Make the Road New York Named Semifinalist for New York Times Award

Make the Road New York: Press Advisory

February 27, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Debra Wexler, 347.243.7249, debra.wexler@maketheroadny.org

MAKE THE ROAD NEW YORK NAMED AS SEMIFINALIST FOR
THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY'S
2009 NONPROFIT EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Prestigious Awards Honor Outstanding Management Practices and Encourage Innovation and Communication among
New York's Nonprofit Community

New York, NY - The New York Times Company this week announced selection of Make the Road New York as one of ten semifinalists for its third annual Nonprofit Excellence Awards. In 2007, The Nonprofit Coordinating Committee of New York (NPCC) and the New York Regional Association of Grantmakers (NYRAG) joined the Times Company in establishing this program, which honors outstanding management and encourages innovation and communication among New York's large and diverse nonprofit community. All nonprofit organizations based in and serving New York City, Long Island, and Westchester are eligible to apply. Make the Road New York and the other nine semifinalists were selected from among 86 applicants based on excellent management practices.

"Make the Road New York not only meets the immediate needs of low-income and immigrant populations, but also empowers those individuals to sustain and support their communities on a long-term basis," said Oona Chatterjee, Co-Executive Director for Make the Road New York. "We are thrilled that the New York Times Company, NPCC, and NYRAG recognize the value of our innovative, member-led management model and its effectiveness in enabling low-income New Yorkers to become the driving force behind public policy decisions that affect their children, their families, and their communities.

"It is an honor to be considered alongside such an impressive group of our peers among leading New York non-profits, and we congratulate all the semifinalists on their achievements and good work."

Up to four organizations will be awarded a total of $40,000, with winners to be announced in June 2009. The winner for Overall Management Excellence will be awarded $25,000. Additional awards will be presented for outstanding performance in one or more other key areas of nonprofit management including: overall management focus on results; governance structure that moves the organization forward; strong, transparent and accountable financial management; inclusive, diverse, and responsive organizational practices; enlightened use of human resources and technology; regular and effective communications; and effective, ethical fundraising and resource development. Each of the winning organizations also will receive a scholarship to The Institute for Not-for-Profit Management at Columbia Business School Executive Education.

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Contact Information
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Debra Wexler, 347.243.7249
debra.wexler@maketheroadny.org
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www.maketheroadny.org