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Nonprofit Board Chairs Study Report Now Available

Posted by Mike Burns on August 26, 2016 at 4:28am

Voices of Nonprofit Board Chairs reflects the voices of 635 nonprofit board chairs across the United States. The study was conducted by the Alliance's Governance Affinity Group and is intended as a first step in hearing directly from board chairs about their experiences and perceptions, acknowledging the importance of the leadership role of board chairs and the significant dearth of research in this area.  

 

Although there is much prescriptive information in the field, there is surprising little research or evidence to back up these assertions.  As one of the few studies on board chairs, this study sought to answer two research questions:  How do individuals prepare for their role as chair of a nonprofit board? and, what do board chairs perceive their leadership roles to be in relationship to the board, the community, and the CEO?

 

To learn about the findings, implications for practice, and access the research report, please download the report here.  The Research Team is available for workshops, talks, webinars and articles based on this research. For more information, please contact, Governance Membership Affinity Group Chair,Judy Freiwirth.

 

 

Free Webinar: Voices of Nonprofit Board Chairs

Research Findings and Consulting Practice Implications from the Largest National Research Study on Board Chairs

 

September 15, 2016

 

9 am - 10:30 Pacific / 12:00pm - 1:30 Eastern

 

Hear about the key findings and consulting practice implications of this important national study conducted by the Alliance's Governance Member Affinity Group.  The Research Team will lead an interactive discussion regarding implications for consulting practices and new thinking about board chair preparation and effectiveness. 

 

Presenters: Judy Freiwirth, Psy.D.; Mary Hiland, Ph.D., Mike Burns, M.A., Gayle Gifford, M.S., and Debra Beck, Ed.D.

 

Click here to register for the webinar. 

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Employment opportunities at The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven

Posted by The Community Foundation for GNH on August 19, 2016 at 3:30am

The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, the region's largest grantmaker and permanent charitable endowment, is seeking qualified candidates to fill the following positions: 

Human Resources Manager

Development Associate

Vice President of Operations

LEARN MORE: http://www.cfgnh.org/About/ContactUs/EmploymentOpportunities.aspx

Thank you for your interest.

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Job Offering - The Children's Center of Hamden

Posted by Chanelle Goldson on August 11, 2016 at 8:59am

Director of Milieu for S-FIT, CARE and EDT Programs

The Director is responsible for carrying out the treatment philosophy of the Agency, and has a significant role in shaping that philosophy as a member of the Management Team.  The Director is responsible for participating in the admission process and the coordination of treatment for each young person the in the programs. This employee is also responsible for ensuring an appropriate therapeutic milieu and safe environment with the programs.

The ideal candidate for this position will have the ability to provide a trauma informed milieu via the leadership of a supervisory staff and childcare workers and the ability to multi-task.  Good organizational skills required.  Master's Degree required.

For more information please contact Human Resources -- employment@tccoh.org.  You can also visit our website at www.tccoh.org to learn more about the Agency.

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New Haven Reads is Hiring! Kindergarten Teacher Positions and Assistant Site Director

Posted by Keri Humphries on August 11, 2016 at 8:00am

We have several positions open at New Haven Reads! We are currently seeking an Assistant Site Director (part-time) at our Willow Street location, and 2 Kindergarten Teachers (part-time, Dixwell and Willow Street locations). 

For more information and application instructions, visit the career page of our website: http://newhavenreads.org/home/get-involved/careers/

Kindergarten Teacher (Willow)

Kindergarten Teacher (Dixwell)

Assistant Site Director (Willow)

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St. Hilda's House Interns -- Available to work and serve in New Haven

Posted by Carlos de la Torre on August 9, 2016 at 5:09am

St. Hilda's House is a service year program and intentional community in New Haven. Every year a group of interns arrive in New Haven to work and serve in service agencies and nonprofits throughout the city. Hildans are college educated young adults, committed to work and serve in various roles and locations. St. Hilda's House has been serving young adults, agencies, and nonprofits for the last five years. We are always looking to expand our network and partners in the community.

We are currently looking for community agencies and nonprofits to place our incoming class of interns. Hildans are college-educated young professionals, available to work 35 hours per week, and supervised and mentored. They are great resources for nonprofits -- at a rate of $15,000 including healthcare and all other support, they require half the resources of traditional employees even in starting jobs.

