Nonprofit Finance Fund (nff.org) is conducting its sixth annual nationwide survey examining the current state of the nonprofit sector, and we hope that you will add your voice.

NFF’s Survey is one of many tools that The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven uses to inform improvements in funding practices, and the more data we have, the more effective our decision-making becomes.

The survey, which is anonymous and takes only 10 minutes to fill out, collects data on important financial and management issues facing nonprofits. To take the 2014 survey, please click on this link before it closes on February 17th:http://nff.org/2014

NFF will analyze the results and distribute them to the community in April. Respondents who choose to give their contact information will receive the results directly. View previous years' findings and media attention here: http://nff.org/survey

If you have already filled out the 2014 survey, thank you for supporting this community organizing effort!

Greetings To All

The month of February is upon us at Grove Street and I thought I would recount a special story about our distinguished resident Dalia Bacon –From Wikipeadia the following is a brief recounting of her life and a small note for her remembrance on this Valentines’ Day -  

Delia Salter Bacon (February 2, 1811 – September 2, 1859) was an American writer of plays and short stories and a sister of the Congregational minister Leonard Bacon. She is best known today for her work on the Shakespeare authorship question.

She promoted the theory that the plays attributed to William Shakespeare were written by a group of men, including Francis Bacon, Sir Walter Raleigh and others.

She was befriended by Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Ralph Waldo Emerson, and, after securing sponsorship to travel for research to England, in May 1853, met with Thomas Carlyle, who though intrigued, shrieked loudly as he heard her exposition.^[4]

Puzzled by the gap between the bare facts of William Shakespeare's life and his vast literary output, she intended to prove that the plays attributed to Shakespeare were written by a coterie of men, including Francis Bacon, Sir Walter Raleigh and Edmund Spenser, for the purpose of inculcating a philosophic system, for which they felt that they themselves could not afford to assume the responsibility. This system she set out to discover beneath the superficial text of the plays. From her friendship with Samuel Morse, an authority on codes, and encryption for the telegraph, she learnt of Bacon's interest in secret ciphers, and this prompted her own approach to the authorship question.^[8]

By way of this modern era, Dalia is witnessed in the following book published in 2008 by -

Jennifer Lee Carrell, Interred in their Bones – has been reviewed on Amazon Books, to wit: 

  “Jennifer Lee Carrell’s highly acclaimed debut novel is a brilliant, breathlessly paced literary adventure. The action begins on the eve of the Globe’s production of Hamlet when Shakespeare scholar and theater director Kate Stanley’s eccentric mentor Rosalind Howard gives her a mysterious box, claiming to have made a groundbreaking discovery. Before she can reveal it to Kate, the Globe is burned to the ground and Roz is found dead…murdered precisely in the manner of Hamlet’s father.

Inside the box Kate finds the first piece in a Shakespearean puzzle, setting her on a deadly, high stakes treasure hunt. From London to Harvard to the American West, Kate races to evade a killer and solve a tantalizing string of clues hidden in the words of Shakespeare, which may unlock one of history’s greatest secrets.”

This book by Carrell contains many of the theories and notions annunciated by Bacon and as she was admired by Emerson, Whitman, and Hawthorne. Dalia still lives on with her magnus opus which was approx. 1,000 pages of intense study and development leading into madness by her theories on Shakespeare and one very broken heart.

To make mention – Dalia fell in love while developing her hypotheses but was rebuked by her lover and she fell into a deep remorse and heartache never to recover. What is interesting to note – there is always a rose at her grave…..She is interred in front her brother Leonard Bacon at 52 Cedar Avenue.

All The Best

Patricia Illingworth

Chief Docent

The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, the region’s largest grantmaker, is accepting applications for the 2014 Responsive Grants process. This grants process is intended to be a source of flexible funding and is open to all requests from nonprofits serving the 20-town region of The Community Foundation for projects and organizational support that meet the eligibility criteria.

