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Connecticut Council for Philanthropy's
Annual Meeting and Philanthropy Awards
Thursday, April 30, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, Omni Hotel, New HavenJoin your colleagues for a thought provoking conversation on Philanthropy’s Role in Empowering Change--in recognition of the 50th anniversaries of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965--and honor leaders in the philanthropic field. Learn more and register >> |
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Report Finds That Promise and Reforms Are Making A Difference
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The RAND Corporation’s independent report, Transforming an Urban School System, finds that both New Haven Promise, the New Haven Public Schools' (NHPS) scholarship program, and School Change, NHPS’ comprehensive K-12 school reform initiative, are making progress towards their goals. Funded by The Peter & Carmen Lucia Buck Foundation, the study’s early indicators show declining dropout rates, rising attendance rates, improving school climate, and that a strong college-going culture is being cultivated. At the same time, more work is needed to better prepare students for college-level work.
Recognizing that many capable students might need financial or social support to enter and graduate from college, the City of New Haven, NHPS, and The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven announced New Haven Promise in 2010 with financial support from Yale University.
Access the executive summary >>
For more information: Patricia Melton, New Haven Promise, 203-776-6473, patricia@newhavenpromise.org; Tricia Caldwell, The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, 203-777-2386, tcaldwell@cfgnh.org. |
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Five CT Schools Selected for New Personalized Learning Initiative |
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The New England Secondary School Consortium, supported by Nellie Mae Education Foundation and coordinated by the Great Schools Partnership, has selected 20 New England schools, including five in Connecticut, to participate in a new initiative that will help them develop personalized learning experiences for individual students. The initiative’s goal is to help the schools remodel their academic programs to ensure that every graduate is prepared to succeed in post secondary education, modern workplaces, and adult life.
The Great Schools Partnership will provide each school with a team of school coaches who will help school leaders and teachers implement their plans. All resources produced through the initiative will be published on the New England Secondary School Consortium website and will be available—at no cost—to educators across New England and the country.
The five selected Connecticut schools will implement the initiative in the 2015-16 and 2016-17 school years: High School in the Community, New Haven (2015); New Fairfield Middle School, New Fairfield (2015); Metropolitan Business Academy, New Haven (2016); New Fairfield High School, New Fairfield (2016); New Haven Academy, New Haven (2016).
“These twenty schools are at the forefront of educational progress in this country, shaping learning opportunities for students that are more tailored and personalized, ensuring that each student will be equipped to succeed in life after high school and become contributing participants in civic life,” said Nicholas Donohue, president and CEO of the Nellie Mae Education Foundation.
For more information: Stephen Abbott, Great Schools Partnership, 207-773-0505, sabbott@greatschoolspartnership.org. |
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Keeping Girls Keen On STEM |
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UIL Holdings Corporation is encouraging girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) by supporting three Generating Girls Opportunities (G2O) Expos. These expos will offer girls exposure to STEM fields, as well as the opportunity to participate in hands-on experiments.
“It’s important to encourage girls’ interest in STEM because women and girls remain underrepresented in these fields, and securing early interest is key to encouraging long-term participation,” said James P. Torgerson, President and CEO of UIL Holdings Corporation.
While there has been some progress in many areas of math and science education, gender gaps in STEM participation tend to increase during the middle and high school years and remain entrenched. A study commissioned by the Girl Scout Research Institute, titled “Generation STEM: What Girls Say about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math,” found that girls are interested in STEM fields and aspire to STEM careers, but need more exposure and adult support to carry this interest into the future.
The expos, organized by the Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal Fund (CWEALF), are designed to engage the students and teachers in expanding educational opportunities in STEM programs and careers. The expos will be held in New Haven, New Britain and West Hartford.
