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 $4.5M Technology Challenge Seeks to Improve Chronic Health Outcomes
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The Aetna Foundation is calling on organizations to leverage technology to make an impact on health outcomes in vulnerable communities. The Foundation announced the Healthier World Innovation Challenge, a $4.5 million initiative designed to steer digital health innovation to improve chronic health outcomes in under-served communities. Six Challenge winners will receive up to $750,000 each over three years and support from the Aetna Foundation and partner resources to implement their innovation.
The Healthier World Innovation Challenge comes at a critical time when technology usage is on the rise in under-served communities. Research from the Pew Research Center shows that 84 percent of low-income adults have a mobile phone and one in three mobile phone owners have used their phone to look up health information.
“We’ve seen the difference health technology can make among individuals and communities. It’s a proven way to build healthier communities and empower people to take charge of their own health,” said Garth Graham, M.D., MPH, president of the Aetna Foundation. “Now we are asking organizations to join the Aetna Foundation in creating even more positive ‘disruption’ in the status quo. The Challenge will not only award financial support, but will allow us to work hand-in-hand with organizations that are advancing creative solutions to reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes.”
All non-profit and community organizations with 501(c)(3) status and state and local government agencies are eligible to enter the Healthier World Innovation Challenge. Letters of inquiry must be submitted between January 5 and February 16, 2015. Organizations selected to submit a full proposal will be notified on March 20. Review the Challenge criteria here >>
For more information: Elizabeth Sell, Aetna Foundation, 215-380-1691, selle@aetna.com. |
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Cohort Will Increase Access to Nutritious Food in Under-served Communities |
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As part of a $10 million three-year commitment to support food access and nutrition initiatives Newman’s Own Foundation is forming a Nutrition Cohort of six nonprofits and a research university. The goal of the Nutrition Cohort is to help to improve health among children and families in under-served communities through fresh food access and nutrition education. Newman’s Own Foundation will work with the Nutrition Cohort to share practices, coordinate efforts, and brainstorm ideas for improving nutrition during an annual in-person convening and subsequent discussions. “Our support for these nonprofits represents an investment in the value of collaboration,” said Bob Forrester, President and CEO, Newman’s Own Foundation. “Working together, these organizations can combine their collective knowledge, experience, and networks. We look forward to seeing if we can move the needle on issues like food insecurity, childhood obesity, and the related costs to individuals and community health.” The six Cohort organizations are: Fair Food Network (Ann Arbor, MI), FoodCorps, Inc. (New York, NY), The Food Trust (Philadelphia, PA), National Farm to School Network (Chicago, IL), Wellness in the Schools (New York, NY), and Wholesome Wave (Bridgeport, CT). The Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University (Boston, MA) will provide research support by evaluating the Cohort’s impact. For more information about the Nutrition Cohort, Nutrition grants, and a complete list of the nutrition grantees, visit: www.newmansownfoundation.org. For more information: Jan Schaefer, Newman's Own Foundation, media@NewmansOwnFoundation.org. |
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Legal Aid Gets Boost from Public/Private Consortium
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LawyerCorps Connecticut (LawyerCorps), a unique public/private, non-profit partnership devoted to developing new resources for legal aid in Connecticut, has acquired funding for three full-time attorney fellows. LawyerCorps is a consortium of Connecticut’s three legal aid programs, the Connecticut Judicial Branch, United Technologies Corporation, GE and the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.
The LawyerCorps Advisory Board has spent more than 18 months developing a program which will place new attorneys in three of Connecticut’s oldest legal aid providers: Connecticut Legal Services, Greater Hartford Legal Aid, and New Haven Legal Assistance Association.
“Too often in our legal system, a battered woman, or a family facing homelessness, has to appear in court to face an opposing lawyer. There’s just not enough funding for legal aid to ensure that everyone gets a fair shot at the system," said Steven Eppler-Epstein, executive director for Connecticut Legal Services. "The LawyerCorps fellowships are an innovative means of helping close this gap, and we are thrilled that corporate funders have come forward to improve fair access to our legal system.”
LawyerCorps funders include the Xerox Foundation, the Barnes Group Inc., PricewaterhouseCoopers and UIL Holding Corporation.
Applications for the LawyersCorps Fellowship are being accepted through January 20, 2015.
