Thursday, March 9, 2017
The power of good work . . . CCP updates >>
The power of good networks . . . CCP program and network meeting calendar >>
The power of good connections . . . Member news >>
The power of good ideas . . . New resources >> Trends and perspectives >> Other events >>
The power of good people . . . Colleague news >>
The power of good work . . . CCP updates
CCP Board Creates New Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Survey to Help Inform Practice & Programs >>
CCP has long embraced diversity as represented in our values statement: CCP believes in encouraging philanthropy that is guided by the values of transparency, accessibility, ethical conduct, and responsiveness to diverse populations. Further, we value a diverse workforce and diverse leadership, because we believe that this enriches and elevates our work and community. At the January CCP Board Meeting, the board voted to approve the establishment of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee to move that agenda further. The DEI Committee is charged with developing and proposing policies, practices, and programs for advancing DEI in philanthropy in Connecticut, focusing on the concerns and needs of CCP member organizations, and specifically for CCP as an organization. In 2017 the DEI Committee will focus on the content of the Annual Meeting in May, and designing one or more programs in connection with it. The long term purpose of the committee is to help insure that DEI is an ongoing and evolving commitment of CCP and its members.
You are invited to help inform the DEI Committee's activities by taking this short survey >>
CCP's Annual Meeting & Philanthropy Awards >>
Enjoy networking with colleagues, meet new CCP President Karla Fortunato, welcome new CCP Board members and congratulate the Philanthropy Award honorees.
When: Friday, May 12, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where: Hartford Marriott Downtown
Keynote Speaker: Heather C. McGhee, president, Demos
Heather C. McGhee is president of Demos, a public policy organization working for an America where we all have an equal say in our democracy and an equal chance in our economy. A recognized thought leader on the national stage, McGhee frequently appears on shows such as Meet the Press, Real Time with Bill Maher, and Hardball with Chris Matthews. Read Heather's recent opinion piece in the New York Times - 'I'm Prejudiced,' He Said. Then We Kept Talking. >>
Thank You to Our Supporters
Presenting: Newman's Own Foundation
Lead: Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
Gold: William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund | Nellie Mae Education Foundation
Silver: The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven | Travelers | Webster Bank
Bronze: BlumShapiro | Connecticut Health Foundation | Fairfield County's Community Foundation | NewAlliance Foundation | Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation
Special thanks to: Premier Accounting
ESSA FORUM UPDATE
The Connecticut Early Childhood Funder Collaborative, a project of CCP, sponsored the February 2nd, ESSA Forum: Opportunities for Children Birth to Grade Three. The Forum was hosted by the Commission on Women, Children and Seniors (CWCS) and organized by the Birth to Grade 3 Leaders’ Council. The purpose of the Forum was to learn about national best practices and local opportunities under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to better align early care and education and K-3. Collaborative Executive Director Carol O'Donnell, and Collaborative members Kim Russo of The Fund for Greater Hartford; Jim Williamson and Joeline Wruck of the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain; and Elena Trueworthy of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving and 125 early childhood leaders and legislators participated. Following the morning presentation, a small group of early childhood leaders, including Carol, Kim and Elena, provided commentary and helped to develop recommendations.
Recommended resources:
- What Early Learning in ESSA Can Look Like for States and Districts >>
- Unlocking ESSA's Potential to Support Early Learning >>
PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE 
Foundations on the Hill
CCP's Connecticut delegation for Foundations on the Hill (#FOTH2017) on March 20-22, includes: Linda Franciscovich, The Grossman Family Foundation; Michael Johnston, Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford; Judith Meyers, Children's Fund of Connecticut; Nancy von Euler, Fairfield County's Community Foundation, and Karla Fortunato, incoming President of CCP.
The purpose of #FOTH17 is to: inform and educate Congress about philanthropy; create visibility for foundations and philanthropy on Capitol Hill; advocate on issues affecting foundations; encourage Congress to view foundations as resources on key public policy issues. If you would like a special concern brought before our congressional delegation, contact Dave Davison, at 860-525-5585.
