FEATURED PHILANTHROPY NEWS >>
Deadline Extended to Feb 15 - Nominate an Innovative Grantmakers >>
New Issue Brief Addresses Northwest Connecticut's Addiction Crisis >>
Hartford Selected to Participate in National Job Quality Initiative >>
Cities and Towns Sign On to New Sustainable CT Initiative >>
United Way Neighborhood Initiative Positively Impacting Literacy Assessment Scores >>
Foundation Releases Reports on New Britain and Waterbury >>
Partners Launch Reentry Welcome Center >>
New Assessment Process Can Help Ready Kids For Kindergarten >>
POLICY UPDATE >>
PHILANTHROPY NEWS LINKS >>
GRANTS and RFPS >>
SCHOLARSHIPS and STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES >>
EVENTS and OTHER OPPORTUNITIES >>
THE POWER OF GOOD PEOPLE >>
JOBS IN PHILANTHROPY >>
ABOUT CCP and the CONNECTICUT PHILANTHROPY DIGEST >>
Featured Philanthropy News
With uncertainty at the federal level and significant challenges at the state level, this is a time for creativity, collaboration, and leadership. Join CCP and colleagues for this year's day-long conference.
The 2018 CCP Conference will bring together 300+ representatives of philanthropic organizations, and other colleagues from across the state to inspire emboldened leadership and collaboration in CT's philanthropic community. The Conference will feature two keynotes, networking, break-out sessions, CCP's Annual Meeting, and the presentation of the Roberts Innovation in Philanthropy Award. Learn more >>
Deadline Extended to Feb 15 - Nominate an Innovative Grantmaker
CCP is calling for nominations for the Nancy P. Roberts Award, which honors a foundation or grantmaking organization for innovation in philanthropy. Nominee innovation must be for philanthropic activity that has some demonstrable impact or effect in Connecticut—statewide, in a region, or in a community. The Melville Charitable Trust and The Walker Group have been recipients. The Roberts Award is given biennially. Types of innovation in philanthropy can include, but are not limited to:
- Forming a creative public/private partnership
- Encouraging a paradigm shift
- Developing an unusual collaboration
- Engaging in creative funding or investing
- Implementing a unique grantmaking strategy
- Leveraging resources by engaging in public policy activities
- Creating a culture of learning
Anyone may nominate current Connecticut Council for Philanthropy members; individuals are not eligible for this award. The award will be given in conjunction with CCP’s Philanthropy Conference on May 16. Learn more and access the nomination materials >>
New Issue Brief Addresses Northwest Connecticut's Addiction Crisis
The Foundation for Community Health has launched a new publication series, Cultivating Solutions, designed to share information, raise awareness and advocate for change.
The inaugural publication, Addressing Northwest Connecticut's Addiction Crisis, tackles the addiction epidemic via an issue brief, future editions may vary in composition or format depending on the topic.
The 4-page issue brief provides data and infographics about the addiction epidemic, as well as information about what is being done and what can be done to solve the problem.
Hartford Selected to Participate in National Job Quality Initiative
The National Fund for Workforce Solutions is awarding $100,000 to Workforce Solutions of Metro Hartford to advance job quality strategies in the manufacturing and healthcare industries. The grants, made possible through The Prudential Foundation, will enable local employers to incorporate new skill development strategies and business practices that will improve their competitiveness and result in better jobs for workers. Workforce Solutions of Metro Hartford was chosen from the National network of more than 30 communities to lead this innovative program. The selected communities— Hartford, Atlanta, Boston, and Dallas —will develop and share successful approaches to improving the quality of frontline positions.