Grants awarded in this category range from over $5,000 to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on available funds and terms of grant. Any nonprofit that creates positive sustainable impact in the areas of: arts and culture, basic needs, civic vitality, economic success, quality education, the environment, health and wellness and children and youth is encouraged to apply. In 2013, more than $2.9 million in single and multi-year grants was awarded through the Responsive Grant process; deadline to apply is 5:00 pm on March 28, 2014.

Nonprofit organizations seeking a grant through the Responsive Grant process are strongly encouraged to sign up for the Grantseeker Information Webinar scheduled for Tuesday, February 11, 2014 from 12:30 to 2:30 pm. Grant seekers may attend in person at The Community Foundation or from their office. Register for the webinar here. If you would like to attend in person, please contact Denise Canning at dcanning@cfgnh.org or 203-777-7076 to reserve a seat.

Guiding Principles, Eligibility Criteria and Opportunities for Responsive Grants

Grants awarded through The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven’s Responsive Grant process are based on The Community Foundation’s commitment to support nonprofit organizations in the Greater New Haven region that strive towards providing the highest quality services and advance ideas, innovations and techniques that improve the quality of life for area residents. It is important that nonprofits continually improve their services and programs by applying what they learn through self-reflection, assessment, evaluation and use of data, knowledge building, risk taking, and the use of sound and prudent financial management practices. It is the belief of The Community Foundation that the best use of the community’s endowment is to invest in nonprofits that 1) display leadership in addressing issues and seizing opportunities in the community, 2) regularly perform evaluation of their services and 3) practice sound programmatic and organizational management. 

The following eligibility criteria applies to all competitive grant opportunities at The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven; distributions from permanent unrestricted and preference funds, Community Foundation initiatives and several donor advised funds make grants under this category possible:

• Organizations must be defined as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) or any applicable statute of the Internal Revenue code.
• They must provide services within The Community Foundation’s local service area comprising: Ansonia, Bethany, Branford, Cheshire, Derby, East Haven, North Branford, North Haven, West Haven, Oxford, New Haven, Guilford, Hamden, Madison, Milford, Seymour, Shelton, Wallingford, Orange and Woodbridge.
• Applicants must also adhere to a policy of non-discrimination.
•  The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven does not make grants or loans to individuals, nor does it provide permanent funding for projects.

For more information, visit The Community Foundation’s website at www.cfgnh.org/grants.

In addition to providing capacity building workshops, The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven raises the visibility of nonprofits through giveGreater.org® (www.giveGreater.org) - an online platform that provide scomprehensive information about local nonprofits serving its 20-town region. The website provides one searchable database for people to find, learn about and give to nonprofits serving Greater New Haven and to engage the community around the issues and opportunities that impact the region. Donors can view profiles and make online donations 24/7. giveGreater.org has distributed over $2.2 million in new and matching funds as a result of direct online donations and several fundraising campaigns;  another campaign, The Great Give® 2014, is scheduled for May 6-7, 2014. Nonprofits interested in creating a profile on the site to participate in this year’s campaign are urged to contact Stephanie Chung at schung@cfgnh.org or call 203-777-7077.

Thanks to the generosity of three generations of donors, millions of dollars each year are distributed from an endowment of more than $400 million and comprising more than 900 named funds at The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven. In addition to its grantmaking, The Community Foundation helps build a stronger community by taking measures to improve student achievement, reduce New Haven’s infant mortality rate, promote local philanthropy through www.giveGreater.org and encourage community awareness at www.cfgnh.org/learn. For more information, visitwww.cfgnh.org or www.facebook.com/cfgnh.

Position Available:

AmeriCorps VISTA - Food Justice Youth Corps - New Haven, CT

Partnership of CitySeed, New Haven Food Policy Council, Common Ground School

Age 18 or older

Objective: Help us develop youth leadership on food justice issues - support a mobile farmers market and a Youth Food Advocacy Internship with the NH Food Policy Council.Details on VISTA service/pay/benefits and more are on the CitySeed website.

We would especially like to hire a young person from the New Haven Area for this position, so please spread the word! Applicants from all areas welcome! Thank you! 

http://cityseed.org/employment

New Haven Festivals, Inc.

