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A new bill allowing cities to install intersection safety cameras, which issue tickets to vehicles that do not obey red light signals, has passed the Transportation Committee by a vote of 25 to 11. Text and other information about the bill, currently labeled S.B. 706, may be found here on the Connecticut General Assembly's website. There are many supporters of the bill this year, including Toni Walker and Roland Lemar, state representatives from New Haven. The bill is also supported by Bike Walk Connecticut, the state's largest bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organization.
The Hartford Courant reports at http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hc-red-light-cameras-0319-20110318,0,594323.story, and links to an online poll (shown here) which, with 1,072 votes recorded, indicates support for the devices. An excerpt from the Courant's coverage:
The legislature's transportation committee voted Friday to approve a bill that would enable any Connecticut municipality with a population of more than 60,000 to install cameras to take pictures of red-light violators at intersections, and to impose a fine of $124 for each violation.
The 25-11 committee vote sends the bill to the floor of the state Senate for debate and action. Approval also would be required in the House before the bill could be sent to the governor, who then would decide whether to sign it into law. Legislative approval isn't guaranteed. At least one such bill has cleared the committee in recent years, but none has been approved in the full House and Senate.
According to the Courant, the towns of more than 60,000 people in Connecticut are Bridgeport, New Haven, Hartford, Stamford, Waterbury, Norwalk, Danbury, New Britain, West Hartford, Greenwich, Hamden, Meriden and Bristol.
Click here for our coverage of previous years' legislation, and here for an earlier summary from the Tri State Transportation Campaign.
A group called CT Safe Roads has launched a website to help advocate for the devices. If you support the use of intersection safety cameras, which are currently deployed in more than 400 U.S. cities and have been shown to be extremely effective at reducing deaths caused by red light running, please visit the website and email, call or set up a visit with your state representatives. Several well-written op-eds supporting the cameras can be found in Connecticut's newspapers, including the Courant, Bristol Press, and New Haven Register.
NONPROFIT NOTEBOOK
Heinrich hopes to build bridge to nonprofits
03/14/11
Deb Heinrich is facing dual challenges as the recently appointed nonprofits liaison to Gov. Dannel Malloy, a new position in the governor’s cabinet. On one hand, she is looking to save dollars for a state confronted with a projected $3.7 billion deficit; on the other, she’s tasked with bolstering the health and efficiency of a nonprofit sector burdened by stagnant funding and increased demand for services.
Addressing both problems, Heinrich contends, will require changing the relationship between state government and non-profit organizations, leveraging private philanthropy, and supporting services models that are proven effective and efficient — two qualities not typically associated with state government.
More ...
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
OFFICE OF POLICY AND MANAGEMENT
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
March 17, 2011
To: Connecticut’s Nonprofit Community
RE: Federal Aid Funding for January 11-12, 2011 Snowstorm for Nonprofit Organizations
Dear Colleagues,
Connecticut’s Department of Emergency Services and Homeland Security, under the leadership of Commissioner Boynton, has successfully applied to FEMA on behalf of Governor Malloy for disaster funding to help defray costs associated with the January 12, 2011 record-breaking snowstorm. Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield, New Haven, New London, and Tolland Counties have been designated and approved (aid for Middlesex and Windham Counties is still pending). Aid is available to eligible nonprofit organizations.
A series of county-wide meetings with FEMA and DEMHS have been scheduled for the week of March 21. These meetings will give you an opportunity to learn about eligibility and the process for applying for funding. A schedule of these meetings is attached. If you experienced noninsured costs associated with the January 12 storm, I highly recommend that you send a representative from your agency to your designated meeting.
Attached, I have included some more information concerning eligibility. Even if it may look like you are not eligible, I still recommend that you attend the meeting and hear directly from FEMA and DEMHS.
Please note: Even if you were not a party to the initial application from Connecticut to FEMA, you may still be eligible for assistance.
Please note: Aid for individuals and businesses was not available from FEMA for this storm.
Please note: Eligible expenses will be covered at 75% of the documented costs.