“As a leading founder of Workforce Solutions Collaborative of Metro Hartford, United Way is committed to connecting those in need with quality jobs that can help people in our communities find their way to a more financially secure future,” said Paula S. Gilberto, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. “We look forward to our continued collaboration with Workforce Solutions to advance job quality strategies in the manufacturing and healthcare industries.” Read more >>
Cities and Towns Sign On to Sustainable CT Initiative
Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, Hampshire Foundation, and Common Sense Fund are helping municipalities embrace sustainability as community and economic development. Support from the three foundations has helped regional representatives from Connecticut’s towns and cities, along with key agencies and businesses, to develop Sustainable CT. The new initiative is a voluntary certification program to recognize Connecticut municipalities for making their communities more vibrant, resilient, and livable. Read more >>
The greening trend is catching on; Just 10 weeks since its launch, 13 towns and cities have signed on to the Sustainable CT initiative: Brookfield, Burlington, Durham, Greenwich, Hamden, Hartford, Killingly, Madison, Middletown, Milford, Roxbury, Torrington, and Wilton.
United Way Neighborhood Initiative Positively Impacting Literacy Assessment Scores
Danbury’s Park Avenue School’s early reading scores show an increase of more than 10%, and for students involved in interventions by United Way of Western Connecticut (UWWC) that increase was more than 30%. For the past four years, UWWC has spearheaded an effort to prepare children living in Danbury’s Park Avenue neighborhood for early school success. In the spring of 2016, 42% of Park Avenue Kindergarteners met the school district benchmark on the Early Literacy STAR assessment. By the spring of 2017, that number was up to 48%. For students whose families were involved in UWWC’s early learning programs, that number was 57%.
“We’re excited that we are able to measure some real results this year,” said Kimberly Morgan, CEO of UWWC. “Obviously, Park Avenue School’s wonderful teaching staff deserve a lot of credit, but we think our early literacy initiatives contributed significantly to student improvement as well.”
UWWC’s work at Park Avenue has been supported by the Pitney Bowes Foundation, which funds playgroups at Park Avenue for parents and children who are unable to attend a formal preschool. The playgroups help children with social skills, teach parents how to promote learning in the home, and screen children for developmental delays.
The Park Avenue Initiative also has been supported by The Grossman Family Foundation, which funds a bilingual school liaison, a community garden, and a Walking School Bus initiative. It also funds a summer skills program for children who have been identified as needing substantial help with skills before they enter kindergarten, as well as a nationally recognized program for Latino parents called Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors. Read more >>
Foundation Releases Reports on New Britain and Waterbury
The cities of New Britain and Waterbury have made significant progress on many key human services issues over the past decade, according to the 2018: A Demographic, Social & Environmental Scan reports released by the American Savings Foundation. The Foundation released a separate report for each city. The comprehensive reports draw together data from a wide variety of sources on more than 50 important indicators, from housing costs to preschool enrollment to high school graduation rates.
“Our board wants to understand how the work we and so many others are doing is helping to ‘move the needle.’ This report also helps identify where future investments can make the greatest impact,” said Maria Falvo, president and CEO of American Savings Foundation. “There are a number of positive trends in this report. One example in both cities is the reduction in the rate of births to teen mothers from 2006 to 2014. Although these rates remain higher than the state average, the progress is encouraging.”
Partners Launch Reentry Welcome Center
The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving announced a three-year, $450,000 grant to Community Partners in Action (CPA), working with the City of Hartford, and other partners, to establish a one-stop Reentry Welcome Center for returning citizens in the City of Hartford. In March of last year, the Foundation awarded a $50,000 planning grant to CPA to develop a roadmap for establishing a reentry center. This effort included the development of the report, The Greater Hartford Re-Entry Center Plan: A Welcome Center for People Returning From Jail and Prison.
The Reentry Welcome Center will serve approximately 150 returning citizens each year for three years. Returning citizens will be able to access support and services offered by a variety of community organizations, from basic needs like food and clothing to services like substance abuse treatment and job training, and educational opportunities. The Center will also serve as a data collection hub and track referral outcomes across partners. Other partners contributing to this effort include the Connecticut Department of Correction, the Court Support Services Division of the Connecticut Judicial Branch, the Criminal Justice Policy and Planning Division of the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management, the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy at Central Connecticut State University, and Capitol Workforce Partners.
