Featuring the work of local, regional and national philanthropy and highlighting the work of Connecticut Council for Philanthropy (CCP) members. July 2015 |
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 Initiative to End Homelessness Powered by 27 CT Funders An innovative, collaborative effort to end family homelessness in Connecticut, Secure Jobs Connecticut, is set to begin across the state this month. The Melville Charitable Trust, along with more than two dozen funders are awarding $500,000 in grants, with an additional $200,000 from the Connecticut Department of Housing, to help formerly homeless families obtain and maintain employment. The Trust provided a match for every philanthropic dollar local partners collected, up to $50,000 per region.
The grants, made as part of the Secure Jobs Connecticut two-year pilot initiative, represent state-of-the-art policies set forth to end homelessness by connecting homeless families to housing and to education, training, and support programs that are designed to increase family income through stable, competitive employment. The initiative is projected to help 150 families in the Southwest, South Central, Southeast, Northwest and North Central regions of Connecticut. Read the press release >>
An article in the national Chronicle of Philanthropy commented that the collaboration was made easier for the many various-sized funders through Melville's sharing proof of a similar program's results; thinking regionally; starting with a big commitment other donors could build on; and spelling out the mission. Read more >>
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Real-world Job Training for Youth Prepares for College/Career Travelers Foundation and the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving are supporting theCapital Workforce Partners (CWP) Summer Youth Employment initiatives with significant grants of $75,000 and $500,000 respectively. CWP's Summer Youth Employment is operated as a three-stage program where increased time is spent in wage-earning work settings as youth move through each tier. "There is nothing much more valuable than paid work internships for our city's teens. It is real life work experiences that help shape career aspirations. These young interns learn both what they might want to do in the future, as well as what they don't want to do, and for both outcomes, the need for continued education is reinforced," says Thomas Phillips, president and CEO of CWP. "Simply based on the demographics, a considerable percentage of our future workforce will come from the young populations in our cities like Hartford. The better we prepare these young adults now, the better off Hartford will be in the next decade and beyond."
The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving has provided funding for Tiers I and II with some funding for Tier III. Read more >> |
"The Connecticut Turnaround" Reports Gains in Reducing CT Children in Care Annie E. Casey Foundation's new report, The Connecticut Turnaround, documents the impressive gains Connecticut's Department of Children and Families has made these past several years in reducing the number of children in foster care and in group/institutional care. The report presents the new policies and practices focused on improving supports for families and asking more kin to provide temporary help when kids must be removed from their parents. The series of reforms include the Strengthening Families Practice Model, the Differential Response System, and Child and Family Team Meetings. Read the report >> |
A Deeper Dive into CT's Civic Health, Funded by CT Humanities Connecticut Humanities awarded Everyday Democracy a grant in the amount of $9,999 for their project, Connecticut's Civic Health: A Humanities Perspective. The grant will support research and data gathering on Connecticut's civic health conducted by the National Conference on Citizenship, and will help Everyday Democracy connect the topic to various humanities themes. In addition to publishing the 2016 Connecticut Civic Health Index Report, an update from the 2011 report, the project includes the development of lesson plans for civics and social studies teachers, and an event that will examine opportunities and barriers to civic participation and highlight strategies and best practices from scholars and civic leaders. Read more >> |
Short of Goal, First US Social Impact Bond Project Ends Early The first social impact bond (SIB) project in the United States, MDRC's New York City Rikers Island project, Adolescent Behavioral Learning Experience (ABLE), will shut down a year early at the end of August 2015. Findings from the one-year assessment of ABLE's effect on recidivism showed that the project "did not lead to reductions in recidivism for participants and the program did not meet the target required for the City." According to the national Philanthropy News Digest, the SIB funding worked as planned as the city would have paid the investors only if the project met it's goal. Goldman Sachs provided a $7.2 million loan to nonprofit MDRC, which oversaw the project. Mayor Michael Bloomberg's Bloomberg Philanthropies, provided a $6 million loan guarantee.