For more information, please contact Carlos de la Torre -- Cdelatorre@christchurchnh.org

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Nonprofit Board Relationships

Posted by Mike Burns on August 5, 2016 at 4:27am
The following is not a case unfamiliar to my work. On too many occasions I have been called upon to help resolve the "relationship" between a nonprofit organization and it's "arm" designed to raise money on its behalf. The issues are as relational as they are transactional although most frequently stimulated by one or another transaction that just didn't sit well with the other party. The question at its core: where does the fiduciary duty lie most: with the "parent' institution or with the "child" institution. Clearly, some steps might have been taken when establishing the "arm". But once the damage and more importantly, the relationship sours, it generally falls upon the "parent' to reel the "child" back-in and doing so without damaging what are likely important relationships as well as the donors. Not a great situation all the way around but not so isolated and clearly one that offers lessons.Here's the Philadelphia Inquirer article about Mansfield University and its fundraising arm.Fight over fund-raising fractures relationships at Mansfield U.Updated: JULY 31, 2016 — 1:08 AM EDTMansfield University and its nonprofit fund-raising foundation are in a dispute that has led university leaders to ask for the donor list so they can raise money independently of the organization. The foundation staff has been forced out of its campus office.by Susan Snyder, Staff WriterThe 14 universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education have separate nonprofit foundations that act on their behalf to raise money from donors.Mansfield University and its nonprofit fund-raising foundation are in a dispute that has led university leaders to ask for the donor list so
they can raise money independently of the organization. The foundation staff has been forced out of its campus office. Slideshow icon SLIDESHOWFight over fund-raising fractures relationships at Mansfield U.But that relationship at Mansfield University in north-central Pennsylvania - the second-smallest school in the system - has soured in a big way.The dispute between the Mansfield University Foundation and university leaders became so acrimonious earlier this year that the foundation's three-person staff was forced out of its campus office with just four days' notice. The foundation alleges the university confiscated some of its records, withheld its mail, and forced it to change its name - all after the foundation refused to release donors' names and records to university leaders. The sides agree on little. The university says it didn't confiscate foundation records or keep its mail.At the heart of the dispute is control over fund-raising for a university that has been running a deficit and losing enrollment. Unhappy with the foundation's performance, the university wanted the donor records so it could begin cultivating donations on its own. Foundation officials refused, saying they promised donors confidentiality and have been supporting the university quite well.The university has begun its own fund-raising, putting it in direct competition with the foundation and creating confusion among donors. The foundation, now in a rented office just off campus, has hired a lawyer and is mulling legal action to protect its rights as an independent nonprofit.Both sides have talked to the Attorney General's Office, which declined comment.Welcome to the Kramer vs. Kramer of university fund-raising.As more universities in the state system struggle with enrollment loss and less state funding, the battle over fund-raising at Mansfield could serve as a cautionary tale."At the end of the day, it is in the best interest of both parties to work closely together," said Mindy Engel, executive director of the renamed Mansfield Foundation. "The foundation stands ready to work out our differences."Rita Dibble, vice president for institutional advancement, said the university would like to resolve the conflict, too."I have not given up hope, hope that they will turn around and partner with us," she said. "It would be beneficial for us, but also for them."The foundation has existed for more than 40 years and for much of that time worked cooperatively with the university, which is 25 miles from Pennsylvania's "grand canyon" in Wellsboro. At one time, a university employee oversaw the foundation.The foundation currently administers $18 million in endowments, much of it restricted by donors for specific