CT Philanthropy Digest - Summer 2020

Tuesday, July 7, 2020


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FEATURED NEWS >>

Philanthropy Issues Calls To Action on Racial Equity and Justice >>

New Report on Health Equity and COVID-19 >>

Four Recommendations to Ensure CT's COVID Response Leaves No One Behind >>

New Report: Reinventing American Democracy for the 21st Century >>

CHEFA Grants $3M Statewide in Response to COVID-19 Crisis >>

PHILANTHROPY NEWS LINKS >>

POLICY UPDATE >>

EVENTS AND RESOURCES >>

COVID-19 RESPONSE FUNDS >>

GRANTS and RFPs >>

THE POWER OF GOOD PEOPLE >>

JOB LISTINGS >>

ABOUT CCP and the CONNECTICUT PHILANTHROPY DIGEST >>  


    FEATURED NEWS     


Philanthropy Issues Calls To Action on Racial Equity and Justice

CCP members and funders across the country have issued calls for racial equity and justice as national protests continue in the wake of the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. Also prompted by the disproportionate effects of the coronavirus pandemic on people of color, philanthropic organizations are stepping up with significant efforts to address racial inequality, such as convening community discussions, supporting learning, advocating for more equitable laws, and providing funds and resources. Read compiled CCP member statements of support and commitments to action >>

  • As part of its ongoing commitment to racial equity and justice, CCP signed on to a joint statement by philanthropy serving organizations across the country, Keep Equity at the Forefront in Philanthropy’s Response to the Coronavirus. Since March, CCP has been convening regular virtual meetings, providing funders the opportunity to share updates, raise areas of concern, ask questions, and hear from state commissioners, leaders, and other experts. These calls and CCP weekly updates have highlighted how the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated existing inequities in Connecticut, including in access to food, healthcare, education, and housing, and have helped funders plan their responses. CCP continues to share resources, including a special virtual session devoted to advancing racial equity in philanthropy’s response to COVID-19.

  • Several funder organizations and foundations have issued to their philanthropy peers invitations to action, including the Association of Black Foundation ExecutivesConnecticut Health Foundation, and the William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund

  • Corporate philanthropy has pledged significant funds to address economic and racial inequality, including CCP members Bank of AmericaComcastDominion Energy, and Webster Bank.

  • Universal Health Care Foundation held an online discussion, Racism and Health Care: What COVID-19 Has Exposed, with the support and sponsorship of the Connecticut Health Foundation, The Donaghue Foundation, and the William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund.

  • William Caspar Graustein Memorial FundCommunity Foundation for Eastern CT, and Perrin Family Foundation hosted a call and discussion with fellow funders about how to take the next steps in anti-racist work as a philanthropic community. 

  • Hartford Foundation for Public Giving's Black Giving Circle Fund will hold an online event, 20/20 Vision: Black Philanthropy in Social Justice, on Wednesday, July 8, from 6:00 - 7:30 PM. The event features a panel discussion with Nikole Hannah-Jones, Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter covering racial injustice for The New York Times Magazine and creator of the landmark 1619 Project, and LaTosha Brown, co-founder of Black Voters Matter.

  • Fairfield County's Community Foundation's latest Fairfield County Thrives podcast, Fighting for Racial Equity & Social Justice,  features Attorney Marilyn J. Ward Ford, professor of law at Quinnipiac University, and Corey Paris, president of the Connecticut Young Democrats, sharing the incredible family legacies that inspire their social justice work and talking about four key steps to begin making a substantive change in our communities.   


New Report on Health Equity and COVID-19

DataHaven released a new report focused on health equity, social inequality, and the impacts of COVID-19 in Connecticut communities. Towards Health Equity in Connecticut looks at data across five broad social determinants of health and discusses how the pandemic has magnified the social forces that lead to health disparities, particularly in Black and Latino communities, and how to address them. The report contains an appendix with a new analysis of locally-specific data by race and ethnicity for communities throughout the state. The report was supported by the Connecticut Health Foundation, which also contributed to its review, along with Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, and others.  Read More >>  