Sincerely,
Deb Heinrich
Nonprofit Liaison to the Governor
(860) 418-6235
Attachments:
SUMMARY: Primary responsibility for raising operating funds for $900,000 annual budget. Research grant opportunities; conduct grant writing and reporting. Solicit, cultivate and maintain individual and corporate donors and investors. Organize and oversee fundraising and friendraising events. Conduct all marketing and communications to support fundraising activities including website, newsletters and annual report. Coordinate and prepare quarterly reports to donors, investors and grantors. Coordinate community development breakfast series and other events as required.
Director of Development and Administration works closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, Development Committee and other volunteers and will be responsible for all aspects of development and communications including:
- Grant research and writing
- Timely and accurate grant reporting
- Investor recruitment, renewal, relations
- Donor solicitation – direct mail annual appeal, special campaigns
- Special events coordination – Community Breakfast series, Good Egg Awards dinner, etc.
- Public relations including press, publications, newsletter, web site maintenance
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Successful track record in all aspects of fundraising
- Excellent writer
- Excellent relational and communication skills
- Experience with financial planning and income projections
- Excellent data maintenance
- Organized, self-directed and detail-driven and able to meet deadlines
The above is not intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities and requirements.
Salary is competitive with nonprofits of similar size.
To Apply
Please send resume, cover letter, and salary history to: Carla Weil, Greater New Haven Community Loan Fund, 171 Orange Street, New Haven, CT 06510 or carla@gnhclf.org . For information about the Loan Fund please see our website at www.gnhclf.org.
The GNHCLF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Thanks to Moses Boone for sharing this great list. Please forward this link to students that you know.
Actuary Scholarships for Minority Students
American Chemical Society Scholarships
American Geological Institute Minority Geoscience Student Scholarship
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program
Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta
Higher One Scholarship (must attend meeting 4/13 in New Haven)
Engineering for Minorities
Gates Millennium Scholars
International Education Financial Aid
The Jackie Robinson Foundation (high school seniors only)
Jack Kent Cook Foundation Graduate Scholars Program
John L. Carey Accounting Scholarship
Kaiser Media Internships in Health Reporting
LGBT Scholarships
Microsoft Scholarships (for computer related degrees)
Morris K. Udall Undergraduate Scholarship (for environmental studies)
Unmet Need Scholarship
Scholarships for African -American Women
The Jackie Robinson Foundation (high school seniors only)
Ron Brown Scholarship (high school seniors)
Black Excel Scholarship Gateways
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
Dr. James M. Rosin Scholarship
Fisk Premedical Summer Institute / Minority Medical Education Program
General Mills Technology Scholars Award
Law School: MCCA Lloyd M. Johnson, Jr. Scholarship Program
NAACP Scholarships: Earl G. Graves Scholarship, Agnes Jones Scholarship, Lillian and Samuel Sutton Scholarship, Roy Wilkins Scholarship, and the Hubertus W.V. Williams Scholarship
National Association of Black Journalists
National Black Police Association
National Society of Black Engineers Scholarship List
Sallie Mae Fund American Dream Scholarship
Siemens Teacher Education Scholarship Program
Spieler, Rhea and Louis Scholarship Program
UNCF Merck Science Initiative
United Negro College Fund
Scholarships for Latina Women
Hispanic Scholarship Fund (also for college students)
Adelante US Education Leadership Fund
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (Congressional Internship)
First in My Family Scholarship Program
Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
Hispanic College Fund
National Association of Hispanic Journalists
Salvadoran American Leadership and Education Fund
IRIS- Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (www.irisct.org), a nonprofit organization, is seeking an Office Coordinator to work full-time in our New Haven office. The Office Coordinator provides administrative and case management support to all staff and is responsible for planning and organizing the clerical aspects of IRIS.
Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to: Maintaining a neat and orderly office, greeting all visitors, answering phones, responding to email inquiries, data entry, processing invoices and mailing payments, ordering office supplies, filing, typing letters, and communicating with vendors. Position includes frequent interaction with IRIS clients- refugees from around the world seeking new lives of freedom and peace in the U.S.
Candidate must be a responsible, mature, and reliable person who can work independently but also in a team environment. Candidate must be proficient with MS Windows and MS Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, and PowerPoint. Experience with Quickbooks accounting software and Giftworks database software a plus. Minimum 3 years experience working in an office setting. Other requirements include pleasant phone manner, strict confidentiality, attention to detail, strong work ethic, and a stable work history.