Project Storefronts Coordinator Job Description

Responsibilities:

Record Keeping and Tracking

• Maintain program records which include marketing/promotional material, applications, entrepreneur contracts, etc.
• Track the number of program inquiries, applicants, special events and other activities relevant activities.
• Create brief bi-monthly activity reports.
• Coordinate payment of space related expenses,

Marketing, Social Media and Web

• Post, tweet and upload materials on Project Storefronts social media channels.
• Assist in the creation of content for website and social media channels.
• Check website and social media channels for accuracy.
• Promote Project Storefronts and it activities to interested parties.

Event Planning and Coordination

• Assist in coordinating/planning program-related events and activities.

Entrepreneur Recruitment and Relationship Management

• Scheduling meetings and interviews with interested parties
• Receive paperwork and documentation from entrepreneurs; monthly reports, contracts and other materials
• Work with stakeholders as well as other relevant groups/individuals on entrepreneur recruitment and retention strategies
• Develop relationships with businesses, organizations and individuals in Project Storefronts’ neighborhood for cross promotional activities.

This is a part-time contract position (15 – 20 hours per week) with no benefits. Applicant must be available to work nights and weekends on an as needed basis. Interested parties should submit a brief cover letter and resume to Vivian Nabeta at vnabeta@newhavenct.net. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

About Project Storefronts

Project Storefronts is an award-winning program that brings fresh, innovative arts-related businesses to life in formerly vacant retail spaces in New Haven, by encouraging artists and entrepreneurs to test the viability of art/creative inspired businesses. Project Storefronts provides access to empty storefronts as well as provide participants with a technical support network of business and creative professionals.

Every year, about 1,200 individuals who are released from prison come to  New Haven. Some are at the end of their sentence, while others are serving out criminal convictions in the community under the supervision  of parole or probation officers. When provided the right level of  support and opportunities, these ex-offenders can successfully become law-abiding and productive members of society. But a complex set of  factors make them highly vulnerable to relapsing to criminal activity and going back to prison.

Many ex-offenders have no place to go besides a homeless shelter or to  stay with friends or family in the poorest, most crime-ridden neighborhoods. They most likely lack a high school education and have limited work experience. The result is a disturbingly high recidivism rate. This cycle is devastating to families and neighborhoods and exacts a high cost from taxpayers. As successful reentry programs in New Haven and around the country have demonstrated, however, it is a cycle that can be broken.

Visit www.cfgnh.org to read The Community Foundation's latest issue brief on this topic.

I’ve put together a series of short (two to four minute) video vignettes that will enable you to attend to your own leadership development whenever you need a break, are waiting in line, or have a few minutes of down time. Each of these videos will provide you with useful tools and techniques for developing a more present and creative mindset, so that you can see new possibilities, make connections, and increase your effectiveness.  My hope is that they will inspire and support you to work and live at your best. To view them click on: Video Vignettes

The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, the region's largest grantmaker and permanent charitable endowment, is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Disbursements Associate for the Finance, Investments, Administration & Technology Department. The Community Foundation’s mission is to create positive and sustainable change in Greater New Haven by increasing the amount of and enhancing the impact of community philanthropy. The deadline to submit an application is December 20, 2013.
Visit http://www.cfgnh.org/About/News/EmploymentOpportunities/tabid/391/Default.aspx for details on the position and how to apply.

Yale University seeks placements from nonprofit and public sector agencies in the City of New Haven for the 2013 President's Public Service Fellowship. President Richard Levin created the Fellowship in 1994 as part of the University’s partnership with the City and citizens of New Haven.  More than 400 Yale University undergraduate, graduate, and professional students have contributed close to 200,000 hours of community service to New Haven nonprofit and public sector agencies as President’s Public Service Fellows since 1994.

The Fellowship places student Fellows in positions designed by community partners like you.  Yale University pays the student Fellows directly for their full-time work during the summer.  You can consider a meaningful full-time employment opportunity for the summer of 2013 that would benefit from the work of a Yale student.