scholarships and programs.The relationship between the foundation and the university became increasingly strained after the arrival in 2013 of president Francis L. Hendricks, a retired brigadier general, who has wanted the foundation to raise more money, foundation officials said. Financial pressures also contributed to the friction.The 2,376-student university faced a $7.8 million deficit in its $45 million budget last school year, which it covered by drawing on reserves and making cuts. In May, the university said it would close a projected $5.1 million deficit for 2016-17 through furloughs, the use of reserves, and other cuts.The memorandum of understanding between the university and the foundation expired last July. After six months of negotiations failed to produce a new agreement, the university moved to cut ties with the foundation.The foundation, Dibble said, didn't raise enough money for projects the university wanted. She said of 11 requests she made, only one was honored."What they have been doing is hopelessly inadequate," said Dibble, who joined Mansfield last July.Engel acknowledged there have been times when the foundation declined to fund-raise for projects deemed not feasible by the board. She cited a former president's request to build a movie theater in town.Other times, she said, the foundation has embraced projects. More recently, the foundation contributed funds for an international walkway on campus.During the last fiscal year, the foundation received approximately $1 million in directed gifts from donors and disbursed more than $600,000 in scholarships and other support to the university, Engel said. (Dibble disputed the $600,000 figure as too high and said she believed it's about $230,000).Engel said the foundation has given the president information on donors he wanted to cultivate. Where it drew the line, she said, was on turning over all records."They were asking for unfettered access to the foundation's database. That's not something our board found acceptable," she said.Dibble said she asked the foundation to share information with her, the president, and the alumni director, all of whom would have kept confidentiality, so they could work together on fund-raising.John Mansfield, president of the faculty union, said university retirees who have donated to the foundation are confused and concerned."They trust the foundation," he said. "And now the message [from the university] is 'don't trust them. Just give directly to the university.' "He said he hopes the conflict can be resolved before the university is harmed."We have people here who would never have a chance to go to college if the school closed its doors," he said.At West Chester University - the largest in the state system - the relationship between the foundation and university leadership stands in stark contrast.Their officials collaborate and set goals each year and meet monthly."It's important for universities and foundations to work well together because that's in the best interest of the students," said Richard Przywara, the foundation's executive director.All university fund-raising is done through the foundation, which raised more than $5.6 million in cash and in-kind gifts and $5.2 million in planned gifts for 2015-16, much of it from donors who want to remain anonymous, he said.For that reason, the donor database is maintained at the foundation. If West Chester - a state university - had donor data, some of it could become a public record, said Mark Pavlovich, West Chester's vice president for advancement and sponsored research.Dibble pointed out that the right-to-know law includes an exemption for donor information.Erik Arneson, executive director of Pennsylvania's Office of Open Records, said it appears that universities could keep most donor information confidential, perhaps with the exception of amounts. But he said the issue hasn't really been tested in court or before his office."We don't want to test it," Przywara said. "It's too critical."Pavlovich said amounts could point to a donor."At an institution where a large gift is pretty noticeable, it can be figured out pretty quickly," he said.That's what concerns Engel - that donor confidentiality could be compromised. The foundation is continuing to raise money for Mansfield and donors are giving, Engel said."But as you can imagine," she said, "donors are cautious and a little concerned about an active dispute between the university and the foundation."ssnyder@phillynews.com215-854-4693@ssnyderinqwww.philly.com/campusinq
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New Haven Farms is looking for volunteers!

