Getting ready for the holidays and the end of the year evokes a sentiment of family, traditions and joy. Sometimes we get so involved in our holiday plans that it's easy to overlook the people outside of our circles. This year, let's all keep our community neighbors in mind. 

Two recent Observer Dispatch articles highlight the fact that although the recession is technically over, we are still seeing the effects right here in our community. Food pantries and soup kitchens, along with other basic needs organizations, are seeing an increase in clients, and, with the winter months approaching, a decrease is unlikely. Local homelessness has also been on the rise since 2007. 

With this theme in mind, on November 4, 2010, The Community Foundation held its first Learning Series event- a panel discussion on basic needs in Herkimer and Oneida counties. This event brought together donor-advisors and Foundation staff with local basic needs not-for-profit leaders for an honest discussion about how our community is faring. Some points of interest that came out of the panel were:

· The organizations are managing to make ends meet, but are struggling along the way.

· Many of the basic needs organizations operate in part on Federal and State grants. Many of these grants, however, are restrictive in their use. Other donations allow the organizations to have some flexibility within government funded programs or meet needs not addressed by them at all.

· It is necessary to educate the community about the number of people in Herkimer and Oneida counties who are in poverty. Even though it is not always visible, we do have homelessness and hungry people in our neighborhoods.

· Connections and public relations is another resource the community can bring to these organizations. The more "friends" they have, the more resources of all kinds will be available to fulfill their missions.

· In the short term, charitable donations help these organizations meet their budgets, and in turn meet the needs of people today. In the long term however, systems change is needed to prevent such needs from arising as well as provide better ways of addressing need.

· Improving education attainment and growing the economy are critical to alleviating the root causes of poverty.

· A homeless shelter is needed in Herkimer County because the closest one is in Utica. 

What does this mean for you as a donor-advisor?

· You can "bridge the gap" between restrictive/ focused government funding and reaching people in need by making general support grants.

· Your charitable grants are necessary for these organizations to continue operating.

· You have the opportunity to educate your family and peers on what poverty looks like in Herkimer and Oneida counties.

· Continue to learn about where your charitable interests fit in with the basic needs sector, or any sector that interests you.

Learning Series Panel