To apply to be a Fellowship site, you can obtain an Agency Application online at www.yale.edu/ppsf.  A completed application should be submitted by email to ppsf@yale.edu no later than Friday, November 16, 2012.  Please note the actual number of placements is limited.  Not all proposals will be chosen as potential sites to which students may apply, and not every placement will be filled.

We look forward to your application!  Please feel free to contact Karen King with any questions you may have.

Karen King

Director, Yale University President's Public Service Fellowship

Yale University Office of New Haven and State Affairs

Telephone (203) 432-8412

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Adjunct Instructor

The Department of Public Policy seeks an adjunct instructor to teach Grantwriting and Fund Development for Nonprofit Organizations. This graduate course will be taught face-to-face in a classroom at the University of Connecticut Greater Hartford campus in the Spring semester 2014 (January 21-May 13, 2014). The course will be offered once a week in the evening (either 4pm-6:30pm or 6:30pm-9:00pm). The class is planned to be converted to online in future semesters.

Grantwriting and Fund Development for Nonprofit Organizations

This course provides the student with essential knowledge and practice fundamentals for developing a revenue portfolio for a nonprofit organization. This includes the capacity to assess revenue needs and discern between revenue stream options in order to match and support the mission and structure of the nonprofit. Along with instruction of key philanthropic vehicles, specific emphasis will be placed on grant writing and government contracting.

Planned Key Learning Objectives of Course

Strategic Thinking

• History of nonprofit funding, assessment of current state of affairs and future trends.
• Strategic thinking in creating a healthy revenue stream portfolio for a nonprofit.
• Assessing revenue needs and options of a nonprofit.
• Incorporating marketing and community reporting into a revenue development plan.
• Implications (legal and tax) and benefits of fee-for-service, cause marketing, business partnerships and social enterprise unrelated income ventures.
• Ethics, communicating with donors and other issues in fundraising.

Philanthropy

• Philanthropic revenue strategies; including individual mass appeal donations, direct response, online giving and giving circles.
• Individual donor philanthropic strategies; including planned giving, endowments and other major gift vehicles.
• Capital and Annual Campaign management.

Government Contracting

• Understanding the implications (pros and cons) of government contracting.
• Effective government RFP and grant research strategies.
• Strategies in responding to a government contracting RFP

Grant Writing (private foundation and corporation)           

• Research strategies and understanding of donor software options.
• RFP response strategies.
• Grant writing skills and strategies.

Evaluation

• Basic principles of evaluation and assessment of revenue plans and strategies.
• Developing evaluation criteria and rubrics for grant applications.

Core Student Learning Assessments Planned

Students demonstrate competencies by:

• Developing a revenue assessment and strategy plan for a nonprofit.    
• Researching and writing a response to a private or government grant or RFP.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and teach course.
• Participate in teaching evaluation and assessment activities.
• Be available for meetings with students.
• Be prompt and responsive to student inquiries.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• MPA, MBA or master degree in related field with five years or more of demonstrated expertise in the field of nonprofit resource development, with specific expertise in grant writing and state/federal government contracting.
• Bachelor degree with ten years of the above experience and expertise will be considered.
• Excellent teaching skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Interest and or experience in teach online.
• Ph.D. in philanthropy, nonprofit management, public affairs, public administration or other terminal degree in related field.

COMPENSATION

Compensation is $5,000 per course for each semester taught.

HOW TO APPLY

Please contact Dr. David Garvey by email with a resume and statement of interest.

David Garvey, Ph.D.

Director, Nonprofit Leadership Program

Department of Public Policy

University of Connecticut

Greater Hartford Campus

Ph. 860-570-9087

david.garvey@uconn.edu

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community. We actively encourage women, people with disabilities, and members of minority groups to apply.