“We are pleased to support the creation of this much-needed resource for returning citizens to Greater Hartford communities,” said Hartford Foundation director of Grants and Partnership Investments Judy McBride. “CPA's coordination with stakeholders – including State and Hartford agencies – makes the launch of the Center viable, allowing for a more coordinated, systemic approach to how recently released returning citizens are reintegrated, and providing direct access to support and additional programs. Commitments of the City of Hartford and partners to provide essential services make such a change possible despite limited City and State financial resources.” Read more >>
Assessment Process Can Help Kids Be Ready For Kindergarten
A new report, A Better Way to Assess Developmental Needs in Early Childhood Systems, released by the Child Health and Development Institute (CHDI), a subsidiary of the Children’s Fund of Connecticut, examines how Connecticut and communities in four other states are using a new assessment process to efficiently assess and address the needs of children with mild to moderate behavioral and developmental concerns.
Mid-level Development Assessment (MLDA) helps identify children (younger than 6) with mild to moderate behavioral and developmental concerns who will likely not qualify for publicly funded intervention services. MLDA offers early childhood systems a cost-effective alternative to a full evaluation. When a comprehensive early childhood system uses MLDA, children with mild to moderate delays can be linked to the community-based developmental services they need in order to arrive at kindergarten ready to learn.
“Too many kids go through expensive and unnecessary evaluations and their parents learn that their children’s needs don’t meet the threshold for publicly funded intervention services and they are turned away,” said Lisa Honigfeld, Vice President for Health at CHDI and co-author of the report. “We set out to show that a new assessment process could more efficiently ensure that children with mild to moderate delays receive community-based early interventions through Help Me Grow.” Learn more >>
Let Your Voice Be Heard: PolicyWorks Institute & Foundations on the Hill
Now is Not the Time to Stand on the Sidelines
Join CCP and foundations from across the country at Foundations on the Hill. Following a tough 2017, it's more important than ever for us to come together, hone our messaging, and bring a strong, collective voice to Capitol Hill. We must share our stories and demonstrate the value and impact of the work of the charitable sector.
Foundations on the Hill 2018: March 12-14, 2018
Foundations on the Hill (FOTH) brings together foundation leaders from across the country for meetings with Congress about key issues of importance to foundations and philanthropy. FOTH is presented by United Philanthropy Forum, in partnership with the Alliance for Charitable Reform and Council on Foundations. CCP will be organizing a Connecticut delegation for this most critical year in Washington, DC. Learn more >>
PolicyWorks Institute 2018: March 11-12, 2018
The PolicyWorks Institute is the one opportunity each year for regional and national philanthropy-serving organizations to take a “deep dive” together to strengthen their policy and advocacy work in philanthropy. This year's Institute will be held in conjunction with Foundations on the Hill (FOTH). Learn more >>
Photo: Connecticut delegation (CCP President Karla Fortunato; Michael Johnston, Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford; Linda Franciscovich, The Grossman Family Foundation; Nancy Von Euler, Fairfield County's Community Foundation; and CCP Board Chair Judith Meyers, Children's Fund of Connecticut) visits with Representative Esty in Washington, DC during FOTH 2017.
Federal Tax Reform
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Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (1/23/18) - How Should States Respond to Recent Federal Tax Changes? >>
CBPP recommends that states should "react cautiously to any projected gains in revenue and respond to the federal tax changes — which are heavily skewed to wealthy households — with prudence and, when possible, in ways that help a broader group of Americans get ahead. "Roughly 29 states will lose revenue, see no impact, or see modest revenue gains totaling less than 1 percent of general fund revenue." -
The National Council of Nonprofits has created a special webpage that will share fresh information about how the new federal tax law will affect nonprofits. One resource included is a checklist that answers questions about how the new federal tax law affects the operations of charitable nonprofits (with the caveat that everyone is waiting for final guidance from the IRS). The webpage also provides a link to the 1/11/18 webinar recording: "Now What: How the New Federal Tax Law Impacts Charitable Nonprofits" Check back regularly, as new materials will be added and updated.
