The Academy for Lifelong Learning is on solid ground. We successfully transitioned from the umbrella of SUNY Empire State College Foundation to our own registered 501c3 tax-exempt, nonprofit. We have PO Box 4395, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, and our own bank account. Staff is working from home and in the field with Academy cell phones and laptops. Payroll has been set up with a local payroll company and staff is receiving benefits. Most of the Academy funds have been transferred to us from SUNY ESC. The final balance transfers are being planned.

 

The Academy’s board meets monthly to oversee, discuss, and vote on all business transactions. They recently agreed to lease classroom space at SUNY Adirondack’s Wilton location for twelve Academy spring courses.

 

The Academy Finance Committee and the board are monitoring the Academy’s original 2022-2023 budget and the additional, unanticipated, added expense of transitioning to our own nonprofit. Though expenses have increased, revenue has also risen. Many members have made generous contributions as part of the Academy’s $30,000 for 30 years matching-fund campaign. This effort is ongoing until June 30. Our long-time sponsor Prestwick Chase has continued to support our fall, winter, and spring terms and recently committed to sponsoring the Academy’s Lunch & Learn with Dr. Roger Landry on April 14th at the Holiday Inn.

 

The Academy applied for and received an $8000 COVID grant from Saratoga County. We’ve held many successful social events at Moreau Lake State Park, Artisanal Brew Works, Barnes & Noble, Cantina, and the SPAC Ballet. These and other activities: the Sundaes Best Hot Fudge Sauce fundraiser, the Holiday Luncheon at Longfellows, along with exceeding our budgeted revenue for course fees so far, have all contributed to our financial stability.

 

We look forward to continuing these efforts this spring by recruiting new members, having robust course registrations, offering the Dr. Landry luncheon, an evening at the West Side Sports Bar & Grill on April 26, an afternoon of trivia at Artisanal Brew Works, and an ice cream social.

 

Our two part-time staff, along with Academy volunteers, have been busier than ever helping to plan these programs and setting up our new Academy for Lifelong Learning Saratoga Region, Inc. while taking care of much of the administrative activities necessary to conduct business, serve our members, and continue our mission.