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter by March 18th to Kelly Hebrank, Program Manager, at khebrank@irisct.org.
(Full job description available on http://irisct.org/work.html)
Common Ground seeks a Green Jobs Corps Program Manager, responsible for overall management of the Green Jobs Corps program – a youth employment program that connects over 30 high school students with paid environmental jobs, leadership and career development opportunities, and supportive services. In addition to overseeing all aspects of the program, the Program Manager works directly with young people in individual meetings and in larger groups for trainings and workshops, and may oversee youth work crews as necessary. The Program Manager reports to Common Ground’s Director of Business and Administration, and works closely with other Common Ground staff to ensure the successful implementation of this program. The Green Jobs Corps Program Manager is a year-round, 40 hour per week position. For a full job description, visit http://www.commongroundct.org/join_us.php.
Common Ground is a center for environmental learning and leadership in New Haven, Connecticut where a diverse community of children, young people, and adults cultivate habits of healthy living and sustainable environmental practice. Farm meets forest meets city on Common Ground’s 20 acre campus at the base of West Rock Ridge. The site abuts the 1500 acre West Rock State Park, sharing hiking trails, wildlife, and diverse natural habitats with the surrounding forests. Common Ground’s Charter High School uses the site as an organizing principle of its curriculum which is guided by an ecological framework that recognizes the connection and interdependence of all living and non-living things. Each year, more than 6,000 community members participate in festivals, field trips, after-school programs, and other educational opportunities on site. Common Ground’s Green Job Corps program provides meaningful employment with a green focus to over 30 high school students from New Haven while immersing them in youth, leadership and career development activities. For more information on Common Ground, see www.commongroundct.org.
February 20, 2011
How a Small Nonprofit Made Simple Tech Tweaks and Saved $176,000
Like many nonprofits struggling in the economic downturn, my organization has tightened its belt. A year ago we reduced our work force from 10 to four staff members and cut our operating budget by almost two-thirds.
The Metanexus Institute works to promote interaction between religion and science through publications and symposia at universities around the world and has always prided itself on using cutting-edge computer technology. (We started in 1997 as a moderated e-mail discussion list.) As we looked to trim costs, we found ourselves taking a particularly hard look at the technology we use to run our organization.
We made a number of big changes and small tweaks, which not only resulted in greater cost savings but also made us more nimble as an organization. When the overhaul was complete, we had cut our information-technology expenses—including phone service—from $5,000 per month to $300 per month. We also no longer needed our own technology staff, which gave us additional savings of nearly $10,000 per month. All told, we’re saving about $176,000 a year on an annual budget that now stands at $385,000....
Here are some highlights of our transformation: http://philanthropy.com/article/How-a-Small-Group-Saved/126404/
CONTACT: Ashley Etienne
February 28, 2011 202.606.6944; aetienne@cns.gov
Washington, DC—The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) today released a Notice of Federal Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the 2011 grant competition of the Social Innovation Fund. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, April 12, 2011. “In its first year, the Social Innovation Fund has laid a sound foundation for improving the lives of thousands of people in low-income communities throughout the U.S.,” said Patrick Corvington, CEO of CNCS. “The second grant selection competition represents a critical next step toward demonstrating that the federal government – working in partnership with nonprofit organizations, private philanthropies, municipal governments and other key agents of change – can be an innovative and effective catalyst for tackling some of our most persistent social challenges.”
The Social Innovation Fund represents a new way of doing business for the federal government. Through an innovative public-private partnership, the Social Innovation Fund and selected local and national grantmakers co-invest in programs that increase the scale of community-based solutions that have evidence of real impact in three priority areas: youth development, economic opportunity or healthy futures. When the first round of grantmaking is completed in March, the Social Innovation Fund’s eleven 2010 grantees will have awarded nearly $100 million to approximately 150 innovative community-based non-profits organizations.
More information download PDF
In my role as a board member of the Alliance for Nonprofit Management, I would like to let you know about webinars that the Alliance is sponsoring. I think that you may find these useful and informative, especially if you are concerned about strengthening nonprofit capacity.