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United Philanthropy Forum: February 5: 3:00-4:00 PM: Webinar - Pathways to Effective State Funding Strategies,” which will focus on how funders can coordinate in states to approach longer-term power building while sharing insights and data points uncovered from a State Funding Survey. In this conversation, you will hear key highlights of the state funding landscape, how funders are approaching longer-term power-building investments in states, and what pathways can be created to more effectively align grantmakers to support the field.
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Chronicle of Philanthropy (1/25/18) - 4 Important Things in the New Tax Law You May Have Missed >>
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Bloomberg (1/18/18) - The Tax Cuts Are a Bad Deal for Charities: Will Americans give as generously now that the incentives have completely shifted? >>
State Policy Coverage
A new economic stability commission has been launched, this and recent stories related to Connecticut's fiscal health:
- Hartford Courant (1/31/18) - Executive On State Panel: Ending 'Death Tax' Could Boost Economy >>
- Hartford Counrant (1/24/18) - Commission Searches for Pension Solutions; 1,400 State Retirees Have Pensions Over $100K >>
- Hartford Courant (1/22/18) - Two CEO's Shaping CT Economic Policy Say State's Future at Stake >>
- CT Viewpoints (1/31/18) - Next Steps for Connecticut’s Fiscal Stability and Economic Growth >>
- CT Mirror (1/31/18) - Legislature Overrides Malloy Veto, Delaying a Budget Cut >>
- CT Mirror (1/30/18) - Malloy Will Have a Plan to Smooth Spiking Teacher Pension Costs >>
- Hartford Counrant (12/15/17) - New State Commission Plots Long-Term Strategies For Fiscal, Economic Growth >>
Philanthropy News Links
CCP Member News Links
Aetna Foundation and Aetna
- Leadership Greater Hartford Receives $2,400 from Aetna for Summer Youth Program >>
- PERSPECTIVE: Access to Healthy Foods: How Far Are You Willing to Go? >>
American Savings Foundation
- Area Foundations Rally Support for Puerto Rican Families Relocating to Greater Waterbury After Hurricanes >>
- An Update on the Hurricane Maria Puerto Rico Relief Fund >>
- State Workers In New Britain Aid Hurricane Relief Fund >>
- United Way Raises $60K in Grants to Support Neighbors in Need >>
- Hospital for Special Care Receives $150K Grant to Help Expand Autism Services >>
- Foundation Awards $85K to Children's Law Center >>
- Workshops Offered to Strengthen Local Nonprofits >>
Avangrid
- Avangrid Foundation donated nearly $6M to more than 650 organizations in 2017 >>
- Nonprofits Get Grants Through Connecticut’s Neighborhood Assistance Act >>
- Amity Teen Center Receives Grant >>
Bank of America
J. Walton Bissell Foundation
Chelsea Groton Foundation
Comcast Foundation
The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut
Community Foundation of Greater New Britain
- An Update on the Hurricane Maria Puerto Rico Relief Fund >>
- State Workers In New Britain Aid Hurricane Relief Fund >>
- Community Foundation of Greater New Britain Aids Southington Organizations >>
- $200K in New Grants End Community Foundation's Grantmaking Year >>
- Workshops Offered to Strengthen Local Nonprofits >>
Connecticut Community Foundation
- Area Foundations Rally Support for Puerto Rican Families Relocating to Greater Waterbury After Hurricanes >>
- Foundation Grant Will Help Meet the Needs of Area Youth Struggling with Homelessness >>
- Southbury Expanding Opioid Programs for Seniors >>
- Grant to Fund Roxbury Community Program, "A Town Wants to Know" >>
- Foundation Sponsors Health and Fitness Series for Seniors >>
- Study Looks at State of Naugatuck River >>
Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority
- CHEFA Grant Goes to Wheeler Clinic for Dental Care Access >>
- CHEFA Announces $250K Grant to United Way of Connecticut to Battle Opiod Crisis in CT >>
Connecticut Health Foundation
- Environment and Human Health Embarks on a New Project to Encourage Schools to Be Healthier Places for Children >>
- United Way Raises $60K in Grants to Support Neighbors in Need >>
Eversource Energy
Everyday Democracy
Farmington Bank Community Foundation
- Dozens of Farmington Bank Volunteers Teach Fundamentals of Business and Economics to New Britain Students >>
- Farmington Bank Once Again Hosts WTIC Holiday Store for The Salvation Army >>
- Farmington Bank’s 11 Days of Surprise Visits Bring Smiles to Nonprofit Organizations >>
