New Haven's Inaugural Ball helps fund new New Haven Public Schools Foundation scholarship

$5000 of funds raised at event will be used for a new scholarship for a city high school senior's winning economics or political science essay. Look for announcements about the new Sumner Scholarship from New Haven Public School Foundation, 946-6950.

$500 scholarships offered for construction training

The Home Builders Association of New Haven County offers two scholarships for secondary school students interested in pursuing careers in construction. One scholarship is focused on design and drafting; the other is more general. Applications are due March 15 and winners will receive notification by April 15. Details: 239-2002 or info@hbanewhaven.com.

CCA Food Drive coming in March and April

Christian Community Action will hold a drive to benefit their food pantry in March and April, with matching grants for food and cash donations provided by the Alan Shawn Feinstein Foundation. The downtown branch of the New Haven Public Library will participate in this collection effort, and other sites are being solicited. If your organization is interested in helping, please contact CCA for details at 777-7848 x112.

College scholarship offerings

Florida A & M University $4000 to $10,000 annual scholarships for African-American women-- www.famu.edu/index.cfm?a=headlines&p=display&news=602&archive

Jeannette Rankin $2000 Scholarship For low-income women thirty five years of age and older who are in an undergraduate or vocational training program. Deadline: March 1 www.rankinfoundation.org

Annual Nina Neeley Scholarship Essay and Awards Contest, awards are $1000/$600/$400 for essay on How will higher learning enable you to enrich your community? Requirements: graduating senior in 2009. All completed essays must be postmarked on or before March 9. Mail to Reformed Universal Masonic Brotherhood and OES, Inc., PO Box 3577, Teaneck NJ 07666. For applications contact Cynthia Bates, (203)978-5624/569-3659.

Deadline for Valley grant applications extended to 5pm, Feb. 6

Community Foundation for Greater New Haven has extended the deadline for applications for its Valley Small Grants Program. The Program is designed to build community and provides funding, technical assistance and training to civic groups to enable them to carryout their civic agenda. It is administered through a partnership between CFGNH and its affiliate, the Valley Community Foundation. Grants range from $100-$3000.

Applications are available at www.cfgnh.org or by calling (203) 777-2386.

Fundraising opportunities through Birdies4Charity

The Travelers Championship, Connecticut’s professional golf tournament and PGA TOUR event, will be held June 22–28 at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell. The world’s best golfers will come to Connecticut to compete in front of a crowd of more than 220,000 fans. 100% of proceeds go to charity. In the Chip in for Charity program, participating groups can sell tickets for the Travelers Championship for the discounted price of $20 and earn 50% of the profits (sell 20 tickets and raise $200!) There is no cost to participate, no minimum or maximum tickets to sell!

There will be an informational session about this program at the CT Assoc. of Nonprofits New Haven Office on January 26–10:30 am. RSVP to Caitlin Champ (860) 502-6804 or at birdies@travelerschampionship.com.

Full and part-time census jobs available

Jobs pay $12.75-$22 hour. Must be at least 18 yrs old and a U.S. citizen; high school diploma preferred but not required. All applicants must pass a competitive examination and are subject to FBI background check.

Community Action Agency of New Haven will offer a 3-hour test preparation class taught by Plan B Test Preparation Center on Thursday, Jan. 29, 6-9pm at 781 Whalley Ave., New Haven.

RSVP: Sandra McKinnie 203-387-7700 x 237

*Veterans get a 5 point preference added to their test score. Disabled veterans get a 10 point preference added to their test score.

Information Sessions for Community Foundation's Upcoming Grants

Nonprofit agencies interested in applying for a grant from The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven are encouraged to attend one of three sessions on its responsive new grants process. The process occurs once a year and is open to nonprofits that provide services in one or more of The Foundation’s 20-town region. Grants are generally distributed to address an agency’s capital, operating, programmatic or technical assistance needs. Each session will cover:

· The pre-application process, including deadlines and review
· Writing tips
· Evaluation, describing the impact of the proposed program
· Discussion of challenges caused by the economic downturn

RSVP for ONE of the following by Friday, Jan. 30, to events@cfgnh.org with your name, organization and which meeting you will be attending. Session dates and locations (choose one):

February 2, 3-4:30pm, at Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave.
February 5, 10-11:30 am, at New Haven Public Library, 133 Elm St.
February 6, 1-2:30pm, at Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St.

Over 95 community members experienced the inauguration ceremonies together at the downtown branch of The New Haven Public Library this morning. The parade is still to come. All branches are streaming the inauguration activities as they happen!