Access the G2O Girls Expo Schedule >>
For more information: Michael A. West Jr., UIL Holdings Corporation, 203-499-3858. |
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Improved Young Child Oral Health and Cost Savings Are Identified in New Report |
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The Connecticut Health Foundation’s newly commissioned report, Improving Children’s Oral Health By Crossing The Medical-Dental Divide, identifies cost effective strategies for improving oral health care and reducing cavities in Medicaid-enrolled children under age three. The report explores options for increasing involvement of medical primary care providers and achieving the goal of the “Triple Aim”--improving the patient population experience and outcomes at lower cost. To achieve improved oral health and cost savings, the report suggests a model of care that is more wholly focused on disease prevention and control. The approach, known as the chronic disease management (CDM) model is less invasive and shows promise for better outcomes. For more information: Maryland Grier, Connecticut Health Foundation, 860-724-1580, maryland@cthealth.org. |
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Largest Experiment Ever to Close the Digital Divide Connects 1.8 Million to Internet |
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Internet Essentials, Comcast’s national broadband adoption program, has connected 1.8 million low-income Americans to the power of the Internet at home. Internet Essentials, called “the largest experiment ever” to close the digital divide by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), has been unparalleled in its success.
According to a recent research report on broadband adoption and utilization, Deepening Ties, Internet Essentials has accounted for one-quarter of all of the national broadband adoption growth for low-income families with children, even though Comcast is only one of multiple providers and does not have broadband systems in two-thirds of the country.
The report findings show that:- The real key to economic and personal empowerment through broadband adoption is training and education. Those who received formal digital training, like the kind provided by non-profits through the Internet Essentials program, were 15 percentage points more likely to use the Internet to look for a job.
- Almost two-thirds of Internet Essentials families said Internet access helped them manage their work schedules and better balance their work/life responsibilities.
The report further underscores how important the Internet is for 21st Century job readiness and STEM education, as well as for economic and personal empowerment.
For more information: Charlie Douglas, Comcast, 215-264-8020, charlie_douglas@comcast.com, 215-264-8020; Meredith Wertz, Comcast, 215-970-8504, meredith_wertz@comcast.com. |
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COMMUNITY FOUNDATION NEWS |
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Pilot EDI Implementation is First in CT |
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The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving and its partners have piloted an Early Development Instrument (EDI) in Hartford and West Hartford that looks at the positive relationships and supportive environments that guide a young child's development and provide the basis for future learning and well-being. The EDI helps identify whether children in a neighborhood are ready for Kindergarten; are they on track, at risk or vulnerable? The EDI measures five areas of early childhood development: physical health and well-being; social competence; emotional maturity; language and cognitive development; and communication skills and general knowledge. The Instrument is also helpful in predicting health, education, and social outcomes. The work in Hartford and West Hartford has been guided by the UCLA Center for Healthier Families, Children and Communities which works with over 40 jurisdictions nationwide. The Foundation’s pilot is the first time EDI has been implemented in Connecticut. Read the EDI report >> For more information: Chris Senecal, Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, 860-548-1888, csenecal@hfpg.org. |
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Three Nonprofits Benefit from Investments in Capacity Building
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Social Venture Partners Connecticut (SVP-CT), a field of interest fund administered by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, awarded $150,000 in financial support to three Connecticut nonprofits. This funding, coupled with partner expertise and volunteer hours, will assist these organizations in further developing and strengthening their capacity and amplify their impact in the community.
SVP-CT awarded an unrestricted grant of $50,000 to CPEP, a nonprofit organization providing transformative out-of-school learning experiences for middle and high-school students to ignite interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers. In addition to the cash grant, SVP-CT members are providing skilled volunteer assistance to CPEP to further develop CPEP Ventures, a summer program which fosters an entrepreneurial business experience by hiring students and recent college graduates to design, create and manufacture kits used in other CPEP programs to demonstrate STEM principles.
SVP-CT awarded a $50,000 capacity building grant to Earthplace, The Discovery Center, whose Harbor Watch program performs water quality testing for southwestern Connecticut watersheds that impact Long Island Sound and educates students and volunteers through hands-on research and experiential learning. SVP-CT’s volunteer team, SVP members with extensive business and entrepreneurial expertise, are currently working with the nonprofit to develop a business plan to better capitalize the Harbor Watch water testing program.