Grace Farms Foundation
Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
- Foundation Awards More Than $782K to Help Reduce Homelessness in Greater Hartford >>
- Hartford Public Library Receives almost $300K to Reduce Digital Divide in Hartford >>
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation
- Foundation Awards Over $2.3M to More Than 900 Organizations in 2017 >>
- Family-Farm Program Expands >>
- Harvard Pilgrim Grants Aim to Advance Telehealth in CT >>
Liberty Bank Foundation
Lincoln Financial Foundation
Main Street Community Foundation
- Foundation Awards Over $400K in Grants to Southington Health Organizations >>
- Over $51,000 in Grants Announced at Women & Girls’ Fund Annual Meeting & Grantee Reception >>
- Men & Boys’ Fund Supports Parent & Child Center >>
Newman's Own Foundation
Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation
People's United Community Foundation
SBM Charitable Foundation
United Way of Central & Northeastern Connecticut
- United Way Raises $60K in Grants to Support Neighbors in Need >>
- United Way of New Britain and Berlin to Invest $14,400 in Community >>
United Way of Coastal Fairfield County
United Way of Connecticut
Valley Community Foundation
Webster Bank
Non-Member News Links
Community Chest of New Britain and Berlin
Dutch Point Credit Union
Elsie Brown Fund
ESPN
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2017 V Week Campaign Hits Record High: Over $4.5M Raised for the V Foundation for Cancer Research >>
Jewett City Savings Bank Foundation
Hearst Foundations
Knights of Columbus
Lyman Orchards
Morgan Stanley Foundation
National Science Foundation
Thomas and Mary Alice O'Malley
PSEG Foundation
Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation
United Bank Foundation
United Way of Southeastern Connecticut
Grants and RFPs
Member Grants and RFPs
Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation
- FEBRUARY 9: Nomination deadline: James C. Kapteyn Endowment Fund - Excellence in Teaching Prize for Study or Travel >>
- MARCH 1: Application deadline: Green Pastures Fund >>
- MARCH 15: Application deadline: Simple Gifts Fund >>
Connecticut Community Foundation
- FEBRUARY 5: Grant application deadlines: Grants for arts and culture, older adults, health, early care and education and youth, technology for organizational development, women and girls, Southbury, Naugatuck health, domestic violence prevention and treatment, and international youth travel >>
The Donaghue Foundation
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FEBRUARY 5: Letter of Intent deadline: Another Look Grants: Better Health for Elders in Care Facilities >>
Main Street Community Foundation
- FEBRUARY 9: Application deadline: Bradley Henry Barnes and Leila Upson Barnes Memorial Trust >>
- MARCH 16: Application deadline: Plainville Community Fund >>
- MARCH 16: Application deadline: Technology for Teens >>
- MARCH 30: Application deadline: General Cycle Grants >>
New Canaan Community Foundation
- FEBRUARY 12: Application deadline: 2018 Main Grant Cycle >>
Branford Community Foundation
- FEBRUARY 13: Grant Workshop
- FEBRUARY 15 - MARCH 15: Application period: 2018 Competitive Grants >>
Community Foundation of Greater New Britain and American Savings Foundation
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FEBRUARY 16: Application deadline: Capacity Building Workshop Series for Nonprofits >>
Aurora Women and Girls Foundation
- FEBRUARY 16: Letter of Intent deadline: 2018 Grantmaking for Programs that Support Women and Girls >>
J. Walton Bissell Foundation
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FEBRUARY 28: Application deadline: First Grant Cycle >>
Dominion
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MARCH 1: Application deadline: Environmental Education and Stewardship Grant Cycle >>
Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford
Peoples United Community Foundation
- MARCH 1 - MARCH 31: Application period: Grant Cycle >>
United Way of Western Connecticut
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MARCH 9: Application deadline: 2018-2019 Grants Financial Stability & Education >>
William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund
Perrin Family Foundation
Non-Member Grants and RFPs
CT Humanities
- February 2: Application deadline: Constitution of 1818 Grants >>
Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT Foundation
