Based on the large turn out we had for the event CNM hosted with Congressman Cooper in March, I thought this would be of interest to area nonprofits. The Chronicle of Philanthropy in their blog roundup, highlights a nonprofit consultant’s thoughts on stimulus funding. Click on the link in the headline to view the full post, with comments:

Words of Caution for Small Charities Looking for Stimulus Money
As the recession dampens giving from private sources and local governments, more charities are looking to the federal stimulus package as a possible source of desperately needed support. But before sticking their hands in the federal cookie jar, grass-roots group should make sure they are not reaching for more than they can chew, writes Ken Goldstein on his Nonprofit Consultant Blog.

Mr. Goldstein urges charities to weigh not only the short-term but the long-term impact on their revenue, and whether they are big enough to handle the project they propose.

“Most of these stimulus programs are not designed for grass-roots organizations; they pretty much require large structures, with already large budgets, and the capacity to take on new projects without much additional overhead,” he write. “Seriously, if you have an annual budget of only $500,000 you should not be looking at a grant for $300,000/year for only two years, and with only 5 percent allowed for administration.”