For their continuing efforts to resettle refugees and victims of torture and human trafficking in addition to offering legal and translation services to recent immigrants, SVP-CT has chosen to reinvest in iiCONN and awarded them a $50,000 grant in addition to on-going volunteer strategic support and consulting.
Since its inception in 2013, the Partners of SVP-CT have awarded $250,000 in grants and loans and given more than 500 volunteer hours of skilled strategic support to nonprofits in Fairfield County.
For more information: Camille Guthrie, Social Venture Partners Connecticut, 917-751-5966, camille@svp-ct.org. |
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GIVE LOCAL GREATER WATERBURY & LITCHFIELD HILLS Tuesday, May 5 - Wednesday, May 6 Connecticut Community Foundation will host its third annual online community giving challenge for their region, from 7 am on May 5 to 7 pm on May 6, 2015. Give Local Greater Waterbury & Litchfield Hills inspires people throughout the region to give generously to local nonprofit organizations that make a stronger, more vibrant community for all. Donors will be able to search for organizations, read profiles, and make online contributions at a single web site – www.GiveLocalCCF.org – throughout the 36-hour challenge. As a bonus, every dollar donated to participating nonprofits during the challenge period will be enhanced with bonus funds provided by the Connecticut Community Foundation, and the Give Local sponsors. Together, the Foundation’s first two Give Local events raised over $1.1 million that was distributed to more than 150 nonprofits. Find more information >> |
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THE GREAT GIVE Tuesday, May 5 - Wednesday, May 6 The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven invites local nonprofits to participate in The Great Give® 2015. Participating nonprofits can earn special prizes in addition to the donations given online by individuals. The Great Give® 2015 is the sixth major community-wide giving event on giveGreater.org® taking place for 36 hours starting 8:00 am on May 5 and ending 8:00 pm on May 6. Matching dollars and prizes will be provided by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, the Valley Community Foundation, Alexion Pharmaceuticals and other community sponsors. Organizations interested in participating must register by April 7, 2015 at www.thegreatgive.org or by calling 203-777-2386. |
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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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THE FUND FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS ANNUAL LUNCHEONThursday, April 9, 12:00 - 2:00 pm, Greenwich Hyatt, Greenwich The Fund for Women and Girls Annual Luncheon will feature Academy Award Winner actor and philanthropist Geena Davis. Learn more and register on the Fairfield County's Community Foundation's website >> |
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CONVENING: VIOLENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY: In Search of Understanding and EmpathyThursday, April 9, 2:00 - 9:30 pm, Long Wharf Theatre, New Haven Join The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and Long Wharf Theatre as they bring local leaders, national experts and community members together in the continuing search for understanding and empathy as a response to violence in our community. The convening includes includes a viewing of the play, Brownsville Song (b-side for tray). Register >> |
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HUMANITIES RALLY DAY AT THE CAPITOLWednesday, April 8, Thursday, Connecticut State Capitol, Hartford Friends and allies of Connecticut Humanities, Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, Connecticut Historical Society, and the Connecticut League of History Organizations, are planning a “Rally Day” at the State Capitol. Fans of humanities and history in Connecticut can arrange to join them in-person that afternoon. More Information >> |
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SUSTAINING TRANSFORMATION AND CHANGE: Working with Youth While Caring for OurselvesThree Thursdays, April 16, May 7 and June 4, 9:30 am - 12:00 pm, The Grove, New Haven In this three part training series, the Perrin Family Foundation (PFF) seeks to increase awareness of issues related to those who work with youth on social change. Participants will practice sustainable ways to have a greater positive impact that is in alignment with personal and organizational values and goals.