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FEBRUARY 18: Application deadline: Grants to Eastern CT Organizations that Benefit Local Children and Families >>
Fannie Mae
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FEBRUARY 23: Proposal application deadline: Sustainable Communities Innovation Challenge for Affordable Housing >>
West Hartford Chamber of Commerce
- APRIL 6: Application deadline: Grants for Non-profits Serving West Hartford Residents >>
Scholarships and Student Opportunities
Bank of America
- FEBRUARY 2: Application deadline: Student Leaders Program for High School Juniors and Seniors in Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, and Stamford >>
Connecticut Community Foundation
- FEBRUARY 15: Application deadline: For Students Wishing to Renew Their Scholarships >>
- MARCH 15: Application deadline: For New Scholarship Applicants >>
Connecticut Bar Foundation
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FEBRUARY 23: Entry deadline: 2017-2018 Statewide High School Essay Contest - Diversity Disagreement >>
The Rockfall Foundation
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MARCH 2: Application deadline: Virginia R. Rollefson Environmental Leadership Scholarship >>
Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation
- MARCH 15: Application deadlines: Student Scholarships >>
Main Street Community Foundation
- MARCH 16: Application deadline: Scholarships for High School Seniors, College Students and Adult Learners >>
Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation
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APRIL 1: Application deadline: Scholarships for the 2018-2019 Academic Year >>
Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
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JANUARY 15 and LATER: Application deadlines: Hartford Foundation’s 2017 Online Scholarship Directory is Available for Area Students >>
FIND MORE SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION >>
Events and Other Opportunities
Yale Philanthropy Conference >>
FEBRUARY 23: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm: Yale School of Management, New Haven
The Yale Philanthropy Conference is an interdisciplinary forum for current and future leaders focused on the business of social change. Now in its fourteenth year, the Yale Philanthropy Conference is the only convening of the nonprofit and philanthropic sector planned entirely by MBA students. Keynote Speakers are Aaron Dorfman, president and CEO of the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP); and Andrea Levere, president of Prosperity Now (formerly CFED).
Fairfield County's Giving Day >>
MARCH 1, 2018: Fairfield County's Giving Day 2018
Powered by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, this dynamic 24-hour fundraising event unites our community around local causes that are closest to your hearts. Working to raise as much money as possible in a single day, the Community Foundation brings together individuals, families, nonprofits and companies – like lead sponsor Bank of America. The region’s biggest philanthropic event, Giving Day 2017 made a huge impact by raising nearly $1.5 million, which was donated by 13,000+ individuals in support of 414 local nonprofits.
Symposium: Site Development Considerations for Our Changing Weather: It Isn't Just LID >>
MARCH 22: 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM, UCONN Middlesex County Extension Office, Haddam
The Rockfall Foundation's annual symposium will examine four completed municipal site development projects - a low impact development (LID) residential development, an impervious pavement parking lot, an eco-friendly commercial development, and a municipal storm water upgrade - to learn more about both the long and short term challenges and successes to the environment. For additional information, email The Rockfall Foundation or call 860-347-0340.
The Fund for Women & Girls Annual Luncheon >>
APRIL 5, 2018: Greenwich Hyatt Regency, Greenwich
Fairfield County’s Community Foundation’s Fund for Women & Girls will celebrate its 20th anniversary of making a difference for women and girls throughout Fairfield County. The Annual Luncheon will feature an inspirational champion for social justice and equality, Billie Jean King as their keynote speaker. Over the years, the luncheon has raised more than $5 million that have been invested in sustainable solutions leading to economically secure and healthy women and girls throughout Fairfield County.
