Update SUMMER 2004 RESOURCE CENTERS. Nonprofit Support Program Staff

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1 SUMMER 2004 Update A bulletin for nonprofit leaders from the Resources for Nonprofits Nonprofit leaders often inquire about management and technical assistance resources available in the Greater Hartford region. Questions are asked about training opportunities, funding sources, consultants, and other issues relevant to nonprofit organizations. In response to those inquiries, we have compiled this listing as a service to the nonprofit community. If you know of resources that aren t listed here, please let us know so that we can include them in future editions of the NSP Update. We invite you to keep this listing as a reference and resource for your organization. The can not vouch for the experience or quality of these resources. The use of these resources is entirely the decision of each nonprofit. You may wish to ask for references from organizations that have used these resources in the past. RESOURCE CENTERS United Way Nonprofit Resource & Training Center 30 Laurel Street Hartford, CT Phone: (860) Fax: (860) mmason@uwcact.org Web site: Nonprofit Support Program Staff Annemarie Riemer Director Meher Shulman Associate Director Gigi Chartier Financial Management/ Technology Consultant Lisa Abate Administrative Assistant Dick Cave Special Consultant 85 Gillett Street Hartford, CT Comprehensive collection of books, audio and videotapes on fundraising, governance, grantsmanship, volunteer and nonprofit management Community Leadership Board Bank matches prospective board members and volunteers with local nonprofit organizations Computerized information on Connecticut and national foundations and corporate giving programs, as well as an Internet consultant database Current issues of the latest periodicals such as The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Grassroots Fundraising Journal, Journal of Volunteer Administration, Non-Profit Times, Nonprofit Quarterly and Foundation News Training programs for board members and leadership staff of nonprofit organizations Two other affiliate Resource Centers with small collections are open by appointment at: United Way of New Britain & Berlin (860) ; and Windham Region United Way (860) Hartford Public Library Grant Information Collection 500 Main Street Hartford, CT Phone: (860) Fax: (860) Web site: Hartford Public Library is a cooperating collection of the Foundation Center, and contains copies of the core publications and materials on fundraising and nonprofit management. Information on Connecticut and national foundations and corporate giving programs is available. The library has the CDROM database FCSearch, a select collection of annual reports and newsletters from foundations, and free copies of the Grantsmanship Center Magazine. (continued)

2 RESOURCE CENTERS (continued) The Foundation Center 79 Fifth Avenue/16th Street New York, NY Phone: (800) Fax: (212) Web site: Provides information and resources for nonprofits including a library with information on funding sources and nonprofit management issues. An online librarian is available via to answer questions. Training workshops are provided (at the New York office) on grant seeking, fund raising and proposal writing. (NSP) Provides resources to help nonprofit leaders govern and manage their organizations effectively. Offerings include: organizational assessments, technical assistance grants, automation reviews and grants, financial management assessments and grants, workshops and peer learning opportunities and a loan fund. (See more specific listings under Training, Legal & Financial Services, and Technology below.) TRAINING Connecticut Association of Nonprofits (CAN) 90 Brainard Road Hartford, CT Phone: (860) Fax: (860) madair@ctnonprofits.org Web site: (Click on Nonprofit Training) Training & Learning Opportunities Trinity Center for Neighborhoods United Connecticut Action for Neighborhoods (UCAN) 190 New Britain Avenue Hartford, CT Phone: (860) Fax: (860) alta.lash@trincoll.edu Web site: Leadership Greater Hartford (LGH) 30 Laurel Street Hartford, CT Phone: (860) Fax: (860) carroll@leadershipgh.org Web site: CAN is a private, statewide nonprofit trade association of over 540 nonprofit organizations in Connecticut. Services include: Staff training workshops on topics such as grant writing, supervisory skills, legal issues and more Web site that is a resource for nonprofits in Connecticut and includes information on statewide training sessions, events, employment opportunities, consultants, technology and more Insurance, and unemployment trust Group purchasing for a variety of products and services Informational meetings & publications Advocacy Monthly workshop sessions for staff and board members of nonprofits in the Greater Hartford region, with a focus on executive directors and board chairs. These sessions provide an overview of key nonprofit management and board issues including: board development, planning, management, fund development, financial management, evaluation, and more. Sessions primarily for community organizers and line staff interested in moving up into management positions. Topic areas include organizational development, leadership, writing skills and public speaking, human resources, finance and reporting, and professional development. LGH conducts leadership training for business and community leaders of all ages and backgrounds. Services range from two-hour workshops and day-long retreats to full-year programs. LGH staff and associates have consulted on topics that include strategic planning, diversity, personality type, conflict resolution, team-building and effective communication. In addition, LGH tailors programs for groups seeking to boost interest and involvement in Hartford. NSP Update A bulletin for nonprofit leaders from the

