Strengthening Local Nonprofits

Local nonprofits serve the community’s needy and support the quality of life we all cherish. They collaborate and advocate to tackle important social issues such as quality education, affordable housing and economic vitality. The Community Foundation is the region’s largest grantmaker providing support that enables local nonprofits to meet today’s challenges and to build strong organizations that will deliver results in the future.

		In 2009-2010, more than $8.2 million was awarded in one-year and multi-year responsive new grants to local programs offering home buyer education and financial assistance, providing housing for the elderly and daycare services for families in need, educating the public about environmental concerns, offering arts and cultural opportunities and providing food and shelter. Nearly half of these grants provided general operating support in a time of increased demand for services and decreases in funding.
		Through giveGreater.org, 100 local nonprofits posted online profiles outlining their missions, programs and finances. Many organizations reported how beneficial the site was in attracting new supporters. Donors also expressed pleasure in having a one-stop local knowledge and giving resource.
		Due to increasing requests, The Community Foundation increased the amount of funding available in one of its small grants programs  known as Grants $5,000 and Under to $150,000 annually. As examples, a $4,000 grant to Concepts for Adaptive Learning funded a summer program resulting in a 60% improvement in math performance by 3rd and 4th grade students, and a $1,000 grant to Chestnut Hill Concerts increased attendance by school-aged children by 27%.
		The Community Foundation’s technical assistance programs helped nonprofits create their giveGreater.org profiles, explore the use of social media, develop basic fundraising competencies and build the skills of volunteer board members. One-to-one consulting followed with organizations who attended the training seminars.
		Of the $19 million granted in 2010, The Community Foundation distributed $6 million from funds designated to one or more organizations. These annual grants provide a steady source of revenue for 192 local organizations to support general operations and special projects.
		New Haven Healthy Start (NHHS) received a 5-year, $4.5 million Federal grant in 2009. Since 1997, The Community Foundation has raised nearly $17 million to administer the program. NHHS has provided services to more than 20,000 pregnant women and infants through partnerships with maternal and child health care providers such as Yale-New Haven Hospital, Hospital of St. Raphael, Hill Health Center, Fair Haven Community Health Center and New Haven Family Alliance.