The Wonder of Women >>
APRIL 24, 2018: 5:30 - 8:30 PM, The Aqua Turf Club, Plantsville
The Women & Girls' Fund of Main Street Community Foundation presents its annual event whose proceeds support grants that make it possible for women and girls in Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington, and Wolcott to improve the conditions and opportunities in their lives. The Wonder of Women guest speaker is Comedian Jane Condon who will present an inspirational speech, "How to Get Happy," followed by a standup routine.
Give Local Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills >>
APRIL 24-25, 2018: Give Local Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills
Hosted by Connecticut Community Foundation and sponsored by Ion Bank for the sixth consecutive year, Give Local Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills will be held on April 24-25, 2018 to benefit the vital work of hundreds of nonprofit organizations in our region. A fun and inspiring 36-hour online giving event, Give Local unites donors, businesses, and organizations in giving back to the communities where we live, work and play. During the give-a-thon, every dollar donated at www.givelocalCCF.org is stretched with bonus funds provided by Connecticut Community Foundation and generous sponsors, adding excitement and incentives, while raising essential funds for the work of local nonprofits.
The Great Give >>
MAY 1-2, 2018: The Great Give to Greater New Haven Nonprofits
The 36-hour online giving event to support Greater New Haven nonprofits is set to run from 8 a.m. on May 1 through 8 p.m. on May 2, 2018. Nonprofits with profiles on giveGreater.org® are eligible to participate in the annual giving event and win thousands of dollars in grant prizes from The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and its partner in philanthropy, the Valley Community Foundation. Nearly 8,000 individuals participated in The Great Give® 2017, which raised nearly $1.3 Million for nonprofits serving The Foundation’s 20-town service area.
The power of good people
United Way of Western Connecticut (UWWC) has had six new members join its Board of Directors over the past year. The following new members joined the board: Mark Ouellette, Senior Vice President, Global Operations, Pitney Bowes; Sonii Kollie, Environmental Coordinator, Kimberly Clark Corporation; Aaron Meyer, Managing Director, Man Group-GLG Silvermine; Natasha Williams, Managing Partner, N-Touch Strategies; Eric Duenwald, Treasurer, Synchrony Financial; and Tamara Brown, Director of Sustainable Development and Community Development, Praxair, Inc. “We are so pleased that this outstanding group of professionals have joined our Board of Directors,” Kimberly Morgan, Chief Executive Officer of UWWC. “Each of these individuals brings their own passion for being involved in the work we are doing in our communities to support hard- working, struggling households. We look forward to having their experience and insights on our board.” Read more >>
The Valley Community Foundation (VCF) welcomes James Hodge, Angela Powers, and Jack Walsh to the VCF Board of Directors and bids farewell to Will Ginsberg, Bill Nimons, and Diane Stroman as they conclude their terms. Sharon Closius, VCF President
Joe Gianni will succeed Kevin Cunningham as Bank of America's market president, serving as the company’s enterprise leader in Hartford. As market president for Hartford, Gianni will work across the region to connect businesses, families and individuals to Bank of America’s banking and investment teams. He will also lead the effort to direct the bank’s resources in the market and the region to address local priorities and help build strong communities. “Joe’s knowledge of the Hartford market and leadership as market president will ensure we’re helping to make our customers’ and clients’ financial lives better, through the power of every connection we can make with them,” said Brian Moynihan, chief executive officer, Bank of America.