3 TRAINING (continued) Grantwriters Development Network P.O. Box Court Street (Lower Level) Middletown, CT Phone: (860) Fax: (877) Website: GDN helps greater Hartford nonprofit organizations become confident, selfsufficient fundraisers through monthly meetings, skills building workshops, and one-on-one training/consulting. Specialty areas include: grantwriting, membership development, donor development, and special events planning. Training targeted (but not limited) to staff, board members, and volunteers of grassroots groups. Rensselaer at Hartford Professional Development Programs 275 Windsor Street Hartford, CT Does not offer courses specifically geared toward nonprofits. However, several Phone: (800) X2477 courses pertain to all organizations including information technology, leadership, Fax: (860) managing change, etc. Customized training is also available. Web site: University of Connecticut School of Social Work STEP Program 1798 Asylum Avenue West Hartford, CT The Continuing Education Department offers seminars on social work and Phone: (860) nonprofit management such as grant writing and ethics. Fax: (860) Web site: Western Massachusetts Funding Resource Center 65 Elliot Street Springfield, MA Workshops for nonprofit staff and boards, including topics such as grant writing, Phone: (413) fundraising and board development. Agencies located in Connecticut are Fax: (413) welcome. Web site: Nonprofit Micro-e-MBA A free, online micro-mba for nonprofit leaders, provided by the Management Assistance Program (MAP) in Minneapolis. Also see United Way Resource & Training Center under Resource Centers LEGAL & FINANCIAL SERVICES Community Accounting Aid and Services, Inc Asylum Avenue, 4th Floor West Hartford, CT Phone: (860) Fax: (860) caas@sba.uconn.edu Web site: Financial Management Program Volunteer accounting specialists assist nonprofits in the following areas: Education and training in accounting, record keeping, internal controls, and financial management Analysis and evaluation of accounting systems and procedures Preparation of financial statements Provision of volunteers to serve on nonprofit boards of directors Services include financial management workshops, financial assessments, and grants to implement assessment recommendations. NSP staff is also available to offer advice on financial management issues. NSP Update A bulletin for nonprofit leaders from the

4 LEGAL & FINANCIAL SERVICES (continued) Revolving Loan Fund Phone: (860) (Call Greater Hartford Business Development Center) Low interest loans are provided to nonprofits for cash flow, working capital, equipment purchases, and leasehold improvements. Nonprofit Pro Bono Initiative (NPBI) Connecticut Urban Legal Initiative (CULI) Free legal services are available from lawyers in corporate legal departments c/o UCONN Law School and prominent law firms. Nonprofits are matched with volunteer lawyers who 35 Elizabeth Street Knight Hall Room 210A specialize in the fields of law most suited to agencies needs. NPBI will match Hartford, CT volunteer attorneys with agencies that need help in such areas as reviewing and Phone: (860) revising bylaws, drafting leases and contracts, addressing zoning issues, acquiring Fax: (860) or selling real estate, and other non-litigation, non-criminal legal assistance. Web site: Connecticut Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (CTVLA) Connecticut Commission on the Arts, Tourism, A project of the Connecticut Commission on the Arts, Tourism, Culture, History Culture, History and Film and Film. CTVLA assesses qualified clients legal needs and tries to match them 755 Main Street One Financial Plaza with a lawyer in their community who will provide pro bono legal assistance. Hartford, Connecticut Typical matters that CTVLA attorneys handle include nonprofit incorporation, Phone: (860) copyright information and infringements, and contract review. Fax: (860) artsvla@ctarts.org Web site: CONSULTANTS Connecticut Nonprofit Consultant Directory Available on the Web at National Executive Service Corps (NESC) 30 Laurel Street Hartford, CT Phone: (860) Fax: (860) NESCCentralCT@aol.com Web site: A listing of consultants who work with nonprofit organizations in Connecticut, as well as suggested guidelines for selecting and managing consultants. Retired business executives work with nonprofit agencies to provide management consulting at nominal costs. Areas include fundraising, finance, strategic planning, marketing and public relations, human resources, and information systems. Executive Coaches are seasoned executives who work one on one with executive directors to help enhance their effectiveness. Executive Coaching targets leadership development and organizational improvement. TECHNOLOGY Agency Automation Program Grants for agencies interested in assessing and funding their automation needs including computer hardware and software, telephone systems, fax machines, and copiers. After receiving a first round of technology funding, agencies are eligible to apply for a second round of funding after completing a technology planning course and a technology plan. A technology vendor guide is available upon request. NSP Update A bulletin for nonprofit leaders from the