March 3: Helping Nonprofits Survive a Crisis with Kim Klein, widely regarded author of Reliable Fundraising in Unreliable Times, the 2010 McAdams Book Award Winner
March 24: Future Search Updated: Getting the Whole System in the Room for Vision, Commitment and Action-- A Webinar for Advanced Practitioners, with Marvin Weisbord and Sandra Janoff
March 29: Creating Networked Nonprofits, with Beth Kanter and Allison Fine, co-authors of The Networked Nonprofit, the 2010 Honorable Mention, McAdams Book Award
For complete descriptions and to register, visit our website at www.allianceonline.org .
All webinars are 90 minutes and occur at 2:00-3:30 PM US Eastern Standard Time on the dates listed above. Attendance is limited to the first 150 registered. Cost is $39 for Alliance members and $59 for non-members per webinar. For more information and to register, visit www.allianceonline.org, call 415.704.5058 or email info@allianceonline.org.
Yours,
Mike Burns, Partner,
BWB Solutions
A website is the cornerstone of a well-considered communications plan. It is often the first point of contact.
And you don't have to wait for a major site redesign to improve the way your website's written content serves those visitors. Ask yourself the following questions:
• How effectively does your site reflect your goals and mission?
• Is it compelling? Does it engage people and provide them with a call to action?
• Is the site's content current and easy to understand? Does it anticipate and answer users' questions?
If you have doubts, there are things you can do today to ensure your website content serves your mission. Some suggestions:
1. Create scannable copy. Short paragraphs, bulleted lists and sidebars present detailed information in a concise, easily digestible manner. Research shows that users read only about 20 percent of the words on a given page - and that they focus on information placed on the top and to the left of pages. So arrange your copy accordingly.
2. Use headings and subheads. Well-written headings and subheads serve several functions. They break up text into bite-size nuggets that can be read quickly. They outline what is to come. And they provide you with an opportunity to use the information-heavy words that improve search engine optimization(SEO) results.
3. Avoid jargon. Use simple, direct phrasing in your headings and copy. Plain language presented in a conversational, friendly tone will ensure your meaning is clear.
4. Use links in copy to drive the user deeper into your site. Make it easy for users to find related information and resources. Links placed in bulleted lists allow information to be readily accessed. If you embed links in a paragraph, save them for the end of sentences. Research indicates users are more likely to read information that appears before the link than after it.
5. Update and delete content often. Regularly refreshing your website's content encourages return visits and improves SEO.
Source: www.Embolden.com
Theta Epsilon Omega Chapter is offering a four-year scholarship, up to $4,000, to a graduating senior in the top third of his or her class. The applicant must verify acceptance to and attendance at an accredited post-secondary school or college, and reside in Greater New Haven.
Students applying must submit the following postmarked by April 22, 2011:
- Completed application (fillable form);
- An official transcript with ACT or SAT scores;
- A letter of recommendation from your guidance counselor AND a teacher of an academic subject;
- A typewritten autobiographical essay, minimum of 250 words and a maximum of 2 pages.
The entire application packet should be checked by your counselor.
Applicant must forward completed application packets to:
Theta Epsilon Omega Chapter
Attn: Scholarship Chairmen, Mrs. Thomas & Mrs. Grasty
P.O. Box 8298
New Haven, CT 06530
Click here for more information and to see past recipients of our scholarship program.
Please address all questions to scholarship@akanewhaven.org.
Source: http://www.caseyfamilyservices.org/resources/pubdetail/719/
The Annie E. Casey Foundation/Casey Family Services’ Professional Development and Learning Series is structured to help you and your organization get ahead by providing access to new skills and education that can expand your learning.
In 2011, the Learning Series continues to build on the Foundation’s approach to results accountability by offering training on how to introduce evidence-based practices into your agency programs. We believe a focus on implementing and adhering to evidence-based practice is a strong complement to our results framework, and will accelerate strengthening of local programs and services. We are seeing our emphasis on teaching results accountability starting to pay dividends as more New Haven nonprofits are moving to implement Results-based Accountability (RBA), and reporting improved understanding of program data and performance.
In addition to the training on evidence-based practice, other new topics include an intermediate session on writing federal grants, effective practices in case management, public policy advocacy, and a session on how to work effectively in teams. As you look through this catalog, we hope you see training opportunities that fit you and your organization.