Posted by New Haven Farms on August 1, 2016 at 9:48am

New Haven Farms is looking for volunteers!


ABOUT NEW HAVEN FARMS:


New Haven Farms' nonprofit charitable mission is to promote health and community development through urban agriculture. We transform vacant, contaminated urban land into vibrant and productive organic farms. Our Farm Manager and volunteer corps cultivate urban farms, and our harvest is made accessible to low-income families who struggle with diet-related chronic diseases and food insecurity. Farm members receive produce baskets combined with farm education, cooking demonstrations, and nutrition education on a weekly basis. For more information about New Haven Farms, visit newhavenfarms.org.
 

 
Youth Environmental Education Volunteer

POSITION SUMMARY AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

The Environmental Educator Volunteer will be a leader in supporting and developing the Youth Farm ­Based Wellness program. The purpose of the program is to give children a chance to explore and learn about the environment, food system and nutrition through interactive lessons and on­ farm activities. The youth program runs in conjunction with our adult Farm Based Wellness Program on Tuesday and Thursday evenings on our farm site through September.


Volunteers are needed Tues/ Thurs 4:30pm to 8:00pm through September.


DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Ability to work with diverse populations including youth and adults
  • Knowledge or interest in gardening, environment, science, health and nutrition, and physical activities
  • Bilingual (Spanish/ English) desired but not essential
 
TO APPLY:
 
Please send a paragraph summary of your interest and qualifications, along with your resume and whether or not you speak Spanish to Liana at volunteercoordinator@newhavenfarms.org
 


Farm Team Volunteer POSITION SUMMARY AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
 
The Farm Team is really the heart of our organization—without these individuals, our farms would not function! As a Farm Team Volunteer you will work with our farm manager, Jacqueline, to plant, cultivate, water and harvest the produce that gets distributed to our CSA members. This is a wonderful opportunity to get your hands dirty, learn about organic vegetable production, and most importantly enjoy the satisfaction of being outside and growing healthy food! We are looking for individuals who can commit to coming regular weekly hours - either Tuesdays or Thursdays 8am - noon or Tues/ Thurs 3pm - 6pm. This position is unpaid however if the volunteer is able to commit to regular weekly volunteering we will provide a half share of weekly vegetables (enough veggies for a house of 2-3 people).
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs
  • Reliable
TO APPLY:
 
Please send a paragraph summary of your interest and qualifications, along with your resume and whether or not you speak Spanish to Liana at volunteercoordinator@newhavenfarms.org
 

 

Cooking + Nutrition Team Volunteer -

 

POSITION SUMMARY AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

New Haven Farms’ Farm-Based Wellness Program develops participants’ knowledge of healthy eating: the preparation of balanced meals as well as the nutritional content of foods, with special attention on fats and carbohydrates. A cooking and nutrition team volunteer will help support our Chef and Nutrition Educator in healthy meal preparation, material preparation, food distribution, recipe creation and nutrition education (if qualified). Volunteers for Cooking + Nutrition are needed on Tuesdays and Thursdays through September for any amount of time between 3pm and 8pm to help with our Farm Based Wellness Program. This position is unpaid however if the volunteer is able to commit to regular weekly volunteering we will provide a half share of weekly vegetables (enough veggies for a house of 2-3 people).

 

TO APPLY:

Please send a paragraph summary of your interest and qualifications, along with your resume and whether or not you speak Spanish to Liana at volunteercoordinator@newhavenfarms.org

 

 

Research + Welcome Table Team Volunteer

 

POSITION SUMMARY AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
 
The welcome table team volunteer plays an essential role in greeting participants to our Farm Based Wellness Program, taking weights and other vitals (training provided), helping with weekly participant surveys and providing program support as needed. This is a fun position for a well organized, social individual. This position can be combined with any of our other Tuesday/ Thursday evening volunteer positions.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Ability to work with diverse populations including youth and adults Knowledge or interest in gardening, environment, science, health and nutrition, and food systems Bilingual (Spanish/ English) - must be bilingual for Tuesdays, English only is ok for Thursdays
TO APPLY:
 
Please send a paragraph summary of your interest and qualifications, along with your resume and whether or not you speak Spanish to Liana at volunteercoordinator@newhavenfarms.org

 

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This is a photograph of the National Veterans Council for Legal Redress 501(c) (3) Veterans organization board members with Senator Chris Murphy from left to right Garry C. Monk-Executive Director, Ol

Posted by Olivia C Henderson on July 31, 2016 at 4:22pm

This is a photograph of the National Veterans Council for Legal Redress 501(c) (3) Veterans organization board members with Senator Chris Murphy from left to right Garry C. Monk-Executive Director, Olivia Monk Henderson-Assistant Director, Senator Chris Murphy,Helen Harper-Wilson -Secretary/Assistant Treasurer, Conley F. Monk Jr Director & Founder.
Senator Chris Murphy stop by the new Opportunity Community Center located at 316 Dixwell Avenue in New Haven. He wanted to find out more about the center and how it was functioning after only two weeks of being in operation. Senator Murphy was impressed about the concept of the one stop services that will be offered at the center for New Haven residents. Some of the services at the center will be social services,,reentry program for offenders,legal services just to name a few..

However, The National Veterans Council for Legal Redress is excited about being a part of the one stop shop services, at the new center. So,now NVCLR can provide Veterans with the services and benefits that they deserve and entitled to receive...

The center is located in area that makes it accessible for Veterans to get there by public transpiration,private own vehicles, however, many Veterans that live in the neighborhood can walk to the center. The National Veteran Council will be at the center Monday and Wednesday 1 pm-5 pm. For more information about our services call (203) 988-3006,

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