California nurses' study shows economic benefits of national single-payer healthcare system

The nation's most trusted healthcare professionals published their long-awaited study this week that shows 2.6 million new jobs would be created following the implementation of a single payer - publicly funded, privately delivered -- healthcare system. The National Nurses Organizing Committee and California Nurses Association study also found that establishing a national single-payer style healthcare system would provide a major stimulus for the U.S. economy by infusing $317 billion in new business and public revenues, with another $100 billion in wages into the U.S. economy.

Full story at www.commondreams.org/view/2009/01/15-1

Positions for Chefs/organic farmer

Jordan Caterers has a few interesting opportunities available for talented chefs and one for an organic farmer. Please keep Jordan in mind if you hear of someone who is looking for a position.
submitted by Jeff Jeffrey Rapoport/Principal
JordanCaterers Design Event Planners
1718 Highland Avenue, Cheshire 06410/1480 Post Road, Darien 06820
203-439-0028/203-910-6221

Vintage Voices program starts at Neighborhood Music School Feb. 5

A new 12-week program for adults age 60+ in Greater New Haven will run Thursday mornings from 10–11:30 and will include group singing and creative movement led by Ingeborg Schimmer, Assistant Head of Music Education, and Tracey Albert, Dance Program Head.

A sample class will be held at Neighborhood Music School on Jan. 22. The series begins Feb. 5 and continues through April 23. All sessions will be held at NMS, 100 Audubon St., New Haven, and will include a refreshment break. “Vintage Voices” is a wonderful opportunity for older adults to experience the powerful mental and physical benefits afforded by participation in music and movement—at an affordable $12 for the series!

For more information, to RSVP for the demo class, or to enroll in “Vintage Voices,” contact Colleen Dawicki at 624-5189 or colleen@nmsmusicschool.org). Space is limited!

CONNCAN seeks Development Manager

The Connecticut Coalition for Achievement Now (www.conncan.org) is an advocacy organization of concerned Connecticut citizens working to create fundamental change in our education system.

Development Manager will play a central role in implementing a long-term agenda focused on raising the funds needed for ConnCAN’s work and helping engage ConnCAN supporters in the broader advocacy work of the organization. The Development Manager will report to the Chief Operating Officer to identify funding opportunities, organize development events and house parties, solicit gifts, maintain development database, and manage communication with donors and prospective donors. Bachelor’s degree required. Full job description at http://www.conncan.org/matriarch/MultiPiecePage.asp_Q_PageID_E_261_A_PageName_E_DevelopmentManager

Interested candidates should send cover/resume to marc.magee@conncan.org.

Point-in-Time Count of the Homeless on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 6-11 pm

Teams of 2-3 volunteers and an experienced leader will canvass the New Haven area conducting surveys of
homeless individuals. This Point-in-Time Count is not only a chance to learn how many people are homeless and where they are located, but also to find out how they became homeless and what services they need. The numbers from this count are also important for homeless assistance grants funded by HUD, State of
Connecticut, and City of New Haven.

Register to help at www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=riSIU9GaEruz04YSLXQl7A_3d_3d or call
(203) 495-1773 x4040 (leave name and contact information). For questions, please call 691-4211 or
776-9900 x 1025. Volunteers will meet in the parking lot at Presbyterian Church in the Owens Community Building, 704 Whitney Ave, New Haven.

Nominations Sought for 4th annual CT Climate Change Leadership Awards Program

The Governor's Steering Committee on Climate Change seeks nominations to recognize Connecticut individuals and organizations that have taken exemplary actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. The awards ceremony will take place in April 2009 in conjunction with Earth Day activities. Nominations will be accepted now through February 20, 2009. The nomination form and more information on the program can be found at http://ctclimatechange.com/CTClimateChangeLeadershipAwards.html

Year-Round Market in Wooster Square

Fresh local products and other items are available Saturdays twice a month in January, February, March and April from 10am - 1pm
Location: Russo Park, corner of Chapel and DePalma Ct
❧Saturday, January 24
❧Saturdays, February 7 & 21
❧Saturdays, March 7 & 21
❧Saturdays, April 4 & 18

Workplace proposals pending in CT state legislature

The Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce released a legislative update that highlights three key pending proposals:

·Requiring employers to provide a minimum amount of paid sick leave for all employees regardless of a company’s business practices and benefits offerings

·Eliminating state financial assistance to companies that reduce employee retirement benefits in any way during the course of their state contracts

·Establishing new legal presumptions for certain state and municipal employees in workers compensation claims

Contact your legislators if you have opinions that you'd like to share. Contact information: http://www.ct-dac.org/resources_find_legislator.htm

Live Broadcasts from New York’s 92nd Street Y begin Jan. 27 at Shubert Theatre

The Shubert Theater will be the Exclusive Region Site for the “Live From New York’s 92nd Street Y,” a series of lectures, interviews, and readings featuring political figures, scholars and authors. The Y's renowned educational and cultural programming will be broadcast live to the Shubert and other community organizations across America.