The University of Connecticut is an EEO/AA employer.

source: Maryland Nonprofit Blog

In response to the Washington Post article this weekend entitled:"Inside the hidden world of thefts, scams and phantom purchases at the nation’s nonprofits," I feel it’s important for us to consider some important points: 

It's vitally important to understand that the real story here is that dishonest people will try to take advantage of nonprofits – These are NOT stories about nonprofits defrauding the public, but about how individuals have tried to defraud charitable nonprofits such as Legal Aid (theft by their Financial Director and accomplice) and the Bible Society (where a former secretary stole money using falsified checks and a misused credit card). What this data actually reveals is how transparent our nonprofit sector is. The list was compiled from information that nonprofits disclose publicly every year in tax returns that are available to the public 24 hours, 7 days a week...

http://www.marylandnonprofits.org/dnn/Blog/tabid/581/EntryId/76/Any-Nonprofit-Can-Become-A-Victim-of-Fraud.aspx

The YoungArts Foundation is accepting application from  "...emerging artists (ages 15-18 or grades 10-12)." National Young Arts Foundation is an organization that provides serious training, mentorship and scholarship to youth artist in various disciplines. The accolades and awards are substantial and they have good list of alumni, Vanessa Williams, Kerry Washington and others who have become well known in their field. Refer to the link below for more information about the application process, award amounts, etc.  Anyway, I thought that I would let you know in case you know of young person that may be interested in applying. Feel free to share this with others. Application information at: http://www.youngarts.org/apply

Jacob Harold of GuideStar guest blogs about the over head myth for the Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jacob-harold/charity-overhead_b_3964460.html 

He will be in New Haven on October 1, if you would like to ask him a question join us: http://gnhcommunity.ning.com/events/convening-the-state-of-the-nonprofit-sector-in-greater-new-haven

Good Day To All,

Just a quick note on the cemetery ..... so many lovely pieces of art to view in the cemetery, not just the historical view. But now the change of season brings in another lovely view of the cemetery with the splendor of Autumn.

If interested in touring either e-mail p.b.i.newhaven@att.net or call 203.389.5403 - the website is www.grovestreetcemetery.org.

Come one - Come all ..... Patricia Illingworth

IRIS- Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (www.irisct.org) has an immediate opening for a part-time Development Director. IRIS is a vibrant nonprofit organization that welcomes and resettles approximately 200 refugees each year-- people fleeing persecution in their home countries who are invited to come to the United States. They come seeking safety, freedom, peace, and opportunities. IRIS is responsible for welcoming them warmly, helping them learn about their new home, and helping them become self-sufficient.

IRIS seeks an individual with extensive fundraising experience to join us as Development Director. The Development Director will provide strategic direction, management, and supervision of all fund raising activities, especially cultivation of donors, campaigns, and fundraising events. The Development Director will also participate in grant application strategies and decisions.

Responsibilities

- Work with staff, board, and development committee to increase private donations
- Develop strategies for increasing private donations and planned giving
- Identify, research, and cultivate prospects for individual gifts, in coordination with the IRIS senior management
- Plan donor cultivation activities
- Coordinate semi-annual financial appeals, including writing the appeal letters and thank you letters
- Provide oversight of donor database, maintained in GiftWorks
- Provide strategy and oversight of fundraising events


Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent professional experience
- A minimum of six years professional fundraising experience
- Strong ties to Greater New Haven community preferred
- Experience working with immigrants or in social services preferred
- Ability to handle multiple projects concurrently and meet deadlines.
- Strong attention to detail
- Excellent organizational, management, strategic planning, and analytical skills
- Strong work ethic, initiative, and ability to work autonomously as well as part of a team
- Good interpersonal skills including the ability to work with diverse groups of individuals
- Excellent, effective written, verbal, and presentation skills
- Computer and internet proficient with solid understanding of standard software and applications
- Experience using a donor database, especially Giftworks

This position will average 15 hours per week.

To apply, please email a resume and cover letter to Kelly Hebrank at khebrank@irisct.org

Application closing date: August 31, 2013

Connecticut Early Childhood Funders Collaborative

A partnership through the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy

Position Description—Collaborative Manager

ABOUT THE COLLABORATIVE

The Connecticut Early Childhood Funders Collaborative (Collaborative) is a broad and diverse coalition of members of the Connecticut philanthropic community committed to the successful realization of the goals identified in PA 11-181, An Act Concerning Early Childhood Education and the Establishment of a Coordinated System of Early Care and Education and Child Development.