In addition to our workshop series, we will continue the quarterly Lunch and Learn sessions.
Download the 2011 catalog of training sessions for nonprofit leaders (PDF).
All attendees must contact Roslyn Williams at rswilliams@aecf.org to register.
www.cfgnh.org
Applicants must be age 25 or younger (born on or after September 1, 1985) and be a U.S. or Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
In 2011, the five nominees will be rewarded with a community grant of $10,000, media coverage, and continued support from Do Something. The grand-prize winner will receive $100,000 during the live broadcast of the awards ceremony. All winners have the option of receiving $5,000 of their grant in the form of an educational scholarship.
Visit the Do Something Web site for complete program guidelines and information on the work of previous award winners.
Contact:
Link to Complete RFP
source: Foundation Center
East Rock Village is a nonprofit corporation founded to enable residents over the age of
50 in the East Rock neighborhoods of New Haven, Hamden and North Haven to obtain
the services they need in order to continue to live independently in their homes. The
services we offer include organized activities (social, educational, wellness and
volunteer) and referrals to vetted professional providers of health and home care services.
We are part of a national village movement. See www.eastrockvillage.org and
www.vtvnetwork.clubexpress.com.
We seek an executive director to lead the expansion of the organization –
its membership as well as its member services; to lead in creating a
stable base of financial support; and to assist the board in setting
priorities for the organization. We seek a leader with excellent
organizational and communication skills, entrepreneurial drive and the
capacity to work collaboratively with members, volunteers, board and
staff. The candidate will have the capacity to juggle multiple tasks and
will have relevant nonprofit experience, be familiar with the needs of an
aging population, have a demonstrated record of successful management
experience and sophisticated data based management skills. Empathy,
imagination, good judgment and a sense of humor are also qualities we
seek.
Responsibilities
Membership Services and Program
o Keep members’ need in the forefront and look strategically at
the possibility of improving and expanding services
o Oversee design, marketing, promotion, delivery and quality
of programs and services
o Work with vendors to establish relationships of benefit to
members and the organization
o Recruit, vet and train a corps of volunteers, and manage
volunteers to carry out a variety of programs and functions
o Ensure that services are delivered in a timely and
satisfactory manner
o Maintain a working knowledge of developments and trends
in the field
Fundraising
o With the board, oversee fundraising planning and
implementation, including identifying resources, researching
funding sources, establishing strategies to approach funders,
submitting proposals and administering fundraising records
o With assistance from professionals or experienced
volunteers, oversee writing of grant proposals
Administration
o Hire and supervise paid staff and volunteers
o Maintain the office as the public face of the organization
o With the finance committee and accountant, recommend
yearly budget for board approval and prudently manage
resources in accordance with local, state and federal
regulations
o Maintain accounting and reporting systems and issue
regular financial reports to the board
o With finance committee establish policies and procedures to
safeguard the assets of the organization
o Maintain official records and documents
o With the president and secretary conduct official
correspondence and execute legal documents
Communications
o Assure the organization and its mission, programs and
services are consistently presented accurately and positively
o Oversee all communications including website content,
newsletter, press releases, annual reports, promotional
brochures, and other marketing materials
o Establish sound working relationships and cooperative
agreements with community groups and organizations
o Represent the programs and point of view of the organization
to agencies, organizations and the general public
Board Liaison
o Support operations and administration of the board by
attending and participating in board meetings
o With the board assure that the organization has a long-range
strategy which achieves its mission
o With the board develop job descriptions for board members,
provide regular training for the board and assist in board
recruitment and board evaluation
o Keep the board informed on the condition of the organization
and the factors influencing it
o Provide a self-evaluation to the board annually
Compensation and employment conditions
This is a full-time position with competitive salary and benefits.
We will, however, consider candidates who can make a case for a less
than full-time position. The contract will be for one year from date of
hire with a satisfactory assessment after three months.
To apply
Send your resume and a cover letter that addresses how your
skills and experience meet East Rock Village’s mission and needs,
together with names and contact information for three local references by
email to info@eastrockvillage.org (preferred) or by mail to: Search
Committee, East Rock Village, 291 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT
06511.
