Terrific local fundraising story

An impromptu fundraiser resulted from a telephone call by a teen to investigate limo prices for an upcoming prom. Turns out the limousine officials remembered a newspaper article about the teen, Stephanie Santoro, and her volunteer work with the Ronald McDonald House. Consequently, Carriage Limousine Service generously offered to donate a 30-person coach to transport Cheshire teens to their junior prom Saturday night, with the transportation fees to be donated to the Ronald McDonald House to create a needed play room for seriously ill children who are undergoing medical treatment.

The result is a prom that will resonate far beyond a single night of fun. Congratulations to all concerned!(source: New Haven Register 4/28/06 )

Add an Advocacy Training to your Workshop Schedule!

Thurs., June 8, 4:30-6pm--Advocacy for Nonprofits: Getting Your Voice Heard at the Capitol, free workshop at New Haven Public Library, 133 Elm St. Register at 946-7431.

Your presenter: Ellen Andrews, Ex. Director of the CT Health Policy Project, which hosts policymaker briefings in Hartford on timely topics in collaboration with the Dept. of Insurance and the state Health Care Advocate. Dr. Andrews produces a monthly newsletter for health care consumers, CT Health Notes, a bi-weekly listserv of timely health care issues in CT, numerous policymaker issue briefs, and surveys of Connecticut health care policymakers assessing their use of health policy information. She has served as legislative staff on health policy and as a nonprofit health care advocate. She coordinates a multi-state Health Policy Steering Committee for the Council of State Governments/Eastern Region Conference. She holds a PhD in Human Genetics from Yale University, where she is an Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing.

Youth Philanthropists application deadline is May 3

The Youth Philanthropy Project (YPP) announce s a grant opportunity for eligible nonprofit organizations with programs serving youth in the Greater New Haven region. The YPP will invest $11,000 in youth programs and individual grants are expected to be in the $2,000-$5,000 range.

Applications are available online at http://uwgnh.org/ypp and at United Way of Greater New Haven's office at 71 Orange Street in downtown New Haven. Applications are due May 3rd by 4:00pm. Members of the YPP specifically encourage applications from programs targeting youth ages 13-18 and involve youth in the development and implementation of the program itself. http://uwgnh.org/ypp

The Youth Philanthropy Project is looking to recruit additional young people for next year's program! To be a part of this awesome group of teens, contact Sally Anastos, Special Projects Manager, United Way of Greater New Haven at (203) 772-2010, ext. 224 or sanastos@uwgnh.org.

Registration is now open for the 7th Annual Conference of the Division of Prevention and Community Research in Yale's Department of Psychiatry. Keepers of the Dream: Advancing Research, Policy and Practice in Urban Education will be held at the Yale Law School on Friday, June 9, 8-4:30. Jonathan Kozol and Edmund Gordon will keynote. This conference will explore ways to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in education in Connecticut. Presenters from state offices, city entities, local community agencies and scholars from various universities will participate. Registration is required and the fee is $65. www.TheConsultationCenter.org.

Recognizing Extraordinary Good Done for Children

Each year the World of Children presents awards to ordinary people who have done extraordinary good on behalf of the health, education, and well-being of children. Maximum Award: $50,000. Eligibility: person nominated must have full knowledge that he or she is being nominated and must be available in November to participate in World of Children event held in New York City. Deadline: June 9, 2006. (submitted by pscussel@gnhcc.com)

Serving area homeless children ages 0-5

Many area homeless children ages 0-5 are not attending Early Head Start or Head Start nor are they or their parents receiving the social services and supports provided by these programs.

Last week, Alice Ellovich of New Haven DSS, Freddie Brumell of the NH Board of Education Head Start, Kelly Ann Day of New Haven Home Recovery and Joanne Goldblum of New Haven Diaper Bank met to discuss this problem. They plan to convene another meeting on May 12 at 9:30am for community stakeholders to identify the issues and work together to provide more preschool and other social services for homeless children. Location: DSS office, 194 Bassett St. , New Haven. Please RSVP to joanne@newhavendiaperbank.org

Need Free Meeting Space in New Haven?

At yesterday's GNHCC Not-for-Profit Resources Council meeting, we identified several organizations around the city that offer free meeting space by arrangement. Please let me know if your agency can be added to the list.