CCP board of directors has taken a position advocating for the following three federal policy issues which will be on the agenda at FOTH17:
Charitable Deduction
2017 marks the 100th anniversary of the federal charitable deduction. Since 1917, this has provided a tax deduction for donations made to nonprofit charitable organizations by taxpayers who itemize their tax returns, roughly one-third of all taxpayers. Resources on this issue >>
Donor Advised Funds
Donor advised funds are powerful tools – both for average people who want to make lasting commitments to their communities, as well as those with significant financial resources who are looking for an alternative to a private foundation. Resources on this issue >>
Simplification of the Excise Tax
A uniform excise tax rate would increase funds available for local communities by freeing private foundations from the administrative task of calculating the amount of additional eligible expenditure needed to qualify for the lower 1% rate. Resources on this issue >>
CCP has not yet taken a position on the Johnson Amendment. Adopted by Congress in 1954, and known as the "Johnson Amendment," it is a provision in the U.S. tax code that prohibits 501(c)(3) charitable organizations from endorsing, opposing or contributing to political candidates and engaging in partisan campaign activities. Three bills introduced in the 115th Congress would adversely affect this law. The National Council of Nonprofits has consistently expressed their position in favor of “preserving the integrity of charitable nonprofits by supporting the tax-law ban on electioneering and partisan political activities.” A collaborative led by National Council of Nonprofits, BoardSource, Council on Foundations, Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers, Independent Sector and National Human Services Assembly, has created a Community Letter in Support of Nonpartisanship >>
Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers: What this Means for the Philanthropic Sector >>
According to a determination by the Council on Foundations, it is legally permissible for private foundations to lobby on legislation related to the Johnson Amendment, under the self-defense exception. Private foundations are barred by law from lobbying with a few exceptions, and one such exception is the self-defense exception. It is the Council on Foundations’ position that any proposed legislation that would repeal or modify the Johnson Amendment would directly affect the powers and duties of a private foundation or other exempt organization.
Thanks to the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers, Council of Foundations and National Council of Nonprofits information for this update.
OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES
Columbus Survey FY2016 Now Open
The annual census of the community foundation field, The Columbus Survey, is officially underway. Your contribution is critical to creating the most accurate and comprehensive data and reporting possible. Informed by the results and rankings of this survey, CF Insights conducts field-wide research and helps individual community foundations across the country gain knowledge about their operations in relation to the rest of the field. The deadline to complete the survey is Friday, March 24. Take the survey >>
Nominate a Grantee
The, Pennsylvania-based Claneil Foundation is seeking nominations for the 2018 Emerging Leaders Fund cohort. The Emerging Leaders Fund provides $240,000 of unrestricted funding over four years to young, cutting-edge, high-potential nonprofit organizations in the New England and Mid-Atlantic regions led by humble, innovative and committed executive directors. Each grantee organization also has access to up to $10,000 in professional development funds to support its designated leader(s). Nominations for the 2018 cohort are being accepted now through March 15, 2017. If you have an organization that you would like to nominate, send an email to claneilfoundation@claneil.org, and include the name of the organization, its leader(s), location, budget (if known) and a few sentences explaining the reason for your nomination. Learn more >>
Past Program Recordings
Recordings are available for CCP's recent webinars:
- Immigrant Families in Connecticut Post-Election: How Does Philanthropy Respond? >>
Reimagining Justice Conference
JUNE 14-15, Hartford - SAVE the DATES
Governor Dannel P. Malloy and First Lady Cathy Malloy are convening a national conference focusing on the human impact of crime and incarceration. The conference will foster conversations about new approaches to juvenile and young adult offenders, pretrial justice, incarceration, and re-entry. Leaders and experts from around the nation will meet with a diverse group of participants, including formerly incarcerated individuals, victims of crime, academics, business leaders, members of faith communities and representatives of labor to discuss progress that has already been made and to examine national and international models of criminal justice reform. The conference will include robust discussions about the collateral consequences of contact with the criminal justice system and will aim to strengthen a growing consensus that states must reimagine justice in order to reduce crime and end the cycle of mass incarceration. For information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Monika Nugent at Monika.Nugent@ct.gov.
CCP NEWS
Staff Farewell
CCP is bidding a fond farewell to Carolyn Giuliano. As you may recall, Carolyn began a CCP Internship a full year ago and soon came onboard full time as the Special Projects Manager. She recently completed her Masters in Communications at Quinnipiac University and will be joining a financial investment firm in West Hartford. Questions about most Funder Networks should be directed to Dee Goodrich, Director of Member Engagement, 860-525-5585.