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The Community Foundation of Greater New Britain's Catalyst Fund, a hands-on, grass-roots "giving circle" of citizens who want to give back to Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington, is departing from a 12-year giving strategy. Instead of a $10,000 grant to a single, local non-profit program addressing a chosen community issue, the Fund will provide support for multiple local non-profits to strengthen their ability to achieve their missions, or build capacity, with the assistance of expert training. "Capacity building for non-profits is a way for Catalyst Fund members to broaden the impact of the grant they award to the many non-profit organizations that deliver important services within our four towns," said Joeline Wruck, Director of Community Initiatives at the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain. Read more >> |
CT Bank Programs Showcased in New CRS Tool The American Bankers Association Foundation (ABA) has launched a new interactive map, "Banks in their Communities, which showcases corporate social responsibility programs from banks across the country, including several in Connecticut. The map, featuring profiles from ABA's Community Commitment Awards submissions, allows users to search and view bank programs in six categories. "This map was designed not only to acknowledge the great work banks have done, but to act as a resource for those looking to do more and to alert consumers of the programs available to them," said Corey Carlisle, ABA senior vice president, bank community engagement. Connecticut banks featured in the tool include: Chelsea Groton Bank, Dime Bank, First County Bank, Liberty Bank, People's United Bank, Union Savings Bank and Windsor Federal Savings. Read more >> |
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Member Community Foundations Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut Hartford Foundation for Public Giving |
Members Aetna Foundation & Aetna
Bank of America
Corporate Social Responsibility Activities Contribute to Economic Growth and Address Important Global and Local Issues
Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut; Dime Foundation; Liberty Bank Foundation; SBM Charitable Foundation; Cheslsea Groton Foundation; Frank Loomis Palmer Fund
Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority (CHEFA) Connecticut Humanities Edward C. and Ann T. Roberts Foundation Liberty Bank Foundation Middlesex United Way; United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut; United Way of Coastal Fairfield County; United Way of Western Connecticut Newman's Own Foundation People's United Community Foundation SBM Charitable Foundation Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut |
Scholarship and Youth Support Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut Community Foundation of Northwest Connecticut Connecticut Community Foundation Connecticut Bar FoundationFairfield Student is Winner of Statewide High School Essay Contest Fairfield County's Community Foundation Liberty Bank Foundation SBM Charitable Foundation |
 EVENTS and OPPORTUNITIES
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Partners for Places - Round Seven
Application deadline extended: Monday, August 10 The Funders' Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities' Partners for Places is a successful matching grant program that creates opportunities for cities and counties in the United States and Canada. The program strives to improve communities by building partnerships between local government sustainability offices and place-based foundations. This seventh round of funding will provide eight 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. Learn more >> The recently announced Round Six - Partners for Places grants included $75,000 for Stamford, CT to activate the Stamford 2030 District, a high-performance building district in downtown Stamford with goals to dramatically reduce demand for energy and water resources and increase resiliency by 2030. Their matching partner is the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation. |
Sponsorship Grant Applications Friday, August 21 - Application DeadlineEvent Sponsorship Grants are available to all nonprofits, libraries, over-55 communities and/or senior centers for events being held in the Connecticut Community Foundation service area. Up to $2,500 may be request for both underwriting grants to offset event expenses and challenge grants to match donations made at your event in response to a challenge. Grants are for events that will take place after October 15, 2015. Learn more and access the online application >> |
Willard M. McRae Community Diversity Award Nominations Friday, September 4 - Nomination DeadlineLiberty Bank invites you to nominate a Champion of Diversity for the 2015 Willard M. McRae Community Diversity Award.This a ward is presented annually to honor an individual who has made an oustanding and ongoing contribution to the cause of promoting and celebrating diversity in the communities served by Liberty Bank. Learn more and download a nomination form >> |
Legal Seminar for Connecticut Nonprofits Thursday, September 10, Crowne Plaza Hotel, DanburyAs part of their skills-based volunteering program, Boehringer Ingelheim in conjunction with United Way of Western Connecticut, are presenting a free legal seminar for Connecticut nonprofits. The goals for the seminar are: to provide practical explanations of laws and best practices through engaging presentations, Q&A sessions and discussion; to inform nonprofits of potential legal pitfalls and liabilities; and to identify free and reduced fee resources. No legal or HR background is required for seminar attendees and nonprofits may send more than one employee. For more information and to register, contact Mary Jean Knudsen. |
Young Philanthropist Program |
Competitive Grant Applications |
Leadership Enrichment for Advancing Professionals September 18 - November 6, 2015: Rolling applications (first come/first serve- maximum 12 participants)Following the success of last year's program, the Community Foundation of Northwest Connecticut is again offering Danosky & Associates, LLC's Leadership Enrichment for Advancing Professionals(LEAP) for nonprofit leaders in the Northwest CT region. The eight-week program is designed to strengthen nonprofit leadership and internal systems. Matching grants for eligible participants are available by request. Learn more and register >> |
