Member eBrief - Coronavirus Edition 2020

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

  Coronavirus Special Edition    

Dear CCP Members,

Last week over sixty CCP members joined us for a member check-in call to share information about responding to the COVID-19 crisis. Members provided valuable updates and information across key issue areas including health equity, housing and homelessness, criminal justice, early childhood, youth and education, and current priorities for advocacy.
 
Members confirmed that they want to continue to have regular check-in calls to stay informed and connected during this critical time. We plan to host weekly calls and we hope that you will join us for those. The next one is this Friday, April 3rd, at noon.
 
The State of Connecticut has launched a process to coordinate with nonprofit and philanthropic leaders to address unmet needs during this crisis. I will be engaged in that process and will bring updates and information to our weekly calls. CCP is also exploring the possibility of launching a pooled fund for our members that could be administered in coordination with this process.
 
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
 
I hope that you and your team are well – secure and healthy.
 
With best regards,

Karla Fortunato
CCP President     

The power of good networks . . . CCP Events >>

The power of good connections . . . Keeping Connected >>

The power of good networks . . . Member COVID-19 Response >>

The power of good ideas . . . COVID-19 Resources >>

The power of good leadership . . . Policy Updates >>

The power of good connections . . .  Jobs Opportunities >>    

  The power of good networks . . . CCP Events

CCP has suspended all in-person meetings until further notice. Instead, we are holding discussions and programs virtually or rescheduling for later in the spring.

CCP Member COVID-19 Response Check-In

FRIDAY, APRIL 3 at Noon, Virtual Zoom Meeting

Register Now

Members confirmed that they want to continue to have regular check-in calls to stay informed and connected during this critical time. We plan to host weekly check-in calls and the next will take place on Friday, April 3, at 12:00 pm.
 
The program will include updates as well as a chance for members to share and ask questions of one another. We will continue to provide updates on priority areas of interest to our members, with future calls including the opportunity to hear directly from state leaders, as well as nonprofit and community leaders on a wide range of issues related to the COVID-19 response.
 
We hope you will join your CCP colleagues on these regular check-in calls as we work together to respond to this crisis in an engaged, strategic, and informed way.   

  The power of good connections . . . Keeping Connected

In addition to the CCP Member Check-in calls, here are three ways to keep connected with your CCP colleagues during these times of social distancing:

CCP Slack Channel

CCP has created a Slack platform for members to share information, ask for advice, pose questions, and support one another. CCP’s Slack platform is designed to quickly and easily connect members and provide both direct member-to-member messaging, and “channels” where members can come together for more focused conversations. The CCP Slack platform is starting with “channels” our members have said would be most useful right now such as communications, grants administration, programs, etc. There’s also a “fun-stuff" channel to give you a smile. We think you will find it useful and encourage you to give it a try! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to be in touch with Dee Goodrich.

CCP Listservs

Another way to connect with your peers is through CCP's dedicated listservs for Foundation Administrators; Communications professionals; Community Foundation CEOs (private group); Program Officers; and Development Officers. Here again you can ask for advice, pose questions, and support one another. Contact Laurie Allen if you wish to join a listserv.

CCP Member Directory

Want to follow up on an item brought up on a Member Check-in, but don't have your colleagues, contact? To find a colleague's email and phone contacts, visit CCP's Member Directory. You can search by contact name or organization. Be sure you are logged on to CCP's website. 

  The power of good leadership . . . Member COVID-19 Response

CCP Members and other funders are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic with rapid response funds, increased grantmaking, operating support, pooled funds, and more. Read a few examples below and for additional news links check out the CCP's Coronavirus Responses and Resources for Funders and Nonprofits. To add your COVID-19 responses and related news to the resource page, email Laurie Allen. 

United Ways across the state of Connecticut are joining forces to respond to the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, they have created the Connecticut United Ways COVID-19 Response Fund, which launched with $100,000 in seed money from the Aetna Foundation. The Fund is working in tandem with other philanthropic efforts being coordinated statewide. It will rapidly deploy financial resources to individuals and families economically affected by the pandemic, including those who are out of work or have reduced work hours. In the coming days the Fund will identify the priority population who will be eligible for assistance. Read more >>  

Nellie Mae Education Foundation created the Rapid Response Fund: Racism is a Virus Too as a response to hate crimes and bias against Asian American communities resulting from COVID-19. The Foundation has allocated resources to support Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) that provide services for AAPI communities. Read more >>  

Tufts Health Plan Foundation has identified the first 21 organizations to receive support from the $1 million it has committed to community efforts on behalf of older people affected by coronavirus in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. “This first wave of funding addresses one of the most pressing concerns facing older people—food insecurity,” said Tom Croswell, Tufts Health Plan president and CEO. “These organizations are working on the front lines to meet critical needs and are well-positioned to respond to emerging priorities. Our communities depend on them, now more than ever.” The organizations include area agencies on aging that provide meals and other support services to older people, food banks, and community organizations that are serving as hubs for collaborative regional responses. Read more >> 

