George Gund

The Urban Institute recently released the latest findings from its “Returning Home: Understanding the Challenges of Prisoner Re-entry” study at an event hosted by The George Gund Foundation in Cleveland.

The report, “Cleveland Prisoners’ Experiences Returning Home,” chronicles the experience of more than 400 previously incarcerated individuals during the first months following their release from prison. The brief examines factors that may help or hinder successful reintegration, including employment, substance use, attitudes and beliefs, health status, criminal histories and family and community contexts. The report is available at http://www.urban.org/publications/311359.html.

Simultaneously, United Way Services of Greater Cleveland released a new community resource guide for previously incarcerated individuals and their families. The “Going Home to Stay” guide is intended to help people prepare for United Way Services of Greater Cleveland their release from prison. It provides information about available services, including health care, housing, clothing, legal assistance and employment. “Going Home to Stay” is also an excellent resource for social service providers working in the reentry field. The free guide is available at http://www.211cleveland.org/pdfs/communityreentry.pdf.

Cuyahoga County residents will have an opportunity to vote on a tax issue November 7 that could provide up to $20 million a year over the next ten years for Greater Clevelandís arts and cultural community.

Issue 18 proposes a 30-cent per pack tax on cigarettes that would be used to provide a dedicated source of revenue to support nonprofit arts and culture organizations and projects. It is estimated that the arts and cultural sector currently generates an estimated $1 billion in annual economic activity in Cuyahoga County.

Grants will be awarded in four categories — operating support for arts and cultural organizations; project support; artist support for residences in schools or neighborhood-based community centers or creation of innovative new work; and extraordinary initiatives that promise unusual community benefit or meet emergency organizational needs.

More information on Issue 18 is available at www.cuyahogaartsandculture.org.

Attorney General Jim Petro backed off most of his earlier proposed rule changes for Ohio’s nonprofits, filing a third draft with the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review last week. He will hold a public hearing on the rules on Tuesday, October 10 in Columbus.

In addition to proposing an 11-member Charitable Advisory Council (CAC) in the rules, Petro has created it ad hoc, so that it can begin work later this month. The council members are representatives from the following organizations: Ohio Grantmakers Forum, Ohio Association of Nonprofit Organizations, Center for Nonprofit Excellence, Better Business Bureau, Ohio Society of CPAs, United Way, Association of Ohio Philanthropic Homes, Ohio Hospital Association, AARP Ohio and two attorneys with expertise in nonprofit law. 

Go online to vote for the best options for solving regional problems

Over the past year, many thousands of Northeast Ohio residents have identified the top challenges facing the region through an unprecedented public engagement process called Voices & Choices. Now it’s time for you to choose how to we should tackle those problems.

Learn about the tough choices that we must make and cast your vote on actions we should take by filling out a Voices & Choices Choicebook.

The Choicebook is an interactive online booklet that will describe the difficult choices facing Northeast Ohio and give you a chance to express your preferences about how we should invest our resources to turn Northeast Ohio’s economy around. Issues of concern include inadequate public school funding, developing a 21st century workforce, increasing racial inclusion and income equity, building a competitive business environment and addressing regional sprawl and government fragmentation.

Make your voice heard. Access the Voices & Choices Choicebook here.

Ohio AG Revises Proposed Rules

Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro has significantly revised proposed rule changes that would have dramatically impacted Ohio nonprofit organizations.

After receiving comments from the nonprofit sector, Petro released a new draft on July 28 that drops proposed restrictive regulations dealing with conflict of interest and executive compensation. The proposed regulations still include an expanded annual report requirement. The new rules also propose creation of a charitable advisory council composed of nine members appointed by the attorney general.

Ohio Grantmakers Forum (www.ohiograntmakers.org) is preparing a response to the new draft of proposed rules and welcomes input from foundations and nonprofit organizations before the August 21 deadline.

The George Gund Foundation wishes to thank all who have commented on the proposed rules. We also strongly encourage you to read and comment on the revised proposals, as issues surrounding reporting requirements could still have a large impact. For a link to the new draft, click here.

Comments should be sent to the Attorney General:

Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro
State Office Tower
30 E. Broad Street, 17th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215–3428

Nonprofits Encouraged to Comment on Proposed AG Rules

To all those who work for, serve on the board of, or care about an Ohio nonprofit:

The Ohio Attorney General’s proposed rules for the regulation of charitable organizations, if enacted, will significantly affect your organization and your work.

The George Gund Foundation strongly encourages you to read and comment on these proposals. Click here for a short legal analysis identifying a few concerns regarding the draft rules.

A copy of the proposed rules can be found here.

Comments on the proposed rules are being accepted until August 21st and should be sent to:

Attorney General Jim Petro
State Office Tower
30 E. Broad Street, 17th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215–3428
(614) 466–4320