Community Initiatives says Yes to MickaCoo

MickaCoo's evolution to sustainability reached another early milestone. On 11/15, we received word that Community Initiatives (CI) had accepted MickaCoo as a fiscally sponsored project. Prudy Kohler, CI's Director of Fiscally Sponsored Project & Philanthropic Services says,

"Community Initiatives chose to accept MickaCoo Pigeon and Dove Rescue (MPDR) as a fiscally sponsored project because it is in line with Community Initiative’s mission of service to the community. MPDR fills a gap in the animal rescue network by providing shelters for pigeons and doves, as well as veterinary care and community education regarding the advantages of keeping these birds as pets. MPDR partners with a number of Bay Area animal shelters, humane societies, and animal welfare organizations. Project director, Elizabeth Young, has many years of experience in the nonprofit sector, and will continue to be a strong leader for the organization as it grows."

But "fiscal sponsorship" doesn't mean financial support. MickaCoo is actually more challenged now to fundraise than we ever have been.

Fiscal sponsorship is an activity by which a public charity, tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, provides financial and programmatic oversight of unincorporated nonprofit projects that allows those fiscally sponsored projects to receive grants and tax-exempt donations from government, foundations, and individuals.

Locating with a fiscal sponsor such as Community Initiatives frees projects to pursue what they do best: identify and creatively address important needs in their communities.

Community Initiatives believes in the power of community groups to develop fresh, exciting ideas that are of real-time public benefit, and our services can support these efforts in crucial ways.

Mickaboo & MickaCoo published this joint press release:

MICKABOO COMPANION BIRD RESCUE announces Transfer of MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue

(11/16/11) Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue is very proud to announce the fledging of its first offspring, MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue. MickaCoo has been a part of Mickaboo for four years, and has grown into a highly successful rescue. Under the wing of its new fiscal sponsor, Community Initiatives, a California nonprofit organization, MickaCoo will continue to pursue its rescue goals in ways not feasible for Mickaboo, including hiring paid staff. Elizabeth Young, founding director of MickaCoo says, “I turned to Mickaboo for assistance starting with the very first pigeon that I ever helped to find a home and their incredibly generous support has profoundly contributed to our success.”

The separation of MickaCoo to its new fiscal sponsor is effective November 16, 2011. Those wanting to follow MickaCoo as the organization evolves are encouraged to watch www.MickaCoo.org and www.RescueReport.org. Tax-deductible donations supporting MickaCoo may be paid online at http://www.communityin.org/mickaCoo.html or sent to Community Initiatives, 354 Pine Street, # 700, San Francisco, CA 94104 (checks should be payable to “Community Initiatives - MickaCoo”).

About Mickaboo

Mickaboo is a nonprofit organization located in the San Francisco Bay Area, dedicated to rescuing companion birds (parrot-type and other commonly domesticated birds) that have been neglected, abused, injured or surrendered. It exists to ensure that these birds will have a safe, loving environment for life. Mickaboo strives to educate bird owners on the most current standard of care, so that the medical, emotional, and dietary needs of their birds will be met.

About MickaCoo

MickaCoo saves homeless domestic pigeons and doves in the San Francisco Bay Area from euthanasia by providing veterinary care, foster and forever homes. To date, more than 500 King pigeons, homing pigeons, ring neck doves, and a variety of domestic and “fancy” pigeons and doves owe their lives and wonderful homes to MickaCoo’s efforts.