Chamber of Commerce, capacity up to 70 in large conference room, smaller rooms also available: 787-6735
Community Foundation, up to 30 inside, plus terrace courtyard: 777-2386
Community Mediation, up to 30: 782-3500
Fellowship Place, up to 15 from 5-8 pm: 865-3719
Mary Wade Home, 2 rooms, largest seats up to 100, available after 5pm: 562-7222
New Haven Public Library, all branches have meeting space available to nonprofits during open hours (and sometimes before/after); Main will accommodate up to 80: 946-8125.
United Way, up to 30 during office hours only: 772-2010
Volunteer Center, up to 50: 562-1854

Raiser's Edge demo in Hartford May 3

If you've been considering using Raiser's Edge, this is a good opportunity to preview it. Blackbaud reps invite CT nonprofits to a free demo on Wed., May 3, 9:30-noon, at the Sheraton Hartford. RSVP at (800) 443-9441 x3164 or visit http://seminars.blackbaud.com.

It's National Volunteer Week

Local volunteer opportunities may be found at the Volunteer Center for Greater New Haven (562-1854; kcosgrove@volunteercentergnh.org) or by visiting the United Way of Greater New Haven, www.uwgnh.org.

The Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network
engages millions of volunteers to help solve serious social problems in thousands of communities. Through a variety of programs and services, the Foundation encourages people from all walks of life -- businesses, faith-based organizations, low-income
communities, families, youth, and older adults -- to volunteer. www.pointsoflight.org

AFP Teleconference Series hosted by Columbus House

The Community Foundation will underwrite the following professional development teleconferences which are produced and presented by AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals). John Brooks will host them at Columbus House, and will handle logistics. All take place between 1-2:30.
Tues., May 9: Achieving Donor Loyalty presented by Adrian Sargeant
Wed., June 7: Endowment Building: Starting on a Firm Foundation presented by Diana S. Newman, CFRE
Tues., July 11: Strategic Planning to Lower Fundraising Costs and Boost Revenues presented by Mal Warwick
Wed., August 9: Corporate Friends, Corporate Partners, Corporate Funders: Getting Corporate Support Right! presented by Gene Scanlan, Ph.D., CFRE
Thurs., September 14: Refining Defining Major Gifts – The Impact on All Campaigns presented by Kent E. Dove, CFRE
Thurs., October 12: Using Strategic Planning to Ensure Your Organization’s Relevance (Institutional strategic planning) presented by Simone P. Joyaux, ACFRE
Tues., December 5: Webconference: What Fundraisers Need to Know about Budgets & Financial Statements presented by R. Barkley Calkins

Please contact John at 401-4400 x108 or jbrooks@columbushouse.org.

$500 rebate if you buy a Prius

Twenty US families with annual income less than $80,000 that buy a new Prius before July 31 are eligible for a $500 rebate from William H. Hinkle, of Summit, NJ. He's trying to encourage people to think about reducing carbon emissions, even if only by purchasing carbon-offset stickers for their gas-guzzling SUVs. Hinkle's website, www.thehcf.org, contains info about the $500 rebate and three carbon-offset organizations: www.carbonfund.org (supports renewable energy projects), www.self.org (supports solar electrification in developing countries), and www.lomakatsi.org (restores northern forests). Full article in NYT April 22, 2006, B4.

AFP Fundraising Day in NYC June 23

Among the very interesting workshops and seminars is a Fundamentals of Fundraising Certificate Program, which includes four intensive sessions covering funding sources, ways to prospect funders, expectations of board and donors, and resources. An excellent addition to a resume! Details about the conference are at www.frdny.org.

If you are not an AFP member but would like to attend, there is a group attendance rate of $310 each for 5 or more, which is a $90 savings. Let me know if you might be interested in attending as a group and I will see if enough people express interest to qualify for this discount by registering together.

Nonprofit Congress National Meeting Oct. 16-17

Over 50 individuals in 25 states have already applied to become delegates to the Nonprofit Congress National Meeting Oct 16-17, 2006, in Washington D.C! Apply today to represent nonprofits in CT and help establish a unified vision and message for nonprofits nationwide.
Application deadline: April 30. www.nonprofitcongress.org

SHU opens Center for Strategic Planning for Not-For-Profit Organizations

At this week's charter meeting of the Greater New Haven Development Roundtable , Bob Hilliard pointed out the following new resource for regional nonprofits:

FAIRFIELD, Conn.—Sacred Heart University is proud to announce the official formation of the Center for Strategic Planning for Not-for-Profit Organizations within the MBA program at its College of Business. The Center will provide business assistance to qualified groups at no cost, while giving Sacred Heart University business students practical field experience. Contributing to the University's mission, the Center is engaging in five projects this academic year. http://www.sacredheart.edu

The next meeting of the GNH Development Roundtable will take place on Wed., May 17, 9-10 am at the New Haven Public Library, 133 Elm St. Please call 946-7431 to register.

Collaborators in Youth Walk?