Read more >>
Mendi Blue-Paca was recently named as vice president of community impact by the Fairfield County's Community Foundation. Mendi will lead the Foundation's grantmaking and major community initiatives to close the opportunity gap in Fairfield County, including the Center for Nonprofit Excellence, Fund for Women and Girls and Thrive by 25. She is the key liaison between the Foundation and the nonprofit community, external constituent groups and local elected officials. Mendi brings diverse, cross-sector leadership experience to the Foundation. She has been a strategic consultant to more than 40 of the largest US-based philanthropic organizations, including the Bill and Melinda Gates, Ford, William and Flora Hewlett, W.K. Kellogg, Robert Wood Johnson, David and Lucile Packard and Walton Family foundations. Mendi has also served in public sector leadership positions, most recently as the Director of Development and Policy for the City of New Haven, where she secured $15 million in competitive funding for the city and developed strategies for innovation, advocacy and process improvement. Learn more >>
Hartford Foundation for Pubic Giving announced two changes in senior staff. Bonnie J. Malley has been named vice president of finance and administration. Malley has been serving as chief operating officer for the City of Hartford since July 2016 and had previously served as executive vice president and chief financial officer at The Phoenix Cos. Prior to her role as Chief Financial Officer at Phoenix, Malley served as chief administrative officer, responsible for overseeing human resources, information technology and other administrative functions. As part of the Hartford Foundation’s executive leadership team, Malley will play a critical role in advancing the organization’s mission by marshalling the financial, technological, and human resources needed to sustain current and emerging work. Read more >>
Elysa Gordon has been appointed to serve as vice president and senior advisor to the president. Gordon previously served as the Foundation’s senior advisor to the president, but now has expanded responsibilities overseeing the Foundation’s new evaluation and research unit and will continue to direct the organization’s public policy activities. Under Gordon’s leadership, the new evaluation and research unit will build on the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to collect and share more data about Foundation investments as well as its community indicators project, including the creation of the Metro Hartford Progress Points partnership. Read More >>
The William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund announces the appointment of William “Billy” Johnson as the Director of Educational Strategy. “I am pleased that Billy has agreed to take on this new position, to help us continue to evolve our strategies for reaching equity in education across Connecticut,” said David Addams, Executive Director of the Memorial Fund. “In March, he will begin his work, meeting with those in education, philanthropy, our grantees, and, in particular, community leaders including families and youth who are working diligently to see that children have every opportunity for an equitable education.” Certified by the State of Connecticut to be a school superintendent, Mr. Johnson has most recently served as Assistant Superintendent in Windham, Director of Instruction for New Haven, Principal of the Domus Academy in New Haven and Principal of the Julia Stark Elementary School in Stamford. Read more >>
Jay Williams, president of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, is one of Hartford Business Journal's Five to Watch in 2018. HBJ's article, Williams Anticipating More Nonprofit Funding Requests Amid Budget Constraints, gives insight to the Foundation's priorities and operations in 2018.
Jobs in Philanthropy
- Development Assistant - Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
- Communications Assistant - William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund
- Community Investments Associate - Hartford Public Foundation for public Giving
- Development Officer - Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation
- Community Engagement Officer for Community Philanthropy - Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation
- Community Engagement Officer for Education - Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation
- Resource Development Operations Manager - United Way of Greater New Haven
- Senior Administrative Assistant - Connecticut Health Foundation
- Program Officer - Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation
- Research and Evaluation Officer - Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
About CCP and Connecticut Philanthropy Digest
Connecticut Council for Philanthropy (CCP) is an association of grantmakers committed to promoting and supporting effective philanthropy for the public good.
CCP's members are foundations, business and corporate giving programs, bank trusts, donor-advised funds, and individual philanthropists. CCP members grant more than $858 million from assets of more than $7.6 billion.
The Connecticut Philanthropy Digest (Digest) is brought to you by the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy. Edited by Laurie Allen, Director of Communications. The Digest is a summary of recent activities by Connecticut foundations and grantmakers, and is compiled and distributed monthly to media outlets, local legislators, and grantmakers to raise the profile of philanthropy throughout Connecticut. News about Connecticut funders may be submitted to CCP for consideration. 2018 Publication Dates: January 31; March 8; April 18; May 17; June 21; August 2; September 13; October 25; November 29. Submission Deadlines: Close of business one week before the publication date.