5 TECHNOLOGY (continued) CompuMentor DiscounTech Software Distribution Program Phone: (800) Ext 377 Popular software packages and other technology products are available to Fax: (415) nonprofits for a very nominal administrative fee. discountech_cs@techsoup.org Web site: Trinfo Café at Trinity College 1300 Broad Street Hartford, CT Phone: (860) Fax: (860) info@trinfocafe.com Web site: Connecticut Policy and Economic Council (CPEC) 179 Allyn Street, Suite 308 Hartford, CT Fee for service products include maps displaying data and other information for Phone: (860) Ext. 20 a variety of purposes including print publications, poster-sized panels, computerbased presentations or online distribution; Web site design and maintenance; Fax: (860) cpec@cpec.org custom-designed software for data collection; consulting for data collection and Websites: management; and consulting on using technology to support outcome evaluation. Free Services Sign up online to receive free . Free services include web hosting and for nonprofit organizations, churches, and businesses in south Hartford, as well as use of the facility and equipment such as scanners. Fee for service products include Web site design and maintenance; desktop support such as installation and repair of computer systems; network support for servers and local area networks; and technology consulting for organizations looking to upgrade their systems or who are interested in seeking help in garnering resources for their organization s technology. Hotmail Yahoo! Mail (click on Mail) ONLINE RESOURCE CENTERS Connecticut Nonprofit Information Network (CNIN) Connecticut Association of Nonprofits Web site is a resource for nonprofits in Connecticut, and includes information on statewide training sessions, events, employment opportunities, consultants, technology and more. Free Online Nonprofit Libraries Nonprofit Management Library Internet Nonprofit Center Nonprofit FAQ Nonprofit Genie Nonprofit Resource Center Alliance for Nonprofit Management FAQ Innovation Network Board Café www4.compasspoint.org/p.asp?webpage_id=652 Include a wide range of topics relevant to nonprofits, such as board roles and responsibilities, fund development, marketing and communications, financial management, program development, program evaluation, and consultants A free online newsletter produced by CompassPoint Nonprofit Services that provides information relevant to nonprofit boards of directors. Archived issues are available at www4.compasspoint.org/p.asp?webpage_id=661 NSP Update A bulletin for nonprofit leaders from the

6 ONLINE RESOURCE CENTERS (continued) BoardSource 1828 L Street, NW, Suite 900 Washington, DC Phone: (202) Fax: (202) Web site: TechSoup Other useful Web sites: Chronicle of Philanthropy Independent Sector Philanthropy News Online Business Plan Outline (Small Business Administration) Provides a range of services aimed at strengthening nonprofit boards including: A free online library that contains frequently asked questions and answers on nonprofit issues. Submit a specific question online to Ask Our Consultants at Extensive publications and materials on nonprofit boards. Training sessions including the National Leadership Forum for executive directors and board members. A free technology web site with comprehensive information on nonprofit technology issues MISCELLANEOUS Connecticut Council for Philanthropy 221 Main Street, Suite 300 Hartford, CT Phone: (860) Fax: (860) ccp@ctphilanthropy.org Web site: Internal Revenue Service (877) toll free number Web site: SBC SNET Community Connections Program Phone: (800) 635-SNET Web site: A statewide regional association of over 100 grantmakers that works to promote and support effective philanthropy for the public good in Connecticut. Guide to Connecticut Grantmakers The most current and comprehensive directory of Connecticut foundations and giving programs available. The Guide is also available for reference use at the United Way Nonprofit Resource & Training Center, and several local public libraries. Common Application and Report Forms Can be downloaded from the Web site by nonprofit grantees. More than 50 Connecticut grantmakers accept the common forms. Holiday Wish List A compilation of the seasonal needs items, volunteers and other resources of nonprofits that directly serve children, families, and adults from Thanksgiving to Three Kings Day. The Wish List is published every fall. Nonprofit agencies that would like to complete the survey should their name and contact information to the Council. Speak with a live person, or use a menu-driven message to go directly to one of several topic areas: questions on the status of an exempt organization, applying for exempt status, completing a tax return (Form 990), advance ruling periods and forms, publications, and applications. SBC SNET remits 5% of its long distance customers bills to the nonprofit organization of their choice 85 Gillett Street, Hartford, CT t: f: