It is imperative that fundamental systems are in place, and these include a viable database and tracking system for gifts and donor acknowledgements, and an organizational operating budget. As your organization grows or changes, review your mission statement.

The most challenging obstacles are implementing a viable board and governing body that will be best suited to lead your organization, fulfill its mission and sustain financial viability. Each board member should bring skill sets that will impact the success of your organization.

Your by-laws should spell out who is eligible to serve on your board, the size of the board and term limits. This enables the opportunity for fresh insights and creating new energy.

Engaging your board is often a challenge but everyone has a role to play. What can they own? Perhaps chair a committee? Committees are essential to board functioning. Talk to your board members and ask them what they really want to do.

Embrace the concept that development and fundraising are critical to organizational health and the board must be willing to be engaged in this process.

An integrated fund development program will generate significant revenues and should include special events, appeals, and foundation and corporate grants. As your organization grows, consider a major gifts initiative – even a planned giving component.

In addition to promoting your message on social media, build your community networks and affiliations to increase awareness. Share success stories! Consider networking opportunities to get the word out, attend local networking group events, and present at local rotaries and chambers! 

So, what’s the takeaway here? Remember, just as people grow and change over time, nonprofits must also because the only constant is change. Is your house in order?

Lucille Geraci-Miranda, M.P.A. serves on the Board of the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber Foundation, chairs the Chamber’s Nonprofit Committee and is President and Founder of Geranda Projects – Management Consulting for Nonprofits. Expert services include strategic planning, board development and enrichment, building organizational capacity, annual budget analysis and assessments, fund development planning, one-on-one coaching and specialty workshops. 

Do you have expertise to share with other nonprofits? Ask us about writing an educational article for this newsletter!

Please contact Lynn Amos with your ideas at lynn@fynelyne.com.

Would you like to host an event for your nonprofit colleagues at your facility?

Please contact please contact Lucille Geraci-Miranda at lucille@gerandaprojects.com.

To request that your nonprofit be featured in this newsletter, please contact Lynn Amos at lynn@fynelyne.com.

Child care is often the biggest bill in the household. The Child Care Council of Westchester eases this burden by connecting families to financial help. Those families then have greater ability to deal with other basic needs.

Nicole Masucci, Director of Family & Employer Services says, “Choosing someone to care for your child while you work or go to school is a highly personal and critical decision. There is no rating tool activity available for families to use, so they are left up to their own devices to evaluate various child care options.” She notes that The Council has a database of all the regulated child care programs and providers in Westchester County. They connect families to the care that meets their needs, providing them with the tools needed to make an informed decision including how to look for quality indicators. “Parents want the best affordable solution for their child; The Council helps make this happen,” Nicole adds.

Families who need help finding or paying for child care, after school care or summer camp should contact the Child Care Council of Westchester. The Council helps families locate care that fits their unique needs. The Council screens families for eligibility for child care assistance through Westchester County and the Westchester Works Child Care Scholarship which The Council administers directly. The scholarship has high income limits – up to $92,120 for a family of three – and covers 50-60% of the cost of care.

Employers interested in connecting their workforce to child care referral services and assistance should also contact The Council. 

Their services are free. Call (914) 761-3456 x140, email referrals@cccwny.org, or visit www.childcarewestchester.org.

During the pandemic The Council remained open for business to support all the child care programs which largely remained open as well. They did, however, shift their trainings for the child care workforce from an in-person to a virtual format. Now they comfortably offer both, providing more choices to the thousands of child care educators who depend on The Council for their professional development.

The Council would want other nonprofits to know that your employees have child care challenges too, and to please let your staff know about the child care assistance The Council offers. Nicole notes, “We know that there are many hard-working members of the nonprofit community who are eligible for financial help, either through Westchester Works or the Child Care Assistance Program conducted by Westchester County’s Department of Social Services.”

To learn more or to donate to The Child Care Council of Westchester, click here: www.childcarewestchester.org

Lynn Amos is Principal of Fyne Lyne Ventures, a Westchester-based website and graphic design studio and is President of Top of Mynd Cards, e-cards for businesspeople. She serves on the Nonprofit and Marketing Committees of the Chamber.

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