Four Recommendations to Ensure CT's COVID Response Leaves No One Behind

new policy brief from the Connecticut Health Foundation offers four recommendations for ensuring that the state’s COVID-19 response reaches those who are most at risk. “We have already seen this virus disproportionately affecting people of color, and it is critical that we ensure the response is designed in a way that does not increase the racial and ethnic health disparities that already exist in Connecticut,” said Patricia Baker, president and CEO of the Connecticut Health Foundation. “By combining universal strategies with targeted outreach, leaders can ensure that our state has the strongest, most effective possible response to the pandemic.” The recommendations and specific steps are: make testing accessible to those who need it; take advantage of the skills of community health workers; provide supports for people who need to isolate; and provide clear communication and report more race and ethnicity data. Read more >>   


New Report: Reinventing American Democracy for the 21st Century

A new report by a bipartisan commission created two years ago by the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, outlines steps to strengthen and reform American democracy. Our Common Purpose: Reinventing American Democracy for the 21st Century, is a timely report given the devastating effects of the coronavirus pandemic and the nationwide protests for racial justice. The commission's 31 recommendations address six broad strategies that are fundamental to a healthy American Democracy: culture of shared commitment; connected communities; equal voice, equal representation; empowered voters; responsive government; social media with common purpose. Among the recommendations are: 

  • Expand the House of Representatives (and therefore the Electoral College) by at least fifty members.
  • Institute universal voting and instant voter registration for all eligible Americans.
  • Establish an expectation of national service by all Americans.
  • Limit Supreme Court justices to 18-year terms.
  • Reduce the influence of big money in politics.

The commission chairs are Danielle Allen (Harvard University), Stephen Heintz (Rockefeller Brothers Fund), and Eric Liu (Citizen University). Among the commission's 32 members is Martha McCoy, executive director of the Hartford-based Everyday Democracy, a national organization striving to help communities work equitably and inclusively to build a strong democracy. "The Commission worked for two years, across divides, across disciplines, and across the country," said McCoy. "We met with people and heard them talk about their hopes and concerns, and the opportunities and barriers they experience. The recommendations ... represent an ambitious and doable roadmap to a democracy that works for all – one that is inclusive, representative, and responsive." Read more >>  


CHEFA Grants $3M Statewide in Response to COVID-19 Crisis

The Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority (CHEFA) awarded $3M in grants as part of the newly established COVID-19 Grant Program. CHEFA is one of a few major philanthropic entities providing funds statewide to assist Connecticut nonprofits or education institutions with major programs or capital expenditures in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Grants were awarded to fourteen organizations to support COVID-19 related initiatives in all eight counties throughout Connecticut, and across the four CHEFA priority areas of funding: healthcare, education, childcare, and cultural. Learn more and view the grant list >    


  PHILANTHROPY NEWS LINKS


Find news about CCP Members, including the latest news about funder response to the coronavirus pandemic.

American Savings Foundation

Bank of America

Bank of America, Raytheon Technologies, Shipman & Goodwin LLP, Stanley Black & Decker, Travelers

Boehringer Ingelheim

Branford Community Foundation

Chelsea Groton Foundation

Cigna Foundation

Comcast

The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven

The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut

Community Foundation of Greater New Britain

Connecticut Community Foundation

Connecticut Health Foundation

Fairfield County's Community Foundation

Hartford Foundation for Public Giving

Melville Charitable Trust

Main Street Community Foundation

New Canaan Community Foundation

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

The Rockfall Foundation

Tauck Family Foundation

Tufts Health Plan Foundation

United Way of Central and Eastern Connecticut

United Way of Western Connecticut

Valley Community Foundation


  POLICY UPDATE


FEDERAL

  • PPP Loan Application Deadline Extended to August 8. The Paycheck Protection Program loan application deadline has been extended to August 8 by the federal government. Approximately $130 billion remains available from the $324 billion allocated for PPP loans by the CARES Act. The program provides forgivable loans up to $10 million to cover payroll and other eligible costs to small businesses with 500 or fewer employees.

  • Updates to PPP Loan Forgiveness. The Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act was signed in early June. It contains key updates to the terms for all PPP loan recipients including extending the period covered from 8 weeks to 24 weeks; extending the deadline by which funds have to be used from June 30 to December 31; reducing the percentage of loan funds that must be devoted to payroll vs. other eligible costs; and introducing more flexibility for costs eligible for partial forgiveness. The SBA introduced new loan forgiveness application forms, including a new E-Z form. Access PPP Loan FAQ for Nonprofits >>

  • Key Giving Legislation Introduced. The Universal Giving Pandemic Response Act (S.4032) legislation builds on a provision included in the CARES Act. It would allow taxpayers to claim an above-the-line deduction for their charitable giving on their 2019 and 2020 federal taxes of $4,000 for individuals and 8,000 for married couples filing jointly.