The sessions are: Identity and Knowledge of Self; Relationships and Boundaries; and Sustainable Self Care. Participation in all three sessions is encouraged, but not required. Priority will be given to PFF Partner Grantees. More information and to register >> |
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WONDER of WOMEN Tuesday, April 28, 5:30 pm, Aqua Turf Club, Southington The 14th Annual Wonder of Women (WOW) event, held by by the Women & Girls’ Fund at Main Street Community Foundation, will feature WFSB Channel 3 television personalities Scot Haney and Irene O’Connor as guest speakers. For more information or to register: Samantha Rajotte, Main Street Community Foundation, 860-583-6363. |
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GETTING TO BETTER HEALTH: Connecting Care and Community Wednesday, April 29, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Quinnipiac University, North Haven Campus Elizabeth Bradley, a professor at the Yale School of Public Health, will be the keynote speaker at the Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut forum. The forum will address how the health reform agenda is focused on achieving access to quality care to improve health, even though evidence shows that social and economic factors have a much greater impact on health than clinical care. Participants will explore linking health care services and community-based resources to improve the health of all state residents. Register >> |
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FARMINGTON BANK COMMUNITY CONCERT SERIES Friday, May 1 - Monday, September 21 - Greater Hartford locations Farmington Bank has announced the fourth annual Farmington Bank Community Concert Series, featuring 18 performances by Simply Swing, a 10-piece swing orchestra based in Connecticut. The free, popular series kicks off on Friday, May 1 at 6:30 pm with a concert at the Elmwood Community Center in West Hartford. “We’re proud to support communities in greater Hartford by offering free concerts throughout the spring and summer months,” said John J. Patrick, Jr., chairman, president and CEO of Farmington Bank. “The concerts provide a great way for family, friends and neighbors to enjoy time together in the comfort and beauty of their own communities.” View concert information and/or rain date information >> |
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POWER OF THE PURSE LUNCHEON Wednesday, June 10, 11:00 am - 1:30 pm, Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut’s Women’s Leadership Council presents their Power of the Purse Luncheon and Silent Auction. Two hundred designer handbags, related accessories, gift certificates, and more will be available for bid in the silent auction, followed by a networking luncheon with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists and husband and wife team Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, authors of Half the Sky and the newly released A Path Appears. Proceeds benefit local women and families on the road to financial security. For more information and to purchase tickets >> |
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The Connecticut Council for Philanthropy has elected JUANITA JAMES, president and CEO of Fairfield County's Community Foundation, to its Board of Directors.
James is currently a director of the Asbury Automotive Group, one of the nation’s largest automobile retailers, and previously was a director of the Rouse Company. She is also a member of the Board of Directors for Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. In her community leadership role, she is a corporator for First County Bank, a trustee of the University of Connecticut and Lesley University in Cambridge, MA, as well as a trustee emerita of Princeton University.
Formerly, she was chief marketing & communications officer for Pitney Bowes Inc. Prior to Pitney Bowes, Juanita built a progressive 20-year career in the media and entertainment industry with Time Warner, Inc. and Bertelsmann, Inc. James holds a Master’s Degree in Business Policy from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business Program where she received the Distinguished Service Award. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Romance Languages from Princeton University.
The Council will thank and recognize retiring board members for their service at the Annual Meeting and Philanthropy Awards on April 30: DEAN ANDREWS, Bank of America; PATRICIA BAKER, Connecticut Health Foundation; and HOLLY NUECHTERLEIN, The Louis Calder Foundation.
Access a complete listing of the Council’s 15-member Board at https://www.ctphilanthropy.org/about/board. |
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American Savings Foundation, Chairman Harry N. Mazadoorian announced that MARIA FALVO has been unanimously chosen to succeed longtime President & CEO DAVID DAVISON when he retires at the end of 2015.
Davison, who announced his retirement in early March, said that Falvo is ready to help the community’s nonprofits with the unpredictable challenges they will face over time. “Maria and I have worked together for over 15 years here, and I know the foundation is going to be in great hands. There is no one more trustworthy and more ready to move us forward.”
Falvo holds a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University, a master’s in communications from Central Connecticut State University, and an MBA in finance from the University of Connecticut. Before joining American Savings Bank as director of communications and public relations, Falvo worked for the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank California, and for TED Conferences in Rhode Island. Read more >>
Davison’s retirement caps a 39-year career in nonprofits which began working with youth programs on New York’s Lower East Side at the Hamilton-Madison Settlement House. He came to Connecticut 20 years ago to work as Director of Development at Yale School of Medicine, then as Vice Chancellor for Development at the UCONN Health Center. The American Savings Bank recruited him to head its corporate foundation with its expanded budget and corporate philanthropy mission. Read more >> |
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Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation announced that JENNIFER DOWLEY has informed the board of her plan to step down as president at the end of 2015 after nearly 17 years in her role.
