The Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber's January 2021 Nonprofit Newsletter
The Nonprofit Committee brings you a newsletter once a month that focuses specifically on the issues confronting nonprofit organizations including an educational article and an article highlighting a local Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber member nonprofit.
Building Organizational Infrastructure and Improving Overall Effectiveness in This World of Uncertainty:
WHAT’S YOUR PLAN?

by Lucille Geraci-Miranda, M.P.A.

As we know, 2020 was like no other. We learned how to pivot, and our best plans had to be altered.  We learned how to be flexible, and we all learned how to pause and think about how we will move forward.

While we still face unprecedented challenges, nonprofits must ensure they have a solid organizational infrastructure that will continuously improve the overall effectiveness in their organizations.
Are you ready to implement your 2021 initiatives?

Have you reviewed your internal systems, your board structure and responsibilities? How can you meet your organization’s fundraising and awareness goals in this climate?
Consider an organizational review:

1 - Internal Systems, Processes and Financial Stability
  • Do you have the fundamental systems in place that support fundraising and awareness efforts that include a viable data base and tracking system for gifts and donor acknowledgements?
  • Are you periodically reviewing your by-laws, mission, and vision statements?
  • Do you have an organizational operating budget? Program budget(s)?

2 - The Board
  • Does your board live and breathe its role and responsibilities?
  • Is your board embracing and effectively responding to current challenges?
  • Does your board possess all the skill sets that will impact the success of your organization? 

3 - Fundraising and Development  
  • Is there continued active collaboration between board, staff, and volunteers to devise and run an effective, integrated fund development program?
  • Does your fund development program include a mixture of strategies?
  • Are you staying in close touch with your donors?

4 -Marketing, Awareness, and Increasing Visibility
  • Do you have an integrated marketing plan?
  • Are you sharing success stories and messaging consistently?
  • Are you capitalizing on public relations?
  • Are you taking the time to increase your community networks and affiliations, especially during this time?  

What’s the takeaway? Every nonprofit needs a plan to build organizational infrastructure and increase financial support – a roadmap that outlines a diverse strategy yet remains flexible in this time of uncertainty.  Consider how you are going to take the road back to recover. What’s YOUR plan?

Geranda Projects is ready to offer its vast, integrated experience to help nonprofits create a strong foundation and inspire them to reach their greatest potential, straight from the heart of their mission.

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 educational workshops tailored to your organization’s needs.
Lucille Geraci-Miranda, M.P.A. chairs the Chamber’s Nonprofit Committee and is President and Founder of Geranda Projects – Management Consulting for Nonprofits. Read more about her services at: www.gerandaprojects.com
To request an article about a
specific topic, please contact
Lucille Geraci-Miranda at lucille@gerandaprojects.com.
CORRECTION:
Services provided by the Captain Oliver C. Chase Jr. Post 274 include:
  • Operation Comfort Warrior (rather than Operation Wounded Warrior)

Featured Organization:
The Captain Oliver C. Chase Jr. Post 274

by Ivy Fairchild, CFRE, MPH, MA

Since 1919, when Congress chartered and incorporated American Legions as patriotic veterans’ organizations devoted to mutual helpfulness, Legions have served as a home away from home for veterans and their communities, providing direct aid to families of active duty and retired military. American Legions provide life-changing assistance and guidance in states across the country. Today, membership in American Legions stand at nearly two million in more than 13,000 posts worldwide.
The Captain Oliver C. Chase Jr. Post 274, Peekskill’s own American Legion, is located on McKinley Street in Peekskill. Like other Legions, the post prides itself on providing services to active duty military, veterans, their families, and the community-at-large. Assistance is provided in the form of personal assistance, cash grants, donated goods, networking, volunteerism and advocacy. The Post is a nonpartisan, nonprofit community organization led by volunteer Legionnaires whose sense of obligation to community, state and nation drives their work.
Services provided by the Captain Oliver C. Chase Jr. Post 274 include:
  • Operation Comfort Warrior, a program dedicated to meeting the needs of wounded, injured or ill military personnel by providing them with comfort items not usually supplied by the government
  • VA Outreach Program: provides direct aid for homeless and hospice veterans
  • Food Bank for Veterans: Food distribution through the FDR Montrose VA Hospital
  • Direct aid to active duty military families
  • Recognition programs to support families of military members killed in action
  • Coordination of public ceremonies to recognize veterans and commemorate Memorial Day, July 4th, Veterans’ Day and support “Wreaths Across America”
  • Special needs program for autistic children
  • Peekskill Seniors Quilting Program, distributes handmade quilts to Veteran Hospitals in the Bronx, Montrose, Castlepoint and US military hospitals overseas
  • Monetary and food donations to support the Knights of Columbus and Salvation Army Community Thanksgiving Food Program
  • Provision of flags to local hospitals, schools and similar organization

The American Legion’s success depends entirely on active membership, participation, volunteerism and donations from people like you. The organization belongs to the people it serves and the communities in which it thrives.

The COVID-19 pandemic has strongly impacted the Post’s ability to fundraise and so they need your support more than ever before. Send your donations to: PO Box 21- 936 McKinley Street, Peekskill NY 10566. For more information about Captain Oliver C. Chase Jr. Post 274, contact Commander John Donohue at 914-739-1560.
Ivy Fairchild, CFRE, MPH, MA is the President of Landmark Consultants, a management consulting firm that works with nonprofits. Read more about her services at: www.landmarkchange.com
To request that your nonprofit be featured in this newsletter, please contact Lynn Amos at lynn@fynelyne.com.
Upcoming Events
The Chamber’s Nonprofit Committee provides meaningful opportunities for nonprofit staff, managers and board members to come together to collaborate, and embrace the importance of growth and sustainability. The Committee serves as a resource for ongoing professional development and as a forum for sharing best practices.

Committee Chairperson
Lucille Geraci-Miranda
Geranda Projects

Committee Members
Lynn Amos, Fyne Lyne Ventures
Ivy Fairchild, Landmark Consultants
Chereese Jervis-Hill, Events To Remember
Tim Warn, Civic Member
Justin Wingenroth, The Dance Conservatory