The series debuts on Tuesday, Jan. 27, with Robert Rubin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Rubin) in conversation with Sabastian Malaby. Participants should register by 7:30pm and will be able to submit questions via email for the speaker to answer during the live broadcast that begins at 8pm.

Other broadcasts will include The Zagats on March 10, Jerry Seinfeld on April 7 and Al Gore on June 3. $10 advance/$12 at door/free for Red Carpet Club Members. http://www.shubert.com/ or 562-5666.

January is National Radon Action Month

The New Haven Health Department will distribute free radon home testing kits and educational materials until the end of January, while supplies last. Call 946-8174 or visit the Health Department, 54 Meadow St.

Half a Million Nonprofits Could Lose Their Tax Exemptions

In May 2010, half a million nonprofits could find themselves stripped of their exempt status because they failed to file a Form 990-N.

The Pension Protection Act of 2006 requires exempt organizations that don't meet the income thresholds for Form 990 or 990-EZ to file a new return with the IRS. The IRS created Form 990-N for this purpose, and smaller nonprofits began using it last year to report on tax years ending on or after December 31, 2007.
The Pension Protection Act also mandates that the IRS revoke the tax-exempt status of any organization that fails to file a Form 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, or 990-N for three consecutive years. Read more at www.guidestar.org/news/features/half_a_million.jsp?source=jan09nwsltr.

Shoreline Arts Alliance 28th Annual Arts Scholarships

Shoreline Arts Alliance announces the 28th annual Scholarship Awards in the Arts to high school juniors and seniors who reside within the Connecticut Shoreline region. $1,000 scholarships are offered in Creative Writing, Dance, Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts.

Students who reside in the Shoreline towns of Branford, Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Durham, East Haddam, East Haven, Guilford, Haddam, Killingworth, Lyme, Madison, Middlefield, North Branford, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and Westbrook are encouraged to apply for the Shoreline Arts Alliance Scholarship Awards. Private, public and home schooled students may apply. All must complete the application form by January 23, 2009. Audition dates in the performing arts categories and portfolio reviews for the Creative Writers and Visual Artists are listed at www.shorelinearts.org/scholarships.cfm.

Int'l Festival of Arts & Ideas "Sneak Peek" Jan. 26-30

Lively discussions, restaurant tours and a Preview Party will provide a glimpse of the upcoming Festival's programs and themes (Global Identities and Local Heroes). During the 2009 Festival (June 13-27), artists and global storytellers will explore who we are and where we come from.

"Sneak Peek" event tickets will be available starting Monday, January 5 online at www.shubert.com, by phone at 203-562-5666 and at the Shubert Theater Box Office, 247 College Street, New Haven. Festival Members can purchase tickets at a discounted price. For Preview Party tickets and membership information call 203-498-3758. For a complete listing of Festival events, visit www.artidea.org.

Funding Opportunities Available through Community Foundation for GNH

Deadlines are approaching for grant applications that benefit women and girls, the Quinnipiac River and its watersheds, and neighborhoods in New Haven and the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

Application and guidelines are available online at www.cfgnh.org. Paper copies of applications are also available at Foundation offices, 70 Audubon St, New Haven.

submitted by
Tricia Caldwell, Communications Manager, Community Foundation for GNH
(203) 777-7090

New Haven Symphony Seeks Development Director

Ideal candidate will have a proven track record in annual fundraising with individuals, corporations, foundations, and government sources; experience with endowment and capital campaigns, special events, and planned giving a plus. Director of Development oversees Development Associate and works directly with Executive Director and Board of Directors to realize organization's annual fundraising goals which currently stand at $1.2 million. Attendance at concerts and special events on evenings and weekends is required.

REQUIRES Bachelor's degree, at least five years experience of demonstrated successful and increasingly responsible management of fund development, or equivalent; excellent communication skills. Experience with a musical or arts related organization preferred. Salary commensurate with experience; medical insurance, pension and free parking.
www.newhavensymphony.org. Submit cover/ resume to Natalie Forbes, Executive Director, by 1/20/09. nforbes@newhavensymphony.org No calls please.