City Wide Youth Coalition will hold its 2nd Annual Youth Walk: New Haven 2006 on the New Haven Green on July 28. Any youth programs interested in being a part of it and raising money for their program should contact Brooke Crockett, Coalition Manager at (203)786-5970 EXT. 322.

Geeks for Givers goes into storage

Until they can find a donor to provide workspace for their operation, Geeks for Givers will be downsizing. To reduce storage needs, Exec. Director Bill Barnes is offering a limited number of refurbished computer systems (Pentium II or III with Windows 2000 Professional SP4 OS) for only $45. Each system includes keyboard, mouse, power cords and color monitors.

In addition, during the week of April 24 between noon-8 in Old Saybrook, Geeks for Givers will be giving away computer equipment and office furnishings to nonprofit organizations. Please contact Bill at (860) 995-5330 or wbarnes@geeksforgivers.org for further information.

Urgent appeal from Friends of the New Haven Animal Shelter

The New Haven Animal Shelter currently does not meet staffing guidelines of the National Animal Control Association. If you favor responsible care for the city's abandoned animal population, please express your opinion to your alderman/alderwoman. Info about the shelter is at http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/CT74.html. Aldermanic contact information is available at 946-6483 or at www.cityofnewhaven.com/aldermen/index.asp.

CitySeed invites participants at Community Table at City Farmer's Market

CitySeed operates farmers' markets at four locations in New Haven, and each location is an opportunity for community organizations to interact with Market customers, which often reach 2000 in a week. Locations/times:
Wooster Square, Saturdays 9-1 beginning May 20
Fair Haven, Thursdays 3-7 beginning July 13
Edgewood Park/Westville Sundays 10-2 beginning July 9
Downtown Wednesdays 1-6 beginning July12.
Contact communitytable@cityseed.org for details on hosting a community table. Visit www.cityseed or call 773-3736 for more information.

New books for nonprofits now at library

The Accidental Fundraiser: a step-by-step guide to raising money for your cause, includes useful appendix with blank worksheets, workplans & scripts

Leveraging Good Will: strengthening nonprofits by engaging businesses, with chapters including Why should nonprofits engage with businesses? Why should businesses engage with nonprofits? Building better boards; Volunteerism as a powerful new force

Nonprofit Essentials (AFP Fund Development Series): The Capital Campaign: planning for your capital campaign; building leadership with your board; campaign budgets & staffing; how to ask for (and close) major gifts

Roberta's Rules of Order: Who is Robert and why do we still follow his rules anyway? Sail through meetings for stellar results without the gavel. A guide for nonprofits and other teams.

Start & Grow Your Faith-Based Nonprofit: answering your call
in the service of others, includes section on certification and evaluation

Bookkeeping for Nonprofits: a step-by-step guide to nonprofit accounting, includes section on written financial policies & procedures; hiring, training & accountability; compliance requirements; insurance; accounting software.

Become a Friend of the International Festival of Arts & Ideas

Friends Buy First! Come to the Shubert Theater Saturday April 22 from 10-2 pm
and donate $100 or more for first dibs on tickets before they go on sale to the general public on April 29. Talk to Festival staff about the exciting 2006 program, including world and U.S. premieres of great theater, dance and music performances. Or become a Friend by calling 498-3701, and you'll be able to purchase tickets during Friends Week April 24-28. Download this year’s brochure at www.artidea.org.

Citywide wireless?

The City of New Haven is conducting a survey to
determine resident interest in having the city
offer internet access. Provide your feedback about this idea at www.cityofnewhaven.com/Ask/wireless.asp.

Spring Break at Edgewood Park

Girl Scouts, Connecticut Trails Council, invites girls ages 6-11 to participate in Spring Break activities (April 17-21, 9-2) at Coogan Pavilion in Edgewood Park. Every day is different and may include crafts to take home, learning about financial literacy, playing lacrosse with the women’s lacrosse team from Sacred Heart University, and more.

For more information on this and other Girl Scout programs in New Haven, please contact Kelly at (203) 239-2922, ext. 3346. For more information about Girl Scouting in general, please call 1-800-922-2770 or visit www.girlscoutscttrails.org.

Help needed for victims of apartment fire

One of our employees is a single-working mother with three children. Two nights ago, her apartment was lost to an accidental fire. Although mother and children are fine she has lost everything and is in need of a new living situation. I would appreciate hearing from any agencies that can be of assistance to this family or has information that may be helpful.

