The Kentucky Employees Charitable Campaign: People Helping People

 

Spring is in the air (or is it summer??) and each year with the warm weather comes preparations for the Kentucky Employees Charitable Campaign (KECC)!  As we set the ball rolling for 2011, we are excited to announce that we have a Chair and a theme! 

Governor Steve Beshear has selected Secretary Marcheta Sparrow of the Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet to lead this year's campaign. 

"I am very passionate about our state and I am honored that Governor Beshear asked me to lead the KECC this year," Sparrow said.  "From Paducah to Ashland, and everywhere in between, we are blessed with the natural resources and attractions that make Kentucky one of the most beautiful states in the country.  But our most important resource is each other.  Through KECC, state employees reach out a hand to help their fellow Kentuckians.  By giving of ourselves, we are showing that Kentuckians stick together.  Generosity is just part of who we are."

It is that generosity that drove Secretary Sparrow's choice for the 2011 KECC theme, "People Helping People: A Kentucky Tradition".  

 A little background info...
The KECC is the single charitable campaign for Kentucky state employees.  The campaign benefits six charitable federations, including United Way of Kentucky.  These partner charities represent more than a thousand charitable programs and agencies that address health and human services needs throughout the state.

In addition to representing the United Ways across the Commonwealth, UWKY is also the state's administrator for the campaign.  Historically, local United Ways share about 43% of the campaign total. 

For more information about the KECC, visit the campaign website at http://www.kecc.org.   

Operating Reserves Part 2: How Much Reserve is Right?

From Greenwalt CPAs

 

If there is any generally accepted benchmark for operating reserves, it's usually three to six months of operating expenses.  Three months is typically considered a minimum accumulation and six months a more sought-after amount.  But rather than thinking of this as a benchmark, it's better to consider it a safe-harbor range established to cover any emergency.  This would enable an organization to continue its operations only for a relatively brief transition in operations or funding.  Or, in the worst-case scenario, it would allow for an orderly winding up of affairs.

An operating reserve of more than six months of expenses provides more flexibility.  For example, it might give your nonprofit funds to pursue a new program initiative that's not fully funded, or to leverage debt funding for needed facilities or equipment.  Accumulating more than a year's worth of expenses in reserves, not designated by the Board of Directors for specific purposes, must be approached carefully.  You should look at it through the eyes of your donors and the general public: How would they perceive that kind of nest egg? 

2011 Nonprofit "State of the Sector" Survey results released 

The Nonprofit Finance Fund, a community development financial institution focused on financial services for nonprofits and their funders, released their 2011 Nonprofit State of the Sector Survey Report late last week.  The results show both positive change and significant concern on the part of nonprofits nationwide.  Out of a sample of 1935 nonprofits responding, here are a few of the notable highlights:

• 87% feel the recession isn't over
• 77% saw an increase in demand for services
• 28% have one month or less of cash
• 55% have added or expanded programs

Of those responding, 49% identified themselves as providing services critical to the health and safety of those in need.  Within this group 57% were not able to meet the demand for services in 2010.  That number is projected to rise to 63% in 2011.

But the news isn't all bad: two-thirds of those responding stated that for 2010, their financial position at year-end was flat or showed a surplus.

For all the highlights from this very detailed report, click here.

 

United Way Southern Institute is getting closer! 

Asheville, NC · June 1-3 

Don't miss this low-cost learning opportunity!  The United Way room block closes on May 9th!  Register today to receive the discounted rate!

The 2011 Southern Institute is a fun and content-rich learning and networking opportunity, focused on personal, professional and system development.  United Way staff in every size market are invited to participate in this cutting-edge learning event, geared toward increasing our capacity to improve lives and conditions in our communities.

If you are looking for an innovative, low-cost learning opportunity, join us June 1-3 in Asheville, NC.  Early bird registration is just $225 (flex credits apply).  Rooms at the Biltmore DoubleTree start at just $109 a night! 

All United Ways are welcome!  Visit the conference website to learn more and register today!