New Haven's Construction Workforce Initiative

The City is accepting applications for construction workers in the fields of carpentry, laborer, electrical, plumbing, painting, etc.

Apply Jan. 26-28, 9am-1pm AND Jan. 29-30, 9-5 at Commission on Equal Opportunities at
City Hall (Hall of Records), 200 Orange St, Ground Floor (Hearing Room-G2).

Applicants must be at least 18 years old at time of application, pass a drug test, and bring the following original documents:
• High School Diploma & Transcripts Or GED & Official Test Results
• Verification of Residency
• Valid Driver's License & Reliable Transportation
• Social Security Card and Birth Certificate

Details: 946-8160

Misc. funding opportunities

Arts
Sundance Offers Support to Documentarians.The Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program is accepting applications to the Sundance Documentary Fund from nonfiction contemporary-issue filmmakers in the U.S. and throughout the world.
Education
National Endowment for the Humanities Encourages Educators to Apply for Summer Programs in the Humanities--Stipends for travel and living expenses will be provided to school and university teachers attending seminars, institutes, and workshops designed to deepen their understanding of important subjects and academic trends in the humanities....

The Mockingbird Foundation offers competitive grants to schools and nonprofit organizations that focus on music education for children in the United States, with an emphasis on geographic diversity throughout the country. The Foundation is particularly interested in projects that encourage creative expression in all musical forms, as well as projects that foster self-esteem. The target age is children eighteen years or younger, but the Foundation will also consider projects that benefit college students, teachers/instructors, or adult students, especially from disenfranchised groups. Deadline for letters of inquiry is February 1, 2009.
International Affairs/Development
Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership Invites Proposals for Intellectual Exchange Program--Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded to tax-exempt organizations in the United States working to create collaborative networks of knowledgeable Americans and Japanese to discuss current global concerns....
Religion
Louisville Institute Accepting Applications for Pastoral Leadership Grant Program--Grants of up to $40,000 will be awarded to academic and pastoral leaders researching the conditions of contemporary Christian ministry, the nature of contemporary pastoral leadership, and the character of pastoral excellence....
Science/Technology
Vodafone Americas Foundation Launches Wireless Innovation Challenge--A total of $600,000 will be awarded to U.S.-based universities and nonprofits using wireless-related technology to address critical social issues around the world.... -

Apply by Jan. 9 for United Way grant

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) is a competitive application process for federal funding administered by the United Way of Greater New Haven (UWGNH). The EFSP will invests its financial resources in the community through a mix of programs/projects that are directly focused on individuals and families in times of crisis or prevention services that help people avoid crisis.

About $400,000 will be invested in the community through this competitive application process. Applications are due by Friday, January 9, 2009 at 4 pm to your local United Way. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions on or around February 15, 2009. Funding is available for the period December 1, 2008 – October 31, 2009. Organizations serving New Haven County may download an application at http://www.uwgnh.org/.

High School students invited to enter Arts and Writing Competition for African American History Month

The theme for the contest is "Dear President Obama, My dream is..." Express in artwork, poetry, essay or song desired change to help realize the dream of good jobs, peace and equality for all.

Art work should not exceed 12" x 18"/Written entries should not exceed two pages.
DEADLINE for entries is February 13, 2009. Entries must include name, address, phone, age, school, and should be mailed to New Haven People’s Center, 37 Howe St, New Haven CT 06511.

Cash prizes and gifts will be awarded (during the 34th Annual African American History Month) on Feb. 22 at 4 pm at the Center. Event is sponsored by the People’s Weekly World.

Details: 624-8664.

2009 New Haven Direct Services Grants Program

Casey Family Services invites community organizations that are interested in applying for this grant to attend information sessions on Jan. 13, 10-noon, or Jan. 15, 1:30-3:30 at their offices at 127 Church St., New Haven. For eligibility and grant guidelines visit www.caseyfamilyservices.org. To register for information session, contact Roslyn Williams at 401-6964.

CT Association of Nonprofits offers new career site

This site offers a comprehensive and targeted service for nonprofit and community-oriented jobs. http://careers.ctnonprofits.org/home/index.cfm?site_id=6871

ECOFONT to save ink, free download

Ecofont

SPRANQ creative communications (Utrecht, The Netherlands) says that ink cartridges (or ink toner) can last up to 20% longer using their new Ecofont. Take a look at http://www.ecofont.eu/ecofont_en.html. (Heard about it on NPR this morning. Font seems perfectly acceptable for most uses.).