The evolving “slush fund” scandal involving certain discretionary funds allocated by City Council Members is giving these monies a very bad name.  Yet, as nonprofit human service providers know all too well, these member item grants aren’t “pork”; they are the “meat and potatoes” which support critical programmatic activities and services.  Often, they are essential to fill budgetary gaps left by inadequate funding in other City contracts.  

What do these member item grants — from both Council Members and State legislators — mean for your agency? How important are they for your services?  What would happen if they weren’t there?  How much oversight is provided over your use of these funds? 

Also, is the heightened sensitivity to these allocations by City and State officials leading to processing delays and cash flow problems?

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Release of Governor Paterson’s tax returns showing that he and his wife made charitable contributions of only $150 while earning $269,815 last year has prompted citicism in news reports and from other politicians. What do you think? Share your opinions at the NYNP Community Forum.   Click below right to read comments or post your own. .

What do you think David Paterson’s upcoming appointment as New York State’s Governor will mean for the nonprofit, human services sector?