By Kevin Aldridge
The Cincinnati Enquirer

AVONDALE - The honeymoon has ended for new Urban League President Donna Jones Stanley after just three months on the job.

The Urban League of Greater Cincinnati had to cut six mid- to upper-level positions last month because of a significant drop in individual and corporate contributions. As a result, the organization is undergoing a restructuring that could mean some programs might be lost or merged with others.

Stanley did not release any financial data Tuesday, saying figures would be available in the Urban League's yearly audit due out in two months.

The Urban League is a nonprofit social service agency that provides job training, education and leadership development programs. The nonprofit social service agency operates on a $2.5 million annual budget and employs about 40.

"Since 9-11, the economy has been tough on nonprofits," Stanley said. "We are taking a good look at everything we do, how we do it; and we are realigning. We are going to try to have it not affect the community we serve in terms of programming."

Urban League affiliates across the country are experiencing similar struggles with donations. Other Greater Cincinnati nonprofit agencies have also had to cut their budgets in recent years.

The downturn comes as Stanley enters her third month at the Urban League. She assumed the presidency from Sheila Adams, who officially retired Dec. 31.

Then just after Christmas, Stanley learned she would have to downsize her staff by six people. "It's been tough," Stanley said. "They were not easy decisions."

"We're just going to have to ask more people and cast out the net a little farther," Stanley said. "A lot of people care about the Urban League and they will step up to the plate."

E-mail kaldridge@enquirer.com