Useful Links for Information about Nonprofit Organizations

• For information about the new IRS requirement for all small tax-exempt charities to file short annual electronic reports (from 990-N, the e-postcard) visit www.irs.gov/charities/index.html. See "Annual Electronic Filing Requirement for Small Exempt Organizations - Form 990-N (e-Postcard)."
  
• Search e-postcards already on file at www.irs.gov/app/ePostcard
  
• Find out if a particular EO is eligible to receive tax deductible donations at www.irs.gov/charities/index.html
• Find out if a particular organization is tax-exempt (whether or not eligible for tax deductible donations) at www.irs.gov/taxstats/charitablestats/article/0,,id=97186,00.html

from Jane-Kerin Moffat, Audubon Volunteer, via Lee Cruz, Community Foundation for Greater New Haven

GNH Community Loan Fund Offers Low-Cost Loans to Nonprofits

Facilities Improvement & Equipment Loans are available to nonprofit organizations through the GNHCLF. Loan amounts $5000-$50,000, with below market interest rates, 1-5 year terns. Owned and leased space is eligible. Details: Raquelmsm@aol.com or call 789-8690. www.gnhclf.org.

New report outlines problems/challenges of grant application process

Project Streamline is a collaborative effort of the Grants Managers Network, in partnership with the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Association of Small
Foundations, the Council on Foundations, the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers, the Foundation Center, Grantmakers for Effective Organizations, and the
National Council of Nonprofit Associations.grantmaking and grantseeking organizations working to improve grant application and reporting practices.

The report also includes suggestions for funders to streamline the grant application process. Report is downloadable at http://www.projectstreamline.org/.
Seth Godfrey, Business & Nonprofit Librarian, NHFPL
946-7431 or businessnhfpl@gmail.com

Openings at Life Haven

Life Haven is seeking a F/THead Teacher for the Infant/Toddler Room and a P/T Child Development Worker for the center. Both positions require a CDA and are available as of July 1. Please contact Jennifer Butler at childcareservices@lifehaven.org for more details and salary information or submit a resume, cover letter, and reference contact information to :
Jennifer Butler, Childcare Director, Life Haven, Inc., 447 Ferry St., New Haven CT 06513.

From the director of the Tenth Planet, recently screened here at the Library

I am in the process of making The Visitors, a documentary about the passengers of a charter bus that leaves New York City every weekend for various prisons located in upstate New York.

A national focus on the issue of reentry has put the role of the families of the incarcerated in the spotlight while more and more jurisdictions are experimenting with family-focused programming. We're hoping The Visitors will contribute to this momentum. To learn more about this documentary visit www.indiegogo.com/thevisitors.
Melis Birder, Director

Volunteer Treasurer sought for Wellness Community-Southern CT

The Wellness Community–Southern Connecticut, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is about to open its facility, and is looking for a volunteer with financial expertise and experience to supervise bookkeeping activities (currently handled by an outside firm). Additional responsibilities: prepare quarterly activity reports; attend monthly Board meetings; gather documents for tax filing (done by an outside firm). All work is done at home online (computer required) with estimated “time donation” around 4-5 hours/month.

If interested, please contact Gerlinde Kehlenbach at twc-sct@juno.com.

4th Annual Connecticut Open House Day on June 14

On June 14, more than 230 cultural organizations and attractions will invite state residents to discover Connecticut’s arts, history and tourism offerings with a variety of special incentives, such as discounted/free admission, free gifts and/or special exhibits and activities. This one-day event is sponsored by the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism (CCT) to raise awareness among Connecticut’s residents of all the state has to offer–from world-class art and a rich history to outdoor adventures, family activities and opportunities for rest and relaxation – and to encourage them to become Connecticut Ambassadors who share their findings with visiting family and friends.

Museums, galleries, historic properties, theaters, farms, vineyards, amusement parks, nature centers, shops, hotels, inns and B&Bs are all invited to participate. New participants this year include the Governor’s Residence, CCT’s own gallery and golf courses. This event has grown from 120 participants in 2005 to more than 230 this year. Connecticut Open House Day specials and hours of operation will vary by property.