The Collaborative comprises 14 funders from around the state who bring many years of experience in supporting and operating programs that serve the needs of children and families. Members of the Collaborative believe a partnership between government and philanthropy can help us pursue our common goal of designing a comprehensive statewide early childhood system. The flexibility with which the philanthropic community can provide fiscal and programmatic resources, coupled with state government's access to data, federal policies, and public-sector resources will lead to the best thinking and outcomes for young children and their families.

The Connecticut Council for Philanthropy (Council) is the host organization and fiscal sponsor for the Collaborative.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

The Collaborative Manager reports to the president of the Council and is responsible to the Collaborative to ensure that its mission is effectively realized.  The CM works closely with the Office of Early Childhood on behalf of the Collaborative. This is envisioned as an up to 20 hour/week position.

Specific responsibilities may include:

• Perform development and policy activities related to the Collaborative’s interest in promoting early childhood systems building and the successful development of the OEC
• Manage grant activities, including submitting grant requests and reports related to funding for theCollaborative
• Perform initial review of requests for funding from the Collaborative in preparation for Collaborative review
• Monitor funded activities, contracts and reporting
• Prepare and distribute a monthly update to members of the Collaborative and partners
• Collect, synthesize and analyze key data related to implementation of OEC as related to support – financial and otherwise—from the Collaborative and movement towards goals of the Collaborative
• Mobilize members to respond to relevant policy or advocacy issues as they arise
• Foster engagement among members, including providing resources, encouraging participation, facilitatingconnections, and maintaining regular communication
• Provide staff support and coordination for all Collaborative meetings, including preparation and distribution ofagendas, member communication, scheduling and logistics, facilitating discussions as needed, and performingfollow-up activities
• Work with the Council and Collaborative co-chairs to develop and maintain Collaborative budget
• Represent the Collaborative at meetings, as necessary.
• Strategize outreach activities, including development and distribution of materials, and handling media or press inquiries, in partnership with Collaborative and OEC leaders
• Work with the Collaborative co-chairs and members on the development of meeting agendas; manage and participate in the creation of a historical narrative of the work of the Collaborative and its engagement in early childhood systems development
• Work with the Council and co-chairs to increase participation by other Connecticut funders in the Early Childhood Funders Collaborative

REQUIREMENTS

The Collaborative Manager should have the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and qualifications:

• Ability to work closely and communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and at different professional levels
• Ability to collaborate and function as part of a larger team
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, manage multiple responsibilities, and prioritize tasks
• Strong analytic, research, and critical thinking skills
• Strong writing and presentation skills
• Comfortable and articulate when speaking in public
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite
• Familiarity with the causes and implications of the current early childhood issues and opportunities, or willingness to learn about these issues quickly
• At least 5 years experience working in professional settings, knowledge of early childhood and legislative issues preferred
• Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree preferred, in public policy, public administration, nonprofit management, social services,  or related field
• Energy, a sense of humor, and a passion for improving the lives of others
• Understanding and experience in the philanthropic sector preferred

MEASURES OF SUCCESS

• Communications – keeping collaborative members well informed and documenting the lessons learned and process of development of the Collaborative
• Attraction and retention of funder interest and participation
• Sustained level of funding or transition activities to partner organizations

To apply for this position: By August 15, 2013, please send a thoughtful cover letter explaining how your education and experience qualify you for this position, along with a description of why it is of interest to you, your hourly rate, and your resume to:

Carol Schofield 
Director of Special Initiatives 
Connecticut Council for Philanthropy 
cschofield@ctphilanthorpy.org

No calls please.

Connecticut Council for Philanthropy values a diverse staff reflecting the rich diversity of the community.

Recently added, new links on the Organizational Resources and Links Page of the online Nonprofit Management Resource Center, hosted by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven.

Including:

Legal Documents and Legal Forms (downloadable templates and guides from RocketLawyer - first download is free)

Contract forms (from RocketLawyer - first download is free)

"How to Strengthen Financial Management" (from The Wallace Foundation)

"Overview of Risk Management" from Free Management Library