchen, has been recognized among The Top 50 Most Powerful and Influential Leaders in the Sector (PDF) by the Nonprofit Times. As in previous years, Robert was one of the only leaders of a direct service organization to be included on the list. Recently, he has focused on launching the V3 Campaign effort to make the voice of the social enterprise and non-profit movement heard, its value realized, and its votes counted in every election.
Agency and program directors, board members, funders, elected officials, and anyone concerned with the future of non-profit service delivery in Tompkins County – make time in your busy schedules for this event!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Country Club of Ithaca
189 Pleasant Grove Road
9:00 a.m. – Continental Breakfast
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Presentation + Q&A
RSVP requested by October 2 to Isabella Corina, 257-1133 or imc@triadfoundation.org
There is no charge for this event which is sponsored by
Challenge Industries and the Triad Foundation
A presentation by
Robert Egger
Founder and President, DC Central Kitchen
Author, Begging for Change
Founder, V3 Campaign
www.robertegger.org
For the fourth year in a row, Robert Egger, founder and president of DC Central Kitchen, has been recognized among The Top 50 Most Powerful and Influential Leaders in the Sector (PDF) by the Nonprofit Times. As in previous years, Robert was one of the only leaders of a direct service organization to be included on the list. Recently, he has focused on launching the V3 Campaign effort to make the voice of the social enterprise and non-profit movement heard, its value realized, and its votes counted in every election.
Agency and program directors, board members, funders, elected officials, and anyone concerned with the future of non-profit service delivery in Tompkins County – make time in your busy schedules for this event!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Country Club of Ithaca
189 Pleasant Grove Road
9:00 a.m. – Continental Breakfast
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Presentation + Q&A
RSVP requested by October 2 to Isabella Corina, 257-1133 or imc@triadfoundation.org
There is no charge for this event which is sponsored by
Challenge Industries and the Triad Foundation
Thursday, September 3, 2009
STNED Quarterly Meeting - Tanglewood Nature Center
SAVE THE DATE: Thursday September 17th from 9:00-10:30 am
The Southern Tier Nonprofit Executive Directors Group (STNED) is a network of nonprofit executive and management professionals in the Southern Tier/Finger Lakes Region of New York State that provides education, peer support and the sharing of ideas to strengthen leadership and promote the collaborative utilization of resources.
The STNED group will have its 3rd quarter meeting on Thursday September 17th from 9:00 - 10:30 am at the Tanglewood Nature Center and Museum, 443 Coleman Avenue Elmira, NY 14903. www.tanglewoodnaturecenter.com. All nonprofit executive and management personnel from throughout the Southern Tier are invited to participate. There is no cost to attend and light refreshments will be provided.
Based on input from previous surveys and the 2nd quarterly meeting, the presentation and discussion at this meeting will focus on the nonprofit sector use of social media tools, presented by Sean Lukasik of Creative Agent.
Agenda
1. Welcome, introduction and brief tour of the Tanglewood Nature Center
2. What is Social Media: Facebook , Twitter, Linked In…..
3. “How the heck do I even get onto Facebook/Twitter?”
4. Applications and pros/cons
5. Goals of using social media
If you plan on attending the meeting, please RSVP by September 15th by clicking on stned@ihsnet.org, and include your name, organization and contact information. Feel free to include any questions you may have concerning STNED or social media.
For more information about the Southern Tier Nonprofit Executive Directors group, go to www.ihsnet.org and click on STNED in the left column.
We hope that you can join us for this educational and enjoyable opportunity to meet with your colleagues on the 17th.
The Southern Tier Nonprofit Executive Directors Group (STNED) is a network of nonprofit executive and management professionals in the Southern Tier/Finger Lakes Region of New York State that provides education, peer support and the sharing of ideas to strengthen leadership and promote the collaborative utilization of resources.
The STNED group will have its 3rd quarter meeting on Thursday September 17th from 9:00 - 10:30 am at the Tanglewood Nature Center and Museum, 443 Coleman Avenue Elmira, NY 14903. www.tanglewoodnaturecenter.com. All nonprofit executive and management personnel from throughout the Southern Tier are invited to participate. There is no cost to attend and light refreshments will be provided.
Based on input from previous surveys and the 2nd quarterly meeting, the presentation and discussion at this meeting will focus on the nonprofit sector use of social media tools, presented by Sean Lukasik of Creative Agent.
Agenda
1. Welcome, introduction and brief tour of the Tanglewood Nature Center
2. What is Social Media: Facebook , Twitter, Linked In…..
3. “How the heck do I even get onto Facebook/Twitter?”
4. Applications and pros/cons
5. Goals of using social media
If you plan on attending the meeting, please RSVP by September 15th by clicking on stned@ihsnet.org, and include your name, organization and contact information. Feel free to include any questions you may have concerning STNED or social media.
For more information about the Southern Tier Nonprofit Executive Directors group, go to www.ihsnet.org and click on STNED in the left column.
We hope that you can join us for this educational and enjoyable opportunity to meet with your colleagues on the 17th.
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