As Berkshire Taconic’s third and longest-serving president, Dowley has overseen the foundation’s growth from $18M to $118M in assets; the growth in the number of funds from 161 to 550; the doubling of full-time staff and the establishment of several core focus areas—including early childhood education, education enrichment programs, affordable housing and nonprofit capacity-building.
“Berkshire Taconic is thriving as it approaches its fourth decade,” said Bill Dunlaevy, chair of the board of directors. “With Jennifer as our leader, we have a clear course for the future, a solid financial footing and an extraordinary staff who serve our family of donors with great skill and care. We are grateful to have ample time to assess our needs, conduct a thoughtful search and transition successfully to new leadership.” Read more >> |
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Attorney DONALD D. PHILIPS has been selected as the new executive director of the Connecticut Bar Foundation. Attorney Philips replaces SANDY KLEBANOFF who will retire in May 2015 after more than 20 years of service.
Philips is an accomplished professional with over 26 years of experience in law, nonprofit membership organizations, government relations, and public service. After practicing law for ten years, he served in public affairs and government relations roles with the Connecticut Bar Association from 2001-2012, leaving as Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations. He has served most recently as the tax collector for the Town of Colchester. Read more >> |
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People’s United has announced that KAREN GALBO has been appointed director of the People’s United Community Foundation. Galbo has served as the foundation’s marketing, public and community relations director for the past five years.
"Karen is very familiar with the communities and not-for-profit organizations that our foundation serves across our footprint,” said Jack Barnes, president and CEO of People’s United Bank and chairman of the People’s United Community Foundation. “I look forward to working with her as we continue to invest in our communities.”
Galbo has been responsible for the DonorsChoose, Financial Education Community Outreach and Volunteer Recognition programs at People’s United Bank. Her prior experience includes sales and marketing positions at several New England media outlets. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Suffolk University in Boston. |
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At its recent annual meeting, The Rockfall Foundation elected JEN KLEINDIENST to their Board of Directors, and elected a new slate of officers.
Kleindienst, the sustainability coordinator at Wesleyan University, works to promote sustainability efforts among students, faculty, staff and administrators on the Wesleyan Campus. She is chair of the Middletown Clean Energy Task Force and a member of the Coginchaug Area Transition and the Environmental Collective Impact Network. Kelindienst holds an M.S. in Environmental Studies from Antioch University New England and a B.A. from Hamilton College.
The newly elected board officers are: President - MARILYN OZOLS, who works for the Borough of Fenwick in Old Saybrook; Vice President - DAVID VANCE, interim administrative director for the Southern Connecticut State University Foundation in New Haven; and Secretary/Treasurer - DON PERUTA, senior vice president and manager of Resort Finance Division for Liberty Bank. |
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As a way of expanding its commitment to playing a leadership role in addressing critical community issues in the county, Fairfield County’s Community Foundation has announced two key promotions.
KAREN R. BROWN, currently vice president of programs, will become vice president of innovation and strategic learning, a new position. She will be responsible for keeping the Community Foundation abreast of trends and best practices in the community foundation field and promoting internal and external learning, innovation and thought leadership. Brown has served at the Community Foundation for 16 years, heading community leadership efforts and overseeing its partnership with Social Venture Partners CT.
NANCY VON EULER, currently program director, is being promoted to vice president of programs. She will be responsible for strategic leadership for all aspects of the program department, overseeing community impact initiatives and grantmaking policies and strategy. She will be a liaison between the Community Foundation and the nonprofit community, and a key partner with external constituent groups, such as community leaders and donors. Von Euler has held several critical roles at the Community Foundation over the past seven years. She began as program director for its Fund for Women and Girls and then became program director for economic opportunity and health and human services.
Read more >> |
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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. |
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