The nonprofit sector operates in an atmosphere of ongoing competition for finite resources. Charities must demonstrate financial responsibility under increasing scrutiny while attempting to serve their greater charitable purpose on a daily basis. We often field questions from our donors about nonprofit efficiency and viability.
Just like for-profit organizations, nonprofits continually seek to enhance efficiencies, decrease overhead costs or otherwise adapt in order to maintain or expand operations. They can benefit greatly from guidance and support to think creatively and collaboratively. After the economic downturn in 2008, we witnessed smaller nonprofits facing substantial challenges as they attempted to balance the work that is core to their mission with the administrative realities of running their operations.
We know that effective nonprofit organizations are essential to the health and vitality of any community, so we took action. In 2009, we established the Strategic Partnership Fund to provide grants that help charities enhance program delivery and achieve more efficient use of limited financial and human resources.
Over the past 10 years, we have distributed more than $500,000 to cover costs associated with mergers, affiliations, realignments and more. Organizations across our five-county footprint that have benefitted from the Strategic Partnership Fund include CenterState CEO, Nascentia Health, AccessCNY, Family Counseling Services of Cortland County, Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce, and the H. Lee White Marine Museum.
Additionally, we seek support for this initiative from our fellow local funding partners and from donors who recognize the unique position nonprofits hold in addressing critical issues in our region. Now more than ever, nonprofit organizations are bridging gaps that result from reallocated government spending. And because promoting a strong and resilient nonprofit landscape is core to our mission, we will continue to develop and devote resources through the Strategic Partnership Fund for those in the sector that want to think, plan and act strategically so they can endure to serve the needs of people in Central New York.