Radio Interviews
John Voket, from For the People, interviewed CCP Interim President David Davison about the Giving in Connecticut report [18:35]. John also interviewed Christy Jelenik of Fairfield County's Community Foundation about their Giving Day on March 9 [57:50]. Listen to the interviews >>
LEADERSHIP FUND 2017 gifts to date
We thank the following for their additional commitment to the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy, making possible the full breadth of leadership activities and programs towards the advancement of effective philanthropy.
Sustaining Leaders: $5,000 - $9,999
American Savings Foundation | Connecticut Health Foundation | William C. Graustein | Liberty Bank Foundation | Lone Pine Foundation | Travelers & the Travelers Foundation
Sustainers: $2,500 - $4,999
Fairfield County's Community Foundation | United Technologies Corporation | Webster Bank
Supporters: $1,000 - $2,499
BeFoundation | Children's Fund of Connecticut | The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut | Connecticut Community Foundation | The Eder Family Foundation | Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford | Lincoln Financial Foundation | NewAlliance Foundation | Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation | The Melville Charitable Trust | The Nutmeg Foundation | Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut
Partners: $500 - $999
Cox Communications | Farmington Bank Community Foundation | Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation | People's United Community Foundation | Sassafras Foundation | H.A. Vance Foundation
QUESTIONS? Contact Dee Goodrich, Director of Member Engagement, 860-525-5585.
The power of good networks . . . CCP program and network meeting calendar
FEATURED PROGRAMS
Secrets of the 990: How to Evaluate and Assess the Risk Profile of Your Grantees
Program Description: Each grant-making organization has a responsibility to ensure that grant funds are used appropriately and effectively. An applicant and grant recipient must be able to demonstrate their ability to use the funds to support the program strategy, to protect their assets, to effectively account for the use of funds and to provide outcome reporting. This program will discuss the information available on financial statements and tax returns and how that information can help you evaluate applicants and monitor grant recipients.
When: Tuesday, April 25, 10:00 - 11:30 am
Where: CohnReznick Training Center, Hartford
Presenter: Patricia E. McGowan, Partner, CohnReznick
Small Assets, Big Impact
Program Description: Join members of the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy and Exponent Philanthropy for a workshop to explore ideas and best practices on how small funders can make a big impact. In this interactive session, participants will share knowledge and examples of high impact philanthropy with their peers in the Connecticut and New York region.
When: Wednesday, April 26, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Charter Communications, Stamford
Facilitator: Doug Bauer, Executive Director, the Clark Foundation
PROGRAM and MEETING CALENDAR >>
For questions about any of CCP's programs or Network meetings, contact Dee Goodrich, Director of Member Engagement, 860-525-5585.
MARCH
March 9: Ready to Get on the Map? A Quick How-to Webinar >>
March 13: Community Foundation CEO Meeting >>
March 15: Workforce Affinity Group - Canceled
March 20-22: Foundations on the Hill - Washington, DC >>
March 23: Early Childhood Funder Collaborative >>
March 23: Foundation Administrator Network >>
APRIL
April 12: Community Foundation Webinar Series: Age-Friendly Communities >>
April 19: Corporate Webinar Series: CSR as a Talent Attraction and Retention Strategy >>
April 25: Secrets of the 990: How to Evaluate and Assess the Risk Profile of your Grantees >>
April 26: Small Assets, Big Impact >>
April 27: Early Childhood Funder Collaborative >>
MAY
May 4: Greater Hartford Funder Network >>
May 10: Community Foundation Webinar Series: Changing Dynamics in Community Philanthropy >>
May 11: Ready to Get on the Map? A Quick How-to Webinar >>
May 12: CCP Annual Meeting & Philanthropy Awards >>
May 16: Fairfield County Funder Network >>
GO TO OTHER EVENTS >>
CCP has curated a list of webinars and local, regional and national events of interest to CCP members.
The power of good connections . . . Member news
MEMBER EVENT
American Jewish Philanthropy in the 21st Century
MARCH 13: 7:30 PM, University of Hartford, Wilde Auditorium, West Hartford
The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford and the University of Hartford's Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies are hosting a free public event, American Jewish Philanthropy in the 21st Century, featuring guest speaker, Lila Corwin Berman, Professor of History and Director of the Feinstein Center for American Jewish History at Temple University. Ms. Berman's presentation will be followed by a panel discussion with: Michael Johnston, President & CEO, Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford; Howard Sovronsky, President & CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford; David Jacobs, Executive Director, Mandell Jewish Community Center; Kathryn Gonnerman, Director Center for Innovative Philanthropy at the Jewish Community Foundation. RSVP: 860-768-5018 or mgcjs@hartford.edu.