For more information:Eugene A. Sheehan III, Sullivan & LeShane Public Relations, Inc., 860-560-0001, EASheehan@CTPR.com. |
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Coalition Sets Target to End Homelessness by 2016
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The coalition that came together for the 100-Day Challenge to End Homelessness in Greater New Haven is working more effectively than ever to end the problem of homelessness in our region. The coalition has set a target of ending veteran and chronic homelessness by 2016 and ending family homelessness by 2020. This holiday season, 117 formerly homeless people will be able to celebrate the New Year in their own homes thanks to this unprecedented collaboration. An additional 89 are in the pipeline to be housed soon.
United Way of Greater New Haven has been asked to coordinate the effort with eight housing and outreach organizations agreeing to fundamental changes in policy that will enable them to continue the success of the 100-Day Challenge into 2016. The changes include using a common assessment form to better target housing services to the most vulnerable people experiencing homelessness in our community; and sharing resources and staff to create an accessible and transparent system.
"I am deeply proud that we took on and achieved this challenge," said Jennifer McGrady Heath, executive vice president of United Way of Greater New Haven. "Lives are better. The work has demonstrated that homelessness can be ended here, for everyone, and across Connecticut."
For more information: Joshua Mamis, United Way of Greater New Haven, 203-691-4229, jmamis@uwgnh.org. |
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New London County Nonprofits: Essential for Economy; Funding Not Equal to Rest of State |
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The Nonprofit Economic Impact Study finds that Greater New London’s 150 health and human service nonprofits are a key engine for economic well-being, accounting for more than 11,000 jobs and nearly $560 million in wages -- seven percent of the area's entire economy. The study, funded with grants from the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, the United Way of Southeast Connecticut, and the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, demonstrates the impact these organizations have on workforce development, transportation, educational programs, and critical access to healthcare for individuals and families. But the study also found that many of these agencies are at risk. While donor contributions and gifts are up 24 percent statewide, government economic aid has been shrinking and local human service agencies are falling behind their peers in other regions of the state. "Our generous donors see the value of the work carried out by these 150 community organizations, many of whom also receive grants from the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut," said Jennifer O’Brien, Program Director at the Community Foundation. "But our efforts must be bolstered by essential and significant support from government resources in order for our families to get ahead." Read the Executive Summary or Full Report >> For more information: Jennifer O'Brien, Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, 860-442-3572, jennob@cfect.org. |
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Extra Plate Campaign Raises Awareness of Food Insecurity |
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Citizens Bank has initiated #AnExtraPlate, a social media campaign that raises awareness of the more than 49 million Americans who are food insecure, and empowers others to help provide 100,000 meals to Americans who struggle to put food on their tables. “The holidays are a time of gathering together with family and friends, often enjoying a meal, but sadly, many aren’t able to participate in this time-honored tradition,” said Barbara Cottam, Rhode Island Market Executive for Citizens Bank. “You may not be able to invite all those who are hungry to your holiday table, but you can help by setting an extra plate for them, and feeding them virtually by participating in #AnExtraPlate.” To participate, Citizen's Bank asks that you: set a plate, snap a photo of it and tweet it out with #AnExtraPlate to @CitizensBank throughout the holiday season. Or share a photo to your timeline on Facebook with #AnExtraPlate, tag Citizens Bank and set the post as public. For every plate shared with the bank online, Citizens Bank will donate food to a local food bank, up to 100,000 meals. Citizens Bank has made a commitment to help food insecure individuals and families in the communities where it does business. Through Citizens Helping Citizens Fight Hunger, Citizens Bank has provided more than 2.2 million meals in 2014 alone. |
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COMMUNITY FOUNDATION NEWS |
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$200,000+ Grant Funds Vision Screenings & Eyeglasses for New Haven Children |
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The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven's two-year $200,899 grant to Helen Keller International will provide comprehensive, high-quality vision care services to children of low-income families in New Haven.
Helen Keller International's ChildSight® program goes directly into schools with a licensed optometrist to conduct free vision screenings and refraction assessments and provide prescription eyeglasses for children who need them.
In addition to providing free, on-site refraction assessments to approximately 1,800 children and delivering free prescription eyeglasses to about 900 of them, the new grant will enable ChildSight to conduct 15 community outreach events and recruit and train 10 Peer Parent Educators, who will assist with education and outreach to families.