David V. Hunter, CEO
The Mary Wade Home, Inc.
118 Clinton Avenue
New Haven, Connecticut 06513
Telephone: 203.562.7222
Facsimile: 203.562.8307
Email: dhunter@marywade.org
Webstie: www.marywade.org

United Way Youth Philanthropy Project RFP

Programs serving Greater New Haven youth are eligible to apply for $2000-$5000 grants for programs that involve youth ages 13-18 in development/implementation of the program itself. Apply by May 3. Details: http://uwgnh.org/ypp or call Sally Anastos at 772-2010 x224.

Is "nonprofit" the right label?

Language can be a powerful tool. The right name for an organization, association or a movement can elevate the dialogue, unleash potential and invigorate all involved. The wrong one can limit understanding, hamper expectations and even rob participants of the ability to see the social and economic value in their contributions.... We create AMAZING profit, in every community.... in fact, you could easily make the case that we create some of this country's greatest profits. So why do we allow ourselves, our work and our agenda to be defined by such a boring, antiquated and limited term like nonprofit?
from http://www.nonprofitcongress.org/trackback/56

Nice Way to Honor Good Work in Health Care

Beginning in May, Community Health Funding Week each month will honor specially selected community health service providers and/or individuals engaged in community health-related programs. Top nominees will be spotlighted for national recognition on the pages of CHF. The nomination process is informal and easy. Simply send the name of the nominee, along with a little information - i.e., what, in your opinion, makes the nominee special, along with a website if possible, to edean@cdpublications.com. Or telephone CHF's editor, Eddie Dean, at (301) 588-6380, x 133.

For information about Community Health Funding Week, visit http://www.cdpublications.com/pubs/communityhealthfunding.php.

May is Older Americans Month

And a GNHCC Leadership Center team will sponsor an Outreach Fair for Older Americans on May 17, 10-2, at the Community Outreach Center, 654 Orchard St., New Haven. A performance by The Blossom Tappers will enliven the event, which also includes free food and raffle. Participants will learn about resources and services available to help older individuals living in this region. Call 777-2386 for more information.

Community Foundation underwriting professional development teleconferences from Assn. of Fundraising Professionals

John Brooks of Columbus House has organized a series of 8 AFP seminars from April-December, funded by the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven. These seminars will be offered free of charge to the nonprofit community, and most will take place at Columbus House.
First up: Wednesday, April 19, Leading Up: Transformational Leadership for Fundraisers. Time and location to be announced--stay posted!

Free Tax Assistance Available at Library Through April 17

A VITA tax crew will be here at the Main Branch, 133 Elm St., through Monday, April 17th. It's a good idea to make an appointment (848-6967 x 213) but drop-ins may wait their turn on Saturday, April 15, from 10-2.

Please note that the library is closed that weekend so use the side door on Temple St.

Greater Bridgeport Area Foundation offers nonprofit workshops

May 9, 1-4: Be Ahead of the Learning Curve, covering executive transitions & capacity building, $50
May 11, 4:30-6:30: Should You File for Tax Exemption? What alternatives allow you to receive donations?, $50.

Visit www.gbafoundation.org for more information.

14th Annual Partners in Education Awards nominations due April 19

New Haven Network for Public Education recognizes local Partners in Education for outstanding support of public education in 3 categories: School, Teacher, Corporate. Nomination forms at www.gnhcc.com/docs/20060403pienomform.doc. Questions: 782-4316 or mstanley@gnhcc.com. Award Breakfast is scheduled for Wed., May 24, 7:30am, at Blake St. Cafe.

Is MEHIP an affordable healthcare option for your agency?

Municipal Employees Health Insurance Program (MEHIP) is open to nonprofit organizations & community action agencies, and offers coverage from any of three major carriers, including Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Oxford Health Plans, and HealthNet. Details at http://www.mehip.org/snoMhpWelc.aspx. (Posted by lcruz@cfgnh.org)

Environmental Impact Evaluation for proposed Gateway relocation is available at New Haven Library

The Environmental Impact Evaluation for the Proposed Downtown Consolidation & Relocation of Gateway Community College is available for public scrutiny at the New Haven Public Library, 133 Elm St. Ask for it at the Information Desk.

Comments will be solicited at two public hearings:
May 8, 7-9pm, at GCC Long Wharf Campus, Room 160
May 9, 7-9pm at GCC North Haven campus auditorium.

For further information, contact Ms. Lenell Kittlitz, Dir. of Facilities Planning, Board of Trustees of CT Community-Technical Colleges, (860) 566-6624 or lkittlitz@commnet.edu.

Nominations for outstanding volunteers extended

Nominations due April 9 for outstanding volunteers in many categories to be honored at Greater New Haven Assn of Volunteer Administrators Appreciation Breakfast on April 26. Fax nominations to Claire DiMartino at 777- 3082. Details: 777-5683 or cdimartino@rmh-ct.org.