MEMBER PUBLICATIONS and REPORTS
Connecticut Community Foundation has released a new Guide to Giving which highlights the philanthropic endeavors of Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills residents to enrich communities in the region and describes customizable charitable giving opportunities for financial and estate planning. |
The Connecticut Health Foundation (CT Health) announced the release of a policy brief, Impact of Reducing Eligibility for HUSKY Parents from 155% of FPL to 138% of FPL, that discusses the potential impact of cuts to HUSKY A eligibility that are being proposed in Governor Malloy’s 2018-19 budget. |
Connecticut Health Foundation's (CT Health) January policy brief, School-Based Health Centers (SBHC): Critical to Health Reform and Improved Outcomes for Students, makes recommendations to ensure SBHC sustainability through three primary mechanisms in an era of state health reform. |
MEMBER ANNUAL REPORTS and NEWSLETTERS
Aurora Women and Girls Foundation for Greater Hartford - 2016 Annual Report >>
Children's Fund of Connecticut - Child Health and Development Institute (CHDI) Newsletter >>
Fairfield County's Community Foundation - Invest | Empower | Impact: 2016 Year in Review >>
Nellie Mae Education Foundation - Student Centered Learning Quarterly Update >>
United Way of Connecticut - February Community Connections >>
MEMBER BLOGS
Connecticut Health Foundation - Academy Leader Spotlight: Nancy Boone >>
Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford - A World in Need of Empathy >>
Paul J. Aicher Foundation (Everyday Democracy) - Practicing Civic Courage in Our Time >>
Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut - Report from DC: 700 advocates come together for Families USA Health Action 2017 >> Medicaid facing threats (again) in the Governor’s Budget >>
MEMBER VIDEO
United Way of Greater New Haven - The Story Behind the Scarves >> Read Across America Day >>
The power of good ideas . . . New resources
FUNDER PRACTICE
The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation's recently commissioned research, Peer to Peer: At the Heart of Influencing More Effective Philanthropy, highlights the important role of regional and national philanthropy serving organizations (PSOs) as trusted sources of knowledge on philanthropic practice for foundations. Stanford Social Innovation Review: Using Knowledge to Improve Funder Practice >> | ECONOMIC SECURITY
Asset Funders Network just released its latest brief on the relationship between wealth and health, The Health and Wealth Connection: Opportunities for Investment Across the Life Course. This release demonstrates how funders have an opportunity to bridge interests and cross silos to make stronger connections between wealth building, economic security, and prevention and health outcomes. Learn more >> A February 28 Webinar featured the new AFN Grantmaker Brief online with the authors. View the webinar recording >> | WORKFORCE
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The power of good ideas . . . Trends and perspectives
-- Stanford Social Innovation Review
-- The Center for Effective Philanthropy
The power of good people . . . Colleague news
Are you new to your organization or have you received a promotion, certification or award? Have you presented at a conference or event or have you published a blog or report? Send your news and a photo to: Laurie Allen, Director of Communications.
COLLEAGUE HAPPENINGS
Main Street Community Foundation recently welcomed two new staff. Kate Kerchaert joined the foundation as a Program Officer, and is responsible for developing program initiatives, particularly in the health area, planning broad program agendas, providing assistance to applicants and grantees, reviewing grant proposals and evaluating the effectiveness of the foundation’s grants. Prior to joining the foundation, Kate worked at a major financial institution for over 10 years as a Senior Philanthropic Relationship Manager. Kate also has experience working in the non-profit sector as a Resource Development Director for a community-based youth organization. Rhonda Pilkington oversees the financial administration of funds as an account for the Foundation. She is the principal communicator for financial matters and staffs the Audit, Finance and Investment Committees. Rhonda also works with all nonprofit organizations and donors to provide financial reports and other fund accounting information.
About the Member eBrief
The Member eBrief, is a CCP members-only electronic newsletter. Members receive the 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. 2017 Publication Dates: April 3, May 1, June 5, July, 10, August 7, September 5, October 2, November 6 and December 4. Submission Deadline: Close of business one week before the publication date.