As I consider our "Holiday Season" this year, I am thinking through our own financial status...maybe we`ll lay off the gifts a bit, maybe we`ll travel less, maybe we`ll be a bit more careful...and then I think of those who were already being careful, and I wonder what the Holidays will look like for those families this year.  It`s going to get pretty lean for many kids.  Thanksgiving will be a little less plentiful, Christmas/Chanukah a little less extreme, and the gifts more sparse.  Consider brightening someone else`s Holidays this year if you can.  We`ve had a ton of requests this year, you can see them here in our Westchester Wishes section.

As a follow up to our survey, Essentialmom.com has paired up with the Westchester Land Trust and invites you to an open discussion with fellow members of the non profit community about the challenges and opportunities presented by our current economic climate.  The financial crisis embroiling the United States has many charities worried about how to manage their finances, raise money, and keep up with growing demand for services. To help our local organizations benefit from each others’ knowledge and expertise, we’ve invited representatives from nonprofit groups all over the county, to share ideas, strategies and best practices for successful fund-raising and donor cultivation- even in a tough economy.  The discussion will be facilitated by Amy Eisenstein of Tri Point Resources, but come armed with your questions and creative suggestions because the best ideas will come from the participants in the room. The best news of all?   It’s free (sponsored by EssentialMom.com)!   March 5, 2009, 10am to 11:30am, Westchester Land Trust, 403 Harris Rd, Bedford Hills.  RSVP only.  Call Gretchen at 914 523 1352 or email gretchen@essentialmom.com to find out more.

Non-Profit Survey Results In.  In the months of December and January, EssentialMom.com conducted a survey to get a feel for the pulse of the economy in Westchester County and the effects that the changes were having on area Non-Profits.  Highlights of the survey were as follows:

• The Food Bank of Westchester Reports Demand Doubled at Several Locations 
• Local Charities predict a 20-30% Decrease in 2009 Donations
• 59% of Social Agencies recognize they must drastically alter traditional fundraising plans to draw and maintain donors this year, citing such items as dropping some special events, increasing asks to specific donors, reaching out to smaller donors, increase marketing, extra appreciation for major donors
• Increased demand and decreased budgets are playing major roles in changing the way these groups are operating, as well as fundraising.
• 25% of respondents stated that their budgets are at risk for 2009
• 25% stated that donations were down from last year
• 5.7% have already had to cut staff
• Organizations reported a 10-20% decrease from 2007 year end at 2008 year end, but the majority feel that 2009 will be worse
• Biggest concerns/challenges?  Maintaining service standards on a lower budget, keeping staff, making sure donors approve of decisions/project goals/direction of agency, replacing funding from corporations.

Click here to read further results of the eye-opening EssentialMom.com poll regarding the tremendous squeeze Westchester non-profits are experiencing entering 2009.   

Welcome to Westchester Wishes...our little corner of giving this Holiday Season. If you`re looking for a project for the family or a way to give back to your community this year, check out the wonderful ways these local non-profits are helping people throughout our county.  There`s a little something for everyone from conservation projects, to helping out families, to sponsoring and caring for animals.  

Click here to view our Westchester Wishes list!

If you have a project you`d like posted, just email us at info@essentialmom.com and we`ll get it up for you.