Grantwriting 101 Thursday, September 24, 9:00 - 10:30 am, The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, New Haven As part of their commitment to strengthen local nonprofits, The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven continues to offer training forums, workshops and other opportunities to share best practices to organizations serving Greater New Haven and the Valley. Grant Writing 101 is intended for professional and volunteer grant writers with little to moderate experience. The workshop will examine the standard elements included in many grant applications, as well as tips and techniques on writing narrative and completing financial information. Registration will open on August 1. Register and view full listing of workshops >> |
Driving Change for Women and Girls Friday, October 2, 7:30 - 9:30 am, Hartford Marriott Downtown, HartfordThe Aurora Women and Girls Foundation's 10th Annual Signature Breakfast will feature keynote speaker Trinity College President Joanne Berger-Sweeney, Ph. D., and the Foundation will honor a Woman Philanthropist and a Young Philanthropist, along with Aurora Women Philanthropists honorees from the past 10 years. Learn more and register >> |
Small State, Big Debate: Race Tuesday, October 6, 11:45 am - 6:00 pm, Fairfield University, FairfieldThe Connecticut Mirror's one-day event, Small State, Big Debate: Race, will feature a keynote speaker, expert panel discussions, breakout collaboration rooms, and interactive video and audio booths to support the "Race in Connecticut is ..." multimedia initiative, which will capture thoughts (written or oral) from the event's attendees on a thought-provoking and wide-ranging topic. The day will also feature a hackathon, where programmers are tasked with creating a desktop/mobile application or API (application programming interface) based on racial profiling data. A reception will cap the day's event. The event is supported by The Tow Foundation, Newman's Own Foundation, William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund, and Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut. |
Girls Symposium Friday, October 16, 8:00 am - 3:00 pm, Marriott Merrit Parkway, TrumbullFairfield County's Community Foundation's The Fund for Women and Girls' 4th Annual Girls Symposium is for parents, practitioners and individuals who work closely with girls. The full-day symposium provides learning strategies and tools for helping girls cope with some of today's most pressing issues. Keynote speakers and hands-on workshops address social media/media literacy, body image, and entertainment by budding female artists. Learn more and register >> |
The Event of the Year with Gloria Steinem Friday, October 30, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm, Omni Hotel, New Haven |
PEOPLE |
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The Aurora Women and Girls Foundation has announced the appointment of Veronica DeLandro as their new executive director.
"Aurora is ready to go to the next level of growth and engagement with community and donor support and we believe that Veronica DeLandro has the skills to lead us there," said Janet Bailey Faude, board chair. "Aurora advances local collaboration, investment and impact; Veronica brings that experience to our organization."
DeLandro's experience includes her most previous role as the executive director for College Summit CT, a nonprofit organization that partners with school districts to increase their college enrollment rates. She also served on The Governor's Prevention Partnership in seven urban communities.
DeLandro holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Connecticut. In 2012, she was selected by Connecticut Magazine as one of the "40 under 40" rising leaders in the area. Read more >> |
According to the New Britain Herald, Harry N. Mazadoorian has stepped down as chairman of theAmerican Savings Foundation's board of directors. Charles J. Boulier, III, president of Ion Bank and the foundation's original chief financial officer and a lifetime board member, was elected as the new chairman, while Marie Gustin, a former New Britain Schools superintendent, was elected vice-chair.Greg Howey, chairman of Okay Industries, will maintain his post as treasurer, and Sheri Pasqualoni,hers as secretary. Mazadoorian will remain on the board and on several foundation committees, including the grants committee. Read more >> |
Michael Giardina is a partner at Henry & Federer, LLP, where his practice focuses on estate planning and administration. Douglas Johnson is the president and owner of Marion Manufacturing in Cheshire.
Dr. Cynthia C. Roque is a doctor at Pediatric Associates, where she provides care and support to children and families in the Greater Waterbury area.
Kathy Taylor is an attorney and educator who oversees the Bridge to College office at Naugatuck Valley Community College. The foundation also acknowledged two departing trustees, John T. McCarthy of Woodbury andAnthony Paulo Pinto of Waterbury, for their outstanding dedication to their community. Read more >> |
Andrew R. Worthington of Manchester has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.
Worthington replaces Foundation board member Thea Montañez of Hartford, who stepped down in January, after being named the director of North Hartford Promise Zone.
Worthington is a partner and senior vice president with Long River Advisors, a wealth management team with UBS Financial Services. Prior to joining UBS as a financial advisor in 2004, Worthington worked at Webster Bank and was a founding partner of Knowledge Matters, Inc. Read more >> |
ABOUT CCP |
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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. Council membership is open to foundations (private, corporate, community), business and corporate giving programs, public charity grantmakers, 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, Manager of Communications. |
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