For more information, call 1-888-CTvisit or go to http://www.cultureandtourism.org/cct/cwp/view.asp?a=2128&q=411748 for a complete list of participating venues updated daily or to sign up to become a Connecticut Ambassador.

Free breakfast and lunch this summer at selected New Haven schools

In conjunction with the School Lunch Act and per regulation 225.21, the New Haven Board of Education School District will provide free breakfast and lunch to children at selected sites. Under the program, nutritious meals are provided to all children 18 years and under free of charge. The Summer Lunch and Breakfast Programs will run Monday-Friday July 1-August 1.
All sites will be closed on 4 July. Details: Food Services Division 946-8813.

http://www.nhps.net/announcements/announce.asp?NewsID=%7B06CFE68B-12AE-46FB-9D72-A57CDC47940B%7D

Moving? Donate unwanted stuff to IRIS?

Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services can always find a family who will be grateful for what you can't take with you. IRIS offers pick-up for good-condition used furniture and household goods. Please call 562-2095 or visit www.irisct.org.

Seminar for Financial Education Providers June 23

Building a Financial Education Program in Your Community will be presented by John E. Padilla, at Casey Family Services, 127 Church Street, New Haven, on June 23, 1-4 pm.

This workshop is intended to build the capacity of organizations that are offering financial education and will cover topics such as assessing your organizational capacity; clarifying goals; researching target populations and local financial education needs; developing partnerships; marketing your program; evaluation.

Space is limited! RSVP: rswilliams@aecf.org or 401-6964.

2008/2009 Mayor's Community Arts Grant Program

The program is designed to facilitate outreach and exposure of New Haven's many artists and neighborhood-based organizations in three program areas: Arts, Cultural Heritage and Youth/Artist Development.

Nonprofit arts organizations working with neighborhood groups are eligible to apply for this program. A series of free workshops will be presented at various city library branches covering budget preparation, marketing, event planning and overview of the application. Prospective applicants are strongly urged to attend one in their neighborhood.

Stetson Library, May 13,4:30pm;
Wilson (Hill) Library, May 14, 5pm;
Mitchell Library, May 15, 4:30pm;
Downtown Library, May 20, 5:30pm;
Fair Haven Library, May 22, 4:30pm.

Application deadline is June 4, 2008. A total of $25,000 will be awarded through grants up to $2,000. Download application from www.cityofnewhaven.com/EconomicDevelopment/CulturalAffairs.asp. For more information please contact Kim Futrell 946-7172 or kfutrell@newhavenct.net.

Friends of the CT Green Expo May 16 Meeting

On Thursday, May 16 at 6 pm, there will be a meeting of the Green Expo Committee to brainstorm and discuss this year's Expo, which will take place on Sunday, September 15, 11 - 4pm. The Expo is held in collaboration with the CT Folk Festival (Sept. 12 and 13).

Please share your ideas and volunteer your knowledge, creativity and time to forward our goal of sane living on our planet. We will meet at SCSU in the green room at Lyman Center, 501 Crescent St., New Haven. If you are attending, please send me your name and we will leave it at the gate so you can park close (if there are spaces remaining).

Coleen Campbell, Green Expo Coordinator, 710-8279 or 758-7580

Volunteer for Indiana Jones Festival May 17

Volunteers needed to help celebrate the release of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (remember the filming here last summer?).

The Come for the Adventure festival will take place on Chapel Street, between College and York, and also on York Street, between Elm and Wall, from noon until 4 pm. Festival features a classic car show of pre-1957 autos, live music, kids' activities, street performers, and contests for free tickets to see the film at Criterion Cinemas.

Volunteers are needed for various shifts from 9:30 until 4:30. Details: 946-5761 or CAadmin@newhavenct.net

Volunteers needed to help plant flowers in New Haven parks: Call 946-2203.

Win $1000 and expert advice on beautifying your yard

Don't clean up your yard yet--just videotape it. YouTube will be screening videos of ugly yards across the country and viewers will vote on the worst. Winner receives a consultation with Trey Roers, Olympic and World Soccer Cup landscape designer, plus $1000 in cash and outdoor power equipment. Details: www.myuglyyard.com.