  • Supreme Court Decisions. On Tuesday, July 7, at 7:00 PM, CT Mirror's John Dankosky will talk with Supreme Court journalist and Connecticut resident Linda Greenhouse about the impact of the Court's recent and upcoming decisions.
    VIRTUAL EVENT: Looking Back at The Supreme Court Term >>

CONNECTICUT

  • Governor Extends Eviction Moratorium to August 22.  Governor Lamont announced a comprehensive plan to put more than $33 million in state and federal resources to provide emergency assistance to renters, homeowners, and residential landlords impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency. Read more >>

  • Department of Education Releases Plan for In-School, Full-Time Instruction. Adapt, Advance, Achieve: Connecticut's Plan to Learn and Grow Together will serve as a roadmap for districts as they plan to reopen schools at the beginning of the 2020-21 academic year. The release of this document follows the announcement of a framework to allow all students – in all school districts statewide – the opportunity to have access to in-school, full-time instruction in the fall as long as public health data continues to support this model.

CENSUS 2020

  • Connecticut Cities Lag in Response to 2020 U.S. Census. CTData's recent update on Connecticut Census numbers shows that the state's major cities are well behind in self-reported responses. As of June 25, the statewide average response rate in Connecticut was 65.3%, still below its 2010 final response rate of 69.5%. Fewer than half the households have responded in four of the state's largest cities: Hartford - 42.8%; Bridgeport - 47.5%; New Haven - 48.6%; and Waterbury - 49.6%. A low response rate could cost the state and its cities and towns millions of dollars in federal funding. With an extended deadline of October 31, there is still time for communities to promote participation in the Census.

  • Weekly Census Updates for Connecticut. CTData provides weekly updates on the count in our state, and a national effort is tracking response rates in hard to count communities.

  • Insight Into Census-Guided Federal Spending. George Washington University's report, Counting for Dollars 2020: The Role of the Decennial Census in the Geographic Distribution of Federal Funds, provides estimates of the distribution of the $1.5 trillion in census-guided spending by state—in dollars and as a percentage of state personal income. Access the Connecticut specific program sheet >>  


  EVENTS AND RESOURCES


We've highlighted a few upcoming webinars offered by funders for nonprofits and advisors. You can find more materials and information on CCP's Coronavirus Resources for Funders and Nonprofits >>

NONPROFIT WEBINAR: Capacity Building Workshops >>
JULY 8, JULY 10, JULY 17:
The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven offers Capacity Building Workshops throughout the year. Upcoming workshops include: Creating Your Emergency Succession Plans; Online Tools and Tips for Successful Virtual Events and Productive Meetings; and How to Search for Grants in These Crazy Times.

NONPROFIT WEBINAR: A Not-for-Profit Virtual Roundtable >>
JULY 9: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Join CohnReznick's team for a virtual discussion on nonprofit priorities and strategies for pivoting toward recovery in a post-COVID marketplace.

NONPROFIT WEBINAR: Communicating Authentically – What Donors Really Want >>
JULY 9: 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Connecticut Community Foundation's Nonprofit Advisory Institute Webinar will explore lesson's learned from early weeks of COVID-19, how to find an authentic voice, and develop communications strategies to carry your organization to a brighter future.

WEALTH MANAGEMENT: Cannon Estate Planning Teleconference Series >>
JULY 21, AUGUST 25, SEPTEMBER 22, OCTOBER 20, NOVEMBER 17, DECEMBER 15
The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut
is pleased to host this series. The monthly teleconferences cover a wide range of wealth management and estate planning topics for professionals in those fields. By attending, professional advisors earn continuing education and learning credits to help maintain their credentials. If you are a professional advisor interested in attending, please RSVP to Alison Woods at alison@cfect.org or by phone at 860-442-3572.

RESOURCE: COVID-19 Response Checklist for Nonprofits >>
The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven shared this resource with key highlights to help organizations respond to the COVID-19 crisis in finance, operations, and planning.      


  COVID-19 RESPONSE FUNDS


ACTIVE COVID-19 RESPONSE FUNDS >>
Find grants information and RFPs for COVID-19-related needs.


