Managing Nonprofit Organizations in Lean Times

Nonprofit Finance Fund President, Clara Miller, to be Featured Jan. 27

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2009

POUGHKEEPSIE—With the nation’s economy suffering mightily and philanthropic institutions fearing for the worst, Mid-Hudson Valley nonprofit organizations are encouraged to attend a free presentation and discussion—“Managing Your Nonprofit Organization in Lean Times”— designed to offer nonprofit board members, executives and staff proven strategies for coping with the coming storm.

From 3-5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27 at the Poughkeepsie Grandview, the presentation will feature remarks from Clara Miller, President and CEO of the Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF), who will offer insights from her 25 years leading NFF’s efforts to help nonprofits become more fiscally responsible. Ms. Miller will also expound upon some of her recent articles, including: “Weathering the Storm: Lessons from 2001,” in which she details seven steps nonprofits can take to successfully navigate through a dramatic economic downturn.

Ever since founding the organization, Ms. Miller has led NFF to a position of national prominence as a “philanthropic bank” serving both social sector organizations and their funders. Along with making loans and grants to nonprofits, NFF offers workshops and business consultation services that have helped innumerable nonprofits become more efficient and less vulnerable.

“We are thrilled to have a person of Clara Miller’s stature speaking at this event. If anyone can give nonprofits cogent advice on how to survive the dreadful economic downturn we are facing, it’s Clara Miller,” said Dawn Carolei, coordinator of the Funders Network of the Mid-Hudson Valley and special projects assistant at the Dyson Foundation. “As the economy worsens, we are concerned that nonprofits and their clients will suffer disproportionately. This important presentation and discussion will address strategies and best practices for dealing with the difficulties ahead.”

After Ms. Miller’s remarks, the event will also feature a discussion period for program participants which will be followed by a reception scheduled from 5-6 p.m.

“Managing Your Nonprofit in Lean Times” is sponsored by the Community Foundation of Dutchess County and the Ulster County Community Foundation, the Dyson Foundation, and the Funders Network of the Mid-Hudson Valley in association with the New York Regional Association of Grantmakers (NYRAG).

Although the event is free, those interested in attending are asked to pre-register online by Thursday, Jan. 22 by sending RSVP information to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it For more information, please call the Dutchess and Ulster Community Foundations at 845-452-3077.|

For more information about this press release, contact:
Andrea Reynolds, Dutchess and Ulster Community Foundation, 845-452-3077
Dawn Carolei, Dyson Foundation, 845-790-6314
Stephen Densmore, Press Liaison, 845-234-8713