  The power of good ideas . . . COVID Resources

Coronavirus Resources for Funders and Nonprofits >>
CCP's resource page lists new COVID-19 Response Funds, highlights how our members are responding, and includes helpful information for funders and nonprofits. Here are just a few resources we've curated:

  The power of good leadership . . . CCP Policy Update

Coronavirus

FEDERAL

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) (S. 748), passed by the Senate and House and signed into law on March 27, provides significant funding for nonprofits, businesses, hospitals, schools, and social support programs. Here is a brief outline of the provisions for nonprofits:

  • Emergency Small Business Loans (emergency SBA 7(a) loans): Provides funding for special emergency loans of up to $10 million for eligible nonprofits and small businesses, permitting them to cover costs of payroll, operations, and debt service.
  • Emergency Economic Injury Grants: Private nonprofits, among others, with fewer than 500 employees who apply for an economic injury disaster loan with the SBA may receive up to $10,000 as an advance against the loan within 3 days of application. 
  • Self-Funded Nonprofits and Unemployment: Reimburses self-funded nonprofits for half of the costs of benefits provided to their laid-off employees.
  • Charitable Giving Incentive: Includes a new above-the-line deduction (universal or non-itemizer deduction that applies to all taxpayers) for total charitable contributions of up to $300. The incentive applies to contributions made in 2020 and would be claimed on tax forms next year. 
  • Employee Retention Payroll Tax Credit: Creates a refundable payroll tax credit of up to $5,000 for each employee on the payroll when certain conditions are met.
  • Treasury Industry Stabilization Loan Program: Provides up to $454 billion (of the $500 billion total fund) in financial assistance to businesses, including nonprofits.

For more information read National Council of Nonprofit's analysis >>

  • CCP Urges Congress to Support Nonprofits in Stimulus Bill: Joining a national effort by regional grantmaking organizations, CCP sent a letter to the Connecticut Congressional delegation urging that support for the nonprofit community be included in the federal response to COVID-19. Four specific asks were outlined. Four specific asks were outlined:
    - Support the policy platform of the national nonprofit community, including providing a stimulus of $60 billion to nonprofit organizations providing critical services as well as those that are adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
    - Institute improvements to the charitable deduction, including raising the cap and allowing taxpayers to claim the deduction on their 2019 tax returns.
    - Include nonprofits fully in all emergency loan funds and tax relief provisions offered to businesses.
    - Support the House’s provision of $50 billion to support childcare providers providing critical support to families.

  • CCP Supports Equity in Response to Coronavirus: CCP signed on to a joint statement of philanthropy serving organizations (PSOs): Keep Equity at the Forefront in Philanthropy’s Response to the Coronavirus
     
  • Support for Child Care: The Connecticut Early Childhood Funder Collaborative sent a letter to the Connecticut Congressional delegation urging their support for emergency funding to address the impact of the coronavirus crisis on young children, their families, child care providers and communities. Read the letter >>

CONNECTICUT

  • State Aid for Nonprofits: The Connecticut Recovery Bridge Loan Program provides emergency cash flow relief to small businesses and nonprofits negatively impacted by COVID-19. Connecticut is now offering qualifying organizations with 100 or fewer employees access to no-interest loans. Hartford Business Journal (3/27/20) DECD to Double Size, Freeze Small Biz Loan Program After Receiving 4K Applications >>
     
  • DECD Variance for Foundations: CCP and CCP's Community Foundation Network sent letters to the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) requesting a variance of Executive Order No. 7H which required that “Non-essential businesses or not-for-profit entities shall reduce their in-person workforces at any workplace locations by 100% not later than March 23, 2020 at 8:00 PM." The requests were to allow foundations to have minimal access their business locations in order to process gifts and grants critical to the COPVID-19 crisis, so as to effectively serve the community in this time crisis.
     
  • The Alliance for Community Nonprofits' Conference Call with Governor Lamont (3/27/20) Governor Ned Lamont, staff from his office, and seven state agency leaders held a conference call with The Alliance and 300 community nonprofits. The call focused on state and federal funding for community nonprofits, disaster relief loans and grants, infection control for clients and staff, and more.

Census 2020

Census 2020, taking a back seat to the coronavirus, is on schedule despite the cancelling of census job fairs and other in-person events, and a suspension of Census field operations until April 1.

  The power of good connections . . . Job Opportunities

Find Jobs >>

Have an opening at your organization? Contact Laurie Allen to include your position in CCP's jobs bank free of charge as a benefit of membership.    

  About the Member eBrief

The Member eBrief, is a CCP members-only electronic newsletter. Members receive the bi-monthly publication to keep them current on upcoming CCP programs, member and colleague news, trends, and new resources. Members are encouraged to send press releases, public events, announcements, newsletters, and colleague news to Laurie Allen, director of communications.

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