  GRANTS and RFPs


Find information and schedules for regular grants and RFPs.

blumshapiro Foundation (non-member)

Farmington Bank Community Foundation

Foundation for Community Health

People's United Community Foundation

The Edward C. and Ann T. Roberts Foundation

Ahearn Foundation

SBM Charitable Foundation

The Fund for Greater Hartford

J. Walton Bissell Foundation

Cigna Foundation

Gawlicki Family Foundation

Jeffrey P. Ossen Foundation

NOVEMBER 1: Application deadline: Grants for Cultural Arts, Education, and Healthcare >>

Liberty Bank Foundation

The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven

Community Foundation of Greater New Britain

Connecticut Community Foundation

William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund

Hartford Foundation for Public Giving

Perrin Family Foundation

Valley Community Foundation

Webster Bank


  THE POWER OF GOOD PEOPLE


The Connecticut Health Foundation has named Tiffany Donelson to be its next president and CEO, effective September 1, 2020. Donelson will succeed Patricia Baker, who plans to retire after more than 20 years as the foundation’s founding leader. Donelson currently serves as the foundation’s vice president of program, overseeing grantmaking, policy, and communications. The foundation’s board of directors unanimously selected her following a national search. “Tiffany has a deep understanding of the issues that are core to the foundation’s work. She is a strategic thinker and committed to the foundation’s work of eliminating racial and ethnic health disparities. We are thrilled she will lead us into the future,” Outgoing Connecticut Health Foundation Board Chair David I. Newton said. 

Tiffany joined the foundation in 2014 after serving in several leadership roles at Aetna, including as deputy chief of staff for the company’s national business office and as a director in corporate strategy. She previously worked as a consultant at Ingenix Consulting and PricewaterhouseCoopers. She is a graduate of Georgetown University and received her MPH in health policy and management at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health. Tiffany serves on several boards and advisory committees, including the United Way of Connecticut and the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy, for which she is the newly elected vice chair. Read more >>   


The Connecticut Health Foundation elected a new board chair, Kenneth R. Alleyne, who succeeds David I. Newton, and appointed two new members Hector Glynn and Dennis Torres. Kenneth Alleyne, of West Hartford, is a sports medicine orthopedic surgeon practicing in Connecticut and Manhattan. He is the co-founder of Zing Health, a Medicare Advantage plan, and HartHaven Partners, a health care investment firm. Kenneth is a board member of the UConn Health Center, Connecticut Public Television and Radio, and Louis Armstrong Education Foundation; and served on the Community Committee of the state’s Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group. “It is a tremendous honor and sober undertaking to chair the foundation at this time of pandemic that has disproportionately affected Connecticut’s minority and low-income communities,” Kenneth said.

Hector Glynn is the chief operating officer for The Village for Families and Children, where he has served in several leadership positions since 2007. He has been engaged in several statewide advocacy initiatives and is recognized as an expert on issues related to children and families. Dennis Torres is a longtime advocate for appropriate and accessible care. He serves as chief health officer at Family Centers Inc. in lower Fairfield County, where he oversees outpatient medical, dental, mental health, and supportive health-related services from their federally qualified health center and six school-based health centers. Read more >>


Main Street Community Foundation welcomed three new members of the Board of Directors at its 25th Annual Meeting, held virtually in March. Bristol resident Mark Moriarty is the executive director of The First Tee of Connecticut. Jennifer O’Connor, a longtime Southington resident, brings years of nonprofit and private foundation board and management experience to the Foundation. Andrea Wasley, a lifelong Plainville resident, is the owner of Plainville Funeral Home. “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical now more than ever that we know the current and emerging needs in each of our communities so that we can respond quickly and effectively,” said Susan Sadecki, President & CEO of Main Street Community Foundation, which serves the communities of Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington, and Wolcott. “We are grateful for Mark, Jennifer, and Andrea’s generous commitment of time, talent, and local community knowledge that they will bring to the Foundation.” Read more >>  


  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 $1.2 billion from assets of more than $8.2 billion.

The Connecticut Philanthropy Digest (Digest) is brought to you by the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy. The Digest is a summary of recent activities by Connecticut foundations and grantmakers, and is compiled and distributed regularly to media outlets, local legislators, foundations and grantmakers, and other Connecticut leaders to raise the profile of philanthropy throughout Connecticut. News about Connecticut funders may be submitted to CCP for consideration.

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