Many New Haven families simply cannot afford or easily access a vision screening or a pair of prescription eyeglasses, leaving thousands of children with undiagnosed and unaddressed vision problems. Without clear vision, children struggle to read, see the board and engage with their teachers and classmates. Poor vision ultimately isolates children, delays their learning, and places them at risk of dropping out.
“ChildSight has made a positive and significant impact on thousands of New Haven children and families who would otherwise needlessly struggle with untreated vision disorders,” said Nancy Prail, Director of ChildSight. “Our shared commitment with The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven has allowed us to continue our work in meeting the high level of need for vision care among children in the community, and further examine and address the barriers that low-income families face in receiving the care they need.”
For more information: Tricia Caldwell, The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, 203-777-7090, tcaldwell@cfgnh.org. |
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Links to More Community Foundation News
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LINKS TO MORE FOUNDATION NEWS |
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Member News |
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FAIRFIELD COUNTY GIVING DAY IS SET
Wednesday, January 14 - Nonprofit Learning Session
Friday, February 13 - Nonprofit Giving Day Registration ClosesThursday, March 5 - Fairfield County Giving Day Nonprofit organizations in Fairfield County can now register to participate in Giving Day on March 5, a 24-hour period of online donations through www.FCGives.org. Initiated last year by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, Giving Day encourages individuals, families, companies, clubs and groups to “give where you live” and support Fairfield County nonprofits. Last year on Fairfield County Giving Day, 9,211 online donors gave more than $620,000 to 267 Fairfield County nonprofits – all in just 24 hours. An additional $127,500 in cash prizes funded by the Community Foundation, lead sponsor Bank of America and other corporate and community sponsors were awarded to more than 50 nonprofits. Bank of America is the 2015 Fairfield County Giving Day lead sponsor. Nonprofit registration closes February 13. Fairfield County Giving Day Registration >> On January 14, the Community Foundation is offering nonprofits a free, two-hour information session covering how Giving Day works, cash prize categories, best practices in promotion, and the Community Foundation’s promotional activities. The session will be held at Stepping Stones Children’s Museum in Norwalk. Information Session Registration >> |
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PARTNERS FOR PLACES
Application Deadline: Wednesday, January 28 The Funders' Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities is pleased to announce the opening of round six of Partners for Places. This matching grant program creates opportunities for cities and counties in the United States and Canada to improve communities by building partnerships between local government sustainability offices and place-based foundations. The grant program will provide partnership investments between $25,000 and $75,000 for one-year projects, or $50,000 and $150,000 for two-year projects, with a 1:1 match required by one or more local foundations. |
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BANK OF AMERICA STUDENT LEADERS
Application Deadline: Saturday, January 31 Junior and senior high school students who live or study in Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven or Stamford may now apply to the Bank of America Student Leaders® program. The Student Leaders® program connects promising high school juniors and seniors to jobs that help prepare them for a brighter future. The program recognizes students that step outside the classroom to serve their own communities. Student leaders are awarded paid summer internships with local nonprofits and participate in the Student Leadership Summit in Washington, DC. Learn More >> |
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YALE PHILANTHROPY CONFERENCE
Friday, February 13, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm, Edward P. Evans Hall, Yale University, New Haven The Yale Philanthropy Conference (YPC) tenth anniversary conference will explore the cycle of organizational growth and innovation. The keynote speaker is Zia Kahn, Vice President for Initiatives and Strategy at the Rockefeller Foundation. The conference is geared towards philanthropists and individuals working at foundations but also attracts nonprofit professionals, academics, consultants, and students. Register Now >> |
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PUBLIC POLICY FELLOWS
Application Deadline: Friday, February 20 The ZOOM Foundation is seeking emerging leaders from across the nation for its Connecticut-based ZOOM Public Policy Fellowship. The year-long paid fellowship is designed to develop a sustainable public service leadership pipeline in Connecticut by providing action learning opportunities and leadership development training. |
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| The Children's Fund of Connecticut has appointed GEORGE LISTER, MD, to their board of directors. Dr. Lister is chair of pediatrics, the Jean McLean Wallace Professor of pediatrics, and professor of cellular and molecular physiology at Yale School of Medicine. He also serves as physician-in-chief at Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital. Dr. Lister leads a Child Health Research Center; serves on the executive committee overseeing the revision of the medical curriculum; teaches a seminar course to first year medical students; and spends much of his time developing programs between pediatrics and other academic departments, particularly for patients with childhood onset of lifelong diseases. |
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The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, the region’s charitable endowment and largest grantmaker, announces that CARLTON L. HIGHSMITH of Middlebury, CT and DR. KHALILAH L. BROWN-DEAN of New Haven, Associate Professor of Political Science at Quinnpiac University in Hamden, have been appointed to the Board of Directors. Both will begin seven-year terms on January 1, 2015, taking the seats of DAVID I. NEWTON and ROLAN YOUNG SMITH, whose terms expire at the end of 2014.
Mr. Highsmith was founder of Specialized Packaging Group, recognized as the largest minority-owned firm in the State of Connecticut prior to its merger with PaperWorks Industries. He served as vice chair of the Board at SPG PaperWorks Inc. until his retirement in 2010. Mr. Highsmith is founding Chairman of the Board of the Connecticut Center for Arts & Technology (ConnCAT), and serves on the Boards of First Niagara Bank, Quinnipiac University and the Yale-New Haven Health System. Mr. Highsmith has received many honors for his long-time community leadership, including in 2014, the John H. Filer Award from the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy.
Dr. Brown-Dean’s current research focuses on the political dynamics surrounding the American criminal justice system. Her book Once Convicted, Forever Doomed: Race, Punishment, and Governance explores how mass incarceration impairs both the strength and function of American governance. Dr. Brown-Dean is a frequent contributor to the Washington Post, CNN, Ebony.com, Fox News Radio, WNPR, AURN, CTV, and other outlets. In 2014, Connecticut Magazine named Dr. Brown-Dean one of its “Forty Under Forty.”
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THEA MONTANEZ of Hartford, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. Ms. Montanez, who's term begins on January 1, 2015 and runs through December 31, 2020, will replace BEVERLY GREENBERG of West Hartford, who is completing her second term on the Board of Directors after being appointed in 2005.
Ms. Montanez is the founder and managing director of Montanez Consulting LLC., a social impact advisory firm that specializes in working with public and private sector clients to achieve their philanthropic goals. She served—and continues to serve—on numerous Boards of not-for-profit organizations, including the Connecticut Women’s and Education Legal Fund, Hartford Public Library and The Edward C. and Ann T. Roberts Foundation. Ms. Montanez is the recipient of several awards and recognitions for her leadership, including being named one of Connecticut Magazine's "40 under 40" in 2014.
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Liberty Bank Foundation was honored as the “Outstanding Foundation of 2014” by the Connecticut and Fairfield County Chapters of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP.) This was one of seven awards for philanthropy presented by AFP at its National Philanthropy Day breakfast in November.
The Liberty Bank Foundation was recognized for its efforts to promote collaboration in support of causes including summer youth employment, early literacy, and affordable housing, among others.
“We’ve always tried to ensure that our foundation’s impact goes beyond simply making grants,” said Michael Helfgott, chairman of the Liberty Bank Foundation Board of Directors. “As a small foundation, we understand that we can’t move the needle on large social issues by ourselves. So our approach is to build partnerships with nonprofits, government, businesses, and other funders, and work together to maximize our impact.”
Read more >> |
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Webster Bank has been selected by the National Mentoring Partnership (MENTOR), to receive the local Excellence and Commitment to Quality Youth Mentoring Award. The award will be presented at the National Mentoring Summit in Washington, DC in January 2015.
The Webster employee mentoring program started in 2002. Webster has a long partnership with its mentoring partners in each state across the footprint with the Governor's Prevention Partnership leading its involvement. |
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 The Connecticut Council for Philanthropy is an association of grantmakers committed to promoting and supporting effective philanthropy for the public good. A foremost resource on philanthropy, Council membership is open to foundations (private, corporate, community), business and corporate giving programs, federated funds, bank trusts, donor-advised funds and individual philanthropists. Associate and Professional Membership in the Council is open to professionals and organizations serving the philanthropic sector. The Council benefits the larger grantmaking community, the nonprofit sector and the public in Connecticut.
For more news about philanthropy in Connecticut, go to the Council's news room, Connecticut Philanthropy Digest archives and our blog, CTPhilanthropyNotes.org.
News about Connecticut funders may be submitted to the Council for consideration. The Connecticut Philanthropy Digest is brought to you by the